Interviews

Thanks to the internet, television and books, there is a greater opportunity to learn more about subjects like gender identity issues in children. Many picture books are available for children 4-8 years old including Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress, Princess Boy, Jacob’s New Dress and I Am Jazz. There is also a TV show about transgender teen Jazz Jennings.  Plus numerous middle grade novels for 8-12 year-olds, and young adult novels for 12 and older. I finally had an opportunity to read a middle grade novel that has been on my TBR (to be read) pile for awhile now....

Nicola is the author/illustrator of our February 2018 feature book, What’s Next Door? It is the sequel to Open Very Carefully. A fabulous read-aloud and fun interactive book about the very charming Carter the Crocodile.  MARMALADE BOOKS (MB):  You were born in Swaziland, grew up in Singapore and spent time in numerous other cities including Edinburgh before settling in Los Angeles. What took you to these places and which was your favourite? Have you been to Canada?

Bullying. For some people, even the word can send a shiver down your spine, bring up horrible memories and make you feel like a defensively child. It affects both children and adults, it happens at school, home, online and in workplaces. Today, February 28th is Pink Shirt Day. A day to bring awareness to a problem that affects 1 in 5 children. A day to encourage everyone to practice kindness and wear pink to symbolize that you don’t tolerate bullying.  But of course, it shouldn’t be for just one day, it should be for everyday.

According to parenting and teaching educator Barbara Coloroso, childhood anxiety is an issue facing an alarming number of youth today. The subject is hit head-on in Small Things, an amazing and emotional new wordless graphic picture book for ages 8-12, by Australian artist Mel Tregonning.