Should Every Children’s Book Have a Happy Ending?

When I was a little girl, I grew up on the classic children’s books from countries around the world. Translated into Ukrainian or Russian, these books hardly had any illustrations, or they were hidden in the middle or back of the book. Most of them were black and white, leaving my imagination to fill in the details. Books like that left me yearning for more. I tried to re-create the characters on paper, coloring them with my old pencils. They may not have looked the way I wanted, but their images stuck in my mind for months. They fed my hungry imagination from the time I opened my eyes, making me reread the book many times.

Not all the books I read as a child had a happy ending. They were written in different times and countries, reflecting the reality of the Old World and the culture of the countries they were from. Sometimes the stories were too cruel and sad for my tender years, making me sob in the closet. I disliked it when my favorite hero or heroine died or didn’t turn out the way I had expected. After I stopped sobbing, I sat in my hiding spot and thought about what went wrong with my heroes. Why had they made mistakes that caused them to be killed? Why didn’t the prince kill the dragon or marry his princess? Why did the wolf eat the cute goat, which was so kind and happy?

Thinking about the story I just read, I had more “whys” than answers. That is when I learned to analyze the characters’ behaviors, actions toward others, and missteps they made throughout the story. Scrutinizing facts, I found the answers, which made me feel better. To my surprise, my heroes and heroines weren’t always as positive as I thought at first. I understood they finished badly because they did not learn from their mistakes. Sometimes I did not find anything wrong with the characters, and I felt angry that the sneaky fox had eaten the adorable chicken I had fallen in love with. But that is how life worked on our farm, in our village, and in the world I knew. I accepted my loss with tears in my eyes and moved on to the next book. 

Did I really yearn for the bad dragon to turn into the good kitten and start twirling around the princess’ legs? Not really. I wanted the dragon to be a dragon—powerful, bad, and scary—so I could compare it to the good prince and powerless princes. I wanted to understand the difference between life and death, good and evil, power and powerlessness, kindness and selfishness. I wanted to read between the lines and make my own statement about the story and characters. I am sure millions of children who grew up on those types of books did the same. Did we all turn out to be bad or outcasts because we read books that did not have happy endings? I am sure those books did not make us killers, robbers, or dreadful human beings. But then it was a different time and country.

Times and books have changed dramatically since I was a child. Books with unhappy endings are no longer popular. Now critics and most readers favor books with happy endings. They think that this type of book is good and right for children. And they are, but these books are not the only books that show good examples and teach useful lessons. Today children’s books are heavily illustrated and the words have shrunk almost to nothing. Are we robbing our children of their imagination? Why are we afraid to write books close to reality? God forbid that the story should make a child upset or cry.

I do not remember the name of the book, but I remember a story I read to my daughter when she was four. It was about a dog left behind by his owner, who could not take him to Siberia, where he had been relocated for his job. Missing his owner, the dog broke free. Looking for his owner, he covered thousands of dangerous miles in bitter weather, sleeping in the snow, fighting wolves and bears, getting caught in traps and escaping bad people. Many months later, he finally arrived at his destination, but sadly, the owner had gone to the train station to return to his hometown to bring his dog to his new place. The train was picking up speed when the dog, scenting his owner, whirled around the corner, to see the disappearing train with his owner peering through the window in the other direction, not realizing that his dog was chasing the train.

I was screaming, “Stop that train! Turn your head, jerk! The dog is here!” But my little girl had a different opinion. “It’s not the owner’s fault, Mommy. He didn’t know the dog was looking for him,” she said, sobbing. I was stunned at such wisdom. She did not see the negative side of the ending as I did; she saw the misfortune of reality. Yes, the story had a very sad ending and we both cried, but it gave us a great opportunity to discuss many things about loyalty, love, compassion, bravery, bad and good choices, and why not every story has a happy ending.

