The Author
Michele Foote, Children’s Book Author
Picture Books to Introduce the Experience of Mindfulness
Motherhood has been one of the most rewarding experiences of Michele Foote’s life. After her children were born, she began a daily journal, recording the simple moments and adventures she shared with them. This journal inspired her picture books, What Should We Do Today, Mommy? and Love You to Pieces, which remind us of the joy of being in the moment and the power of unconditional love.
Michele’s third book, Playdate In Outer Space, celebrates the importance of PLAY! With a little imagination, there’s no telling where you can go in life!
Michele cherishes warm memories of growing up in Grand Blanc, Michigan. She now lives with her family in a northern suburb of Chicago
“Our children teach us so many life lessons, but to be in the present moment is the greatest gift they have taught me!”
~ Michele Foote
As a new mom, I found myself so happy in the moment with my children. I am in awe of them—their pure delight in every moment! They have no judgments, are not distracted by yesterday, do not think of tomorrow, and fully engage themselves in whatever they are doing. It is wonderfully refreshing. From games of hide and seek to making soup in our kitchen, visiting our favorite museums, and playdates, I am constantly in gratitude for each experience. It inspired me to begin a journal of my daily adventures with my children. I had not kept a journal since my childhood. I would read my journal at night and begin to think of rhymes that put a smile on my face as they captured our day. And before I knew it, I had written my first children’s book.
At first I thought to share my books with only family and friends as a special keepsake, but I then realized it would be important to share what I had learned with others. A mentor of mine, Joan Franklin Smutny, once said to me, “If we cannot help one another, then what good are we?” And this is exactly how I feel about my book experience. It makes me think of another famous quote by Maya Angelou, “If you get, give. If you learn, teach.”
I am blessed to be reminded of this valuable life lesson and experience—to be in the present moment. It sounds so simple, yet can be so difficult in our world of distractions. Not only did this experience of being in the moment bring genuine joy to my life and a great connection with my children, but opened me up again to my true passions in life. My passions for creativity, inspiring others, helping others, and the joy I feel when I’m doing anything that’s from the heart.
I hope my books will inspire you and bring you many moments of joy!
Love,
Michele
“Whatever inspires you, whatever excites you, and whatever makes you shine bright, just remember to always follow your light!”
~ Michele Foote
The Illustrator
Valentina Belloni was born in Cuneo—a city near Turin, Italy. As a young child, she always drew and painted, and after her graduation, she finally decided to make her great passion into a career. She attended the IED (European Institute of Design) of Turin, Italy, where she graduated in July 2008. During this experience, she built up her artistic skills, with an eye toward the juvenile illustration market. In 2010, she became part of the freelance illustrators represented by the MB Artists of New York (www.mbartists.com), having the possibility to work with several important publishers.
She is so happy with her job, for her the nest in the world. www.valentinabelloni.com