Dream It, Do It
Publishing books has been a long-time dream of mine. The content of my character and the contours of my life have been shaped by books. I still remember some of the books I read in high school and college that shifted my paradigm and my life choices.
After Matt and I planned the perfect wedding for us without losing our savings or sanity, I wanted to share our story (and the similar stories of others) with the wider world. I counted my lucky stars when I found an agent and later a publisher (the book is due out this December via Voyageur Press). It took a ton of work (and persistence as I faced rejection after rejection).
After that experience, I wanted to contribute to the growing body of knowledge about the Montessori approach to education. I partnered with one of my favorite bloggers (a Montessori mum from Australia) to self-publish a cookbook for children ages 18 months to 9 years-old (after I was inspired by reading this post about a recipe she drew for her son).
Then one of my dear friends joined the project as the graphic designer. These two wonderful women agreed to donate months upon months of their time for free, so that all proceeds could benefit Montessori For All, the non-profit organization I’m starting.
I don’t even know how to fully express my gratitude. I’ve seriously been staring at my computer, grasping for words for at least five minutes.
They gave so much of their time–so much of their lives—to pull this book together.
At times, I wasn’t sure how it would work. Angie lives in Houston, Kylie lives in Australia, and I live in Austin. We produced the entire book via e-mail, Google Docs, and flickr. We pulled it together in about five months.
I know I’m biased, but I think it’s really good. It can be hard to find concrete information about how to implement Montessori at home. This book provides all the information you need to cook with children in a Montessori way. It includes step-by-step information about how to set up your kitchen to facilitate independence. Then it includes a sequence of foundational skills to prepare your child for cooking. Finally, it includes ten recipes that are depicted with photographs and simple text, so your child can follow along as independently as possible.
We will be releasing the book very soon, and you will be able to order it off Amazon just like a regular book. Please think through your list of friends and family members to see if this book would be a good gift for anyone of them. Or consider sending an e-mail to them once the book is released to see if they’re interested in buying the book for themselves. Or think about how to spread the word via social media outlets like Facebook or Twitter.
It takes a village to pull off big dreams, and you are my village. Thank you for your continued support. We’re all in this together as we figure out what to do with our “wild and precious” lives. Hugs to you!
10 Comments
Anonymous
I am so excited for the recipe book to come out! What a creative idea.
Sara
Hearty congratulations, Sara! I can't wait for the book to come out; do keep us posted 🙂
Julie R.
Will certainly spread the word, and make a few purchases for my family and others. You are so right about there not being enough concrete, pragmatic literature out there that shows how to impliment Montessori in the home. Even with my AMI degree, I had trouble reading through the esoteric lines to find a more step by step approach for what to do (or not do!) with my infant now toddler.
Kudos to you Sara!
Jxx
Kristy
Turning dreams into reality is something I love about you and your blog Sara. It makes me think that we can do anything if we just put our minds to it. I know that saying is always out there but it is nice to see it happen in reality!
Kelsey
So excited for the book, and so amazed at all your hard work making your dreams happen! I think this will be such a great resource for families, can't wait to buy mine!
Kylie D'Alton
ADORABLE!
Anonymous
Been following your and kylie's blogs since learning about and implementing montessori in my home with my two girls, ages 3 and 5, a year now. I am definately going to be purchasing the book.
Emily R
Awesome video, something that I could definately see my 13 month old doing–peeling half of it and then shoving it in his mouth! So cute!
Congratulations on the book, I look forward to reading it!! My son is always so interested in watching me in the kitchen, I am looking for a learning tower on craigs list (that I learned about from you!) Thank you!
At Home with Montessori
I happen to have had a sneak peek at the book and I think its one of the best kids cookbooks I've ever seen! I will be buying a set for each of the families in my infant toddler community. All I can say is don't miss out! You NEED this book!
saracotner
Aw, thank you for your kind words, Meg! It was so, so generous of you to read over the book for us through the lens of your Montessori expertise. Thank you!