Blexi, Play! (Paw Prints Publishing, ISBN 9781223188478) has technology, family life, and emotional learning all rolled into one Level 1 Reader.

School Library Journal’s review from September 2024 “…this short story includes an extensive emotional vocabulary, naming each of Liam’s emotions as he experiences them: confusion, anger, sadness, and, finally, pride. Many readers will identify with the frustration of interacting with new technology, and all will relate to the experience of moving through difficult emotions. VERDICT A strong addition to early reader collections.”

Social Emotional Learning is a big part of Paw Prints Publishing’s title list, and this book has it covered in a simple and straightforward manner. 

When Liam gets frustrated and acts out, he hurts his sister Iman’s feelings.  Spoiler Alert Readers - Liam knows he messed up and then works at making amends with Iman! But you’re going to have to read the book to find out how! We took some time with author, Alliah Agostini, to chat about this new book!

Can you talk a bit about the importance of modeling behavior like this for kids who can relate to this plot line?

I love that this generation of children seems to be far more emotionally attuned than most adults, but it doesn’t mean that they don’t feel and express a wide range of emotions. I like to incorporate real-life scenarios into my writing because it's important for kids to feel seen as fully dimensional beings and not idealized into unrealistic portrayals of what they ‘should’ be. I think it’s also a way to gain the reader's trust and engage them in bringing them along your characters’ journey. But because it’s also realistic, we need to make it clear that some emotional reactions will have consequences.

Why do you create art and stories for children? What is your inspiration?

I want to help build new generations of readers and reach today’s kids where they are. I’ve always loved books, and when I was in Pre-K, I wanted nothing more than to learn how to read! When I became a mom and was re-exposed to children’s literature, I loved seeing the breadth of options that had books featuring Black protagonists, but there were still more nuances I wanted to see included in these books. I’m inspired to make the books I wanted to read and that I want available for my kids and others like them.

But equally, if not more so important, I want to make sure I’m creating art that shows the beauty of Black childhood and shows our kids as whole human beings. We’re in a climate where the notion of Black Lives Mattering is tenuous at best, and as a mother it is my inclination to protect our kids, and their right to the privileges of childhood.

As artists and as parents, what technology has made life better for you and what has made it perhaps less so?

Technology is my frenemy. Sometimes it drives me nuts, like my children’s obsession with their tablets- (yes, even authors deal with this!) but sometimes they’re actually using them to do things like practice math, teach themselves Spanish, and learn new art techniques, so I can’t be entirely upset! My whole family loves music and dancing (wink, wink, surprise!), so we spent a fair amount of the pandemic hosting our own mini jam sessions using our smart speaker to bring us a little bit of joy. But we also have to be mindful that those same smart speakers can also disseminate misinformation - we once did a test using the smart app in our refrigerator and used it to look up my author biography - and while it eventually got it kind of right, on the first try it proceeded to tell me I was the author of The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, which is absolutely untrue (shout out to Issa Rae!) - so again, frenemy.

This interview will go out to librarians nationwide, Is there anything you would like to share with them about your work? Any special messages for those out on the front lines for children and teen readers?

If you’re looking for books that are great read-alouds, center Black folks and our truth (which, by the way, isn’t always traumatic - sometimes it's about the simple ups and downs of everyday life- things that more people may connect with than not!) - feel free to check out more of my work.

I can’t believe we are referring to you all as being frontline warriors on the fight for books- it truly breaks my heart. But the reality is, if the books we love and protect weren’t so incredibly powerful, they wouldn't be seen as such a grave threat. The work you do changes lives. Books are portals - to new ideas, to validation of identity, to knowledge- to truth. And as stewards of the truth we need you more than ever. Thank you for all you do.

Finally – can you describe Blexi, Play! in 5 emoji symbols?

🏠🎶😖😡😄

House (for family - where did the family emojis go??) | Music | Frustration | Anger | Joy