A local author stopped by the Chestermere Public Library for a story-time reading of his self-published children’s book “Daddy’s Mini-Me” on Sept. 21.
“It went really well. I’m really happy that today there was a few kids that came out, they looked very engaged, and they looked happy,” said Author of “Daddy’s Mini-Me” Arnold Henry.
“It seems like they really enjoyed the story,” Henry said.
“The reason I put the story out there is because there is a lack of books promoting good father hood. I wanted to inspire fathers to be involved in their kid’s life,” Henry said.
He added his goal was for parents to have a fun book that they can read to their children during story-time or bed time.
Throughout the previous two years, Henry has had to overcome many hurdles while trying to publish his children’s book. However, the community has been very supportive since day one.
“The reason I am here today, and the book is published is because the community supported me from day one,” he added, “They contributed into getting the book into print and ever since they have been buying copies and letting their friends know.”
After Henry had finished writing “Daddy’s Mini-Me” and the illustrator had finished the photos, Henry began looking for a publisher.
In February, Henry received a rejection letter from a book publisher who stated that stories featuring African American fathers was a difficult sell.
“That really triggered me with disappointment,” Henry said.
“I thought that was the harsh reality coming from an agent. I was very disheartened, I decided to share the letter with my Social Media,” Henry added, “Everyone felt like the agent was not being truthful.”
Many people had reached out to Henry who encouraged him to not give up continuing to pursue publishing his children’s book.
After Henry shared the rejection letter with his network, he was encouraged to do a Kickstarter where he was able to raise the funds needed to complete the book publication.
“Because of the person I am, I’m very ambitious, I wanted to get my story out there,” Henry added, “I believed in my story. I’m truly blessed.”
Henry wanted to see “Daddy’s Mini-Me” out in the world, because there aren’t many books that represent fathers, he said.
In July Henry received his first shipment of 1000 books, that have been sold.
Now Henry is working towards selling his second shipment of books before the holidays.
Ten per cent of all book sales Henry makes will be donated to a not-for-profit organization that focuses on foster care or youth development in the Calgary area. Henry will be presenting his first cheque in October.
“I haven’t chosen an organization yet because I really want to see who really needs it,” he said.
Henry has been very busy promoting “Daddy’s Mini-Me” by doing book signings, and visiting daycares in the Calgary area, Toronto Ont., and Vancouver B.C.
“My days are very busy, but I’m very excited,” he said.
Next, Henry wants to take “Daddy’s Mini-Me” to Saint Lucia to present his book for the first time.
Henry is also hosting a colouring contest where he wants to help bond kids and parents at home after school.
The colouring contest will close on Dec. 15, the winner will be contacted, and receive 250-dollar gift card for “Toy’s ‘R’ Us” or “Amazon” in time for the holidays.
For the colouring contest rules and to download the colouring page please visit “Daddy’s Mini-Me” website at https://daddysminime.com/2018/08/31/daddys-mini-me-colouring-contest-2018/.
For additional information regarding “Daddy’s Mini-Me” events please visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pg/daddysminime/events/?ref=page_internal.
