Q: Your new book, “Gertie Braves the River” is already generating excitement. What inspired you to write it?
A: The inspiration for this book came from my own personal journey as a parent. Like many working parents, I spent long hours juggling work and family responsibilities. Some days, it felt like there weren’t enough hours. But no matter how busy life got, I always made time for one thing – reading a bedtime story with my stepson. It was just a few minutes each night, but those moments became the foundation of our bond. Through the power of storytelling, we built a connection that was inseparable, one filled with trust, imagination and love. That’s when I had my aha moment – what if I could help families experience that same special connection? What if I could create books that not only entertained, but also empowered children with the tools they need to face life’s challenges? That’s how “Gertie Braves the River” was born.
Q: What sets “Gertie Braves the River” apart from other children’s books?
A: There are a lot of children’s books out there, but I wanted to create one that truly makes a difference in a child’s life.“Gertie Braves the River” isn’t just about adventure – it’s a story about overcoming challenges, one step at a time. Life is full of obstacles, especially for kids who are still learning how to navigate their world. I want to teach children that even the smallest, imperfect steps towards a goal can make a big impact over time. Gurtie, the little giraffe, faces a seemingly impossible task – crossing a roaring river. She is scared, unsure of herself, and does not know if she can do it. But instead of giving up, she takes small, brave steps forward, even when she is uncertain. That’s a key message I want kids to take away: You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to keep going. Eventually, you will conquer what once seemed impossible.
Q: Your books emphasize resilience and teamwork. Why are those themes so important to you?
A: I firmly believe that life is a team sport. We don’t live in isolation – we learn, grow and succeed alongside others. That’s another important theme in “Gertie Braves the River”. Gertie doesn’t face her challenge alone; she meets friends along the way who help her push forward, just as we all need support in life. I want children to understand that asking for help, learning from others, and working together is not a sign of weakness – it’s how we become stronger. When kids absorb these lessons early, they build the confidence to take on life’s challenges with courage and determination.
Q: What impact do you hope this book will have on families?
A: My greatest hope is that “Gertie Braves the River” brings family together. Bedtime stories are more than just reading words of a book page – they are moments of connection, trust and imagination. I want parents and children to bond over this story, to talk about the challenges Gertie faces, and to see how those lessons apply in real life. If I can help even one family create that special connection through storytelling, then I know I’ve done something meaningful.
This book is especially exciting because it is the Author’s second book in the series: “Inspirational Books for Kids”! His book – “The Gigantic Giraffe with Grit” became an Amazon Best Seller, and Mr. Papadakis is excited to continue sharing Gertie’s journeys and adventures with readers everywhere. The Author is launching on kickstarter with its official Campaign going LIVE on March 4th to bring “Gertie Braves the River” to more families and children into shaping the next generation with resilience and confidence.
More information and details:
Kickstarter Campaign: Click HERE
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Media ContactCompany Name: SparkPro INCContact Person: Tamira TsonevaEmail: Send EmailPhone: (847)809-4628Country: United StatesWebsite: https://adventurebookkids.com
