Emmy Award-winning journalist and children’s author Janet Zappala encourages a campaign of good deeds during the summer.
Children learn by observing others and often imitate the behavior of those closest to them,” says the children’s author Janet Zappala. This was the motivation behind her initiative to publish literature to be taught to children at home and in the classroom during the summer.
Could looser schedules during the summer, along with increased time spent on online gaming, text messaging and social media, lead to an increase in bullying? Many psychologists think so.
Plan ahead for the possibility of your children, siblings, or loved ones participating in activities such as community pools, playgrounds, summer camps, and more. As adults, we might think about the best strategies for teaching kindness to our children. It’s important to remember that parents have a responsibility to be vigilant, to be teachers, and to always provide refresher courses on kindness.
Zappala is eager to keep the charity movement growing and he is proud to serve as a charity ambassador.
Her latest work is part of a series of children’s books titled Guabo’s Story: Guabo’s Great Rescue: Clay Finds His Forever Home. She co-wrote two books in the series with Wendy Perkins. Guabo’s Giant Heart: The True Story of a Growing Calf Released in January 2022, and Guabo’s Story: Guabo’s Great Rescue: Clay Finds His Forever Home Published in December 2023.
I was honored to learn about this award-winning journalist and author about her children’s book series social life magazine. She elegantly explains why kindness matters and shares more about her work as a children’s book author.
Megan Ford: Ms. Janet Zappala, given your role as an ambassador for kindness, how do you see your characters serving as symbols of kindness?
Multiple sclerosis. Janet Zappala: Because my children’s books are all based on true stories, Guabo is one of the largest bulls in the world, weighing 3,000 pounds and over 6 feet tall, and one of the oldest living bulls at just 8 years old. He is the perfect goodwill ambassador. He was homeless as a child, but learned firsthand the value of care and compassion thanks to the kindness of a stranger who adopted him into a loving family. Over time, because the melon grew too big, he had to be taken to another location, leaving behind the woman who adopted him and all his friends. When he arrives at his new home, the animals there comment on him that he doesn’t look like them. But Guabo never wavered, instead he gave the animals a chance to get to know him, and they soon called him their friend, teaching them lessons in tolerance and acceptance. Guabo’s act of kindness had a ripple effect, positively impacting everyone around him. His unfortunate origins and unwavering resilience make him a perfect role model for young readers.
Megan Ford: How can a character become a role model for young readers by showing respect and inclusivity in children’s literature?
Multiple sclerosis. Janet Zappala: Children learn by observing others and often imitate the behaviors of those closest to them. They are also often associated with famous animal characters in the media, such as Miss Piggy, Big Bird, Elmo, etc. my hope is book characters Guapo followed in their footsteps and became a household name and a symbol of kindness. Who better to teach the importance of empathy and problem solving than someone who has actually experienced these things? In the book, Guabo’s Story: Guabo’s Great Rescue: Clay Finds His Forever Home, When Clay the horse arrived at the shelter where Guapo lived with his real-life partner, he was scared and not at all social. Guabo knew instinctively that all Clay needed was some time and understanding. After all, that’s exactly what he experienced when he got there. Often, children like Clay feel scared when they start a new school or move to a new home. They knew from reading about his experience that it wouldn’t last long. Over time, they will become comfortable with their new surroundings and make new friends. Through his actions, Guabo teaches the importance of patience, acceptance, and shows young readers the meaning of empathy.
Meghan Forte: Why are teaching opportunities important and crucial for parents to teach their children life lessons?
Multiple sclerosis. Janet Zappala: Parents and caregivers are the people children look up to the most. They love them and learn from them. What’s important Teach our children well and let them follow the song. One effective way to do this is to be kind and caring in your interactions with others. Young people lead by example, so encouraging them to get involved in charitable activities, such as volunteering or helping friends in need, can help them think about the importance of caring for others. I know when my son was a little boy, I would take him to homeless shelters and help feed the people there. The experience taught him to have compassion for those less fortunate. During the holidays, he would also help me distribute toys to children in need. These are life lessons they will never forget. Instilling values in children helps them develop healthy and meaningful connections with others
Megan Ford: Why is friendship important not only for children’s literary development but also for everyday acts of kindness in real life?
multiple sclerosis. Janet Zappala: Friendships play a vital role in children’s social, emotional and cognitive development. In literature, friendship is often described as being a source of support, companionship, and growth for a person. Children who read Guabo’s stories learn many life lessons that they can apply throughout their lives, including conflict resolution and understanding. The friendship shown in the eyes of Guabo and his companions also teaches important social skills. Such as communication and cooperation. Help Clay in his time of need and teach young readers about the importance of providing others with emotional support, validation, and a sense of belonging that are essential to promoting positive mental health and well-being.
