A Q&A with Sarah Asuquo, author of Roots of Love
We spoke to author Sarah Asuquo who answered questions about her latest picture book, Roots of Love.
Can you introduce your latest picture book, Roots of Love?
Roots of Love, beautifully illustrated by Ruthine Burton is a story about a young girl, named Tia, who finds out that her parents are separating. This fills Tia with sadness and makes her feel like she is losing her family. However, with the help of the children in her class, Tia learns that there are different types of families. From adoptive families, to step families, to families with angel parents and they are all rooted in love. This book aims to help children understand divorce/ separation and manage the emotions that can come with it.
What made you want to write this story?
When I started writing, my aim was to write stories that would help children overcome circumstances that, in my experiences as a teacher, I saw they found challenging. One of these circumstances was divorce/ separation. I hope that readers of Roots of Love will be comforted by the message of the story.
Roots of Love touches on some important issues including divorce, family structure and love. Do you think it’s important for picture book to explore these topics, and why?
Yes – I think it’s important for picture books to explore these issues as it can help teach children about how to manage their emotions, create empathy and develop understanding of difficult situations from a young age.
What was the hardest part about writing this story?
I think the hardest part was encapsulating Tia’s emotions of sadness and exploring the issue of separation in a manner that is still encouraging, heart-warming and positive.
How do you come up with ideas for your writing?
My books, so far, have inspired by the issues that affect the children I have encountered throughout my career and how I can uplift them.
What was your favourite picture book when you were younger?
My favourite picture book was We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
What would you like young readers (and older ones) to take away from Roots of Love?
I want children to know that although sometimes families change, they can still be rooted in love and happiness. There isn’t one way that families should be. There are so many different types of families and they all should be celebrated.
Roots of Love: Families Change, Love Remains
Roots of Love is a touching and heart-warming journey through a child’s worries about their family changing. Tia has had the best day ever, until her parents tell her that they are separating. To top it off, she has to present a project at school all about her family. With the help of her school friends, can Tia learn that there are many different types of family, and that each one can be full of love and happiness?
