With a variety of talented authors joining the AM family, Austin Macauley has been flourishing over the years and thrives through excellence. One of such talented authors is Jacqueline Stevens. The Australian author of the educative children’s book found her inspiration to write from her son, Daniel. She believes in teaching valuable lessons to children through books.  

Her adorable children’s book, Mia Counts to Ten on the Farm, is both, fun and educating for the little ones. With its captivating visuals, the book lets the kids learn to count to ten. The book is currently available at 30% off on our website.

Learn more about the author in this interesting interview with us.

1. Let us walk through your journey. What inspired you to write your book?

When our son Daniel was born, our dog Mia never left his side. They had such an incredible bond. When he played with his toys, she was there. When he slept, she was right beside him. Watching all this inspired me to write a book, especially for Daniel. Who better to have as the main character but his very-special dog Mia. I never thought in my wildest dreams that it would be published. I honestly thought it would be just a story for our household. I absolutely love it that other families can share a bond and enjoy the book with our Mia too.

2. How long did it take to complete?

To write the story and do the draft drawings of each page was a quick process.  Once I started, the writing juices just flowed, and I didn't want to stop. The writing and draft drawings took about a week. The most time-consuming process was deciding whether to send it in or not. My husband, Luke, who saw the potential, encouraged me to send it in and I'm so glad he did. From the acceptance letter in October 2017 to my publishing and release date in February 2019, it took one year and four months to prepare and finalise the details for the book.

3. What can children learn through reading your title?

As you go through the adventure with Mia, children are enjoying a fun story and learning as they go. They are learning to count to Ten and the different animals on a farm. In the back of the book are two pages which have some questions to ask your little ones to see what they learned when reading the book to them as well as some information to teach your children.

4. Why should parents buy your book?

It is a great book for your children who are just starting to learn to read. It is a fun and educational book at the same time. While your child is reading or you’re reading the story to them, they are learning and having fun.

5. What is your favourite page within the book, and why?

It is really hard to pick just one page.  When I wrote the story and did the draft drawings, they all brought a smile to my face. I read the story to our son, Daniel. He loved how Mia was on each page, and he was able to see more of her.

6. What do you love the most about writing a story for children?

Being able to write a story, where children will love, learn and have fun is what brings me joy. Seeing the reaction on my son’s face and the preschool group I read the story to, it certainly makes the time and effort so worthwhile.

7. Why do you think it is important for children to develop a love of reading?

Through reading children will learn and grow, to which they will hopefully become avid readers in the future. Reading develops the imagination, with that children can go anywhere and be whoever they dream to be - in a story.

We hope our author’s interview was as inspirational for you as it was for us. If you are an aspiring author wishing to share your story with the world, submit your manuscript to us today.

Check out our wonderful book collection available at 30% off here.

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