Welcome to my stop on the NBtM virtual book tour for My Mummy After Our Baby: A Journey of Hope and Healing by Namita Mahanama. This book tour was organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. On my stop, I have an excerpt from the book as well as a guest post about the importance of illustrations in children's books. There's also the tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a $15 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. Be sure to follow the rest of the tour for more content. Enjoy!
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Author: Namita Mahanama
Publisher: Tellwell Talent
Publication Date: December 23rd 2021
Print Length: 28 pages
Genre: Children's Fiction Picture Book
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My Mummy After Our Baby: A Journey Of Hope and Healing is a beautifully written and illustrated story, about the reality of post-natal depression setting in after the birth of their perfect little baby.
It is a gentle, soft, perfectly put together story, filled with an abundance of emotion and heart to explain what is happening at home, for all children who may be feeling lost and confused about what is happening to their Mummy after becoming unwell.
It is written by a mother who experienced this twice herself and vowed to create a beautiful explanation and tool, in order to provide hope, solace and strength for other families, that she wished was available for her children.
This beautiful book is written in the hope of educating, as well as to be a connective and bonding tool, at a time when a family needs it the most. It is gently and eloquently written, with the most amazing illustrations, that will form the basis of a vital healing tool in the home of everyone who is going through this harrowing chapter.
The author has brought the prospect of hope in a perfect package here and is her gift to you and your family, to navigate through this chapter with as much peace and lightness as possible.
Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble *
IndieBound * Indigo *
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EXCERPT:
As the end of Summer arrived, Aydan turned four and his Mummy and Daddy gave him the biggest birthday party. It had all the cake, balloons, games and friends that you could possibly imagine and hope for!
His Mummy was super tired these days as she had another beautiful tiny baby growing inside of her tummy but she wanted to give him the most special day.
In a few short weeks, this little family of four would now become five and they were all SO excited!
The little baby boy had his beautiful nursery all set up and ready for his arrival into the world. His Mummy had neatly arranged all of the baby’s clothes, blankets, ornaments and had made the most peaceful space for Aydan’s little brother.
She would sit in there and fill the space with so much loving kindness, that it penetrated the entire home. Her heart was that big and overflowing.
His Mummy promised Aydan that he would love and adore his new baby brother. She explained that her heart was so big and full of love for Aydan that it was overflowing. Soon this little baby would get to feel her love pour onto him and that her love was limitless.
His Mummy was super tired these days as she had another beautiful tiny baby growing inside of her tummy but she wanted to give him the most special day.
In a few short weeks, this little family of four would now become five and they were all SO excited!
The little baby boy had his beautiful nursery all set up and ready for his arrival into the world. His Mummy had neatly arranged all of the baby’s clothes, blankets, ornaments and had made the most peaceful space for Aydan’s little brother.
She would sit in there and fill the space with so much loving kindness, that it penetrated the entire home. Her heart was that big and overflowing.
His Mummy promised Aydan that he would love and adore his new baby brother. She explained that her heart was so big and full of love for Aydan that it was overflowing. Soon this little baby would get to feel her love pour onto him and that her love was limitless.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Namita Mahanama is a mother of two boys and draws upon her heart-wrenching first-hand experience of post-natal depression, after the birth of both of her children. She is creating a myriad of support tools for women and their families, to navigate through their journeys of PND with as much ease and grace as possible.
Namita is a registered pharmacist who has qualifications in Ayurveda and Ayurveda Yoga teaching, as well as being a PMC (paediatric massage consultant) and CIMI (certified infant massage instructor). She draws upon her professional knowledge as well as her own experience, to be the support lifeline at a time when families need it the most.
Her intention is that she can be a beacon of hope and shine much-needed light, on the road towards the mothers and the entire family's healing and recovery. She hopes to inspire and uplift you through this chapter in your life.
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GUEST POST:
- How important, in your opinion, are illustrations in children's books?
Illustrations are the BEST way to bring the words on a page TO life! For a children’s book where visual understanding transcends just what they hear, it is an even more crucial or critical part of the story.
I was very picky with the illustrator that I chose to work on my book. I had images and a vision that I wanted to bring into reality, that I did not want to deviate from. I searched through all of the illustrator’s portfolio of works that were available, before I found the perfect one that visually had the repertoire of what I was looking for.