My daughter is 33 years old now, and we still cry when we talk about this story. I will always remember my little girl’s summary of this book: “Sometimes things happen because that is how things are.” This book probably taught her more than a dozen books with happy endings. It taught her to look differently on our world and younger friends, the animals. Since we read that book, she has wanted to take home every stray cat and dog. Some of them we did…

Critics often criticize children’s books that do not have happy endings. Good Morning, World!, my award-winning book, falls into this category. It almost landed me on the “Grandpa’s Hit List” because I made the character of the grandpa slightly grumpy and negative. This story takes the reader to the park, where Grandpa and his little grandson are taking a walk one fine morning. The day was hot, and Grandpa did not enjoy the outdoors as much as Baby Thomas did. Every little thing that amused Baby Thomas bothered grouchy Grandpa. Obviously, Grandpa woke up on the wrong side of the bed that morning. However, his little grandson had a wonderful time, while collecting “good mornings,” meeting people, animals, birds, and other creatures in the park.

Baby Thomas looked at the world through the eyes of an innocent child. Beautiful examples to all of us: Open your eyes and celebrate each moment! The world has so much to offer; we just must look for it as children do. Grandpa, on the other hand, did not share the baby’s happy attitude. He did not like the hot sun baking him like a cupcake. His negative disposition robbed him of the fun his grandson enjoyed so much. Sometimes we grown-ups fail to see the beauty this world has to offer. Often, I am as guilty as Grandpa.

Recently I submitted GoodMorning, World! for the 22nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards. I am perfectly okay that this book did not win an award. I am sure there are many great books that deserved this award. What I am not okay with is the judge’s statement about Grandpa’s character.  Why must Grandpa awake to the fact that he is missing the beautiful world around him? I purposely left this part for the children to discover. I want them to see what Grandpa is missing by being grumpy and unhappy. I want them to have a healthy conversation about their choices and behavior.

Judge’s commentary:

Good Morning, World! is an optimistic look at the world through the eyes of a toddler. The author has created a whimsical story full of positivity and humor that parents will no doubt appreciate. The illustrations are WONDERFUL and greatly support and contribute to the sense of beauty throughout the story. The ending is particularly rewarding as the reader experiences all the main character’s joy at once, all the “Good mornings” he picked up during his walk.

The repetition in the story is great, as is the contrast between Grandpa and Baby Thomas. That said, the reader is left wanting to see some character development/transformation in the Grandpa’s character. As scene-by-scene transpires, you can’t help but think that Grandpa’s eyes are opening to what he’s missing, especially when he sees himself reflected in the strolling mother-on-a-cellphone. But his eyes never do open, leaving the story feeling as though it stopped short.

Nonetheless, children will enjoy this title and LOVE the accompanying pictures. The author should be proud of this title!

I strongly disagree with this judgment. Grandpa experienced everything Baby Thomas did, but he chose not to see what his grandson was seeing. I am sure at one time he enjoyed this world as much as his grandson did. If he changes his mood and starts screaming “Good Morning” to everyone and everything he passes, will kids learn a greater lesson than if he complains about everything he sees? What is left to the child’s imagination and discussion if we chew every word for them? Recklessly, Grandpa already punished himself for missing all the fun that Baby Thomas had.

I am glad Good Morning, World! touches critics’ and readers’ nerves. I love mixed reviews. They prove that we need these types of books. We are often afraid to teach children real things. We want them to see the world through rose-colored glasses. But reality is not always rosy. I think we should be more honest with children about the real world, so they can be more prepared to face it one day. Children are like sponges, and of course, children’s writers must be very careful with their words. Like my kids and me, children will learn how to benefit from both types of books.

Readers have different tastes and views about the books they read. Writing this book, I wanted to show a different side of human nature. Busy with many things, we grown-ups often forget how to see the world through the eyes of a child. The character of Grandpa was exaggerated for a reason. The key message of this book is simple: each of us has a choice, whether to wake up happy or dismal. I also wanted to show children how two people seeing the same things can draw totally different conclusions. And, of course, I wanted children to have fun with the Grandpa character, which will show them how they may appear to others when they are grumpy.

Good Morning, World! is a book for children and parents who like to have a good discussion. This book is meant to spark a conversation about the attitudes we have and the choices we make. I hope that Good Morning, World! will remind people about the beautiful world outside and that we should let our children interact with nature more often.

