Creating Stories That Celebrate Diversity and Acceptance
Lisa Jacovsky, award-winning author and psychology professor, discusses her Let’s Talk! series, the importance of representation, her creative process, and how her books foster understanding, inclusion, and meaningful conversations about autism.
Lisa Jacovsky is not just an award-winning author; she is a passionate advocate for inclusivity, understanding, and the power of storytelling. As a professor of Psychology at Union College and a dedicated writer, she seamlessly blends her academic expertise with her love for children’s literature, crafting stories that educate, uplift, and inspire. With her Let’s Talk! series, she has brought essential conversations about autism into the world of young readers, fostering empathy and awareness through engaging narratives.
Beyond her acclaimed Let’s Talk! books, Lisa’s creative vision extends to heartwarming tales such as Rascal Cat Brothers, Purrrfect as I Am, and Spooky Ooky Dance Party. Each of her works carries a message of acceptance and joy, whether celebrating the unique bond between pets and their owners, advocating for self-love, or breaking down barriers to understanding neurodiversity. Her ability to capture real-world experiences and transform them into meaningful, relatable stories is a testament to her talent and deep compassion for her audience.
In this exclusive interview, Lisa opens up about the inspirations behind her books, the impact of her psychology background on her writing, and the creative process that fuels her storytelling. She also shares her insights on representation in children’s literature, the challenges of balancing her roles as an author and professor, and her exciting upcoming projects. A true force in the literary world, Lisa Jacovsky’s work continues to make a difference—one story at a time.
Lisa Jacovsky’s heartfelt storytelling and dedication to inclusivity make her a powerful voice in children’s literature, inspiring empathy and understanding.
What inspired you to create the “Let’s Talk!” series, and how do you hope it impacts young readers’ understanding of autism?
My work in applied behavior analysis sparked my inspiration to write. I’ve always dreamed of being an author, and one day while working with a client, I realized there was a lack of resources to help children understand how to interact with peers who have autism. That’s when it hit me—I could turn this gap into a book series that not only resonates with children but also teaches them valuable lessons.
I decided to make each book about a different activity, drawing from my experience working with adults in group homes, where I planned monthly activities that were both enjoyable and successful. I wanted to show families that autism is not a limitation—that their child can participate in the same activities as their peers and do so successfully.
I also saw an opportunity to highlight various social issues, helping not just families but also other children understand how to engage with their friends in a meaningful way. At its core, this series is about starting conversations about autism, breaking down misconceptions, and building bridges of understanding.
My goal is to bring my positive experiences into stories that children can easily relate to and learn from. If we can inspire today’s children to be open and accepting, they will grow into adults who carry that same acceptance into the world, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.
As a Psychology professor, how has your academic background influenced the themes and messages in your children’s books?
Being a professor has fueled my passion for writing even more. Engaging with my students has not only revealed gaps in knowledge but also highlighted their incredible thirst for learning. I’ve been fortunate to teach students who are curious, attentive, and genuinely eager to grow.
In my classes, both in-person and virtual, I frequently share stories from my career, using real-life experiences to bring lessons to life. Seeing their enthusiasm and interest has inspired me to write more books that draw from my experiences in the field. It made me realize how impactful it is to weave my positive perspectives into stories that resonate with readers.
My students’ eagerness to learn continually reminds me of the importance of sharing my journey, not just as a professor but as a storyteller. Their curiosity motivates me to keep writing, ensuring that my experiences and insights reach an even broader audience
Could you share the creative process behind “Rascal Cat Brothers” and how you developed the characters’ personalities?
The Cat Brothers series is my only nonfiction series, inspired by the playful antics of my own two cats. Their unique behaviors sparked the idea, and I crafted each personality based on what I observed in their everyday lives. Before adopting them, I never realized just how silly and endearing cats could be, especially my younger cat, who narrates Mischievous Cat Brothers with all the charm and mischief that he embodies.
I wrote both books as if the cats were telling their own stories, imagining how they would speak and share their adventures. This approach allowed me to capture their personalities authentically, bringing their playful world to life for readers
“Purrrfect as I Am” addresses themes of self-acceptance. What motivated you to write this story, and what message do you wish to convey to children?
