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I am the author and illustrator of When You Feel Like a Polka-dot Elephant. Working as a freelance writer, I went back to school to earn my degree in graphic design. Inspired by The Island of Misfit Toys and my own childhood, my book began as a classroom design project, yet quickly became a labor of love.
I was honored when it received an award of recognition from Alliance for Children Education Stars, a local program that helps adults to teach children, including children with special needs.
As a shy creative child, I grew up in an environment of misunderstanding. I felt confusion and loneliness. Writing became my escape. Children can feel different for many reasons, but their pain is the same. Without encouragement or acceptance, children can feel as if they belong in a faraway land of misfits.
My book is written in a positive voice, because all it takes is one compassionate adult to make all the difference to a child who feels different. In the beginning of the story, the main character, Steve, does not show an obvious mouth. This is because children often feel unheard. If they have an artistic expression such as drawing or dance, they often keep it to themselves so that no one makes fun. Although Steve and Becky live in a human world, and they’re not surrounded by cruelty, they have an insect appearance, since insects are small and often go unnoticed. All it took was one kind Mrs. Banks to see the gentle beauty within them. To help them realize, being different is what makes them special.
Although categorized for early grade children, I wrote the book for the adult who may be reading it to them in mind.
One Hour with Astaire 