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!
Today I will be featuring my interview with first time illustrator, Layla Aziz, of Grin and Bear It: The Forest of Inclusion!
After reading the interview be sure to get your copy of Grin and Bear it: The Forest of Inclusion today!
Quotablebooks1: What inspired you to illustrate Grin and Bear it: The Forest of Inclusion?
Layla Aziz: During school, I would take requests for pictures/ drawings from other students.. and one day Mr. kelso saw a picture in the cafeteria I was making that he loved! So, that was the beginning.
Quotablebooks1: Was there anyone or anything that influenced you to become an illustrator?
Layla Aziz: Erin Hunting, from Nickelodeon.. I follow her.
Quotablebooks1: What was your favorite part of illustrating this book?
Layla Aziz: I was able to create the characters as I imagined them. They were totally my imagination.
Quotablebooks1: What is your favorite genre to read and why?
Layla Aziz: Normally horror! I love Stephen King! But now clearly I have a soft spot for children’s books.
Quotablebooks1: What were the challenges you faced as you illustrated this book?
Layla Aziz: I’ve never drawn figures like this before! Real life-like animals, That don’t look too cartoony! It was a challenge.
Quotablebooks1: Do you have advice for anyone who hopes to be an illustrator?
Layla Aziz: Don’t let people tell you that you can’t do it! Just go for it! Follow your dreams.
Thank you again Layla for the great interview!
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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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