From Classroom to Carrot: An Inspiring Journey to a Vibrant Children's Book

Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors

The engaging dialogue between Rick and Chelsea Kim highlights the profound impact of children's literature, centred around Chelsea's debut work, "Carol the Carrot Bowls for the Salad Bowl."

The episode begins with Rick sharing his excitement about the book he plans to read with his five grandchildren.

Chelsea reflects on her teaching background as the catalyst for her writing journey, emphasizing that every child is unique, like the colourful ingredients in a salad. This theme resonates throughout her book, encouraging readers to celebrate diversity and recognize the strength of differences.

Chelsea elaborates on her publishing journey, explaining her choice to work with a hybrid publisher that allowed her to maintain creative control while benefiting from professional editing and marketing support.

She discusses her marketing strategies, primarily focusing on Amazon for book distribution, as she balances multiple roles in her life.

Chelsea's dedication to connecting with young readers is evident through her school visits and virtual engagements, where she aims to inspire children to embrace their individuality and express themselves freely.

As the discussion progresses, Chelsea shares heartfelt stories from readers who have found solace and encouragement in her book. These personal connections highlight the power of storytelling in addressing themes of self-acceptance and resilience.

The episode concludes with Chelsea offering valuable advice to aspiring authors, encouraging them to begin with a clear purpose and to embrace feedback. Her passionate insights illuminate the significance of writing as a medium for fostering understanding and connection, impacting both individual lives and the broader community.

Takeaways:

• Chelsea Kim emphasizes the importance of writing stories that reflect diversity and inclusion.
• The 'salad bowl' concept symbolizes how students' differences strengthen communities.
• Chelsea shares that her inspiration for writing came from her unique classroom experiences.
• Her publishing journey was supported by a hybrid publishing company, balancing control and professionalism.
• The impact of her book extends beyond children to adults, healing inner childhood wounds.
• Engaging children through relatable characters fosters deeper conversations about bullying and self-acceptance.

Chelsea's links referenced in this episode:

• https://chelseastorynook.com
• Amazon
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Mirian Laundry Publishing
• IngramSpark
• Shopify