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Check Out Katie Piper’s Latest Publication ‘United We Stand’

Image Source: Katie Piper @ Instagram

Parenting

Check Out Katie Piper’s Latest Publication ‘United We Stand’

Expanding on the triumph of her initial Tiny Mouse children’s book, Everything You Require, Katie Piper is set to unveil the second installment in the collection, Stronger Together, on the 18th of July 2024. In the preceding book, Tiny Mouse embarked on a journey to conquer apprehension and self-questioning to pursue her aspirations, and now we find Tiny Mouse once more on an escapade. This time around, upon spotting a distant fruit tree that seems unattainable on her own, Tiny Mouse embraces the aid of assorted animals she encounters along her path to reach the tree and relish a delectable treat in unison. The juvenile book extols diversity by showcasing characters who appreciate each other’s varied gifts and talents, utilizing them as a unified team.

We caught up with Katie to discuss the release of her latest publication, the creative process, and the significance of composing a narrative on diversity as part of her Tiny Mouse series. We also delved into methods to spark children’s interest in reading, the literature she enjoys sharing with her offspring, and the predicaments faced by younger generations nowadays.

Share with us the procedure of your writing and the motivation behind your juvenile literature?

“I aimed to translate the essence of confirmations and self-esteem into a literary work for youngsters. Being a parent myself, I recognize that young children necessitate a central figure they can identify with, and thus Tiny Mouse was conceived. It was imperative to me that she embodied a feminine persona and was depicted as a mouse because despite her diminutive stature, she possesses immense strength. She signifies that one cannot assess an individual based on their form, their size, or their outward appearance.” Elaborating on commencing the composition of the second book, Katie elucidates, “I aspired for a distinct message, and this subsequent book tackles the concept of beauty and the potency of diversity. I sensed that as an adult, the world is increasingly polarized, so for youngsters growing up in what seems like a fractured environment, I strongly felt that they required this message, encapsulated in the book’s title, Stronger Together.

The tale unfolds with Tiny Mouse embarking on yet another exploit, encountering a fruit tree that she deems beyond her reach independently. Reflecting on the narrative, Katie remarks, “I introduce an array of creatures who act as her companions, utilizing their distinctive abilities on each page to facilitate her journey to the fruit tree. The entirety of the book aims to be empowering and uplifting, instilling in children the importance of celebrating these diverse talents and utilizing them collectively as a team. I truly believe that at present, this is a crucial message to convey to young children at the outset of their development.”

How did you select each persona?

Katie opted for animals as the characters due to youngsters’ affection for animals, particularly when they are adorable, vividly hued, or anthropomorphized. She remarks, “it was a decision that demanded thorough contemplation. As grown-ups, once we enter the workforce, we encounter individuals vastly different from ourselves and our kin, spanning various creeds, colors, disabilities, genders, sexual orientations, and more. Everyone is distinct, hence I sought to convey this through the animals, shaping them as farm animals, woodland creatures, each distinct, to demonstrate to children that this is the milieu they will engage with, and there is no cause for apprehension or alienation. On the contrary, embracing diversity is mutually beneficial. Our deficiencies can be complemented by the unique qualities of others.”

How can we nurture the confidence of children?

Katie shared with us her insights and recommendations on fostering the self-assurance of young individuals and children at large. She believes that bolstering confidence “remains an ongoing, fluid process for both children and adults, necessitating continuous conversations and normalization of the reality that even as grown-ups, we grapple with uncertainties.” Katie advocates for the significance of visual aids like books, advocating the inclusion of multimedia, be it television, audio books, or physical reads, and a plethora of narratives and encounters. She remarks, “I reckon younger children are unlikely to spontaneously engage in discussions on this topic; hence, it is necessary to sit down and read with them, and subsequently, question them. Have you ever experienced feelings akin to those of Tiny Mouse? Do you interact with diverse peers at school?” Furthermore, Katie highlights that closure of her children’s books includes a message to guardians and custodians, furnishing them with suggested dialogue prompts. In the final pages of Stronger Together, some of the suggested queries encompass:

•What sets you apart?

•What are your notable strengths?

•In what manner can you share your talents with others?

•How can you exhibit affection toward individuals who differ from you?

Katie mentions, “Being a parent myself, I’ve experienced that when I pose direct queries to my children, I often receive mere shrugs or a disinterested reaction; hence, narratives, imagination, and characters serve as channels to elicit responses.”

