
npr.org
Next To Me": A Collaborative Children's Book Emphasizing Calming Bedtime Routines
Sophia Haas and Daniel Salmieri, a married couple, created the children's book "Next To Me," which follows a child and their mother walking home from school, observing their surroundings, and ending with a feeling of calm and safety before bedtime; their collaboration involved separate work and shared decisions, resulting in a visually rich book with natural dyes and textures.
- How did the authors' personal experiences and collaborative process shape the book's content and aesthetic?
- The book's creation reflects the authors' personal experiences as parents and educators, influencing the book's themes of routine, observation, and the comforting feeling of home. Their collaborative process, involving separate work and shared decision-making, resulted in a visually rich book with varied textures and natural dyes.
- What are the key themes and creative aspects of the children's book "Next To Me", and what is its potential impact on readers?
- Next To Me" is a new children's book illustrated by Daniel Salmieri and written by Sophia Haas, a married couple who collaborated on the project. The book follows a child and their mother as they walk home from school, noticing their surroundings, emphasizing the calming transition from active observation to quiet rest.
- What are the potential long-term implications of the book's focus on calming bedtime routines and the use of natural materials in its creation?
- The book's emphasis on a slow, calming transition to bedtime suggests a potential influence on children's bedtime routines and parents' approaches to bedtime stories. The visual style, combining textured paper and natural dyes, could inspire creativity in other children's books.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely neutral. The interview focuses on the collaborative effort between the authors, their artistic choices, and the book's message. The positive reception is mentioned, but the overall tone remains balanced and informative.
Sustainable Development Goals
The book promotes a love of reading and learning from a young age, contributing positively to quality education. The authors' backgrounds in education further highlight this connection. The book also emphasizes the importance of routine and safety for children, which are crucial for their development and learning.