This week's author interview is with LaTasha Reynolds. LaTasha wrote Bryla’s Amazing Imagination as a letter to her daughter in the form of a story. Her goal is to inspire kids to dream and teach them the power of imagination. Read on for the full interview.
Tell us about your book?
Bryla's Amazing Imagination: Bryla Visits the Moon is centered on a 6-year old little girl named Bryla who has a natural fascination for astronomy. Each night, Bryla's fascination grows stronger for the Moon and playing games of hide-and-seek just isn't enough. Bryla desires to visit the Moon but doesn't know how to reach the galaxy from her suburban home. After explaining her desires to her mother, she teaches Bryla the importance of using her imagination to make dreams come true.
This is the first book published in a 20 book series.
Why did you want to write this story?
I wanted to...
- write a love letter to my daughter in the form of a story
- leave a legacy and something tangible for generations to cherish
- capture my daughter's fascination with the moon and her imagination
- express the importance of parent-child bond and how a parent's words impact their child's self-esteem
- express the importance of imaginative play
- showcase S.T.E.A.M and encourage children, especially girls to explore the possibilities
- show representation of children of color
- use my story to unify through literature
What's been the best reaction from a reader so far?
Where do you find your inspiration?
I find my inspiration in my daughter's amazing imagination. She is so creative, gifted, and talented! I'm always intrigued by her imaginative play and never know what the day will bring. I also draw inspiration from my childhood. I grew up watching Disney movies and when I'm writing, there's always that type of production going on in my head.
What’s the most fun part of being an author?
The most fun part for me is the freedom to be creative. There aren't any boundaries in storytelling. It's the art of being able to take your reader on an adventure and to relate to their experiences and emotions.
What’s your tip for parents to encourage reading or a fun book or reading related activity parents can do with their kids?
- Explore different genres with your child and let them guide you to what they like
- Create a time to read to them (like bedtime)
- Reading is bonding time
- Take a trip to the library or nearby bookstore
- Let your kid form their own story by telling you what's happening in the pictures
What’s your favorite children’s book of all time and why?
LaTasha wrote Bryla’s Amazing Imagination as a letter to her daughter in the form of a story. Her goal is to inspire kids to dream and teach them the power of imagination. It’s a strong tool that we all possess and many great innovations have came from it. If you have little ones in your life, your words are very meaningful and powerful. Think of them as an investment in your child’s development. One day that investment will return good in both the child’s life and in yours.
LaTasha Reynolds is a picture book author from the U.S. She's a wife to DeMarco Reynolds II, an aspiring foodie. LaTasha enjoys being the mother to real-life Bryla J. She’s a podcaster, a fashionand an oncology clinical coordinator.
She loves to do most of her writing listening to movie soundtracks on her patio. LaTasha enjoys transporting her readers on a magical journey using the power of imagination. Her mission is to create books that are relatable, teachable, inspiring, inclusive, and adventurous.
You can buy Bryla's Amazing Imagination: Bryla Visits the Moon here
Find more about LaTasha and her book on her Instagram and Facebook.
Where to Next?
We hope you enjoyed this insight into LaTasha's wonderful 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 and LinkedIn.
