Given her love of writing and her passion as a teacher, it is only natural that one day Julie Fox would craft a children’s book. Little did she know, though, that her first effort would be an award-winning picture book. She is also the mom of two boys.
Julie holds a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education from Rhode Island College, and currently teaches at the Pawtucket School Department. In 2010, she’ll be publishing her next book, P is for Poetry
Julie: My inspiration has been a mixture of my own two children and my classroom students. As I watch them grow and develop I really want them to understand we all have strengths and weaknesses. This is what makes us all unique and special! I want them to embrace those differences and really shine being themselves! And of course the teacher in me wanted to incorporate some fun language!
MCA: What are your goals for your award-winning book Ugly as a Toad in the next year?
Julie: I would like to be able to do more visit more schools during the next year.
MCA: If someone gave you air time for a 15-second commercial, how would you entice people to read Ugly as a Toad?
Julie: Hop to it! Read Ugly as a Toad ~ it is “Toad-ally “Awesome!
MCA: You started with an idea and now have a successful, award-winning book. Looking back on your journey, what was the easiest part? The hardest? What surprised you the most?
Julie: The easiest part was the decision to take charge of my own destiny and explore the publishing world.
The hardest part is marketing the book. I will say, though, that thanks to the Mom’s Choice Awards® I feel like I have a new edge.
The thing that surprised me the most is actually all the wonderful feedback I have gotten from around the world. At first I really just expected my family and friends to buy the book; but when I started getting notes from people in other places telling me that Toad is their favorite book, or to tell me it made their child laugh and smile, or that their child keeps making them read it over and over, I am truly surprised and deeply touched!
MCA: Since launching your book, Ugly as a Toad, what has been your most rewarding experience in promoting or sharing it with the public? Do you have a favorite memory?
Julie: Sharing my book Ugly as a Toad at bookstores or in schools is definitely a rewarding experience. I love getting letters and pictures from children. I love when they ask questions and they tell me about their future dreams. I love when they share their curiosity about the publishing process and their love for writing. It gives me great joy when I see inspiration and hope dancing around in their head!
MCA: Could you please tell us why you chose the Mom’s Choice Awards® program in seeking recognition for Ugly as a Toad?
Julie: The Mom’s Choice Awards® has a fantastic reputation to start with. In addition, it most certainly helps me make a choice when I am choosing a product. In a world full of choices sometimes as parents and educators we need help from a honorable company when making choices for our children. I feel the Mom’s Choice Awards® does this such thing. It allows you to feel like you are making a wise choice.
MCA: What does it mean to you to be a Mom’s Choice Awards® alumnus?
Julie: I am honored that, Ugly as a Toad, has been awarded with this honor.
MCA: What did you learn about yourself in the process of creating your award-winning book?
Julie: That it is important to follow your dreams! If it is something you really want to do, you should never ever give up!
MCA: Would you recommend the Mom’s Choice Awards® to other entrepreneurs? If so, why?
Julie: I would definitely recommend the Mom’s Choice Awards® to any author and/or inventor. It gives your product a new birth. It will help you distinguish yourself and your work and be seen as quality family-friendly media, products, and services.
MCA: How have you benefited by being a Mom’s Choice Awards® honoree? Do you have any tangible examples?
Julie: Well I have only been a Mom’s Choice Awards® honoree for a little over a week. However, I have already received many letters and emails congratulating me and the book, and I have seen a spike in book sales. I have been offered a couple of opportunities which are still in the working stage so I am truly hoping there are more good things to come!
written by Julie R. Fox
illustrated by Sarah Chamberlain-Pecorino
AuthorHouse, 2008
2010 Silver Recipient ~ Children’s Picture Book
Values and Life Lessons
Contact and Connect with Julie Fox
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