Addressing Serious Topics with 3-5 Year Olds

Utilizing a variety of toys to assist young minds in grasping important concepts is a key strategy mentioned by Katie. She highlights the need for creativity in communicating with children aged 3-5 about themes like beauty and diversity. Instead of direct discussions, she advocates for making these ideas entertaining, relatable, and enjoyable. Katie emphasizes the significance of fostering open communication at home from an early age. As a parent, she acknowledges the need to adapt dialogue, avoiding negative self-talk that could influence children’s perceptions. By setting a positive example, parents can cultivate self-compassion and serve as role models for their kids.

Concerns for the 3-5 Age Group

Reflecting on the challenges that youngsters aged 3-5 face, Katie draws attention to the enduring difficulties of life. She notes the pervasiveness of comparison, fear of failure, and self-esteem issues across different eras. In today’s world, with increased connectivity and sharing, these issues manifest differently. Katie advocates for accepting the inevitability of tough times and stresses the importance of facing challenges collectively. By normalizing adversity and facilitating open discussions, parents can prepare their children to navigate life’s complexities.

Recommended Reads for Children’s Stories

Having a 6-year-old and a 10-year-old allows Katie to delve into diverse genres tailored to each child’s preferences. While her younger child enjoys illustrated books by Julia Donaldson and classic stories by Roald Dahl, her older daughter leans towards authors like David Walliams and the engaging Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Shared reading time holds great value in Katie’s routine, offering a bonding experience with her daughters that she cherishes as quality time together.

Promoting Reading Habits Amidst Digital Distractions

Acknowledging the prevalent distractions of TV, tablets, and video games, Katie empathizes with the challenges parents face in encouraging reading. She advocates for a non-judgmental approach towards those finding it difficult to incorporate books into their children’s routines. Katie suggests integrating reading periods into daily activities, such as during breakfast or bedtime rituals. Embracing screen time while also fostering a love for books, she stresses the importance of finding a balance that suits each family’s dynamics.

The Influence of Illustrations in Children’s Stories

Reflecting on the visual storytelling elements in her books, Katie expresses gratitude for the artistry of illustrator Tilia Rand-Bell. Collaborating with another talented woman has been a rewarding experience for Katie. She emphasizes the role of vivid illustrations in engaging young minds and conveying impactful messages. Through the Teeny Mouse series, Katie aims to instill affirmations that resonate with young readers, promoting hope and confidence. By creating narratives complemented by evocative images, children can better connect with and internalize the stories. Katie’s joy in crafting these stories for children underscores her passion and commitment to empowering young minds.

Are your kids fond of perusing your books and do you engage in shared readings?

Katie mentioned that her daughters received the initial version of the children’s book and dismissed it, which was quite amusing, “they are very discerning.” Despite this, she mentioned that they have not delved into her adult literary works due to their young age. Nevertheless, she does impart the positive messages from them. Katie’s adult publications, A Little Bit of Faith and A Little Bit of Hope, are brimming with concise affirmations, serving as uplifting snippets for challenging moments, and she remarked, “as a parent, I realize that children respond just as positively to messages of optimism as adults.” Jokingly, Katie mentioned, “when I authored children’s books, I had the chance to visit my kids’ school, and that was the first time they took interest in my profession!”

Could you envision creating content for older youths?

At the commencement of writing her inaugural Teeny Mouse tome, Katie’s younger daughter fell within the age bracket of 3-5 years. However, presently, her children surpass the target age group for her writing. Reflecting on this scenario, she found it fascinating that her older daughter, upon glimpsing the book, expressed a desire to peruse it, despite Katie’s belief that “it’s too juvenile.” Surprisingly, her daughter adored the book, leading to discussions about confidence and emotions within its pages. Additionally, Katie highlighted that “it prompted discussions afterward when she still urged me to present the book to her classmates.” Regarding the possibility of authoring works for older children, she mentioned, “never say never,” though she is currently reveling in narrating Teeny’s tales and pushing her narrative boundaries.

As kids mature, parenthood undergoes constant metamorphosis; what unexpected hurdles have you encountered as your children’s growth unfolds?

“Initially, upon becoming parents, we often reach a milestone, feeling accomplished, only to realize that each phase brings new challenges and sets of issues. Over time, this journey becomes increasingly humbling as we accept these as natural aspects of parenting. This evolving cycle helps us adapt better, fostering a sense of assurance that not all problems need immediate solutions. We acknowledge that we are not infallible; instead, we strive to navigate this journey collectively, my husband and I.”

What lies ahead for Teeny Mouse?

Katie is gearing up to unveil a third installment in the Teeny Mouse chronicles in 2025. When queried about her progress on this project, she revealed that the writing process is yet to begin, as her focus currently lies on embarking on a school-based book tour for Together We Are Stronger. Showing enthusiasm for these school tours, she emphasized, “It’s during these interactions with children that I derive inspiration for their preferences, needs, and future storytelling. Engaging with readers in person is crucial.”

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