In Uncertain Times, Book Brings Hope To Children

Children today are growing up in a rocky world. Normal childhood fears are stunted by adult fears forced on our young people. Threats of terrorism; school shootings; climate change; homelessness; nuclear threats; and a bully in the White House, are amongst the list of their troubles. It’s no wonder that about 3 million teens ages 12 to 17 had had at least one major depressive episode in 2015 (Department of Health and Human Services). More than 2 million reported experiencing depression that impaired their daily function. About 30% of girls and 20% of boys–totaling 6.3 million teens–had an anxiety disorder (National Institute of Mental Health). In University, according to a survey conducted by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), 55% of schools report increased stress and anxiety among their pupils. 40% have seen a large rise in cyber-bullying; 79% report more self-harm and suicidal thoughts among students.

But according to one local author, waiting until the children are teens or in college is too late. In The Adventures of Rosy Posy Papillion: Friendship, author Diana Rangaves gives hope to her readers by demonstrating the concept, value, and power of friendship. The Sonoma County Gazette reviewed the book as having “more integrity than most politicians…. [with] excellent teachable moments & quality storytelling that will lead to more independent and successful children. It is a refreshing story …you can’t help but smile.”

Q&A WITH THE AUTHOR

The Adventures of Rosy Posy: Friendship is your first children’s book. What was your inspiration for wanting to write a children’s series?

The tiniest of kids are picking up on all the world’s negativity. They need outlets for escape and for coping before it’s too late, before it becomes a problem. I am a foster mom for Pap Haven Rescue. A dog became available and I adopted her. About one month after she arrived, she escaped into my field. I found her safe visiting with the pony, ram, and goats on my property. I named her Rosy Posy. She is strong, curious, and has courage. I saw her as a vehicle for explaining the value of friendship to children. We need a tool to teach each half-generation of children values in a compelling, fun, and bright way. We need to watch for mental health in our youngest of citizens. So, the inspiration of the 12 Values Series was born.

Can you explain the 12 Values Series?

The Values Series is [made of] universal values that are acceptable anywhere in the world: lessons in sharing; communication skills; teachable moments; and building strong family bonds. Early development of ethics with parental guidance, a child will have the tools essential for developing lifelong, healthy relationships from the very start. A few of the values are: acceptance; kindness; encouragement; intention; commitment; appreciation; respect; love.

How else does the book help children?

There is a Rosy Posy Club website where children can follow a treasure hunt and earn a Rosy Posy Bookmark. This way they feel they belong, they have friends and that they are not alone in this world.

Where can we find all things Rosy Posy?

The book is available at: Amazon and Barnes&Noble.

Website: https://rosyposy.club/

Instagram: RosyPosyClub

Facebook: The Adventures of Rosy Posy Papillion

Hashtag: #RosyPosyPower

Tell us about what adventure is next for Rosy Posy?

The next one is written and is The Adventures of Rosy Posy Papillion: Acceptance. Rosy Posy and friends learn about acceptance while searching for a missing autistic neighbor named Toby. Where did he go? Is he alive? Will he be safe? This is an adventure that teaches the art of believing and accepting others, even those with mental health issues. Courage and fun also come from the new Rosy Posy Song of Acceptance.

Do you have any other endeavors on the horizon?

Yes, there is the series, Medicine Child's Play. The first of that series: The Sensitive Brain, explains depression, anxiety, psychosis, and bipolar disorder in easy language with bright illustrations. It is for all ages that would like an understanding of these conditions. Connecting medicines to stories allow us to understand what is really happening. It allows us to learn, to remember, to better accept ourselves, others, and the situations around us. We can shape and respond to our world, which makes life a lot easier, more pleasing, and more fun.

What in your life made you focus on mental health issues in your writing?

As a Clinical Pharmacist at Aurora Behavioral Health and the author or Embrace Your Excellence, an addiction, treatment and recovery self-growth book, [I saw] an imperative need.

You are donating 100% of your royalties from the book, what made you decide to give your earnings from the series to Pap Haven Rescue? Why does their mission resonate with you?

They are all volunteers who follow their passion and bliss. They are individuals living across the United States who have been drawn together for the sole purpose of preserving and protecting pure breed and non-pure breed Papillion’s in need. There is something wonderful and enduring about serving something bigger than us. It is a “feel good” feeling to know that by buying a book we are supporting a cause.

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The local author, Diana Rangaves, is a pharmacist, ethics professor turned writer. An accomplished educator and business professional she now uses her powers for good writing health related articles, children’s books and political thrillers. Well respected in her field, she became part of the faculty at Santa Rosa Junior College. Dr. Rangaves earned several awards during her tenure; including, Outstanding Contribution by Adjunct Faculty, The Faculty Fund for Advanced Studies Award and the Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation Grant Award.Diana received a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of California, San Francisco.