Author Journey and the Power of Reading: Advocating for Children's Creativity in Kidlit
As passionate advocates for stories, we know there's something profoundly fulfilling about diving into the creative minds of others—especially those who craft magical worlds for children. This is exactly what Lucinda Sage Midgorden explores in her Story Power podcast, where she hosts insightful conversations with authors about their creative journeys and the stories they share with the world.
In episode 122, Lucinda connects with Gabriella, known as Rella B, an advocate for children's creativity and literature. In this article, we delve into Gabriella's inspiring journey—from corporate life to becoming a beloved children's book author—and how she fosters a love for reading and sparks creativity in children through her dynamic platforms.
From Corporate Life to Storytelling Passion
Gabriella's journey is one of transformation and exploration. Originally working in education and technology, Gabriella's love for writing always remained strong. Despite her demanding career as a flight attendant, she devoted her downtime to writing, eventually accumulating a rich collection of children's books.
Motivated by her childhood dreams and a desire to make a greater impact, Gabriella created Rella B, a persona under which she began sharing her stories with the world. This marked the beginning of her mission to inspire creativity in children and nurture their love for reading.
The Birth of Rella B Books: A Creative Revolution
Through the launch of Rella B, Gabriella dedicated herself to making literature both fun and engaging for young readers. Her podcast, Reading with Rella B, isn't just about storytelling—it’s an interactive experience! With riddles, stretches, and fun activities, Gabriella brings her stories to life, making reading something children look forward to.
Additionally, Gabriella created a YouTube channel where her stories are paired with vibrant visual aids, turning each reading session into an exciting adventure. These dynamic videos cater to early readers, making the act of reading not just an educational activity, but an enjoyable experience.
Engaging Parents and Educators with Resources
Gabriella's mission extends beyond entertaining children. She equips parents and educators with valuable tools to make reading a natural part of children's lives. Her website is a goldmine for free activity sheets, author resources, parenting blogs, and more—designed to help parents foster a love for reading at home.
A standout initiative is her focus on financial literacy. Gabriella created a free financial literacy workbook, teaching young readers the basics of money, budgeting, and saving through fun, interactive methods.
Storytelling as a Teaching Tool: Educating Through Stories
Gabriella’s books, such as "Mama, I Got a Dollar", combine storytelling with practical education. Through relatable characters and engaging plots, she introduces children to complex financial concepts like saving, spending, and debt management. The narrative style helps demystify these ideas, making them accessible to young minds.
She is also working on a board game that will further teach financial literacy, making learning about money even more fun and interactive for children of all ages.
Story Power's Impact on Children's Creativity and Learning
Lucinda’s conversation with Gabriella highlights how her creative approach fosters a love for reading and learning. By integrating essential life skills like financial literacy with storytelling, Gabriella helps children develop empathy, imagination, and critical thinking—skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Gabriella’s work aligns perfectly with the mission of Story Power, as both seek to harness the transformative power of stories to teach and inspire. As cognitive scientist Roger C. Schank once said, “Human beings are fundamentally wired to understand stories, not logic.” Gabriella’s books reflect this idea, showing how stories can teach life lessons in a fun and memorable way.
Future Aspirations and Growing the Community
Despite starting her ventures just a few months before the interview, Gabriella has already made an impressive impact. She plans to expand her reach by participating in local book signings, school events, and author visits. These interactions will allow her to build a stronger connection with her audience while continuing to promote the value of reading and storytelling in children's lives.
Collaboration and Community: A Platform for Collective Creativity
Collaboration is at the heart of Gabriella’s work. She values sharing the spotlight with other children’s authors and creating a space where literary voices from across the world can come together. This spirit of collaboration enriches the reading experience for families, offering children a diverse range of books that fuel their imagination.
Adapting to Modern Consumption Patterns: Meeting Parents' Needs
Gabriella also recognizes the evolving nature of content consumption. She listens to podcasts at 1.5 to 2x speed, optimizing her time to absorb content efficiently. This adaptability reflects the fast-paced world we live in, and Gabriella’s content is designed to fit seamlessly into the busy lives of parents and educators, making it easier for them to engage with literature and foster a love for reading in their children.
Encouraging Creative Freedom: Inspiring Imagination in Kids
One of the most delightful aspects of Gabriella’s work is how she encourages children to unleash their imagination. Through interactive activities, storytelling games, and open-ended exercises, she helps children tap into their creative potential. This approach not only makes reading fun, but also instills a lifelong love for storytelling and learning.
Conclusion: Inspiring the Next Generation of Readers
Gabriella’s journey from the corporate world to becoming a children’s book author and advocate for children's creativity exemplifies the power of following one’s passion. Through her engaging books, podcasts, and resources, she provides parents and educators with valuable tools to nurture creativity and foster a love for reading in children.
As Lucinda Sage Midgorden so brilliantly promotes through Story Power podcast, stories are a powerful means of understanding ourselves and others. Gabriella’s work proves that stories have the power to shape the next generation, making the world of children’s literature richer, more diverse, and more accessible than ever before.
