The We Belong Bunch: Pookie J. 's School Day Book Review and Interview with Authors Dr. Samuel and Angela Johnson

“When we’re talking about diversity, it ‘s not a box to check. It is a reality that should be deeply felt and held and valued by all of us.” Ava DuVernay

How many times have you talked about Diversity? When was the last time you suggested Inclusion? Diversity and Inclusion can affect everyone, but where can we start talking about diversity? Home and school are the best places, a  multicultural education is an important component. It is important just like reading, writing, science, history, and math. We might not believe in the same thing, but we can learn from one another and that is something to value.  The first time I heard about The We Belong Bunch I saw a drawing of The We Belong Bunch Friends. I was impressed by the diversity and of course the cuteness overload.

Together We Focus LLC presents, The We Belong Bunch: Pookie J.’s School Day, is a book all about celebrating and understanding differences. The book is told from the perspective of a little boy named Pookie J. who goes through a usual school day with his close friends, The We Belong Bunch. Pookie J. wants to be a professor like his father who also encourages him to follow his dreams and teaches him that everyone belongs. Pookie J. describes all his friends, not by their features or their beliefs, but by their dreams and aspirations. Even his teacher, Ms. Crawford, nurtures his classmates, encourages them to work hard, and tells them to believe in themselves. The authors Dr. Samuel Johnson and his wife Angela Johnson are showing that kids and adults might come from different backgrounds, but they can offer so much!

The We Belong Bunch also has their own song/book trailer titled You’re My Friend (which is below). I love the song! It goes perfectly with the story. It talks about being friends, loving each, taking care of each other, and embracing each other’s differences.

But mostly, I am glad that the authors Dr. Samuel and Angela Johnson were able to sit down and answer a few questions for Miss T’s Book Room. Please read, listen, and comment on the video and the blog!  

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I have been an educator of children for close to 18 years. I am a graduate of The Ohio State University, Wright State University, and Howard University. I am married to co-author of the “We Belong Bunch” Angela Johnson. 

What made you want to write books for children?

 With all that is going on in our society, there seems to be an uprising of disrespect or a lack of empathy for people. Our children learn from the adults concerning how they should treat others that don’t necessarily look like or share their same beliefs. This book was written as an effort for students, parents, teachers, and community members to communicate the idea that “We all Belong” despite our differences.

I love the "You're My Friend " song. How did you come up with that song? What made you put a song with the book? 

Thank you so much! I wanted to write a song that depicted the theme of the book that could connect with both children and adults. I wrote the lyrics, Rob Hittz composed the music, while Sid Johnson served as the producer. Sid Johnson co-wrote the 80’s hits called “Slow Jam” by Midnight Star and “Two Occasions by a group called the Deele which featured Babyface. The vocals were provided by Mark Scott from Cincinnati who did just a fantastic job on the track. Lastly, we released a song that would coincide with the book because music makes things come alive.  The song and animated video allow the opportunity for the characters to jump off the page while spreading a positive message.

What do you plan on doing next in terms of children's literature?

We are planning on releasing the second book in “The We Belong Bunch” series.

What was one of the most surprising thing you learned in creating this book/project?

We were trying to ensure that we wrote a book that would enlighten our readers and really tried to touch on the themes of friendship, embracing differences, grit, and the adults being role models for children. We really tried to attempt to tie all those themes together as best we could so the readers could really get something out of it.

Where can people buy your book?

Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Ebenezer The Sneezer By DeCorey Hale-Book Review and Author Interview

Title: Ebenezer The Sneezer

Author: DeCorey Hale

Illustrations By: Lauren Lacy

Summary: Most of us have been overwhelmed with sneezing, whether it be allergies, a little sniff of pepper, or an unknown cause. The character in this story, Ebenezer, has a case that is worse than your everyday sneezing attack. The poor fellow sneezes on everything in his path. The author uses rhyming words and whimsical humor to tell the story of a man with the bad case of the "sneezies". Of course, the blogger in me likes this book because I love all the diversity that is defined. From the author, to the illustrator, we see both coming together to create a book for children that will be a favorite for many years. As a teacher, I gravitated to this book because it breaks the mold and opens up questioning that helps young readers engage in the story. The story gives a great connection for journal entry questions: What would you do if you could not stop sneezing? How would you help a person that could not stop sneezing? Do you think Ebenezer was allergic to something?

Interview: DeCorey Hale is from Sylacauga, Alabama, which is near my hometown Rockford, Alabama. Ever since the release of Ebenezer The Sneezer, he has made appearances at many different educational facilities reading Ebenezer The Sneezer and encouraging the love of reading. Mr. Hale is a man on a mission and wears many hats in his community. I am glad that he was able to take some time out of his busy schedule and answers a few questions.  The opportunity gives everyone a closer look into the man behind the book, Ebenezer The Sneezer.

Tell us a little about yourself perhaps something not many people know? 

Well I have a very big imagination. It never left me. And people can never guess my two favorite movies. They are The Wizard of Oz and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. 

What made you want to write books for children? 

Well I actually wrote this book for my daughter, Nylah, when she was 2 years old . She is now 11. It started out as a bedtime story for her, and now it's my first book.

What was your favorite book or books as a child? 

Of course, anything by Dr. Seuss. I loved the Berenstain Bears. As well as James and the Giant Peach. It really opened my mind as far as my imagination goes. 

How did you get your ideas for this book. How did you prepare? 

Well, it was just on a while. I looked around and thought about sneezing for some odd reason. So I decided to write a story about someone who sneezes. Then I had to come up with a name that rhymed. Thus, Ebenezer The Sneezer was born. 

What do you plan on doing next in terms of children's literature? 

Well since this started out as a bedtime story, I had also written little follow up pieces here and there. So I'm strongly considering turning Ebenezer into a series. 

What advice do you have for young people who want to be writers?

 As soon as you think of what you want to write about, jot it down. Dreaming is half the battle. Then I say go for it! It took me 8 years, but here I am. 

Where can people buy your book?

It is available on my website, www.decoreyhale.com

What was one of the most surprising thing you learned in creating this book?

 Just how tedious is is to write,  then edit/correct. Then go back and do it several more times. It is quite a process. 

What were some of the challenges that you faced writing this book? 

Well, I have a full-time job, so that takes up a lot of time. I also co-own a beard care line, so that is time-consuming as well. So for me, just time management. 

Thank you, Author DeCorey Hale! I cannot wait to see what you come up with next!
And A Special Thanks to Dana Hale for the Photos in the Library! Dew4U Photography!