My books on diversity attempt to remind us that in spite of our differences, we all seek the same things: to belong, to be valued, to be loved, and to be accepted for who we are. They all stem from my doctoral study and encourage us to embrace or at least respect one another’s differences and find comfort and confidence in our own skin; to realize that we are all part of the rainbow.
It's Okay to be Me! is self-explanatory and the first children's book I wrote to foster and embrace acceptance of self.
The Lena and Jae series is MAGICAL! It explores insights within royal families of color that are timeless and encouraging. The series addresses family dynamics, relationships, outside influences, and rites of passage of the royal children. These books are unique in the following ways:
1. They are based on myself and my family. My granddaughters (princesses) and I (the queen) are the main characters, with some guest appearances from one of my long time friends, her daughter, and a few of her grandchildren. Also one of my nieces and her nieces and nephew are featured in Princess Lena's Three Promises.
2. Although the initial book was illustrated, the ones that follow use photos that are manipulated in several programs and cartoonized, to make the stories more relatable.
3. These fairytales entertain people of all ages, from three to 90+! Parents can read them to their little ones, but then the little ones can read them themselves through the photos!
4. The books all portray lessons/character trait awareness listed through inspirational quotes at the beginning of each book. They are not just for entertaining, but also for instilling certain values to which we should all aspire (family, community, the importance of listening, friendship, loyalty, etc.).
5. The vocabulary is not simple, but not too complex for children. This is intentional to build the reader's vocabulary without distracting from the storyline.
6. The stories are short for advanced readers and a bit long for young children, but they are comprehensive, suspenseful, adventurous, funny, clever, heart wrenching, and triumphant!
7. The stories are inclusive. The princesses are of color, with multiple siblings. One royal family is black and the other is mixed race, with relatives across the rainbow!
8. My princesses are educated. They have college degrees and pursue vocations accordingly.
I have no doubt that you and your children will very much enjoy these books for years to come!