Tabletop Publishing recently had the pleasure of interviewing Jaime Magnetico-Walsh, the author of "Grandpa's Heart." This heartwarming children's book was written to help kids understand how the heart functions, using relatable and engaging language. Here are some highlights from our conversation with Jaime:
Q: What do you hope kids or readers get from your story? What is the message to kids and parents?
Jaime: My hope is kids get a better understanding of how the heart functions, whether it be to learn about the heart in general or when a loved one is having heart issues. The book's message is that it's essential to understand how the heart works, and if there is a problem, there are ways to fix it.
Q: What inspired your story?
Jaime: My story was inspired by my dad, who was in and out of the hospital since I was in the 3rd grade. My brother Jason had the idea to write a book about the heart and relate it to a pool. Our dad fought heart disease for many years, which led to further health issues. Unfortunately, he passed away in November 2021 due to heart issues.
Q: What was the hardest part of your journey in creating this book?
Jaime: The hardest part for me was learning how to make my book a reality. I self-published and learned the steps I needed to complete them. I found an editor and an illustrator, and I researched the best ways to self-publish.
Q: What was the most inspiring part of your journey in creating this book?
Jaime: The most inspiring part was seeing the characters come to life during the illustration phase. Once I saw the drawings of Anthony and Grandpa, I knew this book was meant to happen.
Q: Who helped or inspired you through your journey as an author?
Jaime: My brother Jason helped during this process. We compared notes in the beginning of the pool compared to the heart, and then I went with it. He supported me each step of the way, and we made it happen.
"Grandpa's Heart" is a touching story that can help children understand the importance of heart health and how to navigate difficult situations. We highly recommend it to anyone who wants to teach their kids about the heart and the love that binds us together. Thank you, Jaime Magnetico-Walsh, for sharing your story with us.