Author Chris Parsons is leading the charge to help educators and parents with interactive tools that spark kindness, friendship and giving in his debut children’s book. Helping drive home the concept of finding good in the world, A LITTLE SPARK offers a read-along with a musical soundtrack, audiobook and corresponding lessons highlighted in each chapter. A first grade teacher in Dallas, Nicole Ramirez said: “I personally loved the lessons learned in the story- especially that even the smallest creature can make the biggest difference. That is especially important for children to hear because they so badly want to be seen and heard."
Learn more in this interview.
Question: How did you get the idea for your book A Little Spark?
Parsons: I was surrounded by storytellers growing up in my little fishing community of Flatrock, Newfoundland. I wanted to learn more about the world, the places, the people they spoke of. When my kids were small, we read the classics to them and I began adding my own stories to the mix.
One day, I had a flash of inspiration for a story about the tiniest of creatures – a lowly mouse named Spark – who, through his own self-confidence, steps up to the plate and saves the day and so began the world of A Little Spark. I expanded the story based on that one plot point, and as the words and music flowed, it became more and more clear that there was a bigger concept: anyone can do amazing things. We all have the ability to lift ourselves up and “Be That Spark”
Q: Can you discuss a bit about the charity you’re involved with, Heifer International, and why this is an organization with a mission close to your heart?
Parsons: Heifer International has been doing amazing things to help people around the world for over 75 years. They work in in the areas of livestock and agriculture to develop programs that alleviate hunger and poverty. “The Gift of a Goat.” That’s how we know them, every Christmas for the last 10 years we buy (donate) a goat on behalf of each of our kids to be provided to a family in need in places Heifer operates around the world. Heifer has provided over 30 million animals to families in need – they represent what it truly means to “Be That Spark”
“By providing a gift of live goats: You can help families become more self-sufficient, which leads to healthier children. Families can then raise more goats, increasing the size of their herd, and sell the additional goats and goat's milk to generate income.”
The narrator of the book is actually a goat named Drifter - a little “inside” connection.
Q: This book and the “Be That Spark” movement you created really changed your life. Can you tell us what the most surprising thing that came out of it so far has been?
Parsons: It’s amazing what a story and the journey can bring out in you. This story gave me a channel to create music as the characters came to life. I knew I had music in me, but this project brought it forward to my amazement and certainly to the amazement of those around me who had no idea I could create music. Of course, partnering with the incredible music producer Bruce Faulconer of Dragon Ball Z fame helped.
Q: The book is very interactive with songs and music to accompany each chapter. Can you explain a bit about how these additions came together to bring the story to life?
Parsons: It started with the story and as I spent more time developing the world of “A Little Spark”, it became apparent to me that if I really wanted to get kids (and adults) to truly engage, I had to make it somewhat immersive. The music and the interactive features give the characters a voice and helps us develop a more personal relationship with them – it brings the story to life. I was fortunate to meet Bruce Faulconer and we connected to create a wonderful collection of music, a great book trailer and an audiobook that combines the story, sound effects and the music. I believe that children’s literature is a powerful force to shape and nurture the minds of kids. When combined with a meaningful interactive experience, he or she is transported to a magical place.
Q: Do you have more books planned in the series? If so, will we see a continuation of the same characters and storyline?
Parsons: There are 3 books planned for the series – a trilogy. These will all follow the similar storyline and with a few additional characters. We are in the early stages of the development of book #2. It will follow the “A Little Spark” structure with new music, an audiobook and a set of interactive features. This book is planned for release in October of 2021 with the final book in the series planned for release in October 2022.
About the Author:
Chris Parsons grew up in the small fishing village of Flatrock, Newfoundland where he was surrounded by storytellers. When he became a father, he began creating his own children’s stories, and soon he was sharing them with a wider audience. Over time, his audience grew up, but he continued to create his stories and colorful characters mostly for his own enjoyment.
Today, Chris lives in Dallas where together with his wife, Kathleen, daughter, Maggie and son, Kealan, they share a love for all of God’s creatures. A Little Spark is his first book.
For more information, please visit BeThatSpark.com.
Connect with Chris Parsons and learn more about the Be That Spark movement on:
Instagram @bethatspark, Facebook @bethatspark, Twitter @bethatspark
A Little Spark is available for pre-order on Amazon,
Pathway Book Service , Bookshop.org & wherever books are sold.
International copies available: Amazon Canada, Indigo Canada, Amazon UK
Customers who purchase a copy of the book will receive the audiobook for free.
For more information on this visit: https://bethatspark.com/shop/
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