Discover the joy of reading with Book Clubs and Book Fairs
Discover the joy of reading with Book Clubs and Book Fairs
What inspired you to write Smile So Big?
I have four children and my hope is that they love themselves. I also wanted to talk about the beauty of brown skin and boys with braids. I am Anishinabe (First Nation), living on our traditional territory and our nations still get referred to as “something else” in media. Representation matters, and seeing ourselves in mainstream publications is important not just for ourselves, but for settlers as well. Because we are still here.
What did you enjoy most about writing Smile So Big? What were some challenges that you faced while writing?
Writing this book made me smile. ☺️ Once the idea came to me, it just flowed out.
What do you hope your readers will take away from Smile So Big?
That we are all worthy of love.
What’s next for you?
Who knows? I like it that way. But whatever is next is going to be fun.
Your newest title, Smile So Big emphasizes the importance of self love, body positivity, and collective confidence in who you are. Why was this important for you to highlight?
Because I grew up in a time where Cosmopolitan and Elle all had tall skinny, mostly fair women on their covers. We played with Barbies. Thick wasn’t “in” yet. Normal wasn’t celebrated. What a terrible thing to witness and internalize as a teenager. So this book is my attempt to help normal and beautiful brown girls see their beauty both inside and out.
Challa is a character just brimming with positivity and kindness. Is there anyone in your life that might have inspired her?
My 10 year old daughter… named Challa ❤️.
In Smile So Big, Challa’s magic mirror is the catalyst for self acceptance for her and her friends. Where did this idea of the mirror come from?
Not sure… I just kept having this wish that the world would be a better place if we all liked what we seen in the mirror.
You’ve long been a champion of entrepreneurship as a way of empowerment and social change. What would you say to kids with ideas for how to make the world a better place, but no idea where to start?
Nobody knows how… Just follow what makes you happy to help. That’s how we’ll all make a difference.
You’ve worked with Chief Lady Bird twice now, for both your books! A First Nations illustrator herself, what drew you to her work to bring your stories to life?
She’s such a powerhouse of an artist and a champion for self acceptance. Who wouldn’t want to work with her? I’m just lucky she said yes!
What does it mean to you to be writing about the First Nations experience to share with children all over the world?
It makes me emotional when I think about it like that. I know I’m ridiculously fortunate to be able to share my perspective and stories with the world. I will forever be grateful to Scholastic for this opportunity.
You can find Smile So Big here!
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