Children’s book teaches acceptance

By Keri Lunt
Staff Writer
Published on Sunday, November 2, 2008 4:14 PM MST

“Jonas and the Pride of Fiona”—a children’s book— is about two characters that are natural enemies but choose to look past their differences and become friends.

Jonas, an old lonely bear in the woods, finds Fiona, a mother of twin cubs, in the forest caught in a trap.

Jonas offers to help Fiona, but she is less willing to interact with the bear.

Tanya Stingley is the author of “Jonas and the Pride of Fiona,” a children’s book about love and respect for those who are different. Photo by Keri Lunt

After nursing her back to health and watching over the cubs, Jonas and Fiona become friends.

The author, Tanya Stingley, said the story is about two characters who don’t let their differences stop them from building a friendship.

Stingley wrote the story shortly after moving to the Gila Valley four years ago. She is currently working on a prequel to the story.

“It literally fell out of my head and onto paper,” Stingley said.

Her advice to other writers is to “not overthink” when writing, just let the words flow.

Besides writing short stories, Stingley is also a published poet. She has been writing poetry since she was 8 years old. Her work can be found online at www.poetry.com.

Though she has had no formal training, Stingley said writing comes naturally to her. “We all have a story,” she said. “The point is just to put it down on paper.”

Stingley is the mother of three and grandmother of one. She works at the Arizona Department of Corrections as a teacher. She teaches officers policies, code of conduct and self-defense.

“Jonas and the Pride of Fiona” is available at the Safford City Library and for sale at www.amazon.com, www.target.com and www.rosedogbookstore.com.

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