Cassidy Williams and Libby Shadoan, two Tulane University students, published original children’s books this year for their final project in their Child and Adolescent Literature class.
The class, led by Richard Mihans, professor of practice in the School of Professional Advancement, challenged students to go beyond traditional homework.
“Prior to the Spring 2023 semester, I found myself grappling with how best to bridge theory and real-world writing. I redesigned my EDLA 3160: Child and Adolescent Literature course so that students would become actual authors. Rather than a traditional reading-and-writing assignment, the course challenged students to craft and publish their own children’s books,” Mihans said. He also published a book at the end of the course.
The books, “The Boy Whose Tummy Does Not Think Ice Cream is Too Yummy” by Shadoan, “My Guiding Star” by Mihans and “Do Not Be Afraid” by Williams, began as class assignments. But Mihans decided to reach out to a publisher afterward.
“I grew up always enjoying writing and English courses and various forms of literature. But it was in this class that I found I really had a passion and interest, specifically with children’s literature,” Shadoan said.
“I really didn’t think that we would get as far as we got, honestly. I had this idea at the 11th hour,” Mihans said.
Each book was inspired by personal experience. Shadoan’s story follows a boy dealing with lactose intolerance — something she faced growing up.
“As a kid, it can be kind of isolating or frustrating when ice cream is such a social gathering for so many people, and especially as a child,” Shadoan said.
Williams’ book tells the story of a boy afraid of the dark named Sean, the same name as Williams’ little cousin.
“My cousin passed away from SIDS. So I wanted just to recognize him in this story, and also advocate for SIDS,” she said.
Mihans’ own book, “My Guiding Star,” follows Richie, a boy who looks to his grandmother and the stars for guidance.
“I know my students are bright, and I know that we all have had life experiences, and usually writing comes from something that we’ve lived,” Mihans said.