When I asked him for an interview in the blog, he agreed. And so, I present to you, Koko's World by Khristian Ross Pimentel.
1. What inspired you to write Koko's World?
My newest book from Johnny and Hansel Publications is entitled Koko's World (Ang Mundo Ni Koko), in which the character was drawn from one of the spreads of my wife Cathy's previous book where our characters KatKat and Bunso were running together with a boy. We both thought of writing a new story about that boy. I decided to call him Koko.
In 2023, our daughter Katniss was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when the idea was conceived. As a children's book collector, I notice that there are very rare books that tackle or explore ASD as a topic on children's books although this was already popular as early as 1990s based on my research. Most of the story books that are available in the market are for elementary school children. Our goal in this book is to cultivate awareness among very young readers that although we may all be different from one another, we can all live together in the same world. If parents and young children understand inclusivity, it is possible to make a better world.
Some of my works are products of ideas or concepts that arrive out of the blue. I usually write them down in my notebook or type them on my phone. Sometimes, I just keep on thinking about it, and when I can no longer contain the excitement, I write the first draft. Other times, some stories need to stay in a folder for a while. I get back to them whenever I encounter experiences related to those characters, conflict, or theme.
3. What do you hope readers take away from your book?
Like our strong belief in our previous books, we are confident that a story of a child with special needs is necessary and timely as cases are still rising and communities need to create a world that will be inclusive to all children. As parents, we want our child to live in a world that acknowledges, respects, and values differences and inclusivity. We long for a world where everyone will accept our children the moment they leave our home. A world where they can be who they want to be. A world where they can be safe and loved.
Short Bio
Khristian Ross P. Pimentel or Coco graduated from Philippine Normal University and from the University of the Philippines Diliman, where he is currently taking courses to earn a PhD degree. Coco won some literary awards including an honorable mention in 2022 PBBY-Salanga for the story The Visit. He is also a published author of Ang Mahiwagang Kahilingan Ni Papa Gong (Environment Management Bureau, 2023), The Visit (Johnny and Hansel Publications, 2023), The Magic Words (Chikiting Books, 2023), and Ang Itlog Ni Bunso (Johnny and Hansel Publications, 2022).
Coco loves collecting books, reading, blogging, telling stories, writing, and most of all, teaching. He works as a master teacher in Antipolo City. He lives in Antipolo City with his wife Cathy and daughter Katniss Isla.
From the makers of Ang Itlog Ni Bunso and Isang Daan Mata comes another story about a world where everyone belongs. Koko’s World (Ang Mundo Ni Koko) by Johnny and Hansel Publications is a story of a young boy who behaves differently from the other children. When the people around Koko do something, he often does the opposite. Will others understand Koko? Will Koko understand the people around him? Get to know Koko and enter his world. This book is intended for children ages three and above.
To buy Khristian Ross Pimentel's books, you may reach the following platforms:
Johnny and Hansel Publications, Inc.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Email: johnnyandhanselpublications17@
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