After my cousin died, I decided to write a children's book about him for my son. After I finished, I decided everyone should know what a special person my cousin Michael was.
2) Do you prefer any particular literary genre?
Just children's books.
3) Where do you find your inspiration to write?
I like to write about real people. I used to make up stories for the kids when I was a preschool teacher. The stories were always about the kids in my class doing different things.
4) Please tell us about your children’s book, The Bravest Boy I Ever Knew.
This is my favorite question. This book is about a boy named Michael who tells about his best friend who is disabled. In this story Michael tells about the things his friend CAN do, not what he can't. This book teaches a great lesson about friendship and acceptance. I really want the "regular children and adults" of the world to see these kids not as someone to feel sorry for, just accept them for who they are. Disabled children can have the same likes, dislikes, talents, and interests as other children.
5) Describe how you chose your publisher.
Some people might think this is silly but, I kept researching publishers, and every time I looked, Tate Publishing kept popping up. I saw this as a sign from God that this is who I should go with.
6) What other projects do you have in the works?
I have a story about a girl named Sophie ( a real girl I used to have at the preschool) who likes to wear her shoes on the wrong feet. I don't want to give away the whole story.
7) How do you promote your work? What methods have worked best for you?
I've done book signings. I'm on Facebook and LinkedIn. I have also donated copies of my book to MDA and I give part of the proceeds for the book to The Familial Dysautonomia Foundation (the disease my cousin fought against for 43 years).
8) What advice would you offer to aspiring authors?
My advice to new authors is to love what you do and keep doing it no matter what, and don't let anyone tell you your book isn't good enough.
I measure my success by seeing the kids in my school walk through the halls saying, "Hey, Mrs. Eichlin! I got your book out of the library today!"
10) What is next for you in 2012?
Not quite sure, just spending time with my family.
11) Where can readers find your work?
You can find my book on www.Tatepublishing.com as well as www.Amazon.com. I also have a Facebook page for the book: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bravest-Boy-I-Ever-Knew-By-Lisa-Eichlin/150419904976608.
I live in NJ with my husband and 2 children. I have a BA in English. I taught preschool and was the director for thirteen years, and now I am a paraprofessional who loves working with children and seeing their every day accomplishments. Besides working, I love being with my family.
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Book Review: The Bravest Boy I Ever Knew
Lisa Eichlin has written a wonderful book about the relationship between a young boy and his best friend who has overcome adversity. The Bravest Boy I Ever Knew encourages the reader to meet challenges head-on and enjoy life rather than succumb to limitations. The story is light-hearted, positive, and uplifting. It also encourages perserverance. The illustrations are colorful and fun.
I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a lesson in courage and tolerance. The Bravest Boy I Ever Knew teaches those concepts well.
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