Media Kit
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Dear Boy Baby….
Thus begins Ella’s quest to find her “boy baby”. Her mother can’t have any more children, but she knows he is out there, and she will wait for him to come. Finally the news arrives that a boy baby is ready and the family goes to pick him up. Ella believes he is the most beautiful baby in the world, and declares she will take care of him for the rest of her life. To My Boy Baby chronicles Ella’s love for her adoptive brother, George, through a series of personal letters starting when little Ella first dreams of her Boy Baby. The book provides touching episodes of their lives together from toddler years through adulthood and outlines the many complex emotions involved in adoption, rebellion, aging, and parenthood. The book allows children to explore their feelings and emotions. Perhaps she feels different? Maybe he is lonely? Ultimately To My Boy Baby is a testament to love overcoming all obstacles and passing down that love from generation to generation. The book features hand drawn pictures coloured to reflect the mood of each letter. And there is a bear hiding in each one, waiting to be found! |
Suggested Ways to Use the Book
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Author and Illustrator Bios
Carolyn Trickey-Bapty (author) grew up in Lachine, Quebec, Canada, with her parents, grandparents and adopted brother, where she enjoyed the sights and sounds of the St. Lawrence River. She graduated from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada majoring in history and religion, and then went on to work for the Bank of Nova Scotia in Toronto, followed by jobs as a Research Assistant for various departments within the Government of Alberta in Edmonton. It was here that she realized her love of research.
Just before the birth of her son, she was asked to write a Q&A book on angels, The Book of Angels, All Your Questions Answered. Following its success, she then researched Martyrs & Miracles, The Inspiring Lives of Saints and Martyrs. Family life called, and writing was shelved until now, with the advent of her first children’s book.
Carolyn is a member of the Canadian Authors’ Association and the Authors’ Guild (US) and has recently completed her genealogy certification from the National Institute of Genealogical Studies. Her interests include crafting, travelling and of course, research. She moved to Hamilton, Ontario in 1994 where she now resides with her husband Eric, and Crofty, their Shetland Sheepdog, along with a large collection of much loved Teddy Bears.
Just before the birth of her son, she was asked to write a Q&A book on angels, The Book of Angels, All Your Questions Answered. Following its success, she then researched Martyrs & Miracles, The Inspiring Lives of Saints and Martyrs. Family life called, and writing was shelved until now, with the advent of her first children’s book.
Carolyn is a member of the Canadian Authors’ Association and the Authors’ Guild (US) and has recently completed her genealogy certification from the National Institute of Genealogical Studies. Her interests include crafting, travelling and of course, research. She moved to Hamilton, Ontario in 1994 where she now resides with her husband Eric, and Crofty, their Shetland Sheepdog, along with a large collection of much loved Teddy Bears.
Samantha Ryu (illustrator) is a graduate from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada with a Bachelor of Arts, specializing in Studio Arts, specifically drawing and sculpture. She currently works as a Memorial Counsellor and CAD artist, assisting families with designing their loved ones’ memorials, which she does with compassion and solicitude. This is her first experience illustrating a children’s book. She used hand drawn images to explore the emotions behind each letter and the colours used reflects those feelings.
Samantha is pursuing her artistic endeavours while residing in Kitchener, Ontario with her husband Cameron, and baby girl, Olivia.
Samantha is pursuing her artistic endeavours while residing in Kitchener, Ontario with her husband Cameron, and baby girl, Olivia.
Questions and Answers
Why did you write the book?
First and foremost, the book is dedicated to my adopted brother, who has been my support as much as I have been his. Our family became complete the day we brought him home, and we celebrated on that day every year. Today the event includes our spouses and children and is a celebration of the love that we feel as family for one another.
From a different viewpoint, I looked at other books on the topic of adoption on the market and thought there was a side that was missing – that of the non-adopted child. The sibling – likely older – who wanted a brother or a sister. Where was he? Why didn’t she come? So the story is told through the eyes (and letters) of the sibling who watched the adopted child grow up, and wanted to protect him.
In addition, the book takes the reader through the lifetime of the relationship and presents difficult times as well as happy ones. I wanted to present a realistic view of the adoption, that it wasn’t all honey and cream, but that in the end, love transmutes all.
First and foremost, the book is dedicated to my adopted brother, who has been my support as much as I have been his. Our family became complete the day we brought him home, and we celebrated on that day every year. Today the event includes our spouses and children and is a celebration of the love that we feel as family for one another.
From a different viewpoint, I looked at other books on the topic of adoption on the market and thought there was a side that was missing – that of the non-adopted child. The sibling – likely older – who wanted a brother or a sister. Where was he? Why didn’t she come? So the story is told through the eyes (and letters) of the sibling who watched the adopted child grow up, and wanted to protect him.