I am so grateful that my illustrator was able to bring the depth of feeling and emotion into every image that she created, that matched the words on the page…which were my lived-experience. It was because of this, that I actually was able to feel the emotions in her illustrations…and so I knew that it had hit the mark when I felt the emotion when looking at it!
When my husband first read the book in its completed form with the illustrations, he cried…because she was able to capture the ups and the downs of our story in each and every page.
She was able to capture the emotion…the depth of elation…and the depth of darkness and despair.
Children can feel the tone of images and the meaning behind it is so much bigger than just the words on the page.
They can sense the colours, the mood…and all the hidden nuances within the image.
It is the combination of the illustrations and the story, that brings a children’s book into becoming a story that they can connect, relate and feel into.
My children’s book was created to explain what was happening within our home when I fell ill with postnatal depression after having my second son. It was to share the experience so that other children do not feel alone in their experience, and know that other people go through this too.
The illustrations capture the joy in the birth of our baby, and they also capture the depths of pain and darkness felt by us all in my illness.
Yet, it also imparts the message of hope, which was a huge part of my story…the message of holding on for brighter days, and hope that their Mummy will also get better. The brightness, light and colour that the illustrations depict upon the mother’s recovery, allow the children to feel this shift!
Words alone could not impart this understanding…yet the images, allow a true understanding of this shift between illness and recovery…between the darkness of the pain, and the lightness of recovery.
I am eternally grateful for my illustrator for bringing this all into life…and it is definitely a book that I am so proud of and hope that it brings the message of hope and healing to all of the children and families who are reading it.
I also hope that this resource reaches the hands of all those who need it to help them along this chapter in their lives.
Illustrations are the BEST way to bring the words on a page TO life! For a children’s book where visual understanding transcends just what they hear, it is an even more crucial or critical part of the story.
I was very picky with the illustrator that I chose to work on my book. I had images and a vision that I wanted to bring into reality, that I did not want to deviate from. I searched through all of the illustrator’s portfolio of works that were available, before I found the perfect one that visually had the repertoire of what I was looking for.
I am so grateful that my illustrator was able to bring the depth of feeling and emotion into every image that she created, that matched the words on the page…which were my lived-experience. It was because of this, that I actually was able to feel the emotions in her illustrations…and so I knew that it had hit the mark when I felt the emotion when looking at it!
When my husband first read the book in its completed form with the illustrations, he cried…because she was able to capture the ups and the downs of our story in each and every page.
She was able to capture the emotion…the depth of elation…and the depth of darkness and despair.
Children can feel the tone of images and the meaning behind it is so much bigger than just the words on the page.
They can sense the colours, the mood…and all the hidden nuances within the image.
It is the combination of the illustrations and the story, that brings a children’s book into becoming a story that they can connect, relate and feel into.
My children’s book was created to explain what was happening within our home when I fell ill with postnatal depression after having my second son. It was to share the experience so that other children do not feel alone in their experience, and know that other people go through this too.
The illustrations capture the joy in the birth of our baby, and they also capture the depths of pain and darkness felt by us all in my illness.
Yet, it also imparts the message of hope, which was a huge part of my story…the message of holding on for brighter days, and hope that their Mummy will also get better. The brightness, light and colour that the illustrations depict upon the mother’s recovery, allow the children to feel this shift!
Words alone could not impart this understanding…yet the images, allow a true understanding of this shift between illness and recovery…between the darkness of the pain, and the lightness of recovery.
I am eternally grateful for my illustrator for bringing this all into life…and it is definitely a book that I am so proud of and hope that it brings the message of hope and healing to all of the children and families who are reading it.
I also hope that this resource reaches the hands of all those who need it to help them along this chapter in their lives.
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GIVEAWAY:
Namita Mahanama will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Good luck!
(All the Ups and Downs is not responsible for this giveaway, its entries, or the prize. Goddess Fish Promotions and the author assume all responsibility for this giveaway.)
Thank you so much for hosting! I really appreciate the opportunity to share my latest book with your readers, and hope that they enjoy the excerpt and guest post! Namita
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, and thank you for stopping by <3
DeleteThank you for hosting!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a good book.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sherry!
DeleteLooks like a fantastic childrens
ReplyDeletepicture book
Thank you so much Katie! It is a story close to my heart and home and hope that it can help bring the message of hope to all the families to need it.
Deletecongrats on the release, this sounds wonderful
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your support, I truly appreciate it!
DeleteSounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rita, I hope you get a chance to read it and enjoy it!
DeleteI enjoyed the excerpt. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debbi! My hope is that it can reach all the homes of those who need it, to help them through their tough chapter in life with more ease and hope.
DeleteThis sounds like a cute book. I like the cover.
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan! I thought the illustrations came out beautifully as well! She was really able to capture all the emotion in each illustration and I am super happy with it!
DeleteThis sounds like an interesting book and I also like the cover.
ReplyDeleteabfantom at yahoo dot com
Thank you! Yes, the story line has a very specific niche which is in line with my other book for postnatal depression, where I want these to become part of the tool kit for every family who needs it, right across the globe. It is an all too common condition, that is not spoken about enough...so am hoping to create change in this narrative.
DeleteThe book sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteThank you Deb! It is a lived-experience book that has been brought to life...I hope you enjoy the except!
DeleteDo you have any advice for new writers?
ReplyDeleteI have grand kids who would love this book!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing it.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great day!
ReplyDeleteMy Mummy After Our Baby: A Journey of Hope and Healing
ReplyDeleteby author Namita Mahanama is a book that will be informative and helpful for young families.
Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
The book sounds very interesting. Great cover!
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds like it would help children deal with some hard concepts involving mental health. It is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you like to eat for breakfast?
ReplyDeleteHow do you handle writing slumps?
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome!
ReplyDeletePretty cover
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome!
ReplyDeleteCover and excerpt are intriguing!
ReplyDeleteWhat advice do you have for writers?
ReplyDeleteHow did you decide on the cover for this book?
ReplyDeleteHow did you decide on the cover for this book?
ReplyDeleteYou are so awesome!
ReplyDeleteHow many books have you written and which is your favorite?
ReplyDeleteAre any of your family members also authors?
ReplyDeleteAside from this one, what giveaways have you hosted for your readers?
ReplyDeleteHow did you decide on the cover for this book?
ReplyDeleteWe are having some rain here in Kansas.
ReplyDeleteWhat was the first video game you ever played?
ReplyDeleteHow many hours a day do you write?
ReplyDeleteAbout how long did it take you to complete your first book?
ReplyDeleteHave a great day.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read your book.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great kids' book, I think my nephews would love it!
ReplyDeleteI think that the cover of your book is very charming and colorful.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
What age were you when you first started writing?
ReplyDeleteWhat are some of your favorite snacks?
ReplyDeleteWhat is your biggest fear?
ReplyDeleteHow do you select the names of your characters?
ReplyDeletePretty cover
ReplyDeleteDo you have any extreme hobbies, like extreme couponing or cave diving?
ReplyDeleteI think that the cover of this book is quite charming!
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Tell me your favorite memory.
ReplyDeleteI love everything about this book - genre title and cover!
ReplyDeleteWhat's your signature alcoholic drink?
ReplyDeleteWhat has been your favorite road trip?
ReplyDeleteHow do you think we should warn future inhabitants of earth about nuclear waste?
ReplyDeleteDid you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
ReplyDeleteIf you could stay one age forever, which one would it be, and why?
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a really good book!
ReplyDeleteWould you ever be willing to take a cruise? To where?
ReplyDeleteWhen do you think you could have used a second chance in life?
ReplyDeleteHow do you relax after a long day of writing?
ReplyDeleteDo you have a crush on anyone?
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I wish I had had a book like this 29 years ago when I suffered from postpartem depression and had no idea what was wrong with me. Great idea for a much needed book
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful that your writings are good reads but more so helpful to others in certain circumstances. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHow do you "flesh out" your characters?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a book that would benefit many families.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Any advice for someone starting a new job?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a book that might be helpful for many new families.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Thank you so much for helping other parents!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a useful book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest.
Sounds like a fun read
ReplyDeleteI like the different perspective. Thank you
ReplyDelete