Book Title: Children Who Dance in the Rain by Susan Justice
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-8), 32 pages
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Compassion Project Press
Release date: May 2023
Format available for review: print-hardback (USA), PDF
Tour dates: May 15 to Jun 2, 2023
Content Rating: G for all kids.
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Sophie gets bored quickly and won’t even eat her food without looking at her tablet. She’s thrilled to hear of her family’s upcoming trip to a magical place called India, a land she’s only heard of in stories. Once there, she quickly realizes that the underprivileged children living in the mud colony possess a joy and contentment she can’t explain. Sophie sets out on a journey of discovery, but what she finds may change her world forever. This tale about the true meaning of happiness and the power of gratitude is based on true events.
Susan, a legal advocate for children’s rights, has long harbored a dream of crafting a tale that would empower young readers to understand and champion the rights of their peers. Drawing upon her own experiences as a young person comprehending privilege, she was inspired to write a book that would not only entertain but also inspire her readers to consider pressing social issues and to actively strive to make the world a better place for all children.
connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ instagram
When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
I always felt that I had a unique story to share with others. When I had my daughter, though, it really hit me. I was looking for a book to help her understand just how lucky she was, but I couldn’t find one that genuinely illustrated this message. That’s when I decided I had to write it myself.
I wanted her to fully grasp our blessings, living in a safe country with a warm, cozy home and having access to resources and opportunities that so many others might not have. I wanted to convey the gratitude we should feel for our fortunate circumstances and inspire her to appreciate the world around her. In writing this story, I hoped to not only nurture her understanding but also spark a sense of responsibility to help those less fortunate.
When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?
I have a few other roles to keep me occupied when I’m not busy writing. I work as an advocate; I co-founded an organization to create more awareness about child abuse in the South Asian community and volunteer for different organizations. I am a mother. I have three young children, three and under, who keep me very occupied. For fun, I like reading, watching movies, and always learning something new, especially new languages. I’m pretty curious about the world and can’t wait to explore more of it. But my absolute favorite thing to do is spend quality time with my family.
What is your favorite genre to read? What about that genre draws you?
I love diving into both fiction and non-fiction books. I’m intrigued by self-help books, positive psychology, and new-age books such as “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle. I also enjoy science fiction, as it lets me explore all sorts of different realities and possibilities. And, of course, I can’t forget my all-time favorite – children’s books! They take me to a world filled with love, innocence, and a simple sense of understanding. I’ve read thousands of children’s books to my children.
What is your favorite thing about this time of year? And why?
I’m absolutely in love with summer – it’s such a magical time. Beautiful memories are made in the sun as families come together and people get the chance to go on amazing vacations. Kids can finally break free from homework and the daily stress of school work and exams, genuinely enjoying their time off.
What historical figure do you admire and why?
It might sound cliché, but Mother Teresa is someone I genuinely admire. I wish I could have met her and had a conversation with her about her worldviews and her thoughts on economics, books, and philosophies. We could all learn so much from her wisdom and compassion. It’s a pity she didn’t live in our time.
Who did you have in mind as you wrote the book?
When writing the book, I thought about my children and middle-class kids living in Western countries. Kids often stress about not having the newest things or being unable to enjoy the moment. They constantly want more and better stuff, which makes them feel insatiable and restless. This mindset often carries over into adulthood.
I believe true happiness comes from appreciating what we have. If we could expose the next generation to the diverse realities around the world, they might realize that they don’t need more and perhaps be inspired to help other kids globally.
As a former K-12 school librarian I have to ask – what is your favorite children’s book?
My all-time favorite children’s book is “Milton’s Secret” by Eckhart Tolle. Every time I read it, I learn something new, and it helps me reflect on my life, week, and day. It brings me back to living in the present moment, which Tolle describes as “the Now.”
What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer?
Follow your passion and chase your dreams. Keep at it, whether it takes months or years. Don’t focus on the outcome of the book, success, or money – while those can be great; it’s about living your best life and sharing your story with a world that wants to hear it. We all have a story inside us. Just imagine how much we could learn from each other if we shared our diverse perspectives.
Thank you so much for joining us today. It is always fun to learn a little more about the authors whose book we feature.
Thank you so much for this lovely interview Jane. I genuinely appreciate this opportunity.
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Views expressed in this interview/guest post do not necessarily reflect the views of this blog host.
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