My Book

 

One morning during the Covid lockdown I woke up wondering how to occupy each day without the usual volunteering, social and fitness/keep-well activities. Then it dawned on me that given this opportunity of limitless free time if I didn't fulfill my dream of writing a Children's book, I never would. 

In early Dec 2020, 150 copies of the self published books were on my doorstep.

Having witnessed the emotional anxieties some children experienced in trying to meet their parents’ expectations of them, I wrote a story which I hope these children can relate to.  Using the analogy of a dog, the story is about how a dog feels when under pressure to perform clever tricks at a party.  It ends with a message that everyone has their own strengths and shines in their unique way. Also it conveys the idea that no matter how harsh the owner/parent seems, there is an underlying loving relationship.

I had intended for the book to be shelved by our national library and some of its regional libraries. I had always imagined a self written book among their shelves. Well, given that I had volunteered with them as a story teller for more than a decade, the librarian whom I know has promised to facilitate. Then someone suggested that I distribute among the schools. Was I overjoyed when the school counselor of the first  school I wrote to asked for 5 copies to be shared with other school counselors in her district as well. The same happened with the second school I wrote to whose counselor asked for 6 copies. I was truly happy to think that the book could be of use to them. This is an unexpected outcome.

Another surprise for me is the different interpretations or themes some adults read of the book. One dog lover was emotionally moved with her reading of the book as a criticism of animal cruelty. Her remark was " The story enraged me... I really believe the moral of the story was human needs to fuck off".  Most however read it as a warning for tiger mums and how their anxieties could impact the kids, very much aligned with my original intention. Yet there are readers who just like the twist of the storyline and the amazing illustrations (thanks to my good long suffering illustrator and the readers' politeness). The best part is when each reader when told of another interpretation is totally surprised of the different perception. 

It just made me think that if  a seemingly explicit story can be read in different ways, how much more multiple ways will a single situation or event be viewed depending on the onlookers' varied conditioning. It enhances my belief in human complexity.

All in all it was a good experience writing a moral story. Along the way my daughter (who helped immensely in its production) and I gained knowledge in the nuts and bolts of self publishing a book and the experience of working with an artist. She was truly amazing, really!!!