U nder the pen name Mikey Woz, he wrote When the World Stays Inside (Two Fools Publishing), a warm, witty and heartfelt reminder that, to dust off an old cliché, within every dark cloud lies a silver lining. Wasnidge, 34, is not a parent himself, but he and his wife are active volunteers with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. They are what the organization refers to as, “a big couple,” meaning they mentor a child together, rather than individually. He credits this experience for providing him with some insight into the world kids live in. In When the World Stays Inside , Wasnidge, using clever, Seussian-style rhymes and imaginative illustrations by Halifax-based graphic designer Sara Panchaud,gently prompts young readers to be creative and find new ways to play when the weather or other external forces cause them to stay indoors. “Now and then there are times when the world must stay in. It might be the rain, or the snow, or the wind. But sometimes it’s because we don’t want to get sick. And from inside we’ll wonder, how did it happen so quick,” he writes. “We’ll have time to get cuddly, curled up on the couch feeling all cozy and lovely. But that isn’t all, there’s so much we can do. There’s fun to be had and it’s all up to you!” Since March, a slew of pandemic- themed children’s books have hit the market. But while most of these books tackle topics like mask wearing, distance education and learning to manage germs, When the World Stays Inside takes a refreshingly positive tone, reminding the reader that sometimes it’s better for our mental health to focus on all the things that can be done, rather than on the things that cannot. While the book is aimed at children ages four and up, When the World Stays Inside has a universal message: our
time together is priceless and can help us all learn, grow and change for the better. When the World Stays Inside was released on Amazon.com on June 8 and was an immediate hit, soaring into the top 10 in two separate categories: top-selling children’s books and top- selling new books. Since its release, When the World Stays Inside has generated praise from parents and reviewers across North America, and received official kudos from PEI Premier Dennis King and PEI’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison, as well as award-winning authors Eric Walters, Sheree Fitch, and journalist Jackie Burns, author of the Condo Kids series. When the World Stays Inside is currently available at The Bookmark and Indigo Books in Charlottetown, in select bookstores across Canada, and on Amazon.com. To learn more about Mikey and When the World Stays Inside , visit www. whentheworldstaysinside.com.
What people are saying about When the World Stays Inside :
“Absolutely charming! A keeper. A gentle reminder of lessons we’ve all learned in unforgettable times. This is heartfelt proof that when the world stayed inside and paused, creativity flourished and what matters most is to understand what matters most.” - Sheree Fitch, author of Summer Feet “ When the World Stays Inside is a delight! I have often made reference during this pandemic about the importance of an attitude of gratitude and about having hope. This book captures all of this and made me smile.” - Dr. Heather Morrison, Chief Public Health Officer of Prince Edward Island “A gentle, kind story to provide comfort in difficult times. “ - Eric Walters, award-winning author of Don’t Stand So Close to Me “A timely story. Highly recommended for families and teachers with anxious young children returning to schools” - Lana Shupe, Atlantic Book Reviews “ When the World Stays Inside is a beautiful juxtaposition to the 24-7 news cycle, a reminder that every cloud has a silver lining and opportunities arise when you least expect them. This delightful story may have been written as a keepsake for our children, reminding them of all the bright sides to staying inside, but parents will be equally uplifted and inspired.” - Jackie Burns, author of The Condo Kids series
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