PS. GoodMorning, World! was my observation of people and nature during my morning walks in the park. As a children’s writer, I try to create books that will mold the minds of children, forcing their brains to read between the lines, which they must do throughout their lives.

www.mrsdbooks.net 

Good Morning, World! is a two time award-winning children's book 

Thank you very much for reading my post! 
Best wishes…
Mrs. D. 

Life Lessons Lovingly Presented; Mrs. D. Releases New Book ‘Runaway Clothes’

Life Lessons Lovingly Presented; Mrs. D. Releases New Book ‘Runaway Clothes’

Imagine what might happen if someone forgot to hang up her clothes or put away her toys. That’s just what happens in this new children’s book released by Dog Ear Publishing.

• 

Dog Ear Publishing releases “Runaway Clothes” by Mrs. D.

A new illustrated children’s book explores what might happen if a little girl’s clothes become tired of being treated poorly.

GALLOWAY, N.J. –

(PRWEB) June 26, 2014 -- Do you have a young lady in your home who is a less than perfect housekeeper? This new book might be just what the doctor ordered. Taking care of things properly is important or they just might go on strike. A new illustrated children’s book explores what might happen if a little girl’s clothes grow tired of being treated poorly. When Nika wakes up one morning and opens her closet, all her clothes have disappeared, leaving behind only hangers. She can’t even change out of her pajamas because all her dresses, shirts, pants and even socks have disappeared. Even the hangers decide to leave.

In “Runaway Clothes,” Nika learns that she should take care of her clothes because they are tired of being flung in heaps in her closet. Soon she begins to fear that her toys will leave, too, so she takes steps to make them feel cherished. As the day wears on, the clothes realize that Nika has learned a lesson, and even the hangers realize home is where they need to be. Colorful cartoon images by Chanoa, a freelance illustrator who works on children’s books and anime, add a whimsical note to this story, which offers a gentle lesson about the importance of taking care of things.

Author Mrs. D., Olga D’Agostino, is an award-winning children’s author. Two of her children’s books, “The Trees Have Hearts” and “Good Morning, World,” won Mom’s Choice Awards in 2013. Mrs. D. was born and raised in western Ukraine and studied at the Lviv Business College, working in the food industry. She and her two daughters, Viktoriya and Veronika, came to the United States in 1992 and she ran her own business. The author, a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, lives in Smithville, N.J., with her husband Patrick. She has published six children’s books and a short story for adult readers. She is working on several new books for children and adults, including more adventures in the Carlo the Mouse series and her new books “The Royal Palm,” “Who Is Most Important in the Fridge,” “That Is How Things Are,” “The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet” and “A Taste of Bread.”

For additional information, please visit http://www.mrsdbooks.net.

Runaway Clothes
Mrs. D
Dog Ear Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-4575-2719-7        44 pages        $21.99 US

Available at Ingram, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and fine bookstores everywhere.

About Dog Ear Publishing, LLC
Dog Ear Publishing offers completely customized self-publishing services for independent authors. We provide cost-effective, fast, and highly profitable services to publish and distribute independently published books. Our book publishing and distribution services reach worldwide. Dog Ear authors retain all rights and complete creative control throughout the entire self-publishing process. Self-publishing services are available globally athttp://www.dogearpublishing.net 
and from our offices in Indianapolis.
Dog Ear Publishing – self-publishing that actually makes sense.

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An Interview With Author Olga D’Agostino: Everything In Life Can Be Chronicled.

Originally published in Novel Ideas  by Nick Wale

Olga D’Agostino (or MRS. D. as you may know her) is a bestselling author of children’s books and short stories. Her books are enjoyed by children the world over, and she has just released her first short story entitled, “The Little Girl Praying on the Hill.” Her bestselling children’s book, “The Trees Have Hearts,” will be on sale over the next week! You will be able to get a copy of this wonderful E-book for 99 cents. If you, like me, enjoy great books, you will want to get a copy of this one.

An Interview With Children’s Author Olga D’Agostino

Q) Good morning, Olga!

Good morning!

Q) How do you find “inspiration” for your stories and, for those who can’t find it, where does it live?

