Deana Plaskon, author of the *Bella and the Emotion Explorers* series, highlights the profound significance of emotional intelligence in her work, particularly in her inaugural book, *Bella and Bird Explore Anger*. 

Within our discussion, we explore the motivations that led Deana to embark on her literary journey, as well as the experiences that shaped her understanding of emotions. 

The conversation reveals how the tumultuous backdrop of Hurricane Ian and her adoption of a therapy horse, Bella, intertwined to inspire her narrative. Deana articulates her aspiration to cultivate emotional literacy among children, emphasizing the universality of feelings such as anger and sadness, and the importance of equipping young readers with tools to navigate these emotions. 

This episode serves as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling in fostering resilience and understanding in both children and adults alike.

Takeaways:

• Deana emphasizes the profound impact of emotional intelligence on children's development through her book series. 
• The inspiration for Deana's series, Bella and the Emotion Explorers, emerged from her equine therapy practice and personal experiences. 
• In her first book, Bella and Bird Explore Anger, Deana addresses universal emotions and practical coping strategies for children. 
• Deana's mission is to plant seeds of emotional awareness, helping children navigate their feelings effectively. 
• Her writing process involves setting specific times for focused writing sessions, emphasizing the importance of eliminating distractions. 
• Deana believes that every story matters and encourages aspiring authors to pursue their writing aspirations persistently. 

Links:

• https://bellabirdbooks.com/
• Buy On Amazon
• Home - Picture Book People

Companies Mentioned:

• Picture Book People
• Book Brush
• IngramSparks
• 3PL