In addition, the book takes the reader through the lifetime of the relationship and presents difficult times as well as happy ones. I wanted to present a realistic view of the adoption, that it wasn’t all honey and cream, but that in the end, love transmutes all.
Why did you use the letter format?
When my son was little, I read him a book called The Gardener by Sarah Stewart – it struck me that this epistolary style allowed for a very personal insight into the thoughts and feelings of the protagonist. And because of the diary-like format, it allowed for gaps in time to bring the story forward.
We encourage our children to write letters to Santa; why not have them begin to write letters that express how they are feeling? Of course, at the outset, you’ll need to take dictation, but later they can write a few lines on their own. If they don’t know who to address it to – well, there is always the Teddy Bear!
When my son was little, I read him a book called The Gardener by Sarah Stewart – it struck me that this epistolary style allowed for a very personal insight into the thoughts and feelings of the protagonist. And because of the diary-like format, it allowed for gaps in time to bring the story forward.
We encourage our children to write letters to Santa; why not have them begin to write letters that express how they are feeling? Of course, at the outset, you’ll need to take dictation, but later they can write a few lines on their own. If they don’t know who to address it to – well, there is always the Teddy Bear!
What is your hope for the readers?
Perhaps one of the most intimate times we have with our children is when we are reading to them. They snuggle up beside us, and love to hear our voice. Why not take this time a little further and instead of tucking them in when the book is finished, begin a discussion with them. You are creating a “safe space” for your child where they can talk about their emotions. Does she feel different? Why? Did something happen today? Is there something that made her afraid? What was wonderful about today?
Later, when they are older, you might want to move their “safe space” to a one-on-one in a restaurant or somewhere where they feel comfortable that they can talk to you about anything and know they will be heard and acknowledged with no judgement, only with love.
Perhaps one of the most intimate times we have with our children is when we are reading to them. They snuggle up beside us, and love to hear our voice. Why not take this time a little further and instead of tucking them in when the book is finished, begin a discussion with them. You are creating a “safe space” for your child where they can talk about their emotions. Does she feel different? Why? Did something happen today? Is there something that made her afraid? What was wonderful about today?
Later, when they are older, you might want to move their “safe space” to a one-on-one in a restaurant or somewhere where they feel comfortable that they can talk to you about anything and know they will be heard and acknowledged with no judgement, only with love.
Who should read your book?
Although To My Boy Baby is about the relationship between a child and her adopted brother, the book can be used for anyone who wants to explore how their child is feeling and establish a safe and non-judgemental relationship from the earliest age. Allowing the lines of communication to be open and clear from the very beginning brings great rewards later in life, as shown by the last letter in the book when the characters are celebrating another Family Day with their spouses, children and grandchildren.
Although To My Boy Baby is about the relationship between a child and her adopted brother, the book can be used for anyone who wants to explore how their child is feeling and establish a safe and non-judgemental relationship from the earliest age. Allowing the lines of communication to be open and clear from the very beginning brings great rewards later in life, as shown by the last letter in the book when the characters are celebrating another Family Day with their spouses, children and grandchildren.
Why the Teddy Bears?
Well, to be honest, I’ve loved teddy bears since the day I came home from the hospital and found a teddy bear in my crib (so I’m told). My collection now includes Christmas bears, sports bears, wedding bears – it’s quite large! Like my Sheltie dogs, the bears are non-judgemental and simply love me for who I am.
There is a teddy bear hidden in every picture. For very young readers/listeners, they can have fun finding the bear and pointing it out. At the end there is a wallpaper of bears with one that doesn’t look like the other. Does your child identify with the different bear? And if so, why? The child might want to pretend to be the bear and simply observe the story instead of being one of the characters. How does the bear feel?
For some of the more difficult letters, the bear can just give everyone a hug!
Well, to be honest, I’ve loved teddy bears since the day I came home from the hospital and found a teddy bear in my crib (so I’m told). My collection now includes Christmas bears, sports bears, wedding bears – it’s quite large! Like my Sheltie dogs, the bears are non-judgemental and simply love me for who I am.
There is a teddy bear hidden in every picture. For very young readers/listeners, they can have fun finding the bear and pointing it out. At the end there is a wallpaper of bears with one that doesn’t look like the other. Does your child identify with the different bear? And if so, why? The child might want to pretend to be the bear and simply observe the story instead of being one of the characters. How does the bear feel?
For some of the more difficult letters, the bear can just give everyone a hug!
What was the process to publish the book?
Once I had worked through a few drafts I realized that I needed an illustrator who could take the feelings of the letters and express them in a simple yet powerful way. As it so happened, Samantha Ryu had not only fairly recently graduated from university in Studio Arts, she was also the daughter of my brother’s best friend from high school. The fit was just perfect.
