Kelsey Chen: Children's Book Author Q&A
Explore the enchanting world of Christmas with five adorable dumplings, and join the author as she shares the inspiration behind this heartwarming tale and the magic of the holiday season.
Introduction to “Kids Ask, Author Answer”
Kids Ask, Authors Answer is a fun YouTube series where kids get to ask children's book authors anything they want! The author does not know the questions in advance, and it's all filmed LIVE. Your kids can participate in future episodes too! There is information on how to participate at the end. In this blog, we dive deep into one such episode, featuring Kelsey Chen, the celebrated author of Five Little Dumplings Christmas is Almost Here. She also has several other books in this series as well.
Meet the Authors: Behind "Kids Ask, Author Answer"
Amy Doslich and Samantha (Sam) Howard-Els
The show is hosted by Amy Doslich and Sam Howard-Els, both accomplished children's book authors. Amy Doslich is known for the "Hannah Banana and Mary Berry" series, while Samantha Howard-Els is recognized for her "Mungo" series and "Tiny Boo Halloween" book. Together, they create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where authors share insights and anecdotes, answering the questions sent in by their young fans.
Behind the Scenes of "Five Little Dumplings"
Kelsey's insight into her books sparks instant fascination. She explains that "Christmas Is Almost Here" was inspired by her own bustling holiday experiences with her family. Her aim was to capture the essence of a busy but wonderfully magical Christmas, reminding readers that amidst the chaos, it's important to slow down and savor the moments.
The excitement doubles when a question about the inspiration behind the dumplings arises. Kelsey reveals that the dumplings symbolize children who are molded and shaped by their life experiences, much like how dumplings are carefully crafted with different fillings. This metaphor brings depth and emotional resonance to her stories, providing readers with a thoughtful perspective on growth and development.
Kelsey also explains the real-life influences behind her characters, including the fact that the dumplings are based on her own children. Unfortunately one of the dumplings, Jasmine Dumpling, represents a child that she lost. This tender insight adds a layer of poignancy, highlighting the personal connection that authors often pour into their work.
Diving Deeper into the Story
The conversation takes a delightful twist as more questions from the young audience come through. Each question unravels the fabric of Kelsey’s storytelling, blending fun with a touch of fantasy.
One young reader, Annabelle, asks what the dumplings would request from Santa. This leads to the playful addition of real-life interaction when Kelsey brings in her child to answer the question – a request for a phone, blending reality with the whimsy of the storytelling.
As the discussion skews toward Christmas traditions, Kelsey shares cherished rituals involving Advent calendars and homemade Christmas decorations. These anecdotes resonate with the viewers, making them envision their own festive practices. From candy-filled stockings to family card-making sessions, the tales of celebrations are both heartwarming and relatable.
A Glimpse into Kelsey’s Future Projects
Questions about Kelsey's future books pique the curiosity of both kids listening and the other authors. Kelsey discloses that she has several works in progress and talks about a gratitude-themed chapter book she is currently editing. This revelation not only creates anticipation but also emphasizes the long and dedicated process that goes into creating children's literature.
Engaging with Young Readers
Throughout the session, Amy and Sam, alongside their guest, demonstrate the importance of engaging with young readers. The episode itself is a testament to the power of interaction in nurturing a love for reading and storytelling among children. The dialogue is fun, imaginative, and loaded with learning opportunities for kids who might be budding authors themselves.
"Kids Ask Authors Answer" underlines a significant aspect of children's literature - accessibility to authors. By making themselves available for questions and actively interacting with their readers, these authors inspire and kindle the flames of curiosity and creativity in young hearts.
Conclusion
"Kids Ask Authors Answer" not only provides a platform for fun and interaction but also deepens the bond between young readers and the stories they love. It encourages children to delve into the world of storytelling, drawing inspiration from the very creators of their favorite tales. This initiative makes reading an exciting, interactive, and deeply personal experience, ensuring that the magic of stories continues to thrive in the hearts of its youngest admirers.
Want to grab a copy of Five Little Dumplings Christmas is Almost Here? You can find it here*: https://amzn.to/3BE4rMM
You can also find Amy and Sam's books here:
Amy - Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series*: https://amzn.to/4eLoZ3G
Sam - Mungo series & Tiny Boo*: https://amzn.to/3CBx9OF
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Want your kid to participate in the next episode? Make sure you are subscribed to our YouTube channel to see who the next author coming soon is, read their book (always a free option!), and then send your questions to KidsAskAuthors@yahoo.com.
*These are affiliate links. If you happen to buy anything on Amazon through this link, it won't cost you any extra, and I will get a small amount! Thank you for your support! :D