《声音》 VOICES Ivy's VOICES Fall/Winter Edition 2018 | Page 12

UP CLOSE Why do you choose to write about such topics? What are you hoping to achieve? teaching. Not everyone learns in the same way. To make a difference in the world. To be able to help young people be more confident while learning about differences. To make better human beings. How can they best incorporate your books in their teachings? I understand you are illustrator. Can you you developed those philosophy behind your also your own tell me how skills, and the illustration? I taught myself to draw by tracing the dog Snoopy. I’ve always used black lines to start. I’ve always loved very simple illustrations. Someone once referred to my art as the work of a six year old. I think that’s why kids are so drawn to my work because they think they can draw better than me. I encourage that. You recently visited China and had a chance to visit all of our Kindergarten programs, from our Ivy Academy, Ivy Bilingual, to Ivy MI Kindergarten. What were some of your observations/takeaways? I had a great time. Everyone was so inviting and warm. You can always tell a school that has passionate teachers and staff. What would be your top pieces of advice for teachers? Find the positives in everything with someone. Help build self-confidence in children. Have fun, step outside the box with your Ivy Schools Fall/Winter Edition 2018 There are lesson plans available for many of my books. “It’s Okay to Be Different” is always a good book to start off the new school year. The “The Family Book” is good as well. They help get everyone introduced in the class and kids are able to learn about differences. What about parents? What would be your top pieces of advice for parents? Don’t push. If your child is interested in art but only wanted to draw in black and white. Leave it alone. They will eventually find their way. Encouragement. Allow for mistakes. That’s how kids learn. How can parents best encourage their children to develop a love of reading? To read with them. Let them see you reading on your own. Engage them, talk about the book, favorite parts, colors, etc. What is your next project? A new pre-school TV show called Doodle and Noodle Poodle - based on the premise of my books. What is your one biggest advice, for kids? BE WHO YOU ARE.