Local Authors Reading Challenge: Lauren Bailey of Finding Me Beneath the Kapok Tree

Lauren Bailey, author of Finding Me Beneath the Kapok Tree.

Lauren Bailey, an artist and first time author from Birmingham, has answered the Birmingham Public Library Local Authors Reading Challenge.

Bailey, a participant of the 2018 BPL Local Authors Expo, is the author of "Finding Me Beneath The Kapok Tree." This heartwarming children's book chronicles the journey of a baby elephant who searches for an identity all his own.

Click on the link of Bailey reading her book here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zID--hVFeik&t=4s 

In a Q&A with BPL’s PR Department, Bailey shared what inspired her to write the book, which the talented artist illustrated herself.

BPL: What is “Finding Me Under the Kapok Tree” about? 

Bailey: Finding Me Beneath The Kapok Tree is a heartwarming children's book that chronicles the journey of a baby elephant who searches for an identity all his own. Through his journey of self-discovery he learns that everything he needs has been inside of him all along.

This beautifully illustrated book is not only educational with fun facts about each character, and can be paired with a lesson plan that meets National Standards for the classroom. It is also, a timeless treasure for those who remain children at heart.

BPL: What inspired you to write the book? 

Bailey: I was inspired to write this book to be a gift for a friend who was pregnant with her first child. I am an artist and a writer and it just made sense to create something she and her family could treasure for a lifetime. I wanted to create something entertaining, educational, and inspirational.

My goal was to excite her child about nature and wildlife while stringing a subtle life lesson of allowing your heart to be your guide throughout its pages. It's my belief that children are our future and I want to be the person I needed when I was a child so I pulled this book from my imagination and thought it would be good to share with as many children as possible. Thus the book was born.

BPL: What advice can you offer to others thinking about writing a book?

Bailey: I would advise upcoming authors to give yourselves grace. If you are passionate about something it will come in it's own time. It took me three years to write, illustrate, and self publish my book. Admittedly, the self publishing part took the longest because I had to teach myself at each stage of its development.

I wasted too much energy stressing about a timeline. Looking back, I wish I had enjoyed the journey more, rather than trying to race to the finish line.

BPL: What is the main message from Finding Me Beneath the Kapok Tree? 

Bailey: The message is meant to encourage children to follow their hearts and they will always end up where they are meant to be. We are all unique and have something special to contribute to this world. This book is a celebration of the self as well as celebrating the differences of our peers in all of our failures and successes.

 BPL:  I know you have read “Finding Me Beneath the Kapok Tree” to your 18-month-old son. What has his reaction been? 

Bailey: Yes, I have read my book to my son. At 18 months, he seems more interested in the illustrations, but he loves when I make sound effects for the characters. Particularly when I mimic the buzzing of the bee. When we get to that page he always points to the bee, tries to "buzz", and laughs.

I think that each child who has read this story can take away something special at each stage of their development. I have even had parents suggest that it would be great for high school aged persons getting ready college, simply because the message is so timeless.

BPL: What lessons do you hope readers learn after reading the book? 

Bailey: I hope that readers embrace the idea that it is okay to feel lost in life sometimes and to not know who you are or where you're going. Simply follow your heart and allow it to guide you through this journey called life.

It is okay to try and to fail because overcoming obstacles builds character. Lastly, celebrating our differences is important because our differences are what make us unique and we all contribute to the greater good in our own unique ways.

About the Author:  Lauren Bailey is a multidimensional artist from Birmingham, Ala. She is passionate about educating and inspiring others through creative expression, by way of her children's book and original art. She is also immensely passionate about maintaining and preserving the integrity of this planet's natural resources and the life it supports. Her passions led her to create her small business, Rebearth Publications from which she annually donates a portion of the profit from all of her works to an environmental or wildlife organization who shares her passion for education and preservation. Bailey is graduated from Auburn University with a degree in art and a minor in Mandarin Chinese. To learn more about Lauren and her work,  visit: www.rebearthpublications.com

Name of Book: Finding Me Beneath The Kapok Tree, published in 2018.

Author's Expo Participation: Bailey participated in the 2018 Local Authors Expo. Read more about her at this link: https://bplolinenews.blogspot.com/2018/08/meet-lauren-bailey-author-and.html