Today we’d like to introduce you to Lillian Pagano.
Lillian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a retired teacher and enjoyed a wonderful teaching career in Ridgefield, NJ for 33 years. I’ve always loved reading and writing and have kept journals since I was a child. I have four adult children including a set of triplets. I have always been passionate about instilling a love of reading in children and have always used books as a means of communicating big feelings and having difficult conversations.
I retired right before the pandemic and shortly after that, I started teaching English to children in China online. I met this wonderful family that inspired my first book, Bao Bao The Baby Panda. I taught the two girls English for about a year and a half until the program stopped hiring teachers from the United States. The family brought me into their home by introducing me to family members, their dog, Luna and Sylvia would often play the cello for me after our lesson. It was sad when China discontinued American teachers for a while. They have since reopened the platform once again to teachers from America.
The mother often says to me that if I ever visit China, the family would love to show me around! Sylvia, the oldest girl was the inspiration for the story. Children can often relate to animals, so I chose a panda character to spread happiness and create friendships across oceans. “Oceans apart, Connected at the Heart.” I enjoy visiting schools, libraries and bookstores and to my message is to inspire children to be open to new friendships and adventures! I also want them to never give up on their dreams and do little steps every day to reach their goals!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Writing a children’s book later in life was a completely new experience and their were challenges along the way. I needed to learn how to trust the process and believe that my story was good enough! Technology and using social media has been challenging, and I’ve had to reach out for help in these areas. I am so happy I took the risk and signed , called Miriam Laundry Publishing. The support of a team and fellow authors and the connections I have made has been priceless.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Now that I have two published children’s books out in the world, I want to get books into as many children’s hands as possible. I am interested in doing podcasts, interviews, and am open to doing presentations for children from pre-school-5th grade. I still substitute teach and tutor adults in Japan online who want to work on their conversational English. I have a supportive group of friends who support me at my events. They are my “Retireads” book club members. I am so grateful for all of the support I’ve received.
Teachers, principals, directors, and librarians often tell me that I bring warmth, enthusiasm, and keep children engaged throughout my presentations. I am most proud when I get positive feedback from children and parents and teachers about my books. My books fall under the category of social-emotional learning and I share stories with the children about how books helped me get through some difficult times.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I am happy when I connect with children. Childhood passes very quickly and I want to create meaningful experiences and memories for all children that come into my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lillianspagano.com
- Instagram: @paganolillian
- Facebook: Lillian S. Pagano-Children’s Author
