Author Interview – Gabriella Fiorletta – picture book
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Book Title: What I See is Love by Gabriella Fiorletta
Category: Children’s Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 38 pages
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher: Mascot Books
Release date: August 8, 2023
Content Rating: G. This children’s book is for everyone.
In the daily rush to get to school and work, check the alerts on our phones, worry about scary monsters (AAAHHHH!), and keep up with our favorite shows, it can be easy to lose sight of the most important thing in life―love.
But from kindly crossing guards to thoughtful neighbors to our closest friends and family, love is everywhere. It’s in the smell of Mom’s freshly baked croissants. It’s in the wag of a dog’s tail. It’s in a teacher’s warm greeting at the schoolhouse. And it’s in a goodbye kiss from Dad as he makes his way to work.
When the world sometimes feels uncertain and the sky feels gray, just look around and notice how love can melt your worries away.
Gabriella Fiorletta studied English literature at the University of South Florida. She is a former teacher, guidance counselor, and stay-at-home mom. When she is not reading a book to her three young children, you can find her enjoying the beaches of sunny Florida, cooking her favorite Italian meals, or planning her family’s next RV adventure. Writing a children’s book has been a dream of hers since she was a little girl. One night when she was tucking her daughter Charlotte into bed, she pointed to her mom’s heirloom necklace and said, “Mom, when I look at you, I see love.” With that, the foundation of Gabriella’s first children’s book was laid.
When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
I first knew I wanted to be an author in elementary school. There is something to be said about fabulous librarians and Language Arts teachers.
When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear?
I am a mommy to 3 young children and teach kindergarten at their school. I am currently taking classes for Independent Educational Consulting and hope to pursue that full-time.
What do you do for fun?
The idea of fun has changes so much for me. Spending time with my family is my greatest joy. We began a tradition celebrating our Fridays called, “Fun Family Friday” ever since my kids were in pre-school. It’s a night when they can choose whatever they want for dinner (breakfast for dinner? You got it! Bowl of ice cream? Why not!?!) and we spend quality time without our electronic devices. We’ve done glow in the dark dance parties to game nights to karaoke competitions.
What is your favorite genre to read?
I love historical fiction. What about that genre draws you? Historical fiction is like jumping into a time machine! Understanding history is one thing but emotionally connecting with it takes it to a whole new level.
What is your favorite thing about this time of year?
I love everything about this time of year minus the heat. Sun, sand, waves, and traveling. And why? Who doesn’t love a little vitamin “sea”? It’s a time for me to recharge from the hustle and bustle of the school year and have that quality family time I feel like we sometimes miss.
What historical figure do you admire and why?
There are so many, but Helen Keller is awe-inspiring. She paved the pathway for children, particularly, students with disabilities, to feel that they can accomplish all things.
Who did you have in mind as you wrote the book?
When I wrote, What I See is Love, I had children who were feeling the worries of the world in my mind. Before they close their eyes, they know they are safe, and they are deeply loved.
As a former K-12 school librarian I have to ask – what is your favorite children’s book?
There are so many great classics but what my students absolutely loved this year was the Story Orchestra books by Jessica Courtney Tickle.
What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer?
Go for it!
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