I recently started my journey of writing and illustrating children’s books and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I love telling inspiring stories with common themes of inclusion, confidence, bravery, and love. I'm thrilled to be able to share my first book with you titled, You be you. I’ll be me.
My goal in writing is to give children a place to find positive messages, where they aren’t told to change. To share stories that provide representation for children that may break societal norms. Where people are celebrated for being exactly who they are. I want children to know that their differences make them beautiful and their uniqueness is important.
Through writing, I dream of making the world a more compassionate and inclusive place, one reader at a time.
My inspiration for writing began while parenting my fabulous and gender creative son. He has been uniquely himself since day one. He’s strong, confident, and loves to express himself.
While he was twirling in his tutu at two years old, I began looking for books where he could see his gender creativity represented in literature. Most of the books I found had a point of contention where the main character was told “you should NOT be that way”. These books had a dose of negativity directed at the main character before reaching a positive outcome. I didn’t want my son to hear “you can’t be yourself”. I wanted him to hear a story where the main character was just as strong, proud, and confident as he is. I wanted him to see a world where he can express himself and be loved and celebrated for his pureness and his authenticity. This is when You be you. I’ll be me. was born.
I hope other children, whether gender creative or not, read this book and feel confident embracing their uniqueness.
