Book: Mommy, Is My Hair Nice
Q1.Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
I am Tanika Baker. I am from Jamaica, but I relocated to Canada with my family just over five years ago. I am a thinker, sometimes I think so much to the point where I get lost in my own thoughts! Good thoughts though, life, my family, my career, where I want to be in the future.
Q2.What is your inspiration behind your book “Mommy, Is My Hair Nice”?
My family is my inspiration – specifically, my children. My husband and I have two daughters. The characters Kaliah and Asara, in “Mommy, Is My Hair Nice?” – actually represent our girls. The story is based on their real-life experience. Just trying to engage in the conversation with them and looking at the current social landscape, I felt it was a story that needed to be told. Black hair continues to spark many discussions, some of them, not so positive and I feel it is necessary for me to let my girls, and other Black girls like them understand the beauty of their hair and how it is a part of their identity – something for them to celebrate. There is also message to every reader – there is beauty in being different and it is perfectly fine to be different.
Q3.When did you realize you want to be an author of Children’s Book?
Honestly, it was almost like a collision of thoughts (yes, those thoughts). As a communicator, writing is a huge part of what I do. When I was younger, I always thought about writing books, but never pursued it. I suppose at the time, I never saw my purpose, or maybe I figured there wasn’t anything worth writing about. But it came home to me one evening – maybe about two years ago – after talking to my children, and listening to their stories, looking at our lives, our journey and realized that I do have something to write about. I know our experiences aren’t unique, but as I see it, once you have a message, there will be someone who needs to hear it.
Reading is an impactful experience for children, and so it the message in the stories they read – so here I am, telling my children’s stories, sharing our lives with our readers and hopefully, delivering a positive message to those who need to hear it.
Q4.Are you planning to release your next book soon?
Yes, I am planning to release another book before the end of 2021. Hopefully two! These will be part of the Growing Up with Kaliah & Asara series – again, reflective of the girls and their real-life experiences.
Q5.For which age group your book is suitable?
The book is suitable for ages 5-10, but I have had older and even younger readers reading it.
Q6.What is your favorite Quote?
My favourite quote is “With God, all things are possible.” (Matt. 19:26)
Q7.What do you like the most about Canada?
Canada is a great place! It’s hard to choose, but I love the newness of each encounter, so many diverse cultures to learn and to understand. I also actually love that there are four very distinctive seasons. The weather keeps life interesting – keeps you on your toes and each season truly gives you something to look forward to.
Q8.What suggestion you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
Reading opens our minds to realities and equally to possibilities. Being able to read truly is like having an awesome window into the world. I encourage parents to spend time to read with their children – even once a week. Let your little ones choose a book and spend some time reading it. This allows us to understand how our little ones think, it allows them to be imaginative and build their comprehension skills. It also allows us to see very early, if they need help with identifying words and prepares us to provide that help.
Q9.What does literary success look like to you?
Literary success looks like many things – but I think the most important element really is being able to deliver a story through writing and having an audience that not only provides positive feedback, but also looks forward to more.
Q10.Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
My mother. She’s my greatest inspiration in life. She has done so much for her family, made so many sacrifices and has never asked for anything – except that we make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. She loves unconditionally and will move every mountain to stand by our side as long we need her.
Book Is Available On Amazon
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