New Growing Up Great picture book series  debuts with Stormy Weather - Tilly Learns About Anger

by Gail Kuhnlein

July 17, 2024 — Recently, I thought I’d like to help promote fellow self-published authors in my blog and I reached out on social media to ask them to contact me if interested. Admittedly, it’s a win-win situation, providing me with more quality content for my blog. I’ve received a few inquiries so far and one of them was from today’s blog interviewee, Piriam Maharaj. Her recently released first picture book is Stormy Weather - Tilly Learns About Anger. A sweet, rhyming story about Tilly, a little girl whose plan to visit the playground on opening day are ruined by the weather. In the story, Tilly learns ways to manage her big emotions.

I think that caregivers and children alike will appreciate the book’s compassionate approach. We know how important emotional intelligence is within relationships (including the all-important relationship with ourselves). This book gives children an early advantage in learning strategies to calm themselves. I think Stormy Weather can be a good conversation starter between children and their parents and teachers about anger and related issues. The upcoming book topics sound like timely and impactful choices: anxiety, kindness and diversity. My questions and Piriam’s thoughtful responses follow.  

1. What inspired you to write this story/this series?

I believe children face a wide array of challenges, and writing stories that resonate with their experiences can be a powerful and enjoyable way for them to learn. I wanted to create relatable characters and situations in a story that can offer valuable lessons and provide a sense of comfort and understanding. I think that by engaging children in this manner, we not only capture their imagination but also help them navigate their own struggles and emotions in a constructive way. This approach fosters empathy, creativity, and critical thinking, making the learning process both meaningful and enjoyable.

2. What book is next in your series? 

There are three more books coming in this series that are in the various stages of the writing process. The second book focuses on anxiety, the third on kindness, and the fourth on diversity.  I aim to release these three books within the next 12 months. I also plan to add more books to the Growing Up Great series, as I am enjoying developing these characters.

3. What do you hope children will learn from your book? 

My goal is to empower children with the understanding that it’s perfectly normal to experience strong emotions in life. More importantly, I want them to learn that there are effective strategies available to handle these feelings in healthy and constructive ways. By imparting this knowledge, I hope to instill in children a sense of control over their emotions, helping them navigate life with confidence and resilience.

4. How long have you been writing for children? Is this your first book for children? 

I began planning my book about 18 months ago and it has been a slow process since I am new to writing books for children. This is my first book for children and I am excited to keep creating more stories!

5. What do you teach/what grade/subjects/for how long?

For the past 24 years, I have been teaching elementary school, with a particular passion for language and reading. My love for words and books runs deep, and I am continually fascinated by the artful ways human emotions can be expressed through literature. It’s incredibly rewarding to share this passion with my students, helping them discover the beauty and power of language.

6. Do you live in Toronto, Canada? What are your favorite aspects about living there? 

I have called Toronto my home since 1974, when my family immigrated here from South Africa. My love for Canada is profound, and I am a fiercely loyal Canadian. I take immense pride in Toronto, which is a city that stands out as the most multicultural and diverse city in the world. This vibrant diversity enriches our community, and I am grateful to be part of such a dynamic and inclusive city. 

7. You’re self-published, right? What made you decide to self-publish? Can you share something you learned about the process? 

Yes, I am a self-published author. Opting for self-publishing was a deliberate choice, considering the significant challenges of traditional publishing. It demands relentless hard work and determination, which can be intimidating for many. Nonetheless, the journey has been immensely rewarding and fulfilling and I am excited for the future.

8. What is your advice to others who would like to write for children? 

I believe that when writing for children, authenticity is paramount. Writing from the heart ensures that our messages and goals are sincere and resonate deeply with young readers. This sincerity fosters a genuine connection and makes the storytelling experience meaningful and impactful.

9. What’s your advice for those who would like to self-publish? 

Choosing to self-publish is a decision that warrants thoughtful consideration. It’s crucial to develop a well-structured plan for your publishing endeavors and to mentally prepare yourself for the dedication, setbacks, and frustrations inherent in this journey. Embracing these challenges as learning opportunities will definitely help you on your publishing journey.

Images: Part of the book cover. Piriam Maharaj holds her new book. Courtesy P. Maharahj