Happy 1st Birthday Sam’s Super Seats!

I love you

The way that writing my very first children’s book came about. It’s one of my favorite stories to tell. My editor for this book, Sydnee Monday, read The Pretty One, and reached out to my literary agent, Alex to see if I would be interested in writing a children’s book. I’m a Virgo with at least a 10 year plan at all times and so, writing a children’s book was absolutely on that list. With this opportunity, I could complete it a little early and I’m so glad I did. I love Sam’s Super Seats because I love a character like Sam, a little girl like Sam. Sam is confident, eager, precocious, and loved. People often asked me, if she is a version of me, and I don’t think she is. She is much more confident and certain and she knows how to ask for help in ways I’m still learning how to do. I know I created her, but I admire her, and she’s the type of little girl that I would’ve loved to have been friends with at that age. What a special age it is.

I wrote the book that would’ve meant the world to me growing up. And I dedicated it to my niece because I want her to love reading as much as I do. And I want her to see what’s possible, if she ever wants to take the author/writer route like her Titi Keah. Can you tell I’m hoping that she does? Lol.

For me, telling stories is a dream come true, and this book is no different. As a kid, I was a dreamer who thought anything was possible. I didn’t lose that until I got older, but there was something about those early years the excitement of going back to school, spending time with friends and my family, and allowing myself to dream about what could be. I wanted to capture that in this book and I think I did. That’s the thing that I hold onto a year later, that I’m blessed enough to be able to watch yet another thing I created get a year older. I hope that people continue to find this book in the way that they have found The Pretty One and then at some point, I’ll be able to let go of any preconceived notions I have about the value of something based off of a list or two. For now, I want to set all of that aside and just say happy, happy birthday to my little book that could, I’m so glad I got to show what it actually looks like for disabled kids, who have a love and community and support around them at all times, and how that doesn’t have to lead to pity or fear. I hope that the people who read it disabled, or not are better for having done so, I know that I am.

Xoxo,

Keah