Paula Powers is a new children’s picture book author and also a single, full-time working mom to a young son with autism. She’s wanted to write children’s books since she was young and now was the time to make that dream come true. What will she claim as her greatest reward? Inspiring young readers and having them take away life lessons from her books. Her first release is the delightful Amy is Aumazing.
Tell us about your book.
Meet Amy, an almost 6 year old kindergartner who is gifted and talented and also is autistic. She tells the tale of her magnificent math and marvelous memory super powers as well as the challenges she faces. Amy references her personal relationships with her friends and family while detailing the struggles that she encounters on a regular basis both in school and in her daily life. She takes you on an adventure through her day through the eyes of a child with autism.
What inspired you to write it?
My son with autism inspired me to write it. I wanted other children my son’s age to understand and empathize with peers that they have already or will encounter in the future who are autistic. I think it’s important to educate young children about autism so their understanding can lead to tolerance and bullying can be a thing of the past.
Who’s your illustrator and why was he/she perfect for capturing the spirit of your book?
The illustrator for my children’s picture book is a talented illustrator I found on Fiverr.com and goes by the name of Danh_art.
Who is the ideal reader and how do you see the book being used?
The ideal reader is a 3-8 year old who either reads with a parent or is an emerging reader. I see the book being used in schools as a tool to help children that may have a classmate with autism or at home where a neurotypical child has encountered a child with autism in their neighborhood or community and wants to learn more.
What’s the message you want your readers to take away after reading the book?
That every child is the same, no matter if they have a disability or not. All children want to be loved and accepted regardless of their challenges. And despite their challenges, children with autism have so much to offer and can teach us a thing or two about acceptance, diversity and patience.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your book?
Right now my book is only available on Amazon as a Kindle book but a paperback version will be coming soon. I will be running a free 2 day promotion for my book in the coming weeks. If anyone who reads my book would leave a brief review, I’d greatly appreciate it!
What would you like readers to take away from this interview?
That individuals with autism are ‘aumazing’.
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