I am so excited for my long-time friend, Jessica Slating! She just published a children’s book called “Shellica’s Mermaid Adventure”. I interviewed Jessica and you can read more below.
What is your book about?
Shellica’s Mermaid Adventure is a story of a girl who loves to swim and mother tells her to get out of the pool or she will turn into a fish….but she doesn’t listen and turns into a mermaid! The book tells of Shellica’s adventure; how at first she loves being a mermaid, then realizes she just wants to be herself again and how she gets help.
Are there any lessons to learn in the book?
Yes! First, always listen to your mom! Also, just be happy being who you are!
What is your favorite part in the book?
When she discovers she is a mermaid and jumps out of the water with so much excitement.
Have you always wanted to be a children’s author?
I have always enjoyed making up stories. My sisters and I would create plays when we were little and act them out. I remember one play was about two sister that got shipwrecked and lost each other and then reunited at the end. I actually wanted to be a ballerina when I was a little girl.
Where did you get the idea for the book?
When I was little, my mom actually told me many times, “Get out of the pool/ bath or you will turn into a fish!” I have always liked mermaids since I was a little girl and thought it would be a cute story to tell what would happen to a little girl when she doesn’t listen to her mother’s warning.
Are you working on any other books at the time and what kinds of books do you like to write?
Yes, a couple more books about Shellica and her different adventures and also a story about a magical train. I really like writing stories that are whimsical, magical, funny and have good lessons to learn.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love to paint, sew and sing. I paint abstract acrylic paintings on canvas. I love making crafts and sewing; just started making mermaid tail blankets with matching ones for children’s dolls or stuffed animals. I used to sing Italian opera at an Italian restaurant but now I just sing to my kids at bed time.
What kind of things inspire you to write?
Watching my kids play, I love how my sons create stories and do pretend play. I get ideas from their play and so many things that they say. Also, I remember things that I liked when I was a little girl and write books that I would have enjoyed when I was little.
What was your favorite book when you were a little girl?
Corduroy, I love the part at the end where she brings him home.
What do you do when you’re not writing books?
I have two young sons, 2 and 4 years old that keep me really busy! I have been working as a preschool teacher for the last 10 years. I love to spend time with my sons, friends and family.
Do you have any book events or signings coming up?
I been invited to the local (Novi, Michigan) library Author’s Night event in April. It’s an event that will have questions/ answers for children’s authors and we will be selling and signing our books too. I will also be doing a book signing at the local Hallmark store in my area soon.
Where can we buy Shellica’s Mermaid Adventure?
Barnes & Noble (online or order it at the store)
local Hallmark in the Novi, Michigan area