Samantha and I worked together for several years (and throughout COVID), taking one letter at a time, discussing the feelings around it and what I was hoping the reader would feel. I gave her full reins to draw exactly what she wanted, and she decided on hand drawn pictures with a simplicity that allowed the reader to “see” themselves as the characters. The colours were then added used a CAD program.
Even though I had two books that were published a number of years ago now, I decided to self-publish this one to expedite the process and to have more control over what the book would look like.
Once I had worked through a few drafts I realized that I needed an illustrator who could take the feelings of the letters and express them in a simple yet powerful way. As it so happened, Samantha Ryu had not only fairly recently graduated from university in Studio Arts, she was also the daughter of my brother’s best friend from high school. The fit was just perfect.
Samantha and I worked together for several years (and throughout COVID), taking one letter at a time, discussing the feelings around it and what I was hoping the reader would feel. I gave her full reins to draw exactly what she wanted, and she decided on hand drawn pictures with a simplicity that allowed the reader to “see” themselves as the characters. The colours were then added used a CAD program.
Even though I had two books that were published a number of years ago now, I decided to self-publish this one to expedite the process and to have more control over what the book would look like.
What is a family?
While this question on the surface appears to have an easy answer, in reality I found it quite difficult. Consulting a dictionary wasn’t helpful; one definition states that a family is “a fundamental social group in society typically consisting of one or two parents and their children”. While this may be true for many, what of grandparents who raise their grandchildren, friends like my “Aunty Joan”, a neighbour who has known me all my life, members of blended families, and frankly, my family doesn’t seem complete without a dog.
The book talks about George’s grandmother believing that his bad behaviour is the result of him “not being of our blood”. Ella doesn’t care – George is her brother, no matter what. Her family consists of her parents and her adopted brother, but over time extends to spouses, nieces and nephews and grandchildren. They all participate in Family Day.
My recommendation is to peer beyond the dictionary and look within your heart. Families are as unique as each one of us, but I suggest that they all have two important attributes– the love shared between family members and their commitment to one another.
While this question on the surface appears to have an easy answer, in reality I found it quite difficult. Consulting a dictionary wasn’t helpful; one definition states that a family is “a fundamental social group in society typically consisting of one or two parents and their children”. While this may be true for many, what of grandparents who raise their grandchildren, friends like my “Aunty Joan”, a neighbour who has known me all my life, members of blended families, and frankly, my family doesn’t seem complete without a dog.
The book talks about George’s grandmother believing that his bad behaviour is the result of him “not being of our blood”. Ella doesn’t care – George is her brother, no matter what. Her family consists of her parents and her adopted brother, but over time extends to spouses, nieces and nephews and grandchildren. They all participate in Family Day.
My recommendation is to peer beyond the dictionary and look within your heart. Families are as unique as each one of us, but I suggest that they all have two important attributes– the love shared between family members and their commitment to one another.
Marketing Plan
Target Audience
Marketing is aimed at parents and grandparents of adopted and natural children. Ages range from toddlers to early elementary school. Our goal is to touch any child who feels left out or who doesn’t fit in.
Competition
There are a number of children’s books on the market that deal with the topic of adoption, mainly explaining why the child was wanted, and how the adoption came about. Our book provides insight into a range of situations that can occur throughout teenage and adult years. We hope it will challenge the reader and the child to discuss their feelings and emotions.
Adoption Agencies
We are approaching various adoption agencies and organizations to make the book available to adoptive parents.
Bookstores and Gift Shops
The author and the illustrator will be approaching shops in their local areas (Hamilton and Kitchener, Ontario) to take the books on consignment.
Online Presence
Our website is updated regularly, and we are posting to Facebook and Instagram. The author has a presence on Goodreads and LinkedIn.
Target Audience
Marketing is aimed at parents and grandparents of adopted and natural children. Ages range from toddlers to early elementary school. Our goal is to touch any child who feels left out or who doesn’t fit in.
Competition
There are a number of children’s books on the market that deal with the topic of adoption, mainly explaining why the child was wanted, and how the adoption came about. Our book provides insight into a range of situations that can occur throughout teenage and adult years. We hope it will challenge the reader and the child to discuss their feelings and emotions.
Adoption Agencies
We are approaching various adoption agencies and organizations to make the book available to adoptive parents.
Bookstores and Gift Shops
The author and the illustrator will be approaching shops in their local areas (Hamilton and Kitchener, Ontario) to take the books on consignment.
Online Presence
Our website is updated regularly, and we are posting to Facebook and Instagram. The author has a presence on Goodreads and LinkedIn.
