When Caregivers Are the Models of Kindness, Can We Use Children’s Literature as a Tool?

Emmy-Winning Journalist and Children’s Literature Author Janet Zappala Encourages the Kindness Movement During Summer Break.

Children learn by watching others, and often emulate the actions of those closest to them,” says children’s author Janet Zappala. This is the motivator behind her initiative to publish literature that teaches lessons for children both at home during the summer months and in the classroom.

Could a more relaxed schedule during the summer, with increased time for online gaming, texting, and social media, lead to an increase in bullying? Many psychologists believe so.

Plan ahead with the possibility of your child, a sibling, or a loved one attending community swimming pools, playgrounds, summer camps, and more. As adults, we may ponder the best strategies to teach our children kindness. It’s important to remember that it’s up to parents to be on the lookout, to be the teacher, and to always provide a refresher course on kindness.

With aspirations to keep the kindness movement growing, Zappala is proud to serve as a kindness ambassador.

Her latest work, part of a series of children’s books, is titled Guapo’s Stories: Guapo’s Great Rescue: Clay Finds a Forever Home. She co-authored both books in the series with Wendy Perkins. Guapo’s Giant Heart: The True Story of the Calf Who Kept Growing was published in January 2022, and Guapo’s Stories: Guapo’s Great Rescue: Clay Finds a Forever Home was published in December 2023.

It is an honor to learn from the award-winning journalist and author about her series of children’s books for Social The Lifestyle Magazine. She gracefully explained why kindness matters and shared more about her work as a children’s book writer.

Meghan Forte: Ms. Janet Zappala, how do you perceive your characters as symbols of kindness, given your role as a kindness ambassador? 

Ms. Janet Zappala: Because my children’s books are based on true stories, Guapo, one of the world’s largest steers, at 3-thousand pounds, and over six feet tall, and one of the oldest living steers at eight years, is the perfect Goodwill Ambassador. He was homeless as a baby, but thanks to the kindness of a stranger who adopted him into a loving home, he learned first-hand the value of caring and compassion. In time, because he grew to be so huge, Guapo had to be taken to another venue, leaving behind the woman who adopted him, and all of his friends. When he arrived at his new home the animals there judged him, he didn’t look like them. But Guapo never wavered, instead he gave the animals a chance to get to know him, and in no time, they called him friend, teaching them lessons of inclusivity and acceptance. Guapo’s acts of kindness have a ripple effect that positively impacts all those around him. His inauspicious beginnings, and his unwavering resilience have made him the perfect role model for young readers.

Meghan Forte: In what ways does a character become a role model for young readers by demonstrating respect and inclusivity in children’s literature?

 Ms. Janet Zappala: Children learn by watching others, and often emulate the actions of those closest to them. They also often relate to famous animal personalities in the media like Miss Piggy, Big Bird, Elmo and others. My hope is for the book character Guapo to follow in their footsteps and also become a household name, a symbol of kindness. Who better to teach the importance of empathy and problem-solving than someone who has actually experienced these things? In the book, Guapo’s Stories:Guapo’s Great Rescue: Clay Finds a Forever Home, when Clay, the horse, arrives at the sanctuary where Guapo and his real life buddies live, he’s afraid, and not at all social. Guapo knew instinctively that all Clay needed was some time and understanding. After all, that’s exactly what he went through when he arrived there. Oftentimes, children start at a new school, or move to a new home, and feel scared just like Clay. They learn through reading about his experiences that it won’t be difficult for long. That in time they’ll feel good about their new surroundings and make new friends. Through his actions, Guapo teaches the importance of patience, acceptance and shows young readers the meaning of empathy.

Meghan Forte: Why are teaching opportunities important and crucial for parents to demonstrate life lessons to children? 

Ms. Janet Zappala: Parents and caregivers are the ones children most look up to. They love them and learn from them. It is important to teach our children well and let them lead the way as the song goes. One effective approach is modeling kindness and caring in their own interactions with others. Youngsters learn by example, so encouraging them to engage in acts of kindness, like volunteering, or helping a friend in need can help to shape their thinking about the importance of caring for others. I know that when my son was a little boy I would take him to homeless shelters to help serve meals to the people there. That experience taught him to feel for others less fortunate. He would also help me hand out toys to kids in need over the holidays. These are the life lessons that they’ll never forget. Instilling values in our children helps them form healthy and meaningful connections with others

Meghan Forte: Why is friendship important not only for a child’s development in literature, but also through everyday acts of kindness in real life?  

Ms. Janet Zappala: Friendship plays a crucial role in a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. In literature, friendships are often depicted as sources of support, companionship, and growth as a human being. Children who read about Guapo’s stories learn many life lessons that they can apply throughout their lives, including conflict resolution and understanding. Friendship as shown through the eyes of Guapo and his buddies, teaches important social skills as well. Things like communication and cooperation. Helping out Clay in his time of need teaches young readers about the importance of offering to others, emotional support, validation, and a sense of belonging, which are essential for promoting positive mental health and well-being.

Meghan Forte:  Why are teaching opportunities important and crucial for parents to demonstrate life lessons to children?

Ms. Janet Zappala: Teaching opportunities can happen at any time, like helping an elderly person who needs assistance reaching an item in a grocery store, or holding the door open for someone. These simple acts of kindness can have a huge effect on a child who witnesses someone they love performing such kind acts. Children learn best through observation, and at a very young age. Everyday moments often turn into real-life lessons of appreciation for what they have, as well as caring for others even if they don’t know them. When they learn these behaviors, youngsters stand a very good chance of becoming responsible, compassionate, successful adults.

Meghan Forte:  How can experiences with friends at home or at summer camp become opportunities for connection and life lessons for our children? 

Ms. Janet Zappala: Teamwork, we see it demonstrated in Guapo’s stories as he helps the other animals to understand that just because someone doesn’t look like them, or doesn’t seem friendly or likable, there might be more to learn. It may be that they’re shy and uncomfortable. By rallying the other animals behind another in need, they find success. Clay eventually emerges from his shell, and is happy in his new home, with his new friends. The same applies to children. As they engage in conversations, share experiences, and support one another, they learn consideration and respect for others. By recognizing teachable moments, adults can help youngsters to cultivate important skills and qualities that will aid in their personal growth, social development, and overall well-being.

Meghan Forte: What is your family’s favorite activity for bonding and spending time together?

Ms. Janet Zappala: As a family we love good food! I think it’s safe to say that we live to eat, rather than the other way around. My mom loved to cook and entertain, and now so do I. What makes it even better is when we can all jump into my son’s boat and take off fishing or water skiing. We’re a very outdoor, active group. Which is probably why we love to eat, we need the energy!

Meghan Forte: What does your Emmy-winning career mean to you as a parent and grandmother, in demonstrating that dreams can come true through kindness?  

Ms. Janet Zappala: Working in television news for so many years taught me that dreams can come true. From the time that I was a child I knew that I wanted to be a journalist. I was always a curious kid…”Why is the sun so hot?” How do airplanes fly?” “Why do I have to go to school?” So, it makes sense that I would pursue a profession where most of what our job entails is asking questions. I never set out to be a reporter and anchor to win awards, but when they came, it was a validation for me that people appreciated and enjoyed my work. Plus the Emmy statues are beautiful!

But I have to say that writing for children has afforded me a different kind of joy. I love sharing Guapo’s stories with them, and seeing the wonder in their eyes as they learn about him and his animal friends. Their cognitive skills are sharpened, helping them to think and understand, their imaginations stirred, their language skills sharpened. And now, as a new Nona, (that’s grandmother in Italian). I can read to my 8-month-old granddaughter, and build an even stronger bond with her. I want to be an example for her, showing her what you can do when you have a passion, work hard, and follow through.

Reading Guapo’s Stories, also teaches children about animal rescue, and giving back. Part of the proceeds from both Guapo’s Giant Heart and Guapo’s Great Rescue help support rescues in California and Arizona.

Meghan Forte:  What are your future aspirations for the Guapo Series in teaching additional life lessons?

Ms. Janet Zappala: If I could realize another dream, it would be that Guapo is a larger-than-life character in the media across the globe! He’s huge in every way. He has one of the world’s largest hearts because he’s so kind, a gentle giant. And he’s a towering figure that all who get to know him look up to. Not only because of his massive size, but because he’s such a special role model for children everywhere. Adults too!

The children’s books currently available by Janet Zappala are titled Guapo’s Giant Heart: The True Story of the Calf Who Kept Growing and Guapo’s Stories: Guapo’s Great Rescue: Clay Finds a Forever Home. Both titles are published by Mascot Kids of Mascot Books and are available on Amazon and at Barnes and Nobles.

The book series is critically acclaimed. Guapo’s Giant Heart: The True Story of the Calf Who Kept Growing received the silver 2022 Moonbeam Award for a children’s book and also won the 2022 Story Monsters Approved Picture Books Award. Additionally, this year, in 2024, Guapo’s Stories: Guapo’s Great Rescue: Clay Finds a Forever Home was a recipient of the 2024 Family Choice Award.

Thank you, Ms. Zappala, for sharing what led to your journey in creating these children’s books and for reflecting on your career with Social The Lifestyle Magazine.

So, while the kiddos are home for summer break, enjoy this children’s book as an opportunity to not only spend time together as a family, but also to teach the concepts of kindness and inclusion for all children.

Amazon Link for Guapo’s Giant Heart: The True Story of the Calf Who Kept Growing

Amazon Link for Guapo’s Stories: Guapo’s Great Rescue: Clay Finds a Forever Home

Barnes and Noble Link for Guapo’s Giant Heart: The True Story of the Calf Who Kept Growing

Barnes and Noble Link for Guapo’s Stories: Guapo’s Great Rescue: Clay Finds a Forever Home

Ms. Janet Zappala’s Instagram Profile

Ms. Janet Zappala’s Professional Website