Adopting my two cats completely changed my life. Through joining a cat group on Facebook, I discovered the world of special needs cats and was introduced to the incredible work of specific fosters and rescue agencies. I began following these individuals and agencies and fell in love with cats who were uniquely adorable despite their differences. However, I was heartbroken to learn that some of these cats were returned to shelters simply because they looked “different”; whether they had three legs, no eyes, or other unique features.
The compassion and dedication of those who foster or adopt these beautiful souls gave me hope. Their stories inspired me to write my favorite book, Purrrfect as I Am. I realized that many people don’t know that cats can have special needs, just like humans. I wanted to raise awareness and show that having three legs doesn’t slow down a kitten one bit, nor does being blind or having a head that’s a little bigger than usual.
Cats are resilient, adaptable, and full of personality, just like people. My goal was to help others see beyond appearances and recognize the soul that simply needs love. I wanted readers to see these incredible creatures the way I do, perfect just as they are.
How do you balance your roles as an author and a professor, and what challenges have you encountered in managing both careers?
Finding balance is definitely a work in progress. It’s not always easy, but the support I receive from family and friends, along with the power of social media, makes it manageable. I’m constantly exploring Facebook groups for opportunities, and with the rise of Threads, I’ve discovered even more ways to connect. The author community has been an incredible resource—I’ve made wonderful friends who are not only supportive but also generous in sharing marketing tips and growth opportunities. Their encouragement, especially when a new book is released, is invaluable.
To maintain balance, I’ve developed a routine of working for an hour and then taking a 30-minute break. These breaks help me avoid burnout and stay focused. I also prioritize self-care by dedicating an hour to the gym, ensuring I take time for myself amidst a busy schedule. To stay organized, I make notes on my phone as reminders, which keeps me on track.
I’ve learned the hard way that balance isn’t always easy. Last fall, I overscheduled myself, but that experience taught me to be more mindful. This spring, I made a conscious effort to avoid the same mistake. It’s a continuous learning process, but each step forward helps in the long run.
Time management will always be the biggest challenge. However, some apps can schedule social media for you to post, which has been helpful. I just found a free 30 day trial for Canva that is also great. This way I can make a bunch of marketing things and then schedule them to go out at various times. Finding those little apps that can be helpful in time management is important. I always remind myself how far I have come and of the things that I have in the work that are coming out soon. Motivation is something that will always be important.
Your books often feature diverse characters and situations. How important is representation in children’s literature to you, and how do you approach it in your writing?
Representation is incredibly important to me in my books. I have always loved my career, especially working with individuals who have autism. When I worked with adults, they constantly made me laugh, and their artistic talents were truly inspiring. When I worked with children, I noticed that they often struggled with verbal communication, yet they were always so full of joy and fun to be around. Through my experiences, I learned that communication goes far beyond words—there are countless ways to express oneself, and to me, that’s a beautiful thing.
I also noticed something significant throughout my career: I rarely worked with clients or families who were Caucasian. It became important to me to reflect this reality in my work because being different is beautiful, regardless of skin color, age, or cultural background. I learned so much about different cultures through my clients, and it opened my eyes to the richness and diversity of the world. I realized that we need more positive representation to showcase this beauty, and what better way to do that than through storytelling?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have had these experiences, and I wanted to bring them to life through my books. My goal is to inspire children and adults alike to see the beauty in diversity and to encourage them to befriend someone who might be considered “different.” By doing so, I hope to create a world that is more accepting, inclusive, and beautifully diverse
Can you discuss any upcoming projects or books you’re currently working on?
My 12th book is currently in production with Brainstorm Productions. I am so lucky to be working with them on this book. It is called happy thoughts: going to the beach. It is book 2 in that series and sees the characters going to the beach for the first time. However, Emma, who has autism, has no fear when it comes to the water. Her friends have to help her understand before they can enjoy their day at the beach. It is one of my favorite series I wrote and I cannot wait to see the talented Brainstorm Productions bring it to life.
What advice would you offer to aspiring authors who aim to write meaningful and impactful children’s literature?
Go for it! Write what you are passionate about and what is in your heart. I was never nervous about the message in my story. I was more nervous that no one would want to read my work. When I received support and positive feedback, I only fueled my desire to write more. Don’t let a topic or theme stop you from writing. Always go follow your dreams
