By Sabrina Novacov
We’re so happy to be chatting with Pearl Gifty Alimo, author of the heartfelt children’s book Maya Moves to a New Country. This touching story follows young Maya as she navigates the challenges and excitement of moving to a brand-new place, showing kids what it means to be brave, adaptable, and open to new experiences. With warmth and empathy, Pearl captures the emotions children often feel when facing big changes—and reminds us all of the importance of friendship, kindness, and community. Join us in our conversation where Pearl talks more about her book and inspiration behind it.
Q: What inspired you to write Maya Moves to a New Country?
A: My family. We have as a family moved around a bit with back -to -back tours to Japan on military orders. As an active-duty military spouse, mother and a professional who works with military children, I saw first-hand how hard it was for children to understand the concept of moving away especially to a different country. Children usually experience their own doze of fear, anxiety, excitement, mixed feelings and stress. I wanted to help ease the fear of moving to a new country as a military child due to military orders. I also wanted to inspire children to look forward to positive experiences that can happen when you move like the opportunity to learn a new language, taste new foods, make new friends and create new experiences for life. At the time of writing, our youngest daughter Maya was about 4 years old, and we had just returned from our second tour from Japan. She was the inspiration behind the book. Her resilience and openness to a new culture despite the challenges of moving at that young age was a great inspiration behind ‘’Maya Moves to a New Country’’ children’s book.
Q: What message did you most want young readers to take away from Maya’s story?
A: I wanted young readers to feel and think that they can still have a great life no matter what life throws at them even at a young age. Moving is a big change and challenge even for an adult. For young children, it can mean that their whole world has changed. For this, I wanted young readers to take away the idea that you can do it even when you feel afraid, scared, unsure or not capable. You just need a little bit of courage and a positive attitude. I also wanted to inspire young readers to share kindness and help their peers feel welcome in new classrooms, churches, sports groups, clubs or neighborhoods.
Q: Was there a particular challenge in writing about moving and starting over in a way children can connect with?
A: Yes. The fear of the unknown. Will the new place be nice? Will I like it or not? Will I make new friends? Will people like me? Will I miss out? How do I still hear from the friends I left behind? All these are questions that are sometimes to find answers to until you experience it. I would say it was somehow easier to write about moving to a new country because I was writing from experience. I was telling what our own ‘’Maya’’ had experienced for the most part of the story. And this is one thing that makes my books unique- I write from experience because I want my audience and military children to connect with authentic stories.
Q: What advice would you give to children who are nervous about moving to a new country or school?
A: Moving to a new country can be a cool thing. The experience is very special. Yes, you may have to make new friends, try new foods, learn a new language or hear people speak English with a different accent, you may miss some of your friends and family members but always treasure the unique opportunity and experience of living in a new country.
Q: What projects and/or books are next in store for you?
A: I am working on new picture book idea, and I would love to write a novel for Middle School aged readers. I don’t have timelines yet but I like to keep my readers in the loop of things so be sure to follow me on social media for updates.
Biography: Pearl ‘Gifty’ Alimo is an award-winning author and educator. Described as a seasoned military spouse, Pearl is also a mother to three wonderful military children. Together with her family, they have lived on different military bases in Japan and throughout the United States. As an early childhood educator and coach, Pearl enjoys reading to children and takes pride in coaching childcare professionals to provide quality care for children. When Pearl is not working or writing, she likes to spend time with her family and to travel.
Website: https://www.pearlgalimo.com
Instagram: @pearlg.alimo
Spouse-ly Shop Link: https://spouse-ly.com/store/greight-books-and-gifts/
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