Wonderful social media live session!
Hey there, book lovers! Rella B here, and I’ve got something extra special for you today! I recently had the joy of sitting down with the amazing Katie Lockwood, the author of the heartwarming children's book Everyone's Invited. Trust me, this conversation was as delightful as a slice of birthday cake!
Discovering the Magic of "Everyone's Invited"
Katie’s book introduces us to Rose, a baby owl who’s feeling a bit anxious about her upcoming birthday party. Why? Because she feels different from her friends—something we can all relate to at times. But as Rose hands out her party invitations, she quickly learns that everyone is unique in their own special way. How cool is that?
When I asked Katie what sparked her inspiration for this inclusive story, she said, “I wanted to create a book that celebrates differences and shows children that being unique is what makes them special.” And let me tell you, she absolutely nailed it!
Representation Matters: Embracing Diversity in Children's Literature
Katie’s passion for representing children with disabilities truly shines through in her work. In Everyone's Invited, she introduces a diverse cast of characters, including friends who use wheelchairs, have feeding tubes, or face other challenges. But here’s the best part—these differences aren’t shown as obstacles. Instead, they’re celebrated as part of what makes each character wonderfully unique.
I was curious about how Katie manages to tackle such sensitive topics in a way that’s accessible for young readers. She explained, “It’s all about curiosity and openness. I encourage kids to ask questions and be supportive of their friends’ experiences.” What a beautiful way to foster understanding and empathy in children!
Advice for Kids (and Adults!) Who Feel Different
One of my favorite moments from our chat was when Katie offered advice for kids who might feel a little different or out of place. She said, “Remember, everybody feels different sometimes. The reasons why are always different, but that’s what makes us all special!” Such an empowering message!
We also touched on the importance of inclusivity in party planning. Katie suggested, “When sending out invitations, it’s helpful to ask about any allergies or preferences. This way, everyone can join in the fun!” Such a thoughtful tip to ensure everyone feels welcome and included.
Where to Find "Everyone's Invited"
For all you eager readers out there, Everyone's Invited is available on Katie’s website and other major book retailers. This delightful story is a must-read for anyone looking to celebrate differences and remind children that everyone deserves to be included.
What is Booktopia and How Does it Work?
Before we wrapped up, I asked Katie about her experience with crowdfunding, and she couldn’t stop raving about her new project! BackerKit is a crowdfunding platform hosting a collaborative event called ''Booktopia," that helps authors like Katie bring their stories to life. By supporting campaigns like Katie’s, you’re not just pre-ordering a book—you’re helping to provide children with diabetes and other challenges more representation in literature. It’s a fantastic way to connect with diverse stories and make a real difference in the world of children’s books.
Katie’s campaign on Booktopia is an opportunity to bring My Body Beeps to even more young readers, and your support can help ensure that children with diabetes see themselves represented in the stories they love. Plus, when you back her campaign now, you can snag the book with an Early Bird promotion and snag an extra sticker included—something that will cost extra later on!
Exciting News: Collaboration with "If Shapes Could Eat"
Now, here’s something I’m thrilled to share! Katie and I are teaming up to bring even more magic to our readers. My upcoming project, If Shapes Could Eat, explores the world of shapes with a fun and educational twist—imagine if shapes had favorite foods! Just like Katie’s book, it celebrates diversity and uniqueness, but through the lens of healthy eating and creativity.
To make our collaboration extra special, everyone who backs both Katie’s campaign for My Body Beeps and my campaign for If Shapes Could Eat will receive exclusive freebies! It’s our way of saying thank you for supporting stories that celebrate differences and encourage kids to embrace who they are. We’re so excited to bring these extra goodies to our amazing backers!
Final Thoughts
Well, that’s all for now, book buddies! Remember, as Rose learned in her adventure, our differences make us strong. So go out there, be yourself, and maybe throw a party where everyone’s invited!
Until next time, keep reading and stay awesome!
Rella B, signing off! 📚✨
