Why did you write Maddie Moonbeam’s Garden?
Our self image is typically formed by the time we are teenagers. It is highly influenced by what our parents, teachers, siblings and other say about us.
- You are too fat.
- Don’t be so loud.
- Play nicely now, you are too rough.
- You are so smart.
- Good girl, you are a such a helper.
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We've all been given similar messages and as a child we’ve made it mean something about ourselves – it has defined us.
The problem is that our interpretation of these messages is often limiting.
Maddie Moonbeam’s Garden reminds us that we are magnificent. Each of us have the potential to live our wildest desires and dreams – we simply need to remember who we are (at the core) along the way.
Where did you find the inspiration for the story?
As a third grade teacher, there was something special about reading aloud to the class and watching their eyes light up with discovery. Great books solicit great conversations and sharing this experience with children is so important and special.
For years I’ve wanted to write a children’s book that had a lasting “feel-good” message. I wanted to write a book that was short and simple – and, one that has a powerful punch that leaves you feeling inspired.
This desire to write a book hung around in the back of my mind without any clear focus for a story for a really long time – about 6 years. Finally, I got my idea after reading Debbie Ford’s The Dark Side of the Light Chasers. Debbie’s work supports people in reclaiming their power, creativity and brilliance. Why wait until we are adults (or reading a self-help book) before we understand this, I thought.
Maddie Moonbeam’s Garden was inspired by Debbie’s book. In a very concise and animated way, it tells a story about remembering our greatness.
What is the book about?
Maddie lives each day passionately and then is defeated by self-doubt and unmet needs. In the end, she realizes that her true heart’s desire is unshakable after all.
Maddie Moonbeam’s Garden is a sweet tribute to each person's journey toward self love. She brings about a heartfelt desire to love ourselves no matter what.
- What if children were taught, from a very early age, that they have the ability to choose the direction they take in life?
- What if, as children, we listened to the wisdom of our parents and teachers; but, also learned how to become our own source of inspiration and strength?
Often times, even when our parents mean well, we hear them saying we are bad or wrong. With that lasting sting in our heart, we move on throughout our day and then eventually, our lives, believing this to be the only truth about who we are.
Precious Maddie Moonbeam guides you on an essential journey from rejection and separateness to hope and wholeness.
While I started off with the goal to write a “children’s” book, I am now keenly aware that this book is for the child in all of us – whether you are 1 or 100.
buy Now "This book is a rare treasure! It's a 'must have' for anyone who's ever been negatively influenced by the opinions of others. Maddie Moonbeam captures the essence of personal transformation in this sweet story of pain and sorrow that ultimately leads to love and acceptance."
- DEBBIE FORD ,
author of The Dark Side of the Light Chasers; The Right Questions; and
her newest March '08 release, Why Good People Do Bad Things
"Maddie Moonbeam's Garden reminds us to use our inherent gift of courage and to be true to ourselves."
- CHARLENE COSTANZO,
author of The Twelve Gifts of Birth; The Twelve Gifts for Healing; and
The Twelve Gifts in Marriage
"In an increasingly complex world where our values are threatened daily, we are challenged to reach for our light within and to stay true to our purpose and meaning, as Maddie Moonbeam has done in Karen Nowicki's endearing story. This inspiring and renewing tale encourages young and older readers alike to listen more deeply to their hearts and to follow where they lead."
- SEDENA C. CAPPANNELLI,
author of Say Yes to Change; Authenticity; and the soon to be released,
Making the Best of the Rest of Your Life
“Maddie Moonbeam’s Garden teaches us to root ourselves in the beauty of who we are and what we love. This delightful book reminds us that a garden grows within each of us – whether we are young or old. Abundance is an inside job and success is a byproduct of being who we are. Share this book with everyone you care about as a powerful reminder to embrace the growing truth within them.”
- KIM GEORGE ,
Founder and CEO of The AQ Institute and author of
Coaching Into Greatness: 4 Steps to Success in Business and Life
"What a joy to discover Maddie's Moonbeam Garden"! I am always searching out books with positive life messages for my children and this one is a pure find! The metaphor of a flourishing garden for our delicate dreams is both a delightful and powerful reminder for us to tend to our dreams with gentle, loving and yet unwavering care! This is definitely a book you'll want to add to your joyful living bookshelf!
- LAURA HOWARD WEST,
President and Chief Creative Officer, Center for Joyful Business and
author of The Joyful Business Guide
Funny story behind the story
I told you that I have had the idea to write this book for at least 6 years. Well, after I wrote it, I shared it with a few friends who pumped me up and encouraged me to publish it (thanks Julie K and MHS girls!).
Shortly after this, I was on the phone with my mom and telling her about the story I had written. I asked her if she wanted to hear it and since it is only a 5 minutes read, I read it to her over the phone.
“What? Now you think you are a children’s author”, is the first thing she said to me when I got done sharing it with her.
And then she said, “It is kind of deep, isn’t it?”
I was devastated.
After I hung up the phone, I took that document that (then) I called, The Garden, and put it back in the drawer. The defeated little girl in me decided that my mom was right… who was I to think that I could publish a book?
The story sat in my drawer, untouched for 6 months, because of what I made it mean about me when my mom asked me questions from her perspective.
Bless my mom’s heart! She had no idea the impact that those words had on me.
Thankfully, I eventually realized what I had done and brought the story back out. I reread it and remember saying out loud to myself, “Yes, I am an author!”
There are several other stories, similar to this one – where, even though my book is about believing in yourself despite what others say to you, I continued to let outside influences keep me from moving forward with my dream of publishing this book.
As you can see, I overcame the limitations and obstacles that (ultimately) I had put upon myself.
With gratitude, love and excitement, I present to you, Maddie Moonbeam’s Garden.
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A portion of the proceeds of this book will be donated toward the Just Like My Child Foundation efforts to save lives through education. Find out more here.