When Hummy the hummingbird meets Tula the tulip, they become instant friends. But when the seasons change and Tula has to go away, what will Hummy do? Find out in The Flower Kisser. About the Author: Marisa Gallippi, OCT, M. Sc (Primary and Secondary Education) is an educator and has worked with children in many roles, and mainly with special needs children for over 20 years. She writes: "Throughout my years, I found that dealing with death is one area that is not really talked about (as many adults have a very difficult time with this issues as well.) I wanted to write a simplistic story about a very complicated reality. I wanted children of all ages to be able to relate to the character; his feelings about his friend, his excitement to see her, the fact that he relies on her and finally the extreme emotion that he feels when she is gone. I wanted to help children understand that although death is a part of life, one’s own life needs to go on and if we allow other people to help us through the difficult times, things will be ok. The main character is a hummingbird because of what hummingbirds are known to symbolize. Remember to cherish each and every moment with your loved ones as you hover around!" Marisa lives in Toronto with her son. The Flower Kisser is dedicated to her Father. A contribution will be made to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Palliative Care Dept., (a comprehensive, family-centred care that improves the cancer treatment experience and provides timely, collaborative, multidisciplinary care for patients and their families), for each book sold. |