Two of the authors of Ty the Bull recently chatted about the book and the important message contained within its pages:
Everything seemed to fall apart for Ty when his parents got a divorce. At his wits end after being bullied endlessly, he started to ditch school. It wasn't until he met up with a skater named Peacock that things somehow turned around and he put the pieces of his life back together.
Brenda Perlin, author of the Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles, and Kim Mutch Emerson, publisher at Master Koda Select Publishing, teamed up with 11 year old Rex Baughman to tell an illustrated story based on the real life of an average 10 year old kid. Here is the transcript of a recent conversation Brenda and Rex had about bullying, writing a book and more.
Brenda: Why do you think kids bully other kids?
Rex: Because.they are mad at themselves and they are not feeling good and they want everybody else to feel the same way they do?Brenda That is such a really good answer! I wouldn’t have thought of all that. So you think they have low-self-esteem?
Rex: Yeah
Brenda: What are some of the things kids have bullied you about?
Rex: Like your fat and your stupid.
Brenda: But you are not fat you are not stupid.
Rex: I know. But I don’t know why.
Brenda: You have said people even pick on your name.
Rex: I know. It doesn’t make any sense.
Brenda: Why do you think a story about bullies is important?
Rex: To make others feel like that they shouldn’t care about what other people say or think. Just move on and don’t think about it. Just ignore it.
Brenda: What has helped you the most against bullies? I mean have you even been able to just ignore them?
Rex: Usually, just say like what’s you're problem and they usually get stuck and move.
Brenda: That is great.
Rex: Yes, I just try to ignore them.
Brenda: That’s even better.
Rex: Yeah, I think so.
Brenda: What is helping you the most dealing with your parents divorce?
Rex: Probably not think about it.
Brenda: It’s not getting easier for you?
Rex: Not that easy.
Brenda: You are not alone . It’s a hard topic.
Rex: I know.
Brenda: What makes you feel better about yourself?
Rex: Ummm… I really don’t know.
Brenda: Yes, you do! Rex!
Rex: Oh yeah, when I do good in school or when I do good art work or learn a new trick on the trampoline.
Brenda: That’s a good feeling.
Rex: Yeah.
Brenda: We used your artwork for the book. Do you think your work has recently improved? If so, why and how?
Rex: Oh yeah, for sure. I have. Probably because I have been putting more time into it and more thought. And putting more details.
Brenda: You have a natural talent but of course you have to nurture it.
Rex: Yes, I have to be careful how I put the marks on them. It’s better when I take my time.
Brenda: Let’s change the subject, what’s your favorite subject in school?
Rex: History. Actually.
Brenda: Really, how come?
Rex: Well, I have three. History, writing and math. History because it is a pretty easy subject for me. I have a good memory so I can remember all the things I have to study for.
Brenda: That is good. It’s not because it is interesting?
Rex: I like writing too because you get to make up stories and math because you get to solve equations. History is probably my favorite though.
Brenda: What do you want to do when you grow up?
Rex: I would have to say an owner of a company that I made and designed.
Brenda: That was fast! You are such an individual! I love that. I think you’re big on being your own person Rex!
Brenda: How does it feel to have your name on the cover of a published book?
Rex: I feel FAMOUS! I feel serious in the business word.
Brenda: That is wonderful. You are making something of yourself.
Rex: Yeah!
Watch the trailer:
Want some more fun? Join Brenda Perlin and Kim Mutch Emerson on July 12, at 10 am US Pacific Time for a quick ONE HOUR event in celebration of the launch of the new book, Ty The Bull. There will be fun & games and prizes too. Win bracelets by Rex.
This is a no bullies zone!
Head over to the even page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/634944403255571/
Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small fee is earned when purchases are made at Amazon through links on this site. The views, opinions, and beliefs expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Girl Who Reads.
Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small fee is earned when purchases are made at Amazon through links on this site. The views, opinions, and beliefs expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Girl Who Reads.
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Thank you so much Donna for having us on Girl Who Reads. We really appreciate your kindness by sharing our story. Ty the Bull hopes to inspire kids and make them know that they are not alone.
ReplyDeleteHope readers will join the Facebook launch party July 12th! Win ebooks and Rex's bracelets too :-)
I'm very proud of Brenda and Rex for writing this book. Rex's story will help other kids dealing with bullying and divorce.
ReplyDeleteI'm Thrilled And Proud Of All The Authors, But Especially Rex For Speaking Out Against An Age Old Problem. Thanks For Sharing About Your Life Rex!
ReplyDeleteRex, you not only speak strongly, but with authority, well beyond your age. What I mean here is you are building on your future, you have a vision. Your vision will get you to places you will never imagine!
ReplyDeleteRex the next three lines of dialog are so powerful of real life!
“…..Brenda: Why do you think kids bully other kids? Rex: Because they are mad at themselves and they are not feeling good and they want everybody else to feel the same way they do? Brenda That is such a really good answer! I wouldn’t have thought of all that. So you think they have low-self-esteem?....”
Not that I was bullied much, at times a little. The challenged that I had growing up was the loss of my Father tragically at a young age of 10. Had a great mother and three annoying but loving sisters and we made it through it all, hard but made it.
I can relate much to what you are saying. Study, read, find things that interest you, it worked for me. It took, what at the time, I viewed, as a very long time, but after it wasn’t. Old friends that meet me now don’t believe my accomplishments! And are very happy for me. They knew I had much going against me. But some of the OLD Jerks I meet again, that never grew up, their response is that I was lucky; it was all handed to me, or some childlike remark! They still see jealously, not the hard work.
So Rex, those bullies when they get much older, really they never grow up. They will just be jealous of you success down the road.
“…Rex: I like writing too because you get to make up stories and math because you get to solve equations. History is probably my favorite though. Brenda: What do you want to do when you grow up? Rex; I would have to say an owner of a company that I made and designed….”
History is a great foundation to build on, aside from reading, it will help you in your future endeavors, believe me it is still helping me!
In closing, there are two reasons I am writing this: To pass on my suggested comments and life experiences on, and writing is still a weakness of mine, I still need improvement.
Bravo Zulu
(Above is Navy lingo for job well done!)
Awesome Interview ! ! ! Can't wait until the party ;)
ReplyDelete