The 2020 Lockdown had our family in the house most of the year, in isolation due to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic. But it also created a moment of closeness in our family. Then one afternoon, a Children's Book was born...
In 2019, I created a network called ITK Series (It's Time Kids Series), and it was a network to share experiences of children's development. I created it because to be honest, I struggled being a parent at first. I'm such an analytical and controlling person; it didn't make sense to me to "do what the book says" and not get the results LOL! I laugh so much now, because I realize that most things in my life have a simply formula: Do the Work, Get the Result. Do the Work, Be Successful. Simple, right? Same formula should work with kids, right?
WRONG! LOL! Many parents are probably laughing as they are reading this. Children are so multi-dimensional. Children are people, and each child is unique. And one thing about children, whatever you have planned may blow up in your face. I had plans for my first child, and she quickly showed me, I am not in control of her development. Every stage of her development was a challenge for us: weaning her off breastfeeding, weaning her off pacie, brushing her teeth, potty training, sleeping in her bed, changing classes at daycare, eating food, literally any change was a challenge. It was most likely a challenge because she wasn't ready. My daughter brings in moments when SHE is ready and I had to learn to respect that.
Anyways, ITK Series came because I wondered how many other parents could use some support, especially the people that became parents later in life. There are so many factors with being a parent, and I just wanted to share some of my experiences. I wanted to offer some suggestions and likewise, HELP ME TOO! Overall, it was a good experience. I've met so many people through ITK Series and it really helped me with parenting, especially during the pandemic. There is the other side to it also. I think whenever someone shares their parenting experience you can get negative feedback as well (you would be surprise how often you get a random DM saying what I should or shouldn't be doing). I was shocked at first, but realized that just how the internet is. You get opinions from both sides, not just good.
Back to the Book: one day the kids and I went on to have lunch by the pond and just enjoy the day. My daughter, Rhea, decided to make up a story. Her imagination is amazing to me. Of course, I was recording the story and I shared it on my ITK page. Over time, I felt it was such a cute story, why not take her story and make it into a book?
Rhea told that story the summer of 2020, and by November 2021, we released our First Children's Book, Daddy Shoo Them Away, a story about how her Daddy protects her from harm with the most random object: his hair brush. Everyone ask me, how can a 4-year-old
write a book? When you read the story, you hear the 4-year-old in the words! You hear the innocents, you hear the father-daughter love. I hear her voice every time I read it. I remember the first illustration we received and the look on her face to see her words come to life. It was a special moment. I remember the first time she saw the completed product. The whole book creation journey was an experience we will have forever as a family.
With Rhea's Birthday coming up, we have plans to get the last set of books sold from our inventory at a farmer’s market. You can also purchase from us directly online. You can click the book image to make that purchase.
What's next for ITK Series? I want to give back. I want give back to homes that may not have the resources or may not be aware of how many cool products are out there. There are so many black owned companies out there with wonderful products for children and there are so many black children's book authors out there with book that need a home. I want ITK Series to help with that. So, stay tuned.
“The whole book creation journey was an experience we will have forever as a family.”
Black Children’s Book Week
ITK Series is also building the Houston network of Black Children’s Book authors. While publishing, one network that I joined was the Black Baby Book, created by Veronica Chapman. Veronica decided to create a Week for Black Children’s Book, and I am honored to have been a part of that moment in Houston with other authors. Check out our Celebration!
The 2nd Annual Black Children’s Book Week is comings, 2/26/23 to 3/4/23. To make this a magical week, I’m growing the Black Children’s Book network in Houston. On Sunday, February 26, 2023, we want to host an event in Houston to celebrate that week and our local children’s author. Another key purpose is to continue the network. I would love to meet up with other authors to share our events coming up and share our books! Sign Up to Join the Network! If you are a black children’s book author in the Houston Area, leave your contact. If you know anyone authors, send them the details; and I’ll be in touch :-)
Anyways, just wanted to share this other side of the math professor… until Next Time
~Dr. AIC
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