-
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started writing children’s books?
I've always loved writing. I write mainly poetry and short stories. I also work with students and parents and saw that there was a gap in the classroom for engaging poetry that was both age appropriate and culturally inclusive. And that's when the idea for my children's book was birthed - Pineapple Moon and Other Poems for Children
-
What inspired your first story, and what inspires you now?
Simple things inspire me - a thought, song, story etc. especially nature. I find that I get more inspiration being out in nature - among trees and near water. My first children's poem - "Upstream" was written during a very challenging time in my life when I was being pressured to conform and follow the crowd. The lines came to me as both inspiration and confirmation. It is one of my favourite poems to date.
-
Do you focus on a particular age group or genre in children’s literature?
I tend to write for the 7-9 age group. However, having said that, Pineapple Moon book is also suitable for smaller children.
-
Which authors or books influenced your writing journey the most?
For children's books I'm mainly influenced by Aesop's Fables and Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories. These stories made an indelible impression on me growing up and they greatly shape my writing style.
-
What do you enjoy most about writing for children?
I love the fact that my words can help to inspire, motivate, encourage and empower a child's love of reading. As well as to help to grow their imagination.
-
How do you develop your characters and story ideas?
I don't have a particular strategy or format to follow. I go with inspiration and led the inspiration dictate the details. For example, as it relates to style, length, rhythm etc
-
Do you collaborate with illustrators, and what is that process like for you?
Yes, I have an illustrator that I use - Uroos Nazim. I give her my ideas/concepts in writing and she brings it to life on paper.
-
What themes or messages do you hope children take away from your books?
I write especially for introverted children. I want them to:
1. Love and accept themselves. Know that they are powerful and unique and that their voice matters. And not to believe that they are less than or not as important as extroverted children who often dominate the classroom environment.
2. Don't be afraid to be themselves. Even if it means standing alone.
-
Is there one book you’ve written that holds a special place in your heart? Why?
i think my first book - Word Petals as it was written for and dedicated to my parents. Both of whom are no longer with us.
-
Where can readers, parents, and teachers find more of your work online?
Feel free to visit my website:
https://carlaibanzo.wixsite.com/ibinc
Or check out my writing on:
X.com/@CarlaLIbanzo
instagram.com/carla_l_ibanzo
tiktok.com/@carla_l_ibanzo
