I talked to Gabrielle A. Hill at the Plant The Power VegFest, 925 Mt. Vernon Ave., Columbus, OH 43203.

Tell me about the book.

My book is called “Kaydee the Bumblebee” it is a children’s picture book, dedicated to my goddaughter, Kaylin. Kaydee is a feisty little bumblebee who has dreams. Everyone tells her everything that she can’t do. “They” the group of insects. Kaydee does it regardless. She uses positive self-talk and affirmations. Ultimately, she reaches her goal of flying. Scientifically, little bumblebees should be able to fly. Their wings are not in proportion to their bodies. Ultimately, she defies the odds. The book was funded through kick starter. The momentum is going. I am excited to build and get into schools. I am a school counselor by trade. I dedicated this book to my goddaughter and my students as a space of inspiration.

Let’s talk about how the book is one part of your purpose.

I love children. This is the social emotional piece to help children understand that you don’t have to wait until you are grown to reach your dreams. If no one is on board with your dream(s), that is ok too. People are going to say what they want to say. In the book, at times, she addresses it; but, most times she focuses on her own self talk. The earlier we can get that is powerful. If you are not careful, you will live your life for everyone else in your twenties, thirties, and forties. If we can get children early to trust their voice and trust their dreams, I think that is liberation in itself. This is one piece of me supporting and giving back.  

Tell me how someone can buy your book. How much does it cost?

The book can be purchased on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. My favorite local place to buy the book is the Prologue Bookshop, 841 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215. I will have a meet and greet there October 21, 2022. The book can also be purchased on my website, www.theanthillcreative.com. The book cost $18.99 plus tax (hardcover).

Is there anything that I didn’t ask you that you think I should have asked you? If so, go ahead and answer that question.

I was writing books as a kid. One of my friends from elementary school would illustrate the books. Like hand drawn illustrations. I reached out to her twenty years later to see if she wanted to do it again. Every illustration is hand drawn. They are illustrations that myself and Stephanie Goehring came up with. She is a Chicago based artist now. We wanted to revisit who we were as children and find our love for art again. It is all one of a kind and a beautiful store.

I will be beginning to do pop ups in Columbus and Toledo. I also plan to go to schools. That schedule can be found on www.theanthillcreative.com, on IG: @theanthillcreative or @ghillcreates