Alison Thompson's debut children's book, "Sunny Steps Loves to Dance," serves as a vibrant exploration of creativity and movement, aimed at encouraging children, particularly boys, to embrace the joy of dance without reservation. Through her engaging conversation, we delve into Alison's personal journey, which intertwines her lifelong passion for dance with her experiences as a mother and educator, ultimately leading to the inspiration behind her book. The narrative not only reflects her commitment to fostering a love of movement among young children but also challenges traditional gender norms associated with dance. We discuss the unique aspects of her book, including the interactive elements designed to engage both children and their caregivers, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences. As we navigate through her insights on the publishing process and the evolution of her creative expression, it becomes evident that "Sunny Steps Loves to Dance" is more than just a story; it is a heartfelt invitation for families to connect through the universal language of dance.

The episode features an engaging dialogue between Alison Thompson, the author of the children's book *Sunny Steps Loves to Dance*, and her host, who explores the multifaceted journey of becoming a children's book author. Alison articulates her deep-rooted passion for dance, which she has cultivated since childhood and transformed into a creative outlet that spans teaching and choreography. The discussion delves into the inspiration behind her book, which emerged during the lockdown as a means of fostering creativity and connection with children through movement. Alison recounts her experiences of conducting dance classes for toddlers, where imaginative play intertwines with physical expression, ultimately giving rise to her literary endeavor. This narrative reflects not only her artistic evolution but also her desire to impart valuable lessons about self-expression and breaking gender stereotypes through her character, Sonny, who dances with his father. The conversation encapsulates the essence of nurturing creativity and the importance of parental involvement in fostering children's artistic exploration, highlighting how dance can serve as a joyful bonding experience between parent and child.

Takeaways:

• The podcast episode features an engaging discussion with Alison Thompson about her creative journey as a children's book author and dance teacher.
• Alison shares that the inspiration for her book, 'Sunny Steps Loves to Dance', originated during the lockdown, stemming from her experiences with her own children.
• The episode emphasizes the importance of creativity and movement, showcasing how Alison encourages children to express themselves through dance and imagination.
• Listeners learn about the challenges of self-publishing and the evolving nature of Alison's marketing strategies for her book, as she navigates social media and community engagement.
• Alison discusses the significance of connecting with young readers and their parents, aiming to foster a fun and interactive experience through her storytelling.
• The podcast underscores the theme that anyone can achieve their dreams and express themselves, regardless of societal expectations regarding gender and creativity.

Links referenced in this episode:

• https://www.sunnysteps.co.uk/ Website
• https://a.co/d/eI9NBSB (Link to Book)
• waterstones.com
• blackwells.co.uk
• amazon.com
• SunnySteps.co.uk Facebook
• sunnystepsdance Instagram

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Waterstones
• Blackwells
• Cranthorpe Milner Publishing
• Amazon

Mentioned in this episode:

Bailey Introduction to Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors