The idea came from a compilation of my own experiences as a Kindergartener, my own children’s experiences as Kindergarteners, and what I observed throughout my years of teaching children beginning Kindergarten.

Cheryl Babirad – 13 November 2021

The Back Flap

When Jennifer Ella Rose starts kindergarten, she learns that not everyone will be friendly and not all attempts to befriend someone will be successful. Will Jennifer Ella Rose conquer kindergarten by doing the best she can?

• Written by former elementary school teacher, Cheryl Babirad, the Jennifer Ella Rose series is a perfect tool for in-class, virtual, and homeschool learning.
• Includes discussion prompts and suggested vocabulary words.

About the book

What is the book about?

I Did My Best, the first book in my Jennifer Ella Rose Series which is for Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade, Ages 4-8, is about a little girl who is beginning Kindergarten. It is her first separation from home and family. Jennifer Ella Rose is about to learn that not all attempts to make new friends will be successful and that the road to new adjustments in life is paved by doing the best you can.

When did you start writing the book?

I came up with the idea and started writing the book post retirement from thirty-nine years of teaching.

How long did it take you to write it?

I put together the concept within a month. The entire process took approximately a year.

Where did you get the idea from?

The idea came from a compilation of my own experiences as a Kindergartener, my own children’s experiences as Kindergarteners, and what I observed throughout my years of teaching children beginning Kindergarten.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

It wasn’t really a struggle because I was writing my first-hand experiences that surrounded my life and career welcoming new Kindergarteners each year and helping them to adjust to the separation from home and nuances of an unfamiliar environment.

What came easily?

What came easily was the remembrances of teachers, children, and past experiences as well as those more recently. That brought the memories that I have learned from and now write about.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

The names are fictitious but the story is based upon real world types of people and experiences.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I have been influenced by authors who either write from their own experiences or just write very human, child-like, poetic, rhyming, and positive, inspiring stories. I have enjoyed children’s stories by Letty Sustrin and her twin sister, Sheila {Authors of, The Teacher Who Wouldn’t Retire) which substantiates the personality of truly devoted educators who will always be teachers and creatives at heart. Another story I have read and loved by Letty Sustrin is, A Penny From My Sister. This book has inspired me because of the beautiful traditions and value of family encouraged. I love the rhyming and imagination, the child-like imagination and creativity of a Dr. Seuss and P.D. Eastman. On an adult level, since I am also inspired to create poetry and nostalgic stories, I love the poetry of Emily Dickinson and Helen Lowrie Marshall. I love the empathy and values they inspire.

Do you have a target reader?

My target readers for my books in the, “Jennifer Ella Rose Series” are children Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade, Ages 4-8.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

My writing process is one chapter at a time, from hand-written journal to computer-typed pages. I like to write a chapter at a time, so as to be able to have a concrete beginning and conclusion with the events of each episode in-between. I like to conclude each chapter and the final ending with a question in the readers’ and listeners’ minds of what may happen next!

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I do chapter headings and ideas, phrases, sentences in a separate notebook as they pop into my head.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I edit as I go and then continue to edit when I’ve finished and am reading over my final work at least a couple of times.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Absolutely!!! I love Country, Jazz, Oldies, and Soul. What gets my fingers tapping lately? Music by Billy Currington, Mariah Carey, Carly Pearce, Kelsey Ballerini, Stevie Wonder and Tori Kelly, Kelly Clarkson Christmas!!! Obviously, I love music and could name many more.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No, I did not.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I went with a small publisher because I like the personal care and attention they give each of their authors.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

My book cover is professionally done.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I have a half-planned marketing plan for the book and I’m winging the rest.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

I would say put your whole heart in it and go for it!

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up on Long Island.

Where do you live now?

I love Long Island so much and have so many memories here that I never left. I’m still here.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I am caring and passionate about my family. I love reading, writing, painting, listening to music; I play the piano!

What are you working on now?

I am working on a children’s book right now, separate from the series, about a Jack Russell Terrier.

End of Interview:

For more from Cheryl, check out her biography on her publishers website and like her Facebook page.

Get your copy of I Did My Best from Amazon US or Amazon UK.