#BabyLove: My Toddler Life is the second book in Corine’s #BabyLove Book Series. The first book in the series, #BabyLove: My Social Life, won the Next Generation Indie Book Award for Picture Books 0-5.
In #BabyLove: My Toddler Life, a curious toddler loves to play… especially with his mommy’s smartphone!
When Mommy finds him using her phone without permission, it’s the perfect teaching moment. Mommy reminds her little one that what matters most in life is time together filled with love and attention.
Her simple reminder: Put down our phones. Read her interview below.
How long have you been writing?
Since I could hold a crayon and learned how to write, I have been drawing and writing. My first children’s picture book, Can We Play Again? was published four years ago.
What is your most recent literary/artistic project?
My most recent book, #BabyLove: My Toddler Life, was released on September 20, 2016. It was the second book in the #BabyLove book series. #BabyLove: My Social Life was the first book in the series.
What inspires you to write?
Everyday life inspires my writing and illustrations.
The idea for my most recent work #BabyLove: My Toddler Life came from a trip while visiting my family in Cleveland. During our visit, my nieces got a hold of my iPhone. Unbeknownst to me they had memorized my passcode. When I found my phone it had hundreds of selfies and videos of the girls.
The pictures were of their eyes, ears, hair, and occasionally an entirely blurred face. On one hand, I was upset because they took my phone without permission. But on the other hand, their photos were so funny that they made me laugh.
I tried to capture the mixed emotions of the situation in the book.
The overall theme of the book is how technology introduces a complicated aspect to parenting. Right now, I find myself fumbling through it, trying to put safety first as my toddler continues to becomes more interested in phones and technology.
The simple reminder of the book is sometimes we need to just put down our phones and play.
Who’s your favorite author and why?
There are so many great children’s book authors. I find that I don’t have a favorite but I do admire the classics such as Eric Carle, Dr. Seuss, Margaret Wise Brown, and Maurice Sendak. I love that their books are timeless and have been around for generations.
I also have some modern-day preferences such as Sandra Boyton, Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin, Dev Petty, and Ame Dyckman. Their books are fun to read over, and over again.
What advice can you give to other authors or writers?
My advice would be keep going, getting feedback, rewriting, and being proud of their final product.
Where can readers go to find out more information about your work?
Readers can go to my website.
Praise:
“This light-hearted reflection on social media habits is a great tool for starting discussions with young children.” – 5 Stars, Foreword Reviews
“#BabyLove: My Toddler Life is a fun and timely picture book for 21st century preschoolers.” – BlueInk Review
“The lyrical way in which the story is told keeps the subject light while reminding the audience (adults and children alike) the importance of play time over screen time.” – Eileen Caulfield
“With simple rhyming phrases and the author’s enticing illustrations, the volume should surely appeal to young readers, who have almost certainly been told not to play with a parent’s phone. But the book works on another level as well: the boy teaches his mother a valuable lesson about mindfulness. After perusing the old photos, she tells her son: “These moments with you, / I love and treasure.” This stirring story reminds busy parents that even though those photos they take show how much they love their children, there’s joy and wonder in leaving the technology behind. This poignant and entertaining tale about a playful toddler aimed at young lap readers works on a much deeper level for parents.” - Kirkus