Meghan Forte: Why are teaching opportunities important and crucial for parents to teach their children life lessons?
Ms. Janet Zappala: Teaching opportunities can happen at any time, such as helping a senior in need get something at the grocery store, or holding the door open for someone. These simple acts of kindness can have a huge impact on children who see their loved ones perform such acts of kindness. Children learn best through observation, and that happens at a young age. Moments in everyday life often become real life Be grateful for what you have and care about others even if they don’t know them. When young people learn these behaviors, they have a great chance of becoming responsible, compassionate, and successful adults.
Megan Ford: How can experiences with friends at home or at summer camp be opportunities for our children to build connections and life lessons?
Ms. Janet Zappala: Teamwork, we see this in the story of Guabo as he helps the other animals understand this because Someone who doesn’t look like them, or who seems unfriendly or unlikable, may have more study. Maybe it’s because they are shy and uncomfortable. They find success by uniting other animals to support other animals in need. Clay finally comes out of his shell and is happy in his new home and his new friends. The same applies to children. As they engage in conversations, share experiences, and support each other, they learn to be considerate and respectful of others. By recognizing teachable moments, adults can help young people develop important skills and qualities that will contribute to their personal growth, social development, and overall well-being.
Megan Ford: What is your family’s favorite activity to bond and spend time together?
Ms. Janet Zappala: As a family, we love good food! I think it’s safe to say that we live to eat, not the other way around. My mom loved cooking and entertaining and now I do too. We are a very outdoorsy, active group. This is probably why we like to eat, we need energy!
Megan Ford: What’s yours Emmy Award Winners As a parent and grandmother, what does your career mean to you, to prove that dreams can come true through kindness?
Ms. Janet Zappala: After working in television news for so many years, I know that dreams can come true. Ever since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to be a journalist. I have always been a curious child… “Why is the sun so hot?” How do airplanes fly? “Why do I have to go to school?” So the career I chose to pursue made sense because so much of what we do is asking questions. I never set out to win awards as a reporter and anchor, but when they do, it’s validation to me that people appreciate and enjoy my work. And the Emmy statue is beautiful!
But I have to say that writing for children gives me a different kind of happiness. I love sharing Guabo’s story with them and seeing the wonder in their eyes as they learn about him and his animal friends. Their cognitive abilities improve, helping them think and understand, stimulating their imagination, and improving their language skills. Now, as a new nonna (Italian for grandmother). I can read to my 8-month-old granddaughter and build a stronger bond with her. I want to be her role model and show her what you can do when you are passionate, work hard and follow through.
read melon story, Children are also taught about animal rescue and giving back. A portion of proceeds from Guabo Heart of the Giant and Guabo Rescue will support rescue efforts in California and Arizona.
Megan Ford: What are your future aspirations? handsome A series that teaches extra life lessons?
Ms. Janet Zappala: If I could realize another dream, it would be for Guabo to become a legendary figure in the global media! He is great in every way. He has one of the biggest hearts in the world because he is so kind and a gentle giant. He was a towering figure who was respected by all who knew him. Not just because of his size, but because he is a special role model for kids everywhere. Same for adults!
Janet Zappala currently offers children’s books titled Guabo’s Giant Heart: The True Story of a Growing Calf and Guabo’s Story: Guabo’s Great Rescue: Clay Finds His Forever Home. Both books are published by Mascot Kids, an imprint of Mascot Books, and are available on Amazon and Barnes and Nobles.
The book series has been critically acclaimed. Guabo’s Giant Heart: The True Story of a Growing Calf Winner of the 2022 Moonlight Children’s Book Silver Award and the 2022 Story Monster Recognized Picture Book Award. Furthermore, this year, 2024, Guabo’s Story: Guabo’s Great Rescue: Clay Finds His Forever Home is a recipient 2024 Family Choice Awards.
Ms. Zappala, thank you for sharing your journey creating these children’s books and reflecting on your career social life magazine.
So while the kids are home for the summer, enjoy this children’s book not only as an opportunity to spend time with your family, but also to teach the concepts of kindness and inclusion to all children.
Amazon association for The huge heart of Guabo: The true story of a growing calf
Amazon association for Guabo’s Story: Guabo’s Great Rescue: Clay Finds His Forever Home
Barnes & Noble association for The huge heart of Guabo: The true story of a growing calf
Barnes & Noble association for Guabo’s Story: Guabo’s Great Rescue: Clay Finds His Forever Home
Ms. Janet Zappala’s Instagram contour
Ms. Janet Zappala’s professional website
