Walk, talk and dance like the animals on May 1, 1 p.m., at Gibson's Bookstore, 27 S. Main St. Children's author JE' Taylor will be there to promote her first book, “The Animal Dance.” We talked with JE' about her book, camping and her desire for a pet dolphin.
Where are you from? I was born in Boston, but raised in New Hampshire. I lived in Clearwater, Fla., for four years while attending college, but I returned to my roots in beautiful New England. I presently live in the Hooksett area.
Tell us a about “The Animal Dance.” “The Animal Dance” is about a magical night that takes place once a year in the forest. Animals, insects and every living creature in between (with the exception of humans) all come together for a night of innocent fun and laughter. Despite backgrounds or looks they all get along and utilize each other's unique qualities and characteristics to have a spectacular night of harmony, full of fun, music and plenty of dancing.
What inspired you to write this? “The Animal Dance” is based on a poem I wrote more than 10 years ago, in the wintertime. I don't know if it was the anticipation of spring, but I started brainstorming one day, combining my “first loves” of music and dance as well as my fascination for animals.
The combination of these loves helped me concoct this poetic tale which is now my first children's picture book. I wrote it for fun and originally did not intend for it to be a children's book, but the more I looked at it, the more I thought that it would make a great story.
Who is this book for?
“The Animal Dance” is intended for children ages 3 to 8, but any child at heart can enjoy it. The illustrations captivate your attention, and the rhyming is catchy. It possesses the qualities of unity, a sense of community and sharing, which appeal to parents, and then you have animals, music and movement for the children.
Since you're now a “grownup,” was it hard to think about what kid would like? Or are you really just a kid at heart? I am and will always be a child at heart. I live for it. I believe in being a responsible adult, but you need to have some fun and never lose that child-like optimism. I think it is what helps me to be creative. As a kid, I always thought that anything was possible. I know that as we become older, reality settles in, but why does that mean we should give up on our dreams?
As a child I loved animals, music and dancing. There are so many dimensions that pique a child's interest and senses. You can feel animals, hear animals, and in most cases smell animals, and each one is unique and different, leaving a child to want to know more.
When I was a child, I wanted a pet dolphin, flamingo and a monkey. All different and all intriguing. My mother asked if I would be willing to settle for a pet a little more domesticated, like a dog. I did, but I still secretly wanted a dolphin.
Your dad (Benjamin F. Taylor) illustrated the book. What was something you liked to do with your dad when you were a kid? One of my favorite things to do with my father (and my siblings are going to laugh) was camping. We have an inside joke in our family about camping with my dad, but I have to say . . . I loved it. It gave me a greater appreciation for the outdoors, I learned how to cook by a campfire and learned how to fish. I was the only child out of four who liked fishing, so it gave me extra one on one time with Daddy.
If Concord were an animal – what kind of animal would it be? This one is hard, because I have only really become truly acquainted with Concord in the last six years, but I would have to say a peacock.
At first glance a peacock is very beautiful, but deceiving yet when it opens up and proudly displays all its feathers, no matter what angle you glance upon it, you further see how mysteriously perse and beautiful it is. It displays how proud it is to be part of such a beautiful species, while still maintaining it's charm.
Concord may be a city, but it's mixture of modern meets traditional. The persity of downtown and the more laid back country setting is beautiful from any angle, and it is proud to be named the capital of our state.
Learn more about JE' Taylor and “The Animal Dance” by visiting theanimaldanceonline.com. For more information about Gibson's Bookstore, visit gibsonsbookstore.com or call 224-0562.
