The Jelly Donut Difference by Maria Dismondy

Meet the Author
An interview with Maria Dismondy

Q: How did you come up with your first book Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun in 2008?
A: Spaghetti in a Hot Bun was inspired from my own experiences as a child. I had the idea to write the book when I was teaching first grade. I wanted a book that was realistic for children to relate to, that empowered them to have the courage to be themselves and that really made a difference.

Q: Since your first book, we’ve been introduced to many admirable characters. What do people love most about your stories?
A: Readers like the strong moral messages, the diversity found in the books and the likeable characters.

Q: What do you hope readers will learn from your books? Is there a message for adults in you stories too?
A: I hope that children remember the characters and how they handled difficult situations when they are in similar positions in their own lives. I believe adults can be reminded of the importance of the power of our actions in my stories. I hope caregivers, teachers and parents of young children will see the importance of modeling positive character to the children in their lives and see what an important role they have shaping the next generation!

Q: How do you and your illustrators work together on books?
A: Kim Shaw and I worked in the same room together on our books. We had face-to-face meetings. Between Kim and P.S. Brooks, the illustrators I worked with worked solely via email.

Q: Do you have any tips for parents of young children about raising kind and confident kids?
A: Put love, patience and effort into spending quality time with your children. Do your best to model the kind of behavior you want your children to portray. Use quality children’s literature to teach valuable lessons to your family. Make it your parenting goal to help equip your child with friendship, communication and problem-solving tools they can use when they go off to school. These are essential life skills that your children will not learn from television, digital apps or games. They need to be modeled and taught early on.


Q: What are you future writing, speaking, and publishing plans?
A:  I have a project I am working on that will be released in 2018 that is currently being written. Stay tuned to find out more!
Learn more at www.mariadismondy.com
Write to the author at:
Maria Dismondy
P.O. Box 930237
Wixom, MI  48393



I was so excited to hear that she had a new book.  This book certainly didn't disappoint!  Check out this adorable trailer to give you an idea about the message from this book:


One of the most important messages we can teach our students is for them to show empathy and kindness.  This book is perfect for spreading that message.

Click on the image above to check out her new book!

1 comment

  1. Yay for another kindness gem from our friend Maria! Thanks for the sneak peek into her newest treasure, Elizabeth.

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