Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Parker.
Hi Paula, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a heart for children and a passion for kindness. I believe kindness is my one true gift. After retiring from teaching, I still wanted to make a difference in children’s lives. I created Ollie the Kindness Guardian to encourage children to be kind, notice others, and understand their words and actions matter.
Seeing how children have responded to the book has been incredibly rewarding, and it inspires me to continue writing stories that help children build a kinder world.
The second book in the series, The Circle of Kindness, will be released in December.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My road has definitely not been a smooth one. I’ve never been someone who learns things quickly. It usually takes me a little longer to figure things out, and there have been plenty of challenges along the way. But I believe determination is stronger than speed. If something is really important to me, I don’t give up. When it’s tough, I imagine how I will feel when everything is complete and successful. The right music is the best tool for visualizing the completion of a dream.
Ollie the Kindness Guardian is now inspiring young minds, and I couldn’t be happier!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Oddly enough, I specialize in kindness! It’s my one true talent.
In 1992, I was sitting outside a college classroom with a group of friends studying for an exam. Someone suggested we go around the circle and share what each of us were really good at. When it was my turn, I FROZE. They all had a really special talent like art, music or cooking. I couldn’t think of a single thing that made me stand out. Finally I said, “I’m really kind to everyone I meet.” No one said a word. Then one of my friends smiled and said, ” I think your talent is the best one.”
Her words have lived in my heart for over 30 years. Kindness is a gift we can share everyday. That moment stayed with me throughout my life as a teacher and now as a children’s book author.
Additionally, I am incredibly proud of my 23-year teaching career, where I had the privilege of helping shape young minds through learning, encouragement, and kindness. That passion continues today through my children’s books, with the hope of inspiring the next generation one story at a time.
My goal is for the Guardians of Kindness to inspire hearts around the world.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that may surprise people about me is that I have faced moments when others doubted me. At 20, I was told I was too ugly to come to work because of my severe acne, and later in college, a professor told me to quit learning Spanish because I was struggling. I chose NOT to let those words define me.
I stayed humble, kind and determined, and I kept moving forward. Those experiences shaped who I am today and remind me how powerful our words can be. Kindness has always been my first choice and now it is my brand!
Pricing:
- Soft cover 13.99
- Hard Cover 21.99
- Kindle 4.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://paulaparkerbooks.com
- Instagram: @paulaparkerbooks Instagram
- Facebook: Paula Parker Books Facebook
