Meet the Mother-and-Daughter Authors of “Charlie’s SpecTaBulous Box”
Do you play with your kids? We are all living such busy lives that sometimes playing can seem impossible. Olivia Kennedy, a then five-year-old, and her mom, Siobhan Kennedy came up with an idea to write a book together all about family playtime told through a child’s perspective. In the book, Charlie’s SpecTaBulous Box the main character, Charlie, uses her big feelings and voice to create a “SpecTaBulous” way to spend time with her mom. Read on to learn more about the book, these Westchester authors and their process, and much more.
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Westchester Family: How did the idea for Charlie’s SpecTaBulous Box come together?
Siobhan Kennedy: One day, my daughter Olivia (who at the time was five years old) and I were doing arts and crafts. She then randomly told me that she wanted to write a book. When I asked what her book would be about she thought for a while and finally said ‘Mommy and me, no phone, playtime!’
No phone, playtime was something we had started only a few weeks earlier and I had no idea how much it meant to her. Knowing it made such an impact on her I thought this was a great opportunity to show her that we could do anything we put our minds to. I also thought it would be such a lovely story to share with other families.
Westchester Family: What was it like writing and creating the book with your daughter?
Siobhan Kennedy: Writing Charlie’s SpecTaBulous Box together was such a fun process. We started by making it a goal to write at least one page a day. Olivia would draw the picture, we would talk through the scene and then put pen-to-paper. Once we had the storyline, we found an illustrator who helped bring the story to life. It was amazing to see Olivia’s attention to detail.
As illustrations came back to us she made recommendations on changes; she actually changed the main character’s outfit. When it came time to create the title, I hit a creative block and she was full of ideas. She quickly helped and even thought up the word ‘SpecTaBulous.’
Westchester Family: Tell us more about what Charlie’s SpecTaBulous Box is about?
Siobhan Kennedy: Charlie’s SpecTaBulous Box is a story we hope most families will relate to. As a busy mom, I am on my phone more than I would like to be. When I realized I was struggling to get Olivia to cooperate when I needed her to the most (bathtime, dinner time, etc) I decided to try something new; no phone playtime. When I introduced it to Olivia, she was super excited. Just like in the book she said asked ‘You won’t even answer for work!?’
We started to have no phone playtime for about 15 minutes at a time, where my phone would be in another room, and Olivia would have my undivided attention. It immediately improved our connection. Not only were we laughing together and having fun, but bathtime and dinnertime became easier. It was a win-win.
Our book tells this story through the eyes of a child and gives kids a creative way to put their parent’s phones away and spend time together.
Westchester Family: What do you and your daughter enjoy doing in Westchester?
Siobhan Kennedy: We love riding our bikes on the bike trails near our home as well as visits to King Kone and Muscoot Farm. On a rainy day the Play Place in Elmsford is always a good time (they have an area for our 2-year-old, too).
Westchester Family: What advice would you give to other parents and their kids who want to write and collaborate together?
Siobhan Kennedy: Do it! It was such a fun process. I learned so much about my daughter and loved watching her use her imagination to create something we will have to look back on for years.
Westchester Family: Anything else to add?
Siobhan Kennedy: Another part of the process that has been really exciting is trying to get our book on the shelves at local bookstores. At six years old, Olivia is putting on her nicest dress, walking confidently into bookstores, and asking managers to carry her book. I don’t think I could have done this as a child. I love these proud mom moments.
Get your copy of Charlie’s SpecTaBulous Box here, or at your local bookstore.
