How “Today Cara Goes to Kindergarten” Came to be a Book
I’ve been thinking…
…It was so special to capture the story from my daughter Jillian about that first day. But like my other stories, it lived in my computer files until…
…I found wonderful Jo Ann. You know that story. I was excited to find an illustrator to make this story come alive as a real book.
When Jo Ann read my draft of “Kindergarten,” her creative mind literally pictured pictures! Why not have Cara and her mommy tell this story? We were most fortunate that Cara was still in kindergarten and still a “little” girl. And in a “seeing rainbows through the rain” moment, in the spring of 2020 Cara — like school kids all over the world — was at home. Cara and her family had the time together to tackle what was a big project.
Everyone was involved. Cara practiced her “poses” with a “make a face” game Jillian initiated. At odd moments, Cara and her Mommy would play the “make a face…” game. “Make a sad face.” Make a grumpy face.” “Make a delighted face.” Cara would happily pose — and giggle!
Daddy Rob staged the photos and Cara delivered the range of emotions. Even little Cameron makes an appearance in the book as he waits in his car seat in the car — a photo that was craftily staged to get a picture of the little guy who did not like to be photographed!
They all were so patient as photos had to be restaged to correct for lighting or angles. We are thankful for electronics that transmit photos so easily through texts and emails!
When we had a completed draft, I sent it to Jillian to read to Cara and Cameron to gauge their reactions. (Actually, all the grands are first readers. If the stories engage them, I figure we are on the right track.)
Cara liked the story and retold her first day from her perspective, which aligned with the story in the book. Except, Cara was adamant that the story was not finished.
In my mind, I had the last page as the Mommy wistfully, emotionally, waving goodbye to her little one going off to her first day of kindergarten. After all, this is a BIG deal for parents, and I did want to capture that moment.
But Cara had something to add. “Noanie! That was the day I met my best friend. She came up to me and said, ‘Do you want to be my friend?’ and I said YES! And we are STILL friends!” For Cara, the story of her first day of kindergarten was about making a special friend.
Jayne had also expressed the need — as a reader — to know what happened. Was it a good day? Did Cara make friends? “It needs an ending, Mom!”
Cara, and her Aunt Jayne, were very happy with the new last page where Cara and her friend “Meena” are off to lunch together.
Eagle eye Kate suggested having Meena’s name above a cubby when Cara and Mommy visit the classroom. Good call! I hope young readers will pick up details like that.
It takes a whole team of family and friends, using their talents to loving shepherd a book to print. Thank you all. Very special thanks to Rob, Jillian, Cameron, and our Miss Cara.
