When you hear the words “fame and fortune” what comes to mind? And on that note, what do you want your kids to think about being famous? We recently caught up with children’s author Bracha Goetz to talk about her new book “I want to be famous” and other toddler books.
She admits that it was inspired by her own awe with fame when she was younger – until she discovered that it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.
Now, she wants all kids to find that inner spotlight and discover what brings them joy.
Here’s what else she had to say:
Tell us a little bit about your book:
I Want to Be Famous is the story of a boy who wants to be famous – like most children want to be! Well, he gets his wish – in a way that anyone could nowadays – but learns that it brings fleeting happiness. In the end, he discovers what brings lasting joy.
(Click here to buy it in Canada)
What led you to become an author?
I write the kind of children’s books that I most wanted to read as a child. What kind of books? All 38 of my children’s books aim to make life’s deepest concepts clear in a joyful way!
What inspired you to write this book?
I wanted to be famous when I was younger too. It looked like a great thing to be. I’m grateful that I was able to learn, partially through meeting many famous people when I was an undergraduate at Harvard, that being famous isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I wanted to share this vital knowledge with children so they could absorb it early on – as they are bombarded with so many messages that glorify fame.
What was your favorite part of writing?
I have a blast when I’m writing a picture book. In this book, I really let my imagination soar, and I encourage other writers to enjoy the process as well so that they can have a playful attitude when writing. That’s when ideas flow best.
What do you hope will be the main takeaway for kids and parents?
Through this book, children are discovering that they can shine their inner spotlight. And they are learning that they can be less dependent on external validation in order to experience joy each day!
Is there a part in the book that everyone seems to love?
Both children and parents love the uniquely whimsical way in which the book shows how to shine the spotlight within for a lifetime of joy.
What kind of reactions have you received?
Readers are enjoying getting the book’s message in a funny and delightful way – which is exactly what I had hoped!
Is there a message you want all kids to know?
Yes, I Want to Be Famous helps children to shine from the inside out.
What’s next for you? (Any other toddler books?)
There is a picture book about honesty and a board book about water safety that are due to be released sometime soon. I’m grateful that the joy I experience writing my books, manages to go straight into the readers!
Thank you, Bracha Goetz for teaching kids to find their inner spotlight. Click here to buy or to learn more about “I want to be famous” (or here if you’re in Canada)
To see more of her toddler books, please visit her author page.
Other books by Bracha Goetz: (She has over 38!)