A local writer wants to encourage children to show kindness to themselves and others through her own lighthearted stories.

Tatiana Christie, a Grand Bahama native, always had a love for storytelling.

As a child, she was amazed by the stories her elder family members told of The Bahamas' history and folklore, which inspired her to start writing her own.

"When I was eight, I was gifted a book called 'Something Big Has Been Here' by Jack Prelutsky," Christie said.

"It's a whopping 160-page book of funny children's poems. I recited the poems, memorized them, and then started making my own. I started doodling at a young age. Any piece of paper I wrote on, there were doodles."

As she grew up, Christie made sure to always immerse herself in the arts.

She attended Sunland Lutheran School - currently known as Sunland Baptist Academy - until the age of 12, then enrolled into Bishop's College School in Canada where she played the clarinet and participated in various school plays.

She went on to attend the University of Toronto to pursue her degree in international relations while taking drama and film production courses. On her off days, she sought out open mics and poetry events to perform her pieces.

Christie also developed a fascination with picture books, describing them as a "fantastic" medium for their ability to teach life lessons through few words and colorful illustrations.

In 2017, she returned to Freeport still pursuing her love for the arts through sketching and her participation at the Regency Theatre.

A self-proclaimed "child at heart", Christie saw her childhood as a source of inspiration.

"Growing up in the 80s and 90s was so much fun," she said. "I lived in Bahamia then, and the neighborhood flourished with kids on bikes. There was adventure waiting to happen everywhere."

Describing her writing process, the author said it begins with creative energy and a curious mind and tapping into her inner child.

"My best ideas come from observing odd details in my surroundings and bits of conversation I listen in on," she said. "That usually develops into a story. Then, I do my best to get that onto paper."

As a mother of two, she noted that her children, Luna and Kingston, keep her inspired as well as remind her of the childhood things she held dear.

"Reading children's books, drawing, watching Disney classic movies, dancing. Nostalgia just kicks into overdrive," she said.

After two years of writing, Christie released her first published work in May 2022 through DartFrog Books, "Penny The Horse...Of Course!", illustrated by Alexandra Rusu.

At 40 years young, she is ecstatic to finally be "a part of the world of storytelling".

The story follows the life of a pig on a horse farm named Penny.

As the only animal of her kind, she becomes lonely and finds herself pretending to be a horse to fit in, but fails miserably.

Saddened, Penny worries she may never become popular with the other animals. However, unknown to her, the horses liked her just as she is. To cheer her up, the horses befriend and tell Penny that her differences make her special.

The picture book author describes the story as an important life lesson cleverly wrapped up in a fun, lighthearted exploration of differences and determination.

"In the end, friendship wins through problem-solving, diversity and companionship," Christie said.

"There is so much power in a simple act of kindness. Be kind to yourself and to others."

She said the book stands as a reminder that "our differences are not weaknesses, but strengths in disguise".

Christie said the book has received positive reception as she's been able to sell her books at various events such as the Rand Nature Center's Festival Noel and Banana Bay's Crafts by the Sea.

"Penny The Horse...Of Course!" has also gained traction online, receiving four and five star reviews.

Christie said there are more books on the way as she plans to venture into illustration and publishing her own coloring books.

She hopes to continue to encourage children to love themselves, to spark their creativity, and to be their best selves.

"I believe stories are gifts we share with the world," Christie said.

"The possibility that a story I've written might touch the life of someone in a positive way, or make a difference, is such an honor. Doing as much of that as possible, that would be the ultimate achievement."

"Penny The Horse...Of Course!" is available for purchase on Amazon.com, Bookshop.org, and BarnesandNoble.com. If you wish to follow Tatiana Christie for updates, follow her at @tatianachristieauthor on Facebook and @tatiananchristie on Instagram. She also sells her books locally at various events and is interested in partnering with stores. Christie may be contacted at tatianachristie@gmail.com.

The post Picture book author aims to empower children appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

The post Picture book author aims to empower children appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian