JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
A book signing dedicated to Michelle De La Mora’s newest release, “Where’s Honey?” was recently hosted at the Carolyn Stewart Public Library in Jasper.
Michelle gathered alongside relatives, neighbors and friends alike gathered to celebrate and read along her newest release. Additionally, visitors to the library were also given the opportunity to receive a signed copy of the book from Michelle herself.
Michelle explained that throughout her career as a writer, she always wanted to write a novel. However, she set the idea aside to focus on creating various cookbooks and recipes pertaining to different health-based dishes and smoothies. After moving away from California to the Volunteer State, the idea to write a children’s novel came to fruition, with her relationship with her grandson serving as the catalyst for the core themes and characters.
“I wanted to write a book that would help children know its okay to feel sad, but know how to channel that, how to recognize it, and know that they’re not alone,” explained Michelle.
During the signing, Michelle and her mother Lynette hosted a brief reading of the book for children who were in attendance. Additionally, several guides and therapeutic sheets were provided for children and adults to take home and use, such as a guide to havening. Havening is a therapeutic technique that helps to calm the nervous system and reduce stress through touch and affirmations.
Since its release, “Where’s Honey?” has received recognition under the Mom’s Choice Awards (MCA) program and was recently released in eBook fromat on Amazon. Looking ahead, Michelle is excited to create more stories that celebrate love, resilience, and connection, with the hopes of one day expanding Arthur and Honey’s adventures in a future sequel.