Black's Adventure

Annmarie Rex: BLACK'S ADVENTURE IN THE BIG SCARY HAIRY WORLD

Do you ever get picked on? Do you ever feel like you don't fit in? That is exactly how Black felt. So, he took off on a wild adventure. Black travels the world in search of a place where he place where he belongs. Where does he go? What does he see? Who does he meet along the way? Read and find out... Does Black ever find where he belongs? Children will identify with Black's character. His story warms their hearts and offers hope to any youngster who's ever been made fun of. On his journey he meets many different animals and learns some valuable lessons about coping with his feelings, handling his problems, and making friends. 

STIGMA SUE AND THE BLUE, BLUE DAZE

Sue and Maggie's adventurous journey to grow up together takes these two sisters through the ups and downs of coping with mental illness in the home. The heart-felt story is written from the children's points of view. It's full of hope, and helps to build dedication, understanding and acceptance. Stigma Sue, the main character, is a charming and talented young girl who learns to define herself not by the label of illness, not by her lack of self-esteem, but by her own inner beauty and her family's love, which bring sunshine into her blue, blue world. 

Lauren Smith: You tackle some pretty tough topics, what made you want to address these issues with children? 

Annmarie Rex: I was inspired by my children, the issues I have seen them go through over the years, and their relationship with one another given the fact that my oldest has a mental illness and is often ostracized for it. 

Lauren Smith: How did you manage to bring these adult issues down to a level they would resonate with, was this difficult to do? 

Annmarie Rex: I've spent a great deal of time working with children or with organizations whose primary focus is the education of children.  I've been a Girl Scout troop leader, I've done volunteer work with children, and I've spent sixteen years raising mine.  I have worked to simplify the wording and approach the topics on the child's level.  Focus groups have helped me stay true to my goal as well. 

Lauren Smith: How can your books help children? 

Annmarie Rex: My mission is to help children to have a greater understanding of social issues, to be more accepting of themselves and others, and to embrace challenges in life.  They bring hope to children by letting them know they are not alone in their issues. 

Lauren Smith: Have you always wanted to be a children's author? 

Annmarie Rex: I have wanted to publish children's books since I was 20 years old.  Now, 17 years later at the age of 37 I have finally realized my dream. 

Lauren Smith: Do you plan to write more books on these difficult topics? 

Annmarie Rex: I do plan to continue to write books that help children expand their social awareness.  I also plan to write books to address reading and speech issues, and other areas where children need learning support.

Tag it: