Introducing talented children's author, Abbe Reichman

“Hi everyone, I have special treat for you today. You're going to learn more about an amazing new literary talent, Abbe Reichman. We'll be talking about her wonderful children's books, If I Could Reach the Sky and  The Fancy Shirt finds friendship. I know you're going to enjoy this so we'll get right to the questions.

  How did you get the idea to write your first book? 

     My inspiration for “If I Could Reach the Sky” came from a partly sunny day staring at the clouds imagining creatures and characters.  I always had a “knack” for creative thinking, writing and words. The little story evolved out of a poem and had been stored away in my attic for many years. One day during the winter while sorting through my stories, I read this one to my daughters. They both said, “Mom you should make this into a book, little kids would love it.” I decided to do just that and so “If I Could Reach the Sky” was born.

Your daughters had a great idea and a gift for recognizing your talent, Abbe. I'm so glad they encouraged you.

   Did you always imagine you’d become an author?

Throughout my adult life, my friends and family used to tell me all the time that I had a way with words and that one day I would be an author. I always dreamed of becoming one but never took myself seriously. However, when my daughters were young, I became a columnist for their Elementary School Newsletter “Albany Avenews”. Each month I would pick a random topic and create a silly theme or just write about parents and kids acting silly.  I developed a large parent following. They called me the “Ema Bombeck” of Albany Avenue School. I imagined becoming a columnist but never an author of children’s stories.

"Albany Avenews" is such a cute name for a school newspaper. Even parents had the feeling you'd be using your natural gifts for something amazing some day, Abbe.

        Do you have a special message in your books for the readers to remember?

My stories carry lessons and insights of inspiration. The end of the stories offer questions so that parents and teachers can review the theme and involve the children in an art related activity allowing the students imaginations soar.

I think it's a great idea to include questions at the end, Abbe. It helps children to recall the story and express their feelings about it. It's such fun to find ways to help children have lively imaginations.

  What ages are your books most appropriate for?

“If I Could Reach the Sky” is a fabulous story for children 2-6 years old. The bright colored pictures are appealing to young children and the older child can use it as a beginner reader. “The Fancy Shirt” is for children 5-7 years old. Its theme is a little more complex than the first book and the questions are age appropriate.

I've read and reviewed both of your books. I agree children will love them.

         Are you working on any new projects?

I have written many stories for children and I am currently editing them for future publication.

I can't wait to see more of your work, Abbe.

    How did you get the idea to write “The Fancy Shirt finds a friend"?

When I was younger I used to wonder what happens to the clothing in a store that no one wants. As an adult, I thought it would be an unusual theme to be able to follow the adventure of a fancy shirt.

 I loved reading about the adventures of the Fancy Shirt. You did a great job imagining what The Fancy Shirt was thinking and there are surprises for the reader, too.

    Can you please share the links to where your books may be purchased?

      Links for "The Fancy Shirt":

http://www.amazon.com/Fancy-Shirt-Abbe-Reichman-ebook/dp/B00WDO3Z8K/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1432307916&sr=1-1&keywords=the+fancy+shirt



Links for "If I Could Reach the Sky"

http://www.amazon.com/If-I-Could-Reach-Sky-ebook/dp/B00S7GJ9R4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1432308135&sr=1-1&keywords=If+I+Could+Reach+the

What has been the most exciting thing to happen in your writing career so far?

The excitement began when a colleague of mine at work mentioned that she found an illustrator for her stories and knew I also shared her passion for writing children’s stories. It took me a year before I built up enough courage to share my stories with a professional.  I finally came out of my comfort zone enough to send him the story.  He loved the first story and was very excited about making it into a book. I thank my friend who gave me a little push to take the risk.

Is there anything else you’d like to shar

Funny you should ask Deanie…. I just found out that I won an award for “If I Could Reach the Sky”. I was awarded the medal of “Finalist” from The National Indie Book Awards. I am very proud and excited about being given 

Thank you Deanie for giving me the opportunity of this interview.

You're most welcome, Abbe. I hope you enjoyed our time together as much as I did."

Copyright 2015 Deanie Humphrys-Dunne
Website; www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com