Inspiration lives everywhere: in everyday life, nature, people, animals, books, art, and the past. I am older now, and I have a storehouse of memories. Sometimes it is hard to go back in time and recall everything, but once I’ve pushed my “refresh button,” there is no way out. My inspiration tortures me until I convert my memories into a story.

Q) What really inspires you as a writer?

Countless little things can inspire a writer to write a great story. Inspiration is a fantastic feeling, and a good writer knows how to bring it to readers. I think life experiences provide the most interesting inspirations. The older I get, the more things inspire me. I was always a nature worshiper. I absolutely adore the beauty and power of the natural world. I love to observe it in action: wild, unleashed, destroying or healing, soothing or comforting. Nature is an amazing muse for any writer!

I also look around me. I watch people, recall events, dig into my past, reread books, think of interesting facts, and the most significant events I have lived through. I try to find inspiration in answers which did not make sense when I was younger, or attempt to discover it in things which are foreign to me. I strive to imagine how these elements will fit my story, how they will connect to the reader, how they will mix with the modern world, and how they will interact with my memories, which are still inspiring me to this very day. My memories feed my imagination the most.

Q) How interesting! So when did you first consider yourself to be a writer?

I do not consider myself a professional writer. I would rather call myself an inspiring storyteller. I write spontaneously. I like to catch moments, small chapters from life. I feel more productive when I write from the heart, when I do not have to think about a deadline or how many people will like or dislike my book, or whether it will be a bestseller or just collect dust on a shelf. I write because writing has been a part of me for so long that I feel as if we have become inseparable friends who cannot live without each other.

Q) What makes a great cover for an “inspired storyteller”?

A cover that grabs a reader from the first glance and sparks an interest in a book. A cover that represents the story, intrigues, and captures one’s interest. A cover that stands out from the crowd, unique and different. A cover that makes the reader stop and buy a book. With this said, the artwork on the cover should never overpower the story. It should be simple but attractive. It should lure the potential reader into holding the book, and make them want to know more about the story. My advice: hire a professional. A writer is not the same as a designer.

Q) But as a writer, you are creative, even if you aren’t a designer. Where do those concepts come from?

As a children’s writer,I love beautifully illustrated books. It is easier for me because I work with the illustrator from the very beginning. First we complete the artwork and then we choose the cover from the illustrations we have created. If we do not find one that fits the story the best, then we create a new illustration, which brings the book to life. The cover should speak to the reader. It should be a sneak peek inside the story. It should guide readers to the story before they flip through the pages.

I know I have achieved my vision for my children’s books through the art of a very talented illustrator, Chanoa, who has illustrated most of my books.Her amazing covers are full of color and fun. In print, her artwork looks fantastic, vivid and gentle, amusing and pleasant to the eye. Chanoa’s talent is apparent in each stroke of her pen. She likes to create adorable, mischievous characters in light pastel colors. She is an extremely ambitious, creative, and talented young artist, who always impresses readers with her ​​beautiful and unusual artwork. She is also excellent when she works in the realistic style. Experienced with both dark and light colors, Chanoa continues to work on my series of books on Carlo the Mouse and a few other books. She also created the sweet cover for my new book, The Little Girl Praying on the Hill, my first short story for adults.

Q) How many times have you started a story without finishing?

I have a few unfinished books that desperately need my attention. I am not worried about their future, because I know where I want to take the reader. Sometimes the story comes to my mind and I put it on paper, then something else distracts me or I lose my focus, or just have no time to work on the new story. Paper does not ask for food. So I let it sit on my desk until I get around to it.

Q) Who is the most inspiring individual you’ve ever met?

My mother, a simple peasant woman, who did not have the chance to become who she deserved to be. A woman who has great compassion for people and a huge hunger for knowledge. A woman who sacrificed herself for others. A woman who pushed herself to the limit so her children could live their dreams. A mother who was always there when we needed her. I only wish I were half as great as my mother.

Q) How did you find your writing style?

