Today it is my pleasure to feature a debut picture book by authors Denise Furlong and Sarah Szamreta Tang.
Here is my review:
BEN AND THE AMAZING ANIMAL ADVENTURE by Denise Furlong and Sarah Szamreta Tang (illustrated by Leslie Daley)
A kind and gentle story of a Kindergarten boy on his first field trip to the zoo. Ben is having a wonderful time until he encounters something that could make him sick. The story – told in English and Spanish – explains the dangers of food allergies and what young children and their care givers need to know to keep kids safe, while still enjoying school activities.
Back matter includes guidelines for teachers, coaches, and other adults on understanding food allergies in children and how to allow all children to experience school activities in a safe and inclusive manner.
Here is my interview with author Denise Furlong:
- BEN AND THE AMAZING ANIMAL ADVENTURE introduces children and maybe some parents to the dangers of food allergies. Where did the idea for this book originate?
I was teaching a course to preservice teachers in which we were talking about different types of representation in children’s literature. We want kids to be able to see themselves and their experiences in books AND we want others to read about them to learn and empathize with different perspectives. So, my students and I were brainstorming different ways that readers may “see” themselves in books and we came up with quite a list. It then occurred to me that I had never seen a book that featured a child with allergies as the main character—despite the fact that I know several children who experience this in different ways.
- Why did you write a book about food allergies? Tell us your motivation for this story.
Following that class, I called my dear friend Sarah (also a teacher!) whose kids have multiple severe allergies. I asked her if they have books that are mirrors for them in this way and she said that there are very few available. As a mom who lives these challenges with her kids, she said that a book may be a great way to educate others about allergies and ways to support their friends and classmates.
I had recently published a teacher education book (Voices of Newcomers: Experiences of Multilingual Learners) with EduMatch Publishing. Once Sarah and I worked out our ideas, I contacted the CEO, Dr. Sarah Thomas, with our pitch. She was immediately on board and supported our project incredibly kindly and enthusiastically. I was thrilled to try something so different. Sarah and I were both excited to take this journey together!
- What was it like collaborating with other authors and illustrators to get this book just right?
Sarah and I collaborated on the book, changing the storyline a few times based on her experience and expertise. She then came up with the idea to make it a bilingual (English & Spanish) book to include even more readers. Sarah and I met as bilingual teachers many years ago, so that was particularly meaningful to us.
So, we worked on the words to the book, but dreamed about what the illustrations would be. We said at the time that we really wanted the illustrations to be the main storyteller, not the words. But the challenge for us was how to find an illustrator. I contacted a friend and colleague from our teaching time together in Freehold, NJ. Leslie was Sarah’s mentor and she was the art teacher for many years before she retired. I asked Leslie if she knew anyone who would be interested in our little project and she said that she wanted to jump in. So, not only was this a passion project for us, it was a labor of true friendship through the years.
We set up our words on slides and gave suggestions to Leslie on what types of pictures may fit each page. Leslie painted the pictures rather than drawing them, which I think brings an incredible dimension to the entire book. I think the three of us agree that through all the twists and turns of our journey, we are so proud of the end product.
- What a wonderful collaboration! What else do you want readers to know about the story?
Everything from the names of the characters to the actions of the story are meaningful to us. We don’t want anyone to feel sorry for people with allergies, but it’s important to consider the perspectives of others and how we share kindness and compassion. We also discussed creating characters that represent other mirrors for children, so we have a Chinese-American family who lives in a multi-generational household.
This book is perfect for SEL (social-emotional learning) lessons and also has guidelines for adults/teachers to help build their background knowledge on this topic. Perhaps most important may be the discussion questions in which we provide ways to engage children of all ages (yes, even secondary students!) with this book. Would you expect anything else from three teachers? 🙂
- What other projects are you working on?
We are visiting schools, book fairs, and craft shows to share Ben’s message with others. In addition to her mom time, Sarah has a TPT page with additional (free) materials to support our book. Leslie gives art lessons and does amazing artwork throughout town and is loving time with her grandkids. I am also working on a book for novice teachers with “real-world” and authentic conversations to help support them in their first years.
Denise will give away one signed copy of her book to one reader drawn at random. To enter, please leave a comment at the end of the post. The winner will be announced later this month. USA only please.
Denise Furlong (right in photo) is a lifelong teacher who currently is a teacher educator at Georgian Court University. She is also the author of a teacher resource book titled Voices of Newcomers: Experiences of Multilingual Learners. She is so honored to partner with her lifelong “teacher friends” on this project in bringing Ben’s story to classrooms and homes around the US.
Dr. Denise M. Furlong
Furlong Educational Consulting, LLC
Darlene Beck-Jacobson 