LaNiyah Bailey presents, Not Fat Because I Wanna Be


LaNiyah Bailey is a 6 year old author with a message for children like her – just because you are bigger than other kids, that doesn’t mean that people have the right to bully you.
In her debut book, Not FAT Because I Wanna Be, LaNiyah details the struggle of Jessica, a fictional girl who has an underlying medical issue that causes her to gain weight. Bullied by her peers, Jessica learns to accept her body and eventually opens up about her condition to her classmates.

LaNiyah is not only speaking to other children through her book, but has become an
advocate for anti-bullying organizations.

With a message that words can hurt and that not all weight gain is due to an unhealthy lifestyle, LaNiyah hopes her book will enlighten and entertain her young readers.

Recently, I asked LaNiyah a few questions about her and her book, Not Fat Because I Wanna Be. Sit back and enjoy this charming interview.

Kai: LaNiyah, what age range is your book for?

A: It is for ages 3 -10

Kai: What inspired this story and how did you decide on this age range for your story?

LaNiyah: Well, this story was inspired by the things I went through with kids teasing and bullying me. I decided not to sit around anymore and tell my story. I told my mom, my dad and my grandma and they thought it was a great idea to do it. And that’s how it came about.

Kai: How does your book help readers make a difference against bullying?

LaNiyah: I think it can make them take a stand against people who are bullies that tease and hurt other kids because they are different and it can help people who bully see how it makes others feel when they bully or tease them.

Kai: What is your favorite book (besides your own J)?

LaNiyah: Cat & A Hat By: Dr. Seuss

Kai: What is your favorite activity?

LaNiyah: Well I love playing and running with my yorkie-poo Diva, she is 2 years old and lots of fun. I like playing hop-scotch with my mommy and playing with my collection of dolls.

Kai: Finally, I have four kids. Over the years, they’ve attended a lot of birthday parties. I love the idea of building a theme gift around a book. If you were to give a gift basket to a child based on your book, what else would be in the basket besides (your book’s title)?

LaNiyah: I would put a lot of colorful and fun stuff inside the basket. I would put a ball, a jump rope, a water bottle, a headband and some fruit snacks in it. It could be for a girl or a boy.

Thank you K. Strand for having me today. Thank you for supporting me and my book and I want to invite your readers to my website http://www.notfatbecauseiwannabe.com/ .

They can come there to leave comments on my blog and talk about bullying and being healthy.

Kai: Thank you, LaNiyah, for spending time with us. Your message is an important one and I wish you and your book loads of success.

Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 8, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    This is a great interview. I'll have to read her book. What a great concept.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownAugust 9, 2011 at 5:45 AM

    So heartwarming! It gave me goosebumps--the good kind. What a lovely young lady, and thanks for doing the interview, Kai!

    ReplyDelete
  3. VS GrenierAugust 9, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    LaNiyah is an inspiration to kids everywhere. Also, she's offering a book giveaway all month long. All you have to do is follow her tour at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/LaNiyahBailey.aspx, leave a comment with your safe email or ask a question to be entered.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kristen Zajac, Children's AuthorAugust 9, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    Great interview, Kai. Congratulations on your new book, LaNiyah! I can't wait to read it to my children. What an important message you are sharing with your readers. Proud of you and very best wishes!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kai Strand, AuthorAugust 9, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    Thank you everyone for the kind and supportive words for LaNiyah. I applaud her courage for speaking up.

    Thanks LaNiyah for doing the interview.

    ReplyDelete
  6. LaNiyah's MomAugust 10, 2011 at 6:56 AM

    Thank you all, so very much for your kind words of encouragement and vows of support!

    Thank you Kai, for helping us share LaNiyah's message. It's people like you all that help us stay inspired to keep this journey moving forward! <3

    Love,
    The Bailey/White Family

    ReplyDelete

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