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Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started writing children’s books?
My name is Tamikio L. Dooley. I'm a multi award-winning author, an educator, and health mentor. I writes children’s books. I'm the author of Never Trust a Frog with a Book, Fat Little Preston, the Mischievous Meerkat, Go Fetch the Food, Theodore, Claire, the Budding Artist, Arnav the Time Travel Boy, Magical Adventure Short Stories, and other children’s books.
I'm the founder and president of Empowering Education Skills and Programs Organization collaborating with Humanist of the World Organization, which I'm also the founder and president.
I was elected as the Education Development by the Chinmaya Foundation, Awarded the Empowering Voice in Education Award by A Walk with Education, and appointed as the Ambassador of the Global Course Academy GCA, Michigan, USA.
Fellow children's book authors inspired me to write first children's book entitled at Little Preston, the Mischievous Meerkat.
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What inspired your first story, and what inspires you now?
The mischievous antics of cute meerkats inspired my first story. Preston, the meerkat, was the troublemaker, and his siblings had to fix things. The story is cute and fun-loving. Khadijah Maryam, my illustrator, deserves applause for her wonderful illustrations.
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Do you focus on a particular age group or genre in children’s literature?
I focus on the age group from babies to 14-years-old.
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Which authors or books influenced your writing journey the most?
Although many children’s books influenced me, one specifically inspired my most recent book. Charlottes’s Web by E. B. White inspired me to write Never Trust a Frog with a Book.
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What do you enjoy most about writing for children?
I love writing enjoyable stories for parents and their kids. My books feature illustrations I love thanks to my illustrators’ colorful and creative work.
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How do you develop your characters and story ideas?
I create characters by naming them first, and then shaping their personalities based on their names, appearances, and other details.
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Do you collaborate with illustrators, and what is that process like for you?
I partner with other illustrators to assist, publish, and highlight their artistic creations in my magazines and blogs.
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What themes or messages do you hope children take away from your books?
My goal is to instill positivity in children through themes and messages. I designed my books for kids to instill positivity and to comfort parents. My books provide educational, clean, and positive messages, making readers feel safe and comfortable.
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Is there one book you’ve written that holds a special place in your heart? Why?
I hold my books dear because I loved writing them to bring love and joy to kids.
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Where can readers, parents, and teachers find more of your work online?
My books are available for readers, parents, and teachers at https://www.mommyschildrensbooks.com/.
