Heartwarming Tales of Frogs and Friendship: A Dive into Agapé Doo's Big Heart
Heartwarming Tales of Frogs and Friendship: A Dive into Agapé Doo's Big Heart
Explore the enchanting world of Frogilly Digilly Doo in this heartwarming story of Agapé Doo, a frog with an extra big heart, spreading love and kindness among his friends. Join in the fun and discover the magic of friendship in this delightful interview.
Introduction to “Kids Ask, Author Answer”
Kids Ask, Authors Answer is a fun YouTube series where kids get to ask children's book authors anything they want! The author does not know the questions in advance, and it's all filmed LIVE. Your kids can participate in future episodes too! There is information on how to participate at the end. In this blog, we dive deep into one such episode, featuring Heather Merillat a.k.a. H.s.i. Merillat, the celebrated author of Agapé Doo and the Extra Big Heart of the Frogilly Digilly Doo. She also has 2 other books - Frogilly Digilly Doo and The Legend of the Blue Butterfly.
Meet the Authors: Behind "Kids Ask, Author Answer"
The show is hosted by Amy Doslich and Sam Howard-Els, both accomplished children's book authors. Amy Doslich is known for the "Hannah Banana and Mary Berry" series, while Samantha Howard-Els is recognized for her "Mungo" series and "Tiny Boo Halloween" book. Together, they create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where authors share insights and anecdotes, answering the questions sent in by their young fans.
Joining us in this session is Heather Merillat, the talented author of Agapé Doo and the Extra Big Heart of the Frogilly Digilly Doo. Heather’s book celebrates the power of empathy and selfless love, wrapped in a heartwarming tale of friendship and kindness. In this episode, Heather shares the inspiration behind Agapé Doo, a charming story about a toddlewog with an extra-big heart, journeying through the Swamp of Digilly Doo to spread joy and love to those in need.
Kids Dive into the World of Frogs
One thing is evident from the get-go: children love stories, especially those filled with colorful characters and adventurous plots. In the video, kids express their enthusiasm and curiosity, posing a wide range of questions to Heather. Their questions took us deeper into the magical world of Agapé Doo, a little frog with a very big heart, and offered insights into Heather’s creative process.
The Story of Agapé Doo
Agapé Doo is a little frog burdened with an extra big heart. He carries it on his back, unsure of what to do with such a large heart. Seeking advice, he turns to his mother, who encourages him to share his heart with others. This heartwarming tale is a narrative full of kindness and the power of giving. As Heather explains, sharing love only multiplies it, a lesson that resonates with both children and adults alike.
Why Frogs?
One of the frequently asked questions was about the choice of frogs as the main characters. Heather attributed this to a request from her husband to write a story for their grandson. Additionally, the natural charm and familiarity of tree frogs made them an adorable and fitting choice for her story. Frogs, with their vibrant colors and engaging behaviors, captivate the imagination and provide an excellent medium for conveying themes of kindness and community.
What is a Bayou?
Heather took the time to explain what a bayou is, igniting the children’s interest with descriptions of these unique natural waterways teeming with life. Bayous are slow-moving bodies of water found in low-lying areas, particularly in the Southern United States. These richly biodiverse regions are home to various forms of wildlife, making them the perfect setting for her froggy characters.
Frogs and Their Friends
Young readers were curious about the possibility of frogs being friends with other animals. Heather explained that frogs, with their naturally curious nature, are inclined to befriend both familiar and unfamiliar creatures. Frogs might stay close to water, while toads, their land-loving relatives, prefer dry habitats. Heather favored the beautiful South American tree frogs, particularly the colorful and, often, poisonous varieties for their stunning appearances and captivating life stories.
Can Agapé Doo Jump Higher?
When asked if Agapé Doo could jump higher because of his big heart, Heather ingeniously responded that his heart, filled with love and light, allows him to leap over the entire Frogilly Digilly Doo swamp if he wanted to. This metaphorical interpretation highlights the boundless potential of a loving heart, making Agapé Doo’s character even more endearing to his young readers.
The World of Frogilly Digilly Doo
From snails following frogs to the unique term "toddlewog" for young frogs, Heather built a vibrant and intriguing world in her books. Children’s questions about the tiny details, like Agapé Doo’s favorite snacks (toadstools) and the friendly snails serving as companions, emphasized their deep connection with the story’s imaginative universe.
The Dreamery Series and More
Heather not only entertained kids with her frog tales but also gave insights into her upcoming projects. She revealed her plans for the "Dreamery Series," which includes "The Dreamery Day," "The Dreamery Moon," and "The Dreamery Rainy Day." These books aim to engage children’s senses, making the act of reading a more immersive experience.
Book Angel Ministries
Heather's passion for giving is also evident through her Book Angel Ministries. This initiative aims to provide books, backpacks, and other essentials to children in need. Her contributions reflect a genuine desire to make a difference in children’s lives, ensuring that every child has access to the magic of reading. Would you like to help Heather with her mission to help children in need? You can find more information here: https://whimdreamery.com/book-angel
Collaboration for a Cause
Amy, Sam, and Heather also highlighted their upcoming collaborative efforts to support communities affected by the wildfires in California. Together with over 97 authors (now over 175!), they are donating books to libraries and children who have lost their homes in the fires. This act of compassion and solidarity underscores the community-driven spirit of the authors. You can help too by purchasing any of our books and sending them to:
Kristi R. Bradbury Author
C/O Hawthorne Campus
624 N. Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Or you can purchase books on this wishlist which will also go to the LA schools: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1BFZL7ECULYF3/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex
The interaction between the authors and the children showcased the significant impact stories can have. Books like Agapé Doo and the Extra Big Heart of the Frogilly Digilly Doo do more than entertain; they teach valuable lessons about kindness, community, and the joy of giving. Heather’s dedication to her craft and her community exemplifies the transformative power of storytelling.
For young readers, the opportunity to ask questions directly and learn the behind-the-scenes details of their favorite stories is priceless. It not only deepens their connection to the books but also inspires their creativity and curiosity. As Heather continues to create and share her enchanting stories, she undoubtedly fosters a love of reading and a deeper understanding of the values her characters embody.
In the world of children’s literature, authors like Heather are true treasures, nurturing young minds and hearts with each page they write. As we look forward to her future stories, let’s remember the lessons from Agapé Doo: that kindness, love, and a willingness to share our hearts can make a world of difference.
Want to grab a copy of Agapé Doo and the Extra Big Heart of the Frogilly Digilly Doo? You can find it here*: https://amzn.to/4gVaKei
You can also find Amy and Sam's books here:
Amy - Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series*: https://amzn.to/4eLoZ3G
Sam - Mungo series & Tiny Boo*: https://amzn.to/3CBx9OF
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Want your kid to participate in the next episode? Make sure you are subscribed to our YouTube channel to see who the next author coming soon is, read their book (always a free option!), and then send your questions to KidsAskAuthors@yahoo.com.
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