Angy's Books

Big Emotions Workshop: Andrea Realpe Q&A

As our workshop approaches, we wanted to introduce you to our authors and guest speakers.

Our highlight today is for our workshop co-host, Andrea Realpe of @angys.books. Andrea is an amazing author and illustrator. She will be sharing her book, Pumpkins Finds His Feelings, during our workshop. This cute pumpkin has a lot to teach us about accepting our feelings!

To get to know Andrea, we have compiled a shortlist of questions and responses. Read on in the comments to learn more about Andrea, what she has learned about managing feelings, and more!

******Join the workshop here – Click link or link in bio: (https://m.facebook.com/events/468625028139610?tsid=0.8368226102502481&source=result******

It’s okay to feel scared, angry, sad and happy. It’s better to feel something than nothing at all.
-Andrea Realpe

The Q&A with author and illustrator Andrea Realpe.

1. What experience do you have with kids (i.e., mom, teacher, author)?

I have a four-year-old son. I also have two brothers and a sister who are all much younger than me. I view them as if they are my own.

2. What is one of the most unique ways (other than writing a book) that you have helped kids to work through their emotions?

I find showing them compassion and acknowledging their feelings makes them feel comforted. They feel that they are in a safe space to work through their emotions.

When my little one is having big emotions, I let him know I am there for him whenever he needs a hug. I sit there quietly until he is ready. He usually comes to me for a big hug.

3. Why do you think that method works?

These methods work because being present and showing kids you care is what they want. They want to be heard and loved with warmth and compassion.

4. What is one thing that helps you work through your emotions?

Taking time for myself to do something I enjoy helps me work through big emotions. For example, running with my pup. When I take time for myself I am able to care for my little one better. When I feel emotionally triggered, taking a few slow deep breaths helps me center myself.

5. What do you hope to learn from the workshop?

I’m excited to learn more about Emotional Social Parenting and its impact on the brain. I love psychology so this is right up my alley.

6. You are an author. Can you tell us about your book and your inspiration behind it?

Pumpkin Finds His Feelings is about a pumpkin on a quest to feel again. Despite his stuck-on smile, he cannot feel anything at all. During his mission, he meets friends with different emotions that try to help but he still cannot feel. But finally, when he sees a dear friend crying, his empathy and love for him are immense that he starts to cry too. t’s better to have big feelings than have no feelings at all. My son was the inspiration for this story. My goal is to teach my son to learn to love every emotion including anger, sadness, and fear.

7. Fun question alert! What is your favorite children’s book and/or reading memory? Why is that your favorite?

Purple, Green, and Yellow by Robert Munsch was one of my favorite books in elementary school. I absolutely fell in love with this book as a kid since art was my life. The main character wanted all kinds of cool markers which I wanted too; washable, scented, and never come off until your dead markers.

8. Anything else you would like to share?

I’m excited to learn more at the Big Feelings Workshop so that I can be a better parent to my beautiful curly-haired boy.

Can’t wait to see you on, Saturday, April 2 at 12PM EST. There are raffle prizes and a free gift for all participants. Admission to the is FREE!

******Join the workshop here – Click link or link in bio: (https://m.facebook.com/events/468625028139610?tsid=0.8368226102502481&source=result******

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Big Emotions Workshop: Fun Ways To Helps Kids Manage Emotions

PARENTS/CAREGIVERS:

Join us for the Big Emotions Workshop: Fun Ways to Help Kids Manage Emotions.

Three professionals will join us to discuss helpful strategies to guide children to understand and regulate their big emotions. Dr. Joanette will be discussing Emotional Social Parenting™ (ESP) and its impact on brain development, therapist Lauren Gestes will talk about acknowledging and accepting feelings and emotions and parent coach Kristin Brenner will discuss how to create strong bonds through self-care.

We will also have four authors read picture books that are focused on improving emotional intelligence in children. Joining us will be authors Andrea Realpe, Kristin Gudenkauf, Dr. Joanette, and Kim T.S..

The workshop is free, and every attendee will have access to a free downloadable workshop packet with takeaway info. All attendees will also be entered into a raffle for a chance to win author-signed copies of the books read during the workshop.
The workshop will be held through zoom with a Q&A session where questions can be addressed. The feed will also be streamed through FB Live so you can attend through multiple avenues.

This event is co-hosted by Author Kristin Gudenkauf of Baby Rex Productions and Author and Illustrator Andrea Realpe of Angy’s Books. We are both mothers of little ones experiencing big emotions – theirs, and honestly, our big emotions, too! We are excited to meet and learn right alongside you. See you soon!

Click this link for more details: https://bit.ly/3Izo5aU

Long Hair, Don’t Care

While eating at a diner the waitress asks, ”what will she have today?” His long curly golden locks confuse people. It’s not the first time this has happened, our son gets confused for a girl at least 1-2 times a week. He is not bothered by it because his confidence is high. But what if it did bother him? We go along with it and brush it off with a smile. This is the best option for us. If we make a big deal of it, he will think something is wrong.

It’s okay to have confusion since most males traditionally have short hair. Yet, there have been instances when someone told us to cut his hair. Instead of responding to those remarks. We choose to focus on highlighting the uniqueness of his hair with books that celebrate those beautiful long locks. We build our son’s confidence and respect his decision about when he wants a short haircut.

A way to build kids’ confidence and love for their hair is through books. Our experience inspired me to create a children’s book that celebrates boys’ curly hair. Below is a list of books that will not only help kids build confidence and love for their curly hair but also teaches them diversity.

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I love Being Me by Markita Staples-Green

“This is a self-empowerment journey that both kids and their parents will love. The boys and girls of the Curly Crew admire different parts of their bodies and fully embrace the qualities that make them unique. It’s a book that is both confidence-boosting, and silly enough to keep any child engaged. Parents and children can look forward to a story time full of smiles and laughter.”

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Cody’s Crazy Curls by Andrea Realpe

Cody is a fun and energetic boy who loves his crazy curly hair, even if it means eating chicken hair soup. Join Cody and his crazy curls as he realizes that they are a part of who he is and make him happy.

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Thunder’s Hair by Jessie Taken Alive-Rencountre

“Thunder is tired of dealing with bullies at school who pick on him because of his long hair. They don’t understand why a boy would grow his hair long. When he is sure he has made up his mind to cut it, his grandmother reminds him of the power of having long hair.”

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Long Hair Don’t Care by Jill Guerra

“Across the U.S., long-haired boys are made fun of, asked why they have long hair, and are told that long hair is for girls. They are kicked out of school, forced to cut their hair, embarrassed and belittled for a personal belief, a personal choice; sometimes a cultural or family practice. Long Hair Don’t Care was written in honor of boys and men who are proud, courageous, confident, and “don’t care” about other people’s assumptions, prejudices, and naiveties. They wear their long hair with poise and pride. We are fortunate that they are here to teach us about their traditions, diversity, our own biases, how to improve as human beings by not judging people based on how they look, and to see beauty in everyone.”

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Hair Like This by Francis Oghuma

“Hair Like This tells the story of Roti, who moved to a new city and joined a football club. He was insecure about his hair, and it affected his love for the game of football. He looked different from the other boys on his team and was not sure that he would fit into the new environment.

This book aims to encourage children and show them that everyone is unique, no matter what hair type, hairstyle or texture, and that this should not affect their daily lives as it will only distract them from doing what they love most.

Hair Like This is part of our children’s book series, which tells the stories of different characters and their challenges and love for their hair.”