How Real-Life Parenting Experiences Shape Award-Winning Children’s Books
Ross and Lilly Jamshidi discuss their journey from parents to authors, the inspiration behind The Inspiring Stories of Devin & Rose, and how their books foster resilience, kindness, and self-directed learning.
Ross and Lilly Jamshidi, the visionary storytellers behind Klever Kiddoz, have brought a refreshing and heartfelt approach to children’s literature with their award-winning series, The Inspiring Stories of Devin & Rose. Drawing inspiration from their own children and parenting experiences, they craft engaging narratives that celebrate independence, resilience, and mindfulness. Their books are more than just stories—they are life lessons wrapped in warmth and adventure, designed to empower young readers and encourage self-directed learning.
Their latest title, The Inspiring Stories of Devin & Rose: Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds, exemplifies their commitment to instilling positive values through storytelling. With accolades such as the Literary Titan Book Award and glowing reviews from parents and educators, their work has made a lasting impact on families seeking meaningful and enriching books for children.
In this exclusive interview, Ross and Lilly share their creative journey, the inspiration behind their beloved characters, and the educational philosophy that drives their storytelling. Their insights offer a fascinating look at the power of literature in shaping young minds and the joy of turning real-life experiences into stories that resonate with readers of all ages.
Ross and Lilly Jamshidi craft inspiring, award-winning stories that empower children with invaluable life lessons, heartfelt storytelling, and beautifully relatable characters.
What inspired you to create the characters Devin and Rose, and how do they reflect your own children?
Devin and Rose are inspired by our own children, with their middle names serving as the characters’ names. Observing our kids’ daily adventures and challenges, we wanted to create relatable, lovable characters that other children could connect with and see themselves in. By basing the stories on real-life events, we aim to inspire other parents and kids through authentic narratives that promote positive values like empathy, kindness, and perseverance.
In “The Inspiring Stories of Devin & Rose: The Game Changer,” how do you aim to teach children about perseverance and teamwork?
In “The Game Changer,” Rose is inspired by her brother Devin’s success in basketball and decides to pursue her own passion for softball. Throughout the story, she encounters setbacks but learns to overcome them by embracing hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. The narrative demonstrates that true success is not just about winning trophies but also about conquering fears, building friendships, and believing in oneself.
Could you elaborate on the educational philosophy behind your books, particularly in promoting self-directed learning?
Our educational philosophy is influenced by self-directed learning approaches, similar to the Montessori method. We believe in empowering children to explore new things independently, fostering a love for learning and confidence in their abilities. Our stories are designed to ignite imagination and inspire young minds to overcome obstacles with resilience, encouraging children to take charge of their own learning journeys.
How do you ensure that the themes in your stories, such as empathy and kindness, resonate with young readers?
By drawing from real-life experiences and challenges our children face, we craft stories that are both authentic and relatable. This authenticity helps young readers see themselves in the characters, making the lessons on empathy, kindness, and other values more impactful. Additionally, our engaging narratives and vibrant illustrations capture children’s attention, reinforcing these themes in an enjoyable manner.
What challenges did you face when transitioning from parents to authors, and how did you overcome them?
Transitioning from parents to authors involved learning the intricacies of storytelling, publishing, and reaching our audience. Balancing our family life with writing and managing Klever Kiddoz required careful time management and dedication. We overcame these challenges by staying true to our mission of sharing valuable lessons through authentic stories, continuously learning, and adapting along the way.
How do you balance entertaining storytelling with imparting valuable life lessons in your books?
We believe that storytelling and education go hand in hand. By embedding life lessons within engaging plots and relatable characters, we ensure that the messages are conveyed naturally. Our goal is to create stories that children enjoy while subtly imparting values like resilience, empathy, and curiosity, making learning both fun and meaningful.
What feedback have you received from parents and educators regarding the impact of your books on children’s development?
Parents and educators have praised our books for their relatable stories and positive messages. Many have noted that children are inspired to embrace challenges, practice kindness, and engage more deeply in learning activities after reading our stories. The recognition from platforms like Literary Titan further validates the positive impact our books have on young readers. All books have 5 star reviews on Amazon.
What advice would you offer to aspiring authors aiming to create educational and engaging content for children?
Stay authentic and draw inspiration from real-life experiences. Understand the values you wish to impart and weave them seamlessly into engaging narratives. It’s essential to balance education with entertainment, ensuring that stories are both informative and captivating. Continuous learning, seeking feedback, and being open to adaptation are also crucial in creating content that resonates with both children and adults.
