What I See is Love by Gabriella Fiorletta
Thank you for joining me today on the book tour for What I See is Love by Gabriella Fiorletta. The book is ideal for ages 3-7 but as you'll read in my review, it is a great book for all ages. The book was recently published on August 8th so it is available now. Keep reading for my thoughts on the book, an interview with the author and a giveaway!
In the daily rush to get to school and work, check the alerts on our phones, worry about scary monsters (AAAHHHH!), and keep up with our favorite shows, it can be easy to lose sight of the most important thing in life―love.
But from kindly crossing guards to thoughtful neighbors to our closest friends and family, love is everywhere. It’s in the smell of Mom’s freshly baked croissants. It’s in the wag of a dog’s tail. It’s in a teacher’s warm greeting at the schoolhouse. And it’s in a goodbye kiss from Dad as he makes his way to work.
When the world sometimes feels uncertain and the sky feels gray, just look around and notice how love can melt your worries away.
What made you write a
book about love?
Love is such a difficult concept because it means so many
different things to so many different people (think about all the love songs
that have ever been written). What we DO know is how love makes us feel. When
the Covid 19 pandemic began, there was a lot of uncertainty and instability. My
husband was deployed overseas and not only was the world in chaos, but MY World
was turned upside down. We watched as family members couldn’t say goodbye to
their loved ones who had passed, we couldn’t travel to see family, school was
shut down and the isolation was a heavy burden. I felt truly hopeless. When I
tucked my daughter into bed and she said, “Mommy when I look at you, I see
love”, I knew that it didn’t matter what was happening outside our home because
I was doing something right inside of it. The only thing that mattered was that
my children felt unconditional love and stability. I pray my book reads as a
simple reminder to all of us life’s most valuable treasure-love.
There are many books
out there about love. What makes yours different?
I am proud that my book allows readers the opportunity to
explore, discuss and dive into all the different aspects of love. It opens the
door for meaningful dialogue. Whether it is a parent leaving on a deployment, a
child not being included to play during recess, or a neighbor coming over to
show support. It’s important for children to know healthy love and understand
empathy and compassion.
Do you have another
professional besides writing?
I worked in the public school system for many years. I began
my career in an Autism cluster at an elementary school and transitioned into
high school guidance counseling. I currently teach kindergarten at a classical
Latin school.
What advice would you
give other mom writers?
Reminding moms that we all have an identity outside of
motherhood. We all know the time that is devoted to our children on any given
day, but it is important to nourish ourselves in a way that positively impacts
our soul. It was important for me to do something that I was passionate about
outside of being a mom but still feeling that my children came first. My advice
for moms is to just write. Anywhere. Anytime. Write.
Where do you write?
I used to write anywhere I could and continue to do so. Many
of my ideas would be recorded on my phone and then later transcribed. I also
like to keep a bedside journal for the random nights when I wake up to my crazy
ideas. Just recently, my husband transformed one of our closets into a writing
nook. It’s such a cool space to hangout and create.
Do you write every
day?
I try to write everyday but I’m still learning how to juggle
mom life, working full-time and writing.
Where do you get
inspiration for your stories?
Most of my inspiration for my stories come from my children.
Their minds are incredibly imaginative, and I love feeding off that.
What genre do you
write and why?
I’m most passionate about writing children’s books
specifically historical biographical picture books. Ironically, that is not the
first genre that I published.
Who is the most famous
person you have ever met?
I met Mariah Carey back in the 90s! Mariah and her then
husband Tommy Mottola would dine at this local Italian restaurant that our
family business would sell products to. The owner told my parents she was
coming for dinner and the rest is history.
Any Hobbies?
I absolutely LOVE to dance! I will be teaching pre-k and
kindergarten dance classes this fall.
Gabriella Fiorletta studied English literature at the University of South Florida. She is a former teacher, guidance counselor, and stay-at-home mom. When she is not reading a book to her three young children, you can find her enjoying the beaches of sunny Florida, cooking her favorite Italian meals, or planning her family’s next RV adventure. Writing a children’s book has been a dream of hers since she was a little girl. One night when she was tucking her daughter Charlotte into bed, she pointed to her mom’s heirloom necklace and said, “Mom, when I look at you, I see love.” With that, the foundation of Gabriella’s first children’s book was laid.
connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ goodreads
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