Talking with Jadoca – A Picture Book About Empathy

A few years ago I interviewed an author-illustrator duo, Catherine A. Honeyman (or Catie) and Bahiyyih Maani (Bahi), about their picture book about growing up and life’s stages. Since then, Bahi has illustrated a book all her own called Talking with Jadoca. With enchanting and warm watercolour images, it tells the story of Jadoca and her empathetic interactions with animals.

Bahi graciously agreed to tell us about her new picture book for children:

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi! My name is Bahiyyih Maani Hessari, a daughter of Persian pioneers in Brazil. I was born here in 1981, and today I am married to Diego de Castro, a local Baha’i. Together we’ve built our family of three kids, Agatha (5 years old), Jade (4 years old) and Aziz (2 years old). I studied architecture and urbanism. I served twice in the Holy Land, and in 2015, I had the chance to learn watercolour there. I’ve never stopped painting since then. 

Could you please tell us a little about Talking with Jadoca?

The book was written and illustrated by me and tells how Jadoca welcomes each character with empathy and affection, conveying a beautiful message about understanding and friendship. A light and inspiring story that warms the heart and teaches, in a delicate way, the importance of listening to and caring for others. A true hug in the form of a story!

What inspired you to write it?

My daughter Jade inspired me. The way she likes animals made me want to write a story involving her and different animals.

Who is its audience?

Children from one to eight years old, or even older children can learn from each interaction Jadoca has with her animal friends. 

In what ways can the children interact with the book?

The story itself is a way for the children to interact with the book and Jadoca. In each illustration there’s a cute snail observing the scenes, which can be a fun game for the kids to try to find it. And also, the book has a colouring section at the end with four illustrations for the kids to paint using their creativity and skills.

Why is creativity and artistic expression important to you? Or important to the world?

Art and creativity heals. I believe that words and storytelling are important to children, especially as a way to teach them virtues. When the story has illustrations, colorful illustrations, it catches even more the attention of the kids and brings life to the characters. 

Now, specifically for me, being creative and expressing it through watercolour art, especially after becoming a full-time mom, helped me cope with being mostly at home and having a tremendous change in my life.

Thank you so much, Bahi, for telling us about your new book!

You can purchase Talking with Jadoca from book retailers such as Amazon.

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Sonjel Vreeland

In her innermost heart, Sonjel is a stay-at-home parent and a bookworm with a maxed out library card but professionally she is a museologist with a background in English Literature. She currently lives on Prince Edward Island, an isle in the shape of a smile on the eastern Canadian coast. Sonjel is a writer who loves to listen to jazz when she's driving at night.