Traditionally over the past few years, The Beantown Tales Children’s Book Series has centered on the core concepts of environmentalism, humanitarianism and endangered animal preservation. I created these story lines to mirror the importance of these issues with the intention to not only teach, but to also inspire a child to react to these topics with thoughts of improvement and change. Chapters such as “The Land of Chocolate Cosmos”, “The Popcorn Hydrangea of Poppingtom” and “The Candy Roses of Cape Care” were written in response to my desire to enchant a young reader with magical places while conveying messages that they too, could effect the world with their ideals, creativity and perseverance. This was my plan from the very beginning, a premeditated platform where words would be strung together in poetic language, hopeful to stimulate just one curious mind into believing, “maybe I can…”
Although nothing has given me more pleasure than to continue The Beantown Tale fables, unforeseen experiences can sometimes assault original plans and veer you towards another direction. Writers, painters, musicians, sculptors, photographers and other artists use their means of “expression” to respond to situations, sometimes giving reason and understanding to themselves and possibly to others as well. That’s exactly what happened to me after seeing a city I loved undergo the April 15th Boston Marathon bombing.
| It was almost a year ago that I received a call from my publisher at Mascot Books and discussed the aftermath of the horrifying events that took place during one of Bean Town’s most beloved time honored traditions. From watching nurses on the television assisting injured runners and spectators to the city’s lockdown (my home at the time had been included in the zone), we talked in disbelief as many others were doing across the globe. As the conversation continued, I was asked if I would consider writing about the experience. Was it feasible to write a children’s book reflecting Boston’s atmosphere without stimulating the negativity of the incident throughout the pages? |  |
I honestly didn’t think it was possible. He asked, “Maybe you could write about Boston’s strengths reflecting the “Boston Strong” slogan? Think of ten ideas and see what you come up with.” I remember being extremely torn in making a decision. Mulling over the idea, I was unsure if I would be able to find the words and even if I could, should it be written in the first place? My stomach flipped back and forth struggling over the concept, in fear of how the book would be received. Would young readers, parents, teachers and my community as a whole, acceptably tolerate my perception of Boston’s Strong and how I would explain it?
I agreed that I would try.
The book was strangely easy to write.
I agreed that I would try.
The book was strangely easy to write.
It took me only three weeks to build a plot, characters and ten reasons, which I believe make “Boston Strong”(although there are millions of reasons that exist). I’m not sure why, except I have learned the truth in the knowledge that the things we love and understand the most in life are the easiest topics to reflect in our writing. It is within these subjects that our opinions (both positive and negative) are best conveyed and have the greater potential to be convincing to others.
With all author profits donated directly to the One Fund, “Boston, You’re My Home” will be released in spring 2014 with the intention of conveying my perception of the strengths, ambitions and pride that this city reflects so magnificently.
With all author profits donated directly to the One Fund, “Boston, You’re My Home” will be released in spring 2014 with the intention of conveying my perception of the strengths, ambitions and pride that this city reflects so magnificently.
| Storyline Caroline is a little girl struggling with the change of soon moving to her new home in Boston. Concerned with the city’s size and the uncertainty of the unknown, her fear converts to excitement when her parents tell her a bedtime tale comprised of ten reasons, which make “Boston Strong”. The character visits several special places throughout the tale, convincing Caroline that she will love saying, “Boston, You’re My Home!” |  |
The Pictures
Roberto Almanza is the talented illustrator who completed the artwork found within the pages of “Boston, You’re My Home!”. Being a Bostonian himself, Almanza created beautiful images of Bean Town’s most cherished locations such as the Emerald Necklace, The Isabella Stewart Museum and of course, Fenway Park which no Boston book could ever be completed without.
Roberto Almanza is the talented illustrator who completed the artwork found within the pages of “Boston, You’re My Home!”. Being a Bostonian himself, Almanza created beautiful images of Bean Town’s most cherished locations such as the Emerald Necklace, The Isabella Stewart Museum and of course, Fenway Park which no Boston book could ever be completed without.
| Fun Facts *All author profits made from the book, “Boston, You’re My Home!”, will be donated directly to the One Fund. *The Union Oyster House (featured within the book) was where I had my 1st book party after the release of “The Candy Roses of Cape Care”. They really do have the most delicious clam chowda’! *The Isabella Stewart Museum is my favorite artistic realm, not only possessing beautiful exhibits but stunning gardens and a titillating mystery surrounding stolen paintings. *“Caroline” was inspired and created after a dear childhood friend of mine from Andover, Massachusetts. Not only did her name emulate Fenway’s long tradition of singing “Sweet Caroline” at Fenway but she also reflected the curiosity and endearment in nature that I was searching to mirror in the fictional character. Roberto did a wonderful job capturing her image and spirit through actual photographs . *The puzzle piece placed in the frame next to Caroline’s bed was drawn to honor all children effected by autism, a topic held closely to my heart. |    |
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