SAN DIEGO — Local author and Special Education teacher, Jana Anderson, is releasing her first book, “The Lollipop Fairy, A Sweet Birthday Tradition” on March 10.
Anderson’s book follows the Lollipop Fairy, who brings a new birthday tradition as she travels the world bringing lollipop seeds to children the day before their birthday. Once the special seeds arrive, the birthday child reads about the Lollipop Fairy’s adventure together and then plants the magic seeds before midnight. The child then awakes to a lollipop garden delight on their birthday morning. The whimsical fairy promises to return every year and the sweet birthday tradition continues. This tradition was born from the author’s desire to create a new tradition in her own home when her children were born.
Anderson, along with illustrator Riley Helal, create a stunning visual, eye-popping classic children’s book, a new family tradition and introduce children to a cast of characters of diverse backgrounds, two of whom are based on Anderson’s real-life children, Alex and Collin.
“Many of our family and community traditions have been dampened or eliminated over the past few years, and I felt it was the perfect time to share this simple, heartwarming, tradition with others and hopefully bring some much-needed joy and light to our world. I love that this tradition is simple, accessible, connects generations, and is guaranteed to make children smile year after year. “
She was also inspired to write a children’s book because she often shares with her students how important it is for them to never lose sight of their dreams and wanted to be an example of it never being too late to work towards achieving a goal.
Anderson and Helal also wanted to create a diverse set of characters so that any child reading the book would be able to identify with at least one character. It was important to them that every reader feels important and valued by The Lollipop Fairy.
“What a whimsically sweet and fun book! This is a magical expression of family traditions, and of those to come!,” said Dr. Eric Chagala, founding principal of the Vista Innovation and Design Academy. “The story is wrapped in loving goodness, and the illustrations are out of this world fantastic! The Lollipop Fairy, A Sweet Birthday Tradition will surely help start new family traditions and bring smiles to all who open its beautiful pages!”
About the author
Jana Anderson lives in Oceanside and is a literacy specialist, Special-Education teacher, and mother of two teenage sons and two lazy Labradors. She has been a lifelong advocate for children with different needs. Jana attended the University of North Texas where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education and a master’s degree in Special Education. She and her family reside in San Diego, California, and 17 years later, they still enjoy this sweet family tradition. For more information about the author, please visit www.lollipopfairy.com or https://linktr.ee/lollipopfairy
