By David F. Rooney
Local children’s author Mieke Blommestein, has published her latest illustrated book, Benjamin the Crocodile.
As with her three previous books, this one is beautifully illustrated by Diane Perrizzi, and it has a bright and happy message for children: Be happy with the way you look.
“Benjamin is not happy with the way he looks,” Mieke said in an interview on Friday, November 15. “He thinks his body is way too long and he doesn’t like all the bumps on his skin. Then he meets Ceceilia…”
Cecelia the mouse helps Benjamin overcome his self-consciousness and realize that he is beautiful just the way he is. That’s a valuable lesson for lots of children, particularly those who absorb twisted media messages that they won’t be popular or even accepted unless they wear certain clothes or use certain kinds of products.
“This story encourages children to ;ole their bodies just the way they are,” Mike said. “Lids in Grades Three and Four are at the age when they start feeling self-conscious about their appearance. This story encourages them to appreciate themselves just the way they are.”
Mieke will be bringing that message directly into Revelstoke’s schools with readings at at Columbia Park and Begbie View Elementary Schools on November 21 and 29, respectively.
She’ll also be selling copies — And signing them! — at Grizzly Books during Moonlight Madness on November 29 and at the Crime Stoppers’ No Host Bazaar on December 1.
