Page 25 - Reader's House Magazine Issue 53

foundation for my sibling series, weaving in themes of emotional growth, empathy, and support which inspired the creation of Super Big Brother: The Big Brave School Day and Super Big Brother: New Baby Surprise for Super Big Sister. I wanted to write stories that encourage children to be kind, help one anoth- er, and embrace the power of family bonds.
Could you share the journey of writing in verse and how it shaped your storytelling approach?
Writing children’s books in rhyme is where I feel most at home on this author jour- ney—it’s simply how my mind works. Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to the playful, rhythmic storytelling of Dr. Seuss, whose books were my favorites. Their catchy verses, vibrant illustrations, and fun style made them an engaging read, encouraging me to read them repeatedly. That love for poetry and rhyme has stayed with me, and it’s one of
How does your cultural upbringing in South Africa and your Greek heritage influence your writing?
Growing up in South Africa in a Greek family with two siblings, I was always sur- rounded by loved ones—family and friends gathered around food, the outdoors, sunshine, the beach, and lively get-togethers. Our home
Deanna Bussadori masterfully blends creativity, heartfelt themes, and poetic charm to craft meaningful, award- winning stories that inspire children worldwide.
was always open, with visitors coming and going, and these memories created a deep sense of connection that have influenced and shaped my writing.
I believe it’s important to encourage both single children and siblings to build strong family bonds, especially in today’s fast-paced world, where it’s easy to lose sight of the value of family roots and culture.
What motivated your decision to donate your books to organisations like REACH-A-Child and Hindis Libraries, and how has this impacted you as an author?
As an author, I am committed to giving back and making sure children are supported with opportunities to read books. By donating books, I can support charities and share the gift of reading with more children. Organ- izations like REACH-A-Child and Hindi’s Libraries are just a couple I’ve partnered with.
Recently, I donated my books to schools and libraries in Los Angeles who have been
affected by the recent wildfires, to help rebuild their collections destroyed in the fires and in so doing, continue to inspire young readers. Donating not only expands reach and visibility for me as an author but more importantly helps build stronger communities.
What were some of the challenges and joys you experienced while living in different countries, and how did these experiences influence your creativity?
Rebuilding your life multiple times when moving to different countries is one of the biggest challenges. Leaving behind extend- ed family, friends, and familiar surround- ings is never an easy decision and comes with additional difficulties and uncertain- ties. It requires resilience, determination, and a strong family effort.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance, facing challenges head-on, finding solutions, and having the courage to adapt. Believing in myself and my decisions have been crucial lessons, shaping not only my creativity in writing but also my resilience to keep moving forward.
In addition, the joy of watching my family grow, making new friendships, embracing new cultures, and experiencing different ways of life has been incredibly rewarding. These experiences have naturally woven themselves into my stories, adding depth, emotion, and a universal sense of connection.
Can you tell us more about the process behind designing the award-winning cover for “Super Big Brother: Finding Your Hero”?
Designing an award-winning book cover is a thoughtful and collaborative process
that blends creativity, market appeal, and storytelling. It begins with understanding the essence of the book—its themes, emotions, and target audience. My goal is always to create a visually striking design that not only grabs attention but also conveys the heart of the story in a single image.
I worked closely with a talented illustrator at Blueberry Illustrations, determining key elements that would make the cover stand out while staying true to the book’s message. We explored different color palettes, typography, and compositions to find the perfect balance of eye-catching appeal to create something that would resonate with both children and parents.
Winning the Cover-of-the-Month Al- lAuthor award in June 2023 for Super Big Brother: Finding Your Hero was an incredible honor, reaffirming that a well-crafted design can enhance the reading experience and draw more readers into the story.
How do you balance crafting engaging stories for children while
the biggest reasons I enjoy writing in rhyme today.
Super Big Brother: New Baby Surprise for Super Big Sister by Deanna Bussadori is a charming story about Lulu coping with the arrival of a new sibling. Guided by Super Sam, she learns kindness, responsibility, and empathy. With engaging illustrations and positive messages, this book is a delightful read for young children.
also imparting valuable lessons and themes?
Balancing engaging storytelling with mean- ingful lessons requires a blend of creativity, relatability, and subtle teaching. Rather than trying to teach a lesson, I subtly add valuable themes—such as kindness, bravery, and team- work—naturally into the narrative.
Using rhyme and relatable experiences helps keep young readers engaged while allowing them to absorb positive messages, which aims to leave a lasting, meaningful impression.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors looking to write meaningful and impactful children’s books?
Don’t overthink—just take action! Do your research, and if you have a story to tell, tell it. Passion is key; without passion, creating something meaningful can feel like an uphill battle. While inspiration may come and go,
if you keep returning to an idea, that’s a sign your passion is real. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back—it’s nothing but a distraction that keeps you from moving forward. Have a plan, stay committed, and follow through.
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