“The world has enough beautiful mountains and meadows, spectacular skies and serene lakes. It has enough lush forests, flowered fields, and sandy beaches. It has plenty of stars and the promise of a new sunrise and sunset every day. What the world needs more of is people that appreciate and enjoy it.” Michael Josephson
“Be grateful for what you have.” I say this to my kids often, but do I practice what I preach? It’s easy to coast through life, looking at what others have with envy, wishing we had what they have. Before writing this post, I googled quotes about gratitude. The one above really resonated with me. Think of the peace we would have if we took a moment each day to pause, breathe, look around and appreciate the simple, yet beautiful things around us.
Hayley Rose is inspiring kids to do just that. An award-winning author of 11 books, Hayley grew up in California and currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona with her dog, Blanche.
In 2002 she released her first children’s book, Fifo: When I Grow Up, about a six-year-old bear nervous to start school, followed by the wildly popular geography book and #1 best-seller, Fifo: 50 States published in 2010.
An interview with Hayley:
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I remember writing my first story at age eight. The bug bit me then and it hasn’t let go.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I still hand write everything down, pen to paper, but I can’t write on a blank piece of paper, so I doodle first.
Where do you get your ideas?
Family, friends… life happening around me. When I see a need, I act on it. My godson is autistic and he’s been a great inspiration for my Fifo the Bear Series.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I am actually a licensed aesthetician and laser tech. When I am not working on books, I enjoy educating clients on proper skincare and how to feel and look their best. I am also an avid traveler and I’m always up for an adventure. One of my favorite trips was to China in 2017.
What do you think makes a good story?
Stories are like art…in the eye of the beholder. As a child I loved silly stories that rhymed. My favorite was Shel Silverstein’s, Where the Sidewalk Ends. As an adult, I like books that take you on a journey. Whether fantasy or historical, I want to walk away having learned something.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be rock star. I play piano and guitar and I love to write music. I definitely have a writer’s heart.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I once snuck onto the stage at the American Music Awards and joined in on the singing of the closing song. I was standing in the back between the Bee Gees and the Bangles. It was fantastic!
What’s next for you?
I have just released the first book in The Thankful Series, The Thankful Unicorn. I am now working on the release of The Thankful Mermaid books which are due to launch this summer. There will be five mermaid books in all, followed by three Thankful Dragon books for the holidays.
The Thankful Series is innovative and uplifting and all about building self-esteem, promoting positivity and inspiring creativity in young girls and boys.
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” —Zig Ziglar
Find out more about Hayley Rose on her Facebook and Instagram pages and on her website.