My storytelling began as a grandmother. The delightful character, SHMUG-A-LA, originally birthed in a bedtime story for my grandson, soon began to dominated and prolong bedtimes. These SHMUG-A-LA STORIES were whimsical, imaginative adventures, that delighted my grandson. At one point, I wrote a story down and read it to him. He responded, wide eyed and incredulous, “Mimi, you wrote that?” I said, “Yes.” He replied adamantly, “Mimi, you have to write more!!” That moment crystalized my desire and inspiration to write children’s books. His younger sister is now the delighted recipient of bedtime SHMUG-A-LA STORIES.
The book, SHMUG-A-LA TAMES THE SHMOVID MONSTER was born from concern about the cloud of loneliness, dullness and gloom that seemed to settle over many children’s lives during the prolonged shelter-in-place of the Covid pandemic. I saw the need for distraction, positive experiences, fun, empowerment, and growth during difficult seasons in a child’s life. While Covid may be rather short-lived in the long run, it’s near relative, SHMOVID, which is timeless, could have similar effects on the emotional health of a child. I set out to build a story of a young boy discovering fun and resilience in the midst of tough life circumstances that could not be changed. SHMUG-A-LA shows up, challenging the boy to “CHOOSE FUN”, and presents a myriad of imaginative and captivating ideas to bring a shift of focus and a fresh perspective.
