Today we talk about Have Courage Little Mouse, a book by Junitta Beselaar published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author, Junitta Beselaar, to get to know herbetter, where she found the inspiration to write her children’s book Have Courage Little Mouse, as well as what parents will understand through her stories.
- Where did you find the inspiration to write a children’s book?
This has always been a childhood dream of mine and after a few years of seriously thinking about it I sat down put pen to paper and allowed my imagination to run free. I feel so many children need to learn at a early age how to grow into emotional stable adults and this all starts with courage, self love and belief. Today’s world is very instant and our emotions don’t always develop as quickly as we would like but with courage in ourselves this is more possible. I believe if we have the tools like books and songs to help our children develop these skills from an early age their talents will grow as well as their emotional selves at a much quicker rate allowing the stresses of life to be more bearable.
- How important do you think illustrations are in a children’s book?
I feel its very important as it grows our children’s imagination and to help them escape the 4 walls of today’s life. Illustrations for me gives us a window into the authors mind to visualise the story on a level of heart and not just mind, when we see illustration we are able to connect on a different level than just with words.
- What would you like to hear from your young readers?
I would like to hear how they applied their courage to their little trials and tribulations and how my book has inspired them to find courage and be braver in their daily lives. I would also like to hear why they chose this book what drew them to it and did they enjoy the storyline and illustrations, is their something they would change about the storyline? I would also like to know who is their favourite character in the book and if they would like another book with these characters. I feel feedback from my readers is so important in growing a great story book and giving back just what they are looking for.
- What will parents understand through your stories?
That a childs inner strength and individualism is so important to be heard and seen, this is the basis of good character. When we teach our children to be courageous we teach them a life skill of how to handle lifes problems is a more prepared way because this encourages inner strength and confidence. When reading my book not only does it speak the the children but to parents too it’s a book of healing inner wounds and finding strength to be courageous in adulthood as well.
- Are you working on new writing projects that you can tell us about?
I’m not currently working on anything at the moment but I do have a few new ideas for a new book, it would be another children’s book with more adventures and tales to tell but at the moment my focus is on the ultimate human race which is a 89Km run and that will be taking place very shortly in KZN South Africa so maybe when that is done I can refocus on writing.
Europe Books thanks the author, Junitta Beselaar, once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside her on the editorial path that led to the publication of her book Have Courage Little Mouse. We wish her the best of luck for her future works.
To you, my readers, may this book be a great source of inspiration for everyone and may it bring you a great experience to enjoy. And remember that, no matter how adult you are, books for children have a lot to teach us all! Written in simple and clear concepts, illustrated children’s book have the ability to give us important life lessons or they put us back in touch with our forgotten child side which just needs to be awakened.
So, my dear readers, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!