Paisley Poodle overcomes everyday fears, like standing on a sidewalk grate, in neighbor Anna Simon’s debut children’s book. Photo courtesy of Anna Simon.
Junius Heights neighbor Anna Simon is launching her debut children’s picture book Paisley Poodle Finds Courage on June 2.
Inspired by her family’s dog, Paisley Poodle navigates fears and challenges while gaining confidence. The book is meant for children ages 4-7.
“In the story, Paisley Poodle feels safest close to his family, but things like slippery floors, noisy sidewalk grates, and red ‘robots’ on street corners seem overwhelming,” Simon wrote to the Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate in an email. “With encouragement and small steps forward, Paisley learns that courage doesn’t mean never feeling scared; it means moving forward one brave step at a time.”
This summer and early fall, Simon is planning to host story-time readings for families in Dallas and Fort Worth, the first of which will be at 11 a.m. June 6 at Oak Cliff Brewing Co. She will also be at Monkey and Dog Books in Fort Worth on July 11, Little Joy Café in Oak Cliff on Aug. 15 and Vector Brewing in Lake Highlands on Sept. 12.
Junius Heights neighbor, author and illustrator Anna Simon. Photo courtesy of Anna Simon.
“Along with the storytime readings, I’ve created free kids’ activities related to the book that some local businesses are sharing with families,” Simon wrote in her email. “These include Paisley coloring pages, a ‘find and color’ scavenger-style activity and a reflection page where children can draw or write about things that help them feel brave.”
Those who sign up at paisleypoodle.com can receive the free Brave Kids Activity Bundle — five printable activities related to the book — and a new activity each month.
Simon has a background in education. She has worked as a teacher and has developed after-school and summer curriculum for kids of various grade levels, according to her author bio on Amazon. She also is the founder of Greenhouse Grant Writing LLC.
Online story times, crafts and movement activities for kids can be found on YouTube, and more information is available on Instagram.
