An interview with Laura Gray on The Children’s Book Review.
The stars aligned for Cleveland native Laura Gray. After facing some childhood trauma, she felt her inner light was diminished. A friend gifted her a coloring book and a box of crayons to spark her sense of wonder once again. It didn’t take long.
On the night of December 29, 2022, after finishing one of her coloring creations, she was startled awake with the story idea for The Swing on the Silver Star in the Royal Purple Sky: Adventures of the Little Girl Seeking her Lost Inner Light. She says it was a magical moment, and she couldn’t get to a notebook and pencil fast enough. The words just flowed from her brain to the paper. Today, the book is becoming a fast success and has even been voted as one of the Top 15 Children’s Books for the Summer by Cleveland Magazine.
The Swing on the Silver Star in the Royal Purple Sky is a story about a little girl seeking her lost inner light. However, she remains unnamed. Was this intentional?
Laura Gray: It absolutely was intentional. I wanted the readers to see themselves in her. She serves as a mirror, in a way. By not naming her, she can be anyone representing the child in us all.
Why was finding one’s inner light important to write about?
After lots of prayer and reflection on my own life, I feel it is something people can relate to in one way or another. It is a type of spiritual awakening—a liking to Christmas morning for a child as they open their gifts.
What is it about your book that stands out from other children’s books?
I believe it’s the rhythm of the alliteration throughout and beautiful illustrations. Bonnie Lemaire made this book into a magical story with her artwork. The pictures speak for themselves. The wild hair of the girl on the cover tells you everything you need to know about this story. There is no better feeling than seeing your words become pictures in your story.
What lessons would you like youngsters to learn from your story?
This book is a reminder to children (and parents) of the importance of free play – something that has become somewhat of a lost art and replaced with technology. Children should live a carefree life. They should be playing, exploring, and imagining. Wave those flowers! Fly through the fields and hug the trees! If your crown falls off, pick it back up and continue marching at your own beat.
You decided to go the self-publishing route. How was the process for you?
After I wrote the story, I contacted a trusted friend in the industry to help me find the “right” illustrator for my story. His guidance led me to the serendipitous encounter with Bonnie. She guided me from there as the process continued. With marketing all on me, I trusted my extensive business background and began promoting the book. I was thrilled when it was chosen to be part of the Columbus Metropolitan Library Inaugural Book Festival in July.
Favorite children’s book?
What’s next for you?
I hope this will be the first in the series of adventures with the little girl. I see coloring books and perhaps even a small doll. The little girl is leading the way as she takes us all along on her journey. We will land where we are meant to be…surrounded by stardust.
About the Book
The Swing on the Silver Star in the Royal Purple Sky: Adventures of the Little Girl Seeking her Lost Inner Light
Written by Laura Gray
Illustrated by Bonnie Lemaire
Ages 4+ | 46 Pages
Publisher: Laura Elizabeth Gray (2023) | ISBN-13: 979-8988127406
“And then, it happened. Up from the small grassy hill to her right, delicate winged creatures appeared, flying together, in mystical motion.” Join the little girl as she soars and surrounds herself with magical mayhem in search of her imagination!
Buy the Book
About the Author
In 2015, as a result of her own childhood trauma, Laura Gray created iPride, a self-esteem empowerment program primarily for youth.
Whether in a classroom of middle school students or hiking with an adult looking for ways to break through during a life transition, she calls on her strong faith in God, her professional training, and diverse life experiences to help them discover their power within and explore endless possibilities. Ultimately, working with them to become personally invested and responsible for their future and achieve optimal potential.
Learn more at www.ipride.net.
This interview—Laura Gray discusses The Swing on the Silver Star in the Royal Purple Sky: Adventures of the Little Girl Seeking her Lost Inner Light—was conducted between Laura Gray and Anna Iacovetta, Ph.D.
