Local author helps children find their voice through literature
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – In the latest edition of our NBC4 Today author series we introduce Paula Johnson Neal. Working as an early childhood educator and administrator for over 25 years, Paula’s love of children led her back to her dream of writing.
“I’m a huge book lover, always have been, and I knew back in my childhood that I was going to write books.” Paula Johnson Neal, author of “I’m Gonna Have a Good Day” and “Breathe, Gabby Breathe”.
Like many people Neal’s dream of being an author was put on hold as a adulthood and other responsibilities came into play.
“Fast-forward at the age of 49 I decided to write and publish my children’s book.”
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Neal decided to use her gift of writing to help young children find the power to regulate their emotions.
“Early childhood, everything happens. They’re learning to walk, talk, everything. But one of the things that we sometimes lack in teaching, as far as their mental health, is their social emotional health,” Neal said. “Young children have to be taught how to self-regulate their emotions, and how to express themselves. They just don’t come out of the wound doing these things. We have to teach those things to them and model it.”
Using Gabby, the main protagonist in her books, as an example, children can identify with her actions.
“They may have behaviors that are similar to her. They can’t see it in themselves, but they can see everything wrong about her, which is still awesome because they know,” Neal said.
The books also help to address the lack of diversity in children’s literature.
“We all say that representation is very important, and it is. The opposite of it is that you feel unworthy, you feel irrelevant, you feel unheard and unseen. Therefore, you’re simply invisible,” she said.
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That feeling of being invisible not only in books, but in day-to-day life can affect a child’s ability to see themselves in their own dreams and imagination. This is one the reasons why Neal says representation matters not only in characters but in the authors and illustrators telling the stories as well.
To learn more about Neal and to purchase her books visit www.paulajohnsonneal.com. You can meet Neal this weekend at the Ohioana book festival at the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Main Branch. The event is on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and it will feature 120 authors and illustrators.
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