An A to Z of Dreaming Differently is a beautiful alphabet story by TRACEY DEMBO and illustrated by LUCIA MASCIULLA.
Good Reading for Kids chatted to Tracey about how to deal with change and the importance of following your dreams!
ABOUT THE BOOK
An A-Z of Dreaming Differently 9s Lucia Masciullo’s bold and affirming picture book that shouts from the rooftops that you should be you.
A is for Attitude.
May you have bucketloads of it, kid.
B is for Brave and Bold.
Two good things to be.
This affirming alphabet story advocates for every single kid. It is a reminder to be yourself, without apology. And no matter the zig-zag journey, don’t ever give up on dreams!
Age Guide 5+
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Q&A with Tracey Dembo
What inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired to write this book because I was frustrated by the number of books out there that felt the need to teach kids a moral lesson about following rules. While there are definitely some important rules that should be followed, it is also really important that kids learn how to think for themselves and to trust their own instincts.
Sometimes this means speaking up and listening to your gut in a situation, rather than just doing something because someone told you to do it. Sometimes this means saying ‘no’ to a bully or to someone else who is making you feel funny. Or it might mean exploring a passion or doing something that lights you up inside, even if it is not what others are doing.
In short, it means being yourself and living courageously, without constraints or limitations.
Basically, I wanted kids to know that it is okay to think differently, to ask questions and that they don’t need to change or shrink themselves to fit in.
Do you have any advice for younger readers who are struggling with change?
Gosh, change is hard, isn’t it? Even adults struggle with change.
Sometimes when I am worried about change I remind myself that change is a natural part of life. The world is constantly changing around us – for example day becomes night, the seasons and weather changes and new animal and plant life unfolds around us each day.
So even though change can be scary, change can also bring about many new and exciting things too.
In fact change is needed for anything to happen at all – none of us would be here if it wasn’t for change!
For young readers who are struggling with change, I suggest:
- first, that it is good to acknowledge that change can bring about big feelings.It is important we recognise that it is normal to feel sad, frustrated, lonely or other emotions in response to change. Sometimes the best way to understand these emotions is to discuss them and share them with a trusted adult or friend.
- don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions.Information helps us understand change and it’s okay to ask about what is happening or for help. Again, a trusted friend or an adult might be able to help provide some answers.
- thinking about what is in your control and what is not.Although you may not choose change, there may be things that you can do that are within your control. For example, if you are moving house, you might be able to choose the colour of your new room or how to decorate it. Or what the first meal in the new house could be.
- thinking about times when you have successfully coped with change in the past – e.g. when you first started school, or joined a new team.Remembering when we have managed to get through hard times in the past can provide us with the strength to get through present challenges.
Why is it important to follow your dreams?
Dreams are so important because they provide us with worlds of endless possibility – a way of imagining what our futures could be. Because children today are tomorrow’s leaders, their dreams are particularly important as they help shape our future world.
If we don’t follow our dreams, it means we are giving up on the chance to discover more about who we are and what this future could look like. Following your dreams is therefore an act of bravery because by doing so you are keeping alive the idea that ‘someday’ is possible – the potential for a different and better world for you and everyone else.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tracey Dembo is a children’s author who is passionate about encouraging big questions, daring dreams and wild imaginations. She believes in the power of good stories, well-timed jokes and freshly baked cakes.
Tracey lives in sunny Perth – on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar – where there are many excellent beaches.
When she is not writing or sitting on a beach (or writing while sitting on a beach) she likes to spend time with her family and friends.
Tracey loves that her official job as an author involves inventing lots of mischief and nonsense. In her other life as a lawyer and a community-based director, she does not do that. Ever.
