2008 Woodie Awards
SRU professor publishes children's book
By Julie Dye
Rocket Copy Editor
Issue date: 2/4/05 Section: Life
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But it was literally a dream that gave Slanina the inspiration to write a 46-page children's book.
In her children's book, "Annie Mouse Meets Her Guardian Angel," Slanina focuses on problems within families and the reasons why children create imaginary friends.
After Annie Mouse is having some family issues, she finds her guardian angel. Because most children don't live in the ideal family households that we often see portrayed in books, Slanina said it was important she related to other children that live in families that face multiple challenges.
"My story tells of Mommy Mouse who frequently yells at Annie, leaving her with feelings that it must be her fault and to the belief that her mother doesn't love her," Slanina said. "The story allows Annie to turn to her guardian angel for help and understanding,"
The book teaches children, who may not want to confront their family problems, to face them head on, rather than run and hide from them.
"In the story, Annie is empowered to deal with problems instead of running and hiding when her mother yells,"Slanina said.
Slanina held a book signing on Tuesday for her book at the Gallery 164 Bookstore.
Maria Brown is an SRU student who works at the Gallery 164 Bookstore and attended the book signing.
"Slanina's book is very well-written and it does not apply just to children," Brown said. "It also can be applied to kids and adults of all ages."
The book is illustrated with more than 50 colorful illustrations done by Lisa Akers, a friend of Slanina's son. Akers is a former student of Slanina's and was asked to do the drawings.
"Lisa Akers' drawings are really cool and I was surprised to find out that they weren't drawn with crayons," Brown said. "They were drawn by a type of artistic pencil and I was really impressed by them."
Slanina helps to supervise SRU education majors and others throughout the region during their student teachings. She graduated with her doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Kent State University and has also obtained a master's degree in reading and an undergraduate degree both from Youngstown State University.
"She is a very good teacher and you can tell she likes her job a lot," Brown said. "She has a lot of good insight to give to her students."
The book is aimed towards children from preschoolers through third grade and Slanina has some ideas for new stories involving Annie Mouse about issues like bullies or special needs friends.
The book is currently available at Gallery 164 and on campus at the SGA bookstore.
