Sistah’s Place weekly spotlight for new authors is Annette Phillip. She published her first book in December 2019 titled Sammy’s Curious Adventure. Annette talks about why she writes, the inspiration for her first book, and what is next for her. Grab your favorite snack and beverage to sit back and get to know a little about Annette Phillip in our Q&A session.
Tell our audience about who the author is:
My name is Annette Phillip and I am originally from the Caribbean island of Dominica. I migrated to New York United States sixteen years ago. I have loved reading and writing since I was a little girl and would write poems and short stories both at school and home. English was my favorite subject in school, and I did great at it. I became a published author of my first children’s book “Sammy’s curious adventure, “a dream that seemed impossible some years before.
Social media and the affordability to self-publish has opened the door for me to put my creative works out there. I love writing and want to share my creativity as much as I can.
What was it that made you decide to write this particular book?
I really am a poet at heart, I attended a few writing classes and while there was told to expand on our writing and creativity. It was there I realized I could do more than write poetry that I could go beyond my expectations. My book first was a fable then I extended on the story and decided I was going to make it into a children’s book. The idea just popped into my head and I went for it.
What inspired the title of the book and is this fiction or non-fiction?
I am a nanny and took care of a little boy who was six at the time and very curious. The story is based on an experience he encountered while at the park.
I would say it is both fiction and non-fiction. The beginning is based on facts, the rest of the story I added to make it more interesting.
Tell us about Sammy’s Curious Adventure without giving too much away.
It’s about a very curious bunny named Sammy, who goes to the park with his friend Hannah the squirrel. While there Sammy stumbles on an object in the grass and is very curious as to what it is and what it does.
Is there a message you like to pass along to readers from your story?
Yes, I want them to know that although it’s interesting to learn about new things, sometimes they can be dangerous. We need to ask a grown up first before we touch whatever it is that makes us curious.
What makes your book stand out from all the rest in your genre?
I think because it’s actually based on someone and what they encountered by being curious. That it can happen to any kid at any time. The message speaks to the dangers that kids can experience just by touching an object they think is safe. Kids are very curious and my book touches on that, it lets the reader know that nothing is wrong with being curious but at the same time we need to ask a grown up if we don’t know what something is.
What is next for you as an author and will be more books?
I plan on making “Sammy’s curious adventure,” into a three-part series. So, there will be more interesting stories from this curious bunny. I also plan on publishing my first poetry book. Poetry was my first passion so it wouldn’t be right to not have a poetry book.
Who are three of your favorite authors and why?
I like Mo Willems -Children’s author. His books have good messages for kids and yet it’s entertaining and when I read to the kids on my job, I make it animated.
Sandra Buoyton -Children’s author I like the rhythm in her books, being a poet I can see my future children’s books having that rhythm to it.
Maya Angelou-Poet– One of the best poets to me. Her poems are so vivid and the message as always so meaningful. When I write my poems, I want the reader to feel like they are living it. That they can smell and hear whatever it is my poem depicts.
I want their imagination to take them on a poetic journey.
Did you like what you read about Annette Phillips? Be sure to visit her website to learn more about her and purchase her latest book Sammy’s Curious Adventure.
Website: www.sammythebunny.com
Social media handles:
IG: @petitensassy11
fb: annette Phillip
Where to purchase?
Also available on Kindle and paperback format.