I think the style found me. By nature, I am a romantic soul, who is drawn toward romances and nonfiction novels. When I write for children, I mix two styles: realistic fiction with modern fantasies. Usually, I twist true events with unrealistic characters, which teach children to conquer problems, build self-esteem, and overcome challenges.

Q) Can you define success?

I am happy where I am now. I like my privacy, and for that reason, I do not want to be famous. I write books because I want children to develop a taste for reading, learn life’s lessons, and just have fun while learning something. I also want to spark discussions between children and parents. I want children to shower their parents, grandparents, and teachers with questions about important things and everything they find interesting in my books. I want them to grow into readers for life.

Q) So, for you, what is a writer’s heaven?

Library, bookstore, thrift stores, nature, a small old town, an escape into the centuries of ancient streets, a cozy hideaway with tiny coffee shops, sipping a freshly brewed espresso and watching people walking by, sitting with a notebook on the steps of the old church and watching the world passing in front of one’s eyes. Maybe the empty beach,a great place to unwind and work under the music of waves. The majestic mountains would put any writer into the mood. It is an amazing feeling to be in touch with nature, listening to the whispering wind as it spreads the aroma of wildflowers. It certainly stimulates the senses and helps one to write good stories. There are many tiny havens for any writer.

Q) Can you tell me what your new book “The Little Girl Praying on the Hill” is about in ten words?

“The Little Girl Praying on the Hill” is a story of hope, strength, deep emotions, and determination to find a way to survive in a world that is so beautiful and yet so sad.

Q) How often have you read another writer’s book and said, “I can do better than that” to yourself?

I do not judge other authors for their work. If I do not like a book, I do not waste my time reading it. Each reader has different taste and needs. What is good for one reader may not be a perfect read for another. Sometimes a great book comes to the wrong readers and is slapped with an awful review because it happens to fall into the wrong hands—maybe a pessimist who is frustrated with life or has other issues, or one who does not appreciate or understand a certain writing style. I do not write bad reviews. I always remember how much time, effort, and money it takes to publish one small book. If I like a book, I will definitely let the author know how much I enjoyed his or her work.

Q) Do you have any advice for newbie writers?

Everything in life can be chronicled. You just have to have the guts to do it. A writer’s worst enemy is self-doubt. I strongly believe that the best stories live inside each of us. Look around and write! Let your imagination see the world! Make your story uniquely yours. Write what you know, write what you feel, write what you love, write because you want to.

When you are ready to publish your book, do your homework and make sure your book is professionally edited. Create a professional-looking book, one which will not get lost among the millions of poorly published books. Make your book one that you would want to buy for yourself or for your child. If you are a children’s writer, forget your age and envision your book as children would. Get involved in each illustration. Nobody knows and feels your book better than you do.

Writing is the easy task; publishing and marketing is a business. These days, an author must also be a smart businessperson. To be a self-publishing author, you will have to learn every aspect of publishing. Lastly, when you publish your book, you will wish that a day had 48 hours, because there will be no time left for writing. Writers today must be very business-oriented and be devoted to social media to promote their books. So do not quit your day job yet. Wait until you become famous. Don’t give up! If you really believe you have something to say to the world, SAY IT!

Q) Do you find time to write every day?

I do not write just to write. I do not write to create a few thousand words each day. I write when I feel, when emotions slowly transform themselves into words and then quickly overload my mind, forming sentences and paragraphs, until I let them out. I write when I am in a happy, sad, angry, or melancholy mood, or just have something to share with the reader. For me, writing is rewarding, almost therapeutic. It consumes all my bad energy, making me feel alive and vibrant. It is as if I escape to a beautiful oasis, where I can reconnect with my soul.

Q) Do you go through a lot of drafts?

Because I am perfectionist, I review my drafts many times. Usually, my first instinct is always on target. I may feed it a little bit with extra words or change some sentences or paragraphs, but I try to stick to the original version as much as possible.

Q) To what extent is your fiction autobiographical?

My new story,The Little Girl Praying on the Hill, has many emotional ties to my early childhood. It is based on memories of my life in the Soviet Union in the early 1960s.

Q) How do you know when a chapter is “just” right?

