Boston area author's new children's book playfully shares a message of acceptance among friends

Wayland MA

21 June, 2022

8:33 AM

Description

At a time when stories of conflict among people with different backgrounds and beliefs fill the news, messages of acceptance strike a much-needed note. Author Taline Badrikian gently instills this message in young readers with her newly released board book, Perfectly Piggy. Aimed at children ages 0-4, the simple story conveys how one can be a true friend by embracing others just as they are–even when it involves a lot of messy mud. Badrikian was first inspired to write Perfectly Piggy when she was unable to find more than just a handful of children’s books written in her native Armenian. Her daughter was just a year old at the time, and Badrikian was looking for ways to incorporate Armenian language into their story time. While she did not see herself as a writer, Badrikian, a problem-solver, set out to address the important need herself. She wrote and published Perfectly Piggy in Armenian, under the title Oorakh Khozooguh. Her book was enthusiastically supported by the Armenian community, who helped successfully fund her Kickstarter campaign. With that support, Badrikian went on to write and publish two more books in what is now her Kids Reading Armenian series. Because of the success of the book, and the universality of the message of friendship, Badrikian decided to release her books in English as well. Written in a sing-song rhyming text and featuring cute and friendly farm animals, the story is perfectly targeted toward the youngest audience. Regardless of the language, Badrikian wanted to create a fun story that also introduced important universal lessons. “I think books need to be fun for kids–but they can be fun and have a message at the same time,” Badrikian said. Friendship, and what it means to be a true friend in all circumstances, is one such fundamental concept. Badrikian believes introducing messages from a very young age will ingrain them in the minds of young children from the start. Badrikian had to wade into the world of children’s book writing without any formal training in creative writing. However, she is very familiar with the challenges of running a business. She is the founder of marketing agency Laveh, which helps small businesses grow using technology-driven marketing tools and methodologies. Her business background has proven to be invaluable in helping her set up her own book publishing business. “In self-publishing, you have to figure out all the steps needed to get your book into the world on your own,” Badrikian said. Fortunately, she found a large and helpful community of independent authors to help her. “With social media bringing people together, I’ve had access to the kind of direction and mentorship that you wouldn’t otherwise get unless you are with a publishing house.” What has been most rewarding are the messages she receives from parents who describe how loved Badrikian’s books are by their children. “One parent said their kid totes the book around with them all day. Another told me every day the book is part of their nighttime routine. One two-year-old loves to jump in and chant along with the animal friends in the book,” Badrikian said. Badrikian has two more board books written in Armenian she plans to translate into English and release later this year. Some Bunny’s Bedtime, about the role of sleep for good health, will be out later this Fall. Time for Teamwork features ants working together, which she hopes to release in Spring 2023. Perfectly Piggy can be ordered directly from Badrikian’s website, Big Ears Books. It is also available on Amazon. Badrikian also offers free downloadable activities on her website, such as coloring pages, puppets, and mazes, featuring characters from the Perfectly Piggy book. Anyone interested in joining her community, and learning about upcoming books and events can sign up at Big Ears Books. Although the book is written for children, its message is an important one for all ages to hear and embrace. “Even though my audience of babies, toddlers, and early readers may not fully understand the message of the books yet, it can serve as a reminder to the adults reading to them,” Badrikian said.  Get your copy of Perfectly Piggy today!