Making friends: 6 Articles

Sometimes the unknown can be scary. Having a friend to explore with you can help. Magination Press interviewed author and illustrator, Judi Abbot, about creating Baby Blue.  Magination Press: What inspired you to write Baby Blue? Judi Abbot: I started working on this book from a quick character sketch I had in my mind. It all started from this little blue boy, without a clear identity or story. For sure, what inspired me to create Baby Blue's first adventure came from my experiences as mum, illustrator, and educator. I remember clearly when my kids were little, their biggest fears and how they needed some tools to confront them, and the incredible power a new friendship from two different worlds radiates. MP: Why do children need books about exploring the unknown? JA: When the little kids are confronting the unknown, it’s a blast of emotions and worries. I think a book can help them understand this confusion of excitement and worries. Putting illustrations in front of them where they can identify themselves helps them feel a little bit encouraged that they are not alone. And maybe get ready to deal with the unknown in real life. MP: Are you curious and adventurous or more cautious? JA: I’d love to say that I’m adventurous but actually I’m not! For sure I am curious, but a lot more on the cautious side. But having two boys made me confront my worries and fears: I went on a roller coaster (a little one) with my kids a few years ago for the first time in my life! MP: What role do you think a friend can play in overcoming a fear? JA: It’s incredible how powerful a friendship can be! A very good friend shares good and bad moments, and this relationship gives both people such energy to face up to everything. And the best part of overcoming a fear with a friend is the feeling left after dealing with it: the joy of succeeding together. It is also important to understand that what you are dealing with, your worries and fears, are not always just yours, your friend can feel the same. And sharing a worry is the fastest way to get rid of it. MP: Tell me about Baby Blue’s magic stone. What inspired that? Do you have a special object that boosts your confidence? JA: When my first kid was little, he was a bit on the cautious side, scared of almost everything new. One day we booked a pony ride for him at a stable, but he was really scared and in distress. There were stones on the site, and we had this idea to pick one, and transform it into a friendly magic stone to give him all the courage to face up to his fears. With the smiling stone in his pocket, he was ready for his new adventure. We had a wonderful morning of fun and not a tear! I do not have any special