I rewrite my chapter until it flows smoothly and reads effortlessly. When I finish one chapter, I let it sit for a while. Usually, I work on another project to distract myself from the story. When I feel it’s time to go back, I read the chapter again, and if it reads easily, then I have it right. If not, then I rewrite it again. Sometimes, I let my friend (a fellow author) or my husband read it. He is very critical and honest. Writing can be stubborn and cause many sleepless nights.

Q) How do you like to write? By the pool? On the bed? In the car? What’s your heavenly writing situation?

I think about stories in the most unusual places, but I write them in my sunroom where I have set up my writing table and where I feel most comfortable. I only share this room with my cat, who is very protective of my old computer.

Q) Do you feel supported as a writer?

I am blessed with my friends and family, who are very supportive of my writing, especially my husband, Patrick, who loves literature and appreciates good books. He was the one who discovered my writing and pushed me to publish my stories. He is not only my biggest financial donor but he also contributes a lot of his free time to help me improve my English and organize all my book events.

Since I wrote my first story, my two daughters, Viktoriya and Veronika, have also become a huge part of my journey. They are very devoted to my work and attend every event and book signing. Some of the local businesses are supportive, too. They’ve organized a few memorable book signings and author’s days for me. They’ve also invited me for book festivals, book readings, and events in schools and libraries. Sadly, the big local bookstores in my area do not support self-publishing authors.

Q) How do you think your new book will be received by readers?

I think The Little Girl Praying on the Hill will be received well. It has a deepness, which makes readers think. I hope it will plunge them into the life of the young child and make them think about their purpose on this earth. Through the eyes of the child, they will see two different worlds: sad reality and beautiful imagination. I believe stories like this could help growing generations better understand life and the human spirit, and help them value what they have. It may change their views about the disadvantaged and the forgotten.

MEET THE BOOK! 

The Little Girl Praying on the Hill:Heartfelt Review by Kitty Muse and Me

The Little Girl Praying on the Hill

Available in print and as ebook on AMAZON and B&N 

Originally published in Kitty Muse and Me

Heartfelt Review of The Little Girl Praying on the Hill

She spent a lot of time alone, or so it seemed to the people in the village below.  Every day, she would take the sheep up to the top of the hill, where she would spend hours. In her mind, though, she was not alone.  She spent hours with her friends–the princess in her glorious cloud castle, and the mercurial companion, the wind, who sometimes teased, sometimes tormented her. 

 Life was good– –until her daydream was interrupted by a furious someone who angrily reminded her about forgotten chores. Back to the sad reality–a life in the mud, surrounded by poverty and hopelessness.  There was little room for sadness; when her younger sister died, her own dress was taken for the burial.  The little girl mourned only for the dress that had been taken away from her.  There were no tears for the sister. In a world where despair reigns supreme, a child’s mind turns to prayer.  But when the help isn’t immediate, faith must carry her through the difficulties of an “unfair” life.  

 I have read several of Ms. D’Agostino’s books, and this has to be, by far, my favorite.  None of the whimsy and cuteness of her previous books are in this offering.  However, her light-handed way of writing turns what could be a dark and depressing time in her  childhood into something magical.  The little girl, obviously the author, has a gift for daydreaming; which naturally led her, as an adult, to her gifted ability to tell a tale like this.  The reader can’t help but be absorbed into the story.  With prose such as:

 “My wind was a mysterious friend. He was a most virtuous player. I loved watching him play with the green grass that grew near the forest. He played his music with a gentle whisper, taking my breath away. When he hit a higher note and touched his invisible strings with his tender stroke, the green grass strained like arrows, making the most wonderful sound that rang in my ears the entire day.”, how can one not be captivated?  Such descriptions!  No wonder Ms. D’Agostino is an award-winner. Nice work, Olga

Book Trailer 

www.mrsdbooks.net 

 Courtesy of   Kitty Muse and Me

About  Kathy Ree

Author of paranormal / horror novel "Be Not Afraid" Currently prepping prequel ("Unholy Trinity") and sequel ("Resurgence: The Rise of Judas") for publishing. The first is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Powells - hardback, softcover, and e-book.

Be Not Afraid 

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