Book Title: Grin and Bear it: The Forest of Inclusion
Authors: Cathleen Hamill and Kristofer Kelso
Illustrator: Layla Aziz
Publisher: Authorhouse
Number of pages: 30
Genre: inclusion, children’s, animals
Release Date: October 30th 2020
Goodreads Synopsis:
Grin and Bear It: The Forest of Inclusion is about an adventurous young bear exploring the meaning of friendship and understanding the differences in others. He finds that although we may be very different from one another, we can embrace one another’s similarities. As Grin travels through the forest, he meets other characters with whom he shares his mother’s infinite wisdom of tolerance and acceptance.
Hello Readers!
I was drawn to the book Grin and Bear It: The Forest of Inclusion because it is a book about friendship and accepting others for who they are. The authors are both middle school educators and worked with one of their students who is a first time illustrator.
I hope you enjoy the interview and be sure to check out Grin and Bear it: The Forest of Inclusion.
Quotablebooks1: What was your inspiration behind Grin and Bear It: The Forest of Inclusion?
Cathleen Hamill: Working in our middle school has raised awareness of the importance of inclusion and as a health educator it is a theme that we discuss regularly. Many middle school students work together in classrooms that are filled with different genders, races, ethnicity, and culture and I am impressed with the way they work together. Writing the children’s book was a great way to demonstrate the values that are so important in a world that at times has confusing messages about what is acceptable and tolerant. I really enjoyed collaborating with Kris and Layla. We had a lot of fun while working on the project.
Kristofer Kelso: The inspiration for me to write Grin and Bear It: The Forest of Inclusion was to help children and adults understand the perspective that each person is different and that as human being we should celebrate our differences and come together as one no matter what.
Quotablebooks1: What is your favorite part about writing/being an author?
Cathleen Hamill: I really enjoy the writing. As a writer, you’re never done with your work. I find myself wanting to
edit new ideas and dialogue all the time. It’s been a “labor of Love” and working with people you look forward to seeing each day has been the best part.
Kristofer Kelso: My favorite part of being an author is to get the pleasure of seeing/hearing the children and adults alike are enjoying the message that the book has to offer.
Quotablebooks1: Was there anyone or anything that influenced you to become a writer?
Cathleen Hamill: I find writing is a great stress reducer. You get lost in the moment as you write and it helps reduce stress as well as stimulate creativity.
Kristofer Kelso: No one really influenced me to write, however the push for me was to become a publisher authored. For me that is a personal and a professional goal. I do wish to thank Mrs. Dopslaff my high school English teacher who take her own personal time outside of school hours to help me be a better writer.
Quotablebooks1: What is your favorite genre to read and why?
Cathleen Hamill:
I enjoy historical fiction and nonfiction. I love reading about historical periods of time and the events that influenced human behaviors.
Kristofer Kelso: Personally, I enjoy reading for knowledge. Now that I am a dad I tend to read many children’s books (not as many as my wife though) and I find the messages are applicable to children and adults.
Quotablebooks1: Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Cathleen Hamill: I discovered a love of writing while developing a behavior modification project for my 8th grade students. The unit motivated me to explore strategies to improve health and I began writing Contract for a Healthy Life. The project helps students understand their strengths and
weaknesses with regard to physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Kristofer Kelso: No, in fact I really did like English class in school.
Quotablebooks1: What were the challenges?
Cathleen Hamill: It took long periods of quiet time to reflect and gather the messages I wanted to write about. Time is always a factor because ideas can sometimes come quickly or unexpectedly. Or the inspiration may take a longer time.
Kristofer Kelso: The challenges for me was the editing process and the constant write and rewrite.
Quotablebooks1: Since you are both a children’s author and teacher, do you have any advice to students who wish to become an author?
Cathleen Hamill: Young writers are often inspired by experienced authors and I would suggest reading a variety of authors books that offer different types of writing. Going to book readings and meeting new and experienced authors is another way to learn about the joy of writing.
Kristofer Kelso: I have advice to children in general and that is “Follow your dreams, do what you love and love what you do and discover how you are smart because all of us have talents living within!”
Thank you again both Cathleen and Kristofer for taking the time for this interview!
Be sure to get your copy of Grin and Bear it: The Forest of Inclusion today!
About the Authors:
Author Cathleen Hamill is a health educator with the Fairfield Connecticut school system. Her teaching career began 35 years ago and she is currently teaching health education at Fairfield Woods Middle School. Cathleen has initiated numerous creative health projects that encourage hands-on learning for students. She is a published author writing Contract for Healthy Life, a behavior modification program that guides students through steps for better health. Cathleen’s article: “Learning Health through Literature” was published in SHAPE magazine in 2017. “Grin and Bear It, The Forest of Inclusion” is her first children’s book. Kristofer Kelso is the Dean of Students at Fairfield Woods Middle School. His teaching career began 12 years ago in Newtown Connecticut at Newtown Middle and High School. He has taught at both the middle and high school level as well as higher education. Kristofer has a keen interest in ensuring that all students make at least one connection with an adult in their school. Kris’s philosophy is to teach and develop the whole child with positive relationships at the center of education. Relationships+Content+Rigor = Change! “Grin and Bear it, The Forest of Inclusion” is his first children’s book. Cathleen and Kris are colleagues at Fairfield Woods Middle School. They are excited to work with Fairfield student and book illustrator Layla Aziz. This is her first work as an illustrator.
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