Kindness Week – Blog # 7 – Jennifer Barone

I first met Jennifer Barone when the Centre for Social Justice and Good Works were planning a ‘Good Deeds’ program for elementary school age children. As part of the program, we thought it was important to have a children’s book published that encouraged children to do good deeds. After a brainstorming session with the Centre’s summer students, Sweet Change, the Chocolate Bear was created. Because Jennifer had authored two successful children’s books, I asked her if she would co-author a children’s book with me to be used in the ‘Good Deeds ‘ program. See immediately agreed to volunteer her time and talent to the project. Together, we enjoyed creating ‘Sweet Change, the Chocolate Bear: Good Deeds’. Hundreds of books were given to elementary school age children.

Jennifer was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie and has excelled as an early childhood educator and children’s author. Following a childhood dream of hers, she published books named ’Goose on a Roof’ for ages 4 to 9 and ‘Snowflake Snowflake’ for ages 3 to 7, which have been very successful. In school, she loved writing stories and today feels calling herself ‘a published author’ is her biggest accomplishment in life.

‘Goose on a Roof’ is about a goose named Henry who is getting bullied. He has low self-esteem and lets the derogatory words of the other geese bring him down. He tries to accomplish a goal that the strong geese can do. With a little help and support from his farm friends, Henry achieves the unthinkable. Jennifer says it was written because “I wanted to spread awareness on bullying and the long-term negative effects it can have on someone whether a child or adult. I want the reader to know that there is no dream or goal big or small that isn’t possible to achieve. The word “impossible” can be interpreted, as “I’m possible”. Always believe in your dreams and success will follow”.

‘Snowflake Snowflake’ is about a boy and his snowman in awe of how quiet, beautiful and peaceful his neighborhood becomes when snowflakes are falling from the sky. They are captivated by how a tiny snowflake among many can make a scene turn beautiful. Jennifer says that it was written because “I believe and I want my readers to believe that there are different kinds of beauty to appreciate. We just need to stop for a moment and relish them. As lots of people may agree, seeing the snow start to fall can be dreadful. However, take a moment and realize how astonishing to see a million tiny snowflakes creating a beautiful white blanket covering the earth. Think outside the box and see how something so mundane can actually be beautiful”.

With her books, Jennifer brings bullying awareness to our community and beyond; demonstrates that it’s never acceptable to bully anyone; and encourages kindness, believing in oneself and appreciating all kinds of beauty.

Picking a name for a book normally has a story behind it. Jennifer chose ‘Goose on the Roof’ after seeing a goose on top of her dad’s garage roof. It stayed up there for the longest time and it inspired her to write a story about this goose. She loves how the words ‘Goose on the Roof’ simply rolled off her tongue. ‘Snowflake Snowflake’ was chosen after she witnessed her students excited reactions to the first snowfall of the year. They were dancing, twirling and catching snowflakes in their mouths.

We discussed the importance of visuals. Covers are the first things reader and the audience notice. Colours and character illustrations draw readers in and pique their interest in what the book is about. Jennifer had a vision in mind of what each cover should look like. She saw bright, bold colours to represent a happy ending for Henry the goose. Bold means to be strong and that’s what Henry became at the end simply for believing in himself. ‘Snowflake Snowflake’, since the book’s theme is about the environment, Jennifer envisioned a more tame, neutral look. Blue, brown and white were the first colors to come to mind because they represent the sky and being outside/snow.

Jennifer is very happy with the feedback she has been receiving from her readers. Many families told her that her books have changed their child’s life and how it’s encouraged them to be themselves. ‘Snowflake Snowflake’ is known for its simply poetic style. It’s the first book a child reads before bed to help wind down after a long day.

I asked Jennifer what the future holds for her writing and any advice she had for those that dream of becoming an author. She replied as follows: “I will always continue on my writing journey. My advice to a potential author in the making is to just get your idea down and have it published. If I can do it, anyone can and who knows you may just have a best seller on your hands. The lives you can change and the good deeds you can promote are worth more than any profit you can make. My niche is writing. I am looking forward to my next project in co-writing a new story with a good friend. Stay tuned.”

Actually, Jennifer’s next project is a children’s book encouraging kindness. She is collaborating with Tammy McFadden as illustrator and myself. There will be more on this shortly.