Today we’re talking to Oscar Redden. Oscar has written and published a fantastic book, Albert the Albatross. Oscar’s a man on mission to transform the world through the power of a positive attitude. Discover more about his fascinating journey in our interview.

Tell us about your book?

Albert Albatross is a motivational book. It's about believing in the power of a positive attitude. The only thing you have control over in your life is the way you respond to situations and we respond in situations by our emotions. Whether we interpret the world positively or negatively, and in this case, we want to always be on the positive.

My book is narrated through the eyes of one of the largest birds in the world. An albatross has a wingspan of about over seven feet. That's pretty wide, so they catch a lot of wind under those wings Albert is traveling around the world meeting different animals. We learn lessons about respect, treating others fairly, working hard doing your best, no matter how hard it is. Never giving up and always seeing the positive.

Why did you want to write this story?

We all have dreams right no matter how old you are. You may have had a dream to be a basketball player, to be a musician. Maybe your gift is making people laugh. Maybe someone else’s is running really fast and my gift is making others feel good. Being a positive influence in their life. So over two years ago, I told myself I'm going to challenge myself. I'm going to write a children's book and it's going to be one of the best children’s books in the world. I'm going to inspire kids all over the world to dream and be empowered by a positive attitude.

How long did it take you to create the book?

It took me over four little four months and here you have it. You see that Albert is flying tall and he is one of the most beautiful birds you'll ever see in life. I want kids to understand that you a positive attitude is more important than skill set. Here's the thing. A positive attitude can make up for any opportunities you have as far skills. A positive attitude will maximize the strengths you have and cover the weaknesses that you have. I think that more kids need to know about the power of positive attitudes.

What's been the best reaction from a reader so far?

My book is available on amazon and this is one of the reviews that stuck out to me.

This book is amazing. I originally purchased four books and I loved them so much. I purchased five more for your beautiful message for young and old. Keep one and the rest will go all over the country for gifts. Color photos are beautiful, highly recommend this book and the author.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I find my inspiration in my family. The fact that I am creating a manual for my children’s children someday. They can look back and say, you know what my grandfather was talking about having keeping a good attitude. They'll be able to see where my mind was and why I was so adamant about having a positive attitude and how that can actually take you to new levels in life.

What's your tip for parents to encourage reading?

Reading is fundamental. Reading is also somewhat like finding your shoe size. You ever been to the store and tried on the shoe and it was too it was too tight? It was too big? Maybe you put on the shoe and after walking in a a few minutes to start to hurt. I think that's the same thing with books. We must find out what kids like. Choose books that have, for example, the animals they like.

What's your favorite book of all time?

I'll have to say The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. I really like this book because it talks about love and the meaning of love. Think about this story. You’ve got a young boy and a tree. And every time this young man needed something from the tree, it didn't ask why. They didn't say why are you coming to me, they gave them fruit, it gave them wood. It gave him everything it had until it became a stump. Then that young man was an old man and he sat on that stump. I just want people to be like that giving tree. To give out of love and compassion, not ask why we’re doing it, but to give out of love.

Oscar Redden IV grew up in a close-knit community where everyone knows each other, and family is monumental. After gaining his MBA and working up the logistics ladder at Walmart, Oscar recently transitioned his career and is now a 5th Grade: Math and Science teacher. There he continues to share his influence about the power of a positive attitude and motivates the youth to be the best representation of themselves. He currently lives in Ocala, Florida with his wife.

You can find out more about Oscar by following him on Facebook and Instagram. You can find his books here. 

Where to Next?

We hope you enjoyed this insight into Oscar’s Redden’s fantastic book.  This is just one of our many author interviews and book reviews. We love to give you a behind the scenes look at some amazing children’s authors. The best way to keep in touch with these is through signing up to our newsletter. You can also see our range of children’s books in our shop. Plus of course, you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.