“...I pretty much wrote my book for my children,” shares Tingley. authorial magazine | 14
y teasing and bullying during her school years. Dyslexia is a learning disorder, making reading and spelling difficult. A study on dyslexia by the American Dyslexia Association shows that “1 in 10 people have dyslexia.” Further studies indicate that over 40 million American Adults are dyslexic—and only 2 million know it.” Guinevere Eden, a leading expert in dyslexia, explained, in one of her lectures, that intelligence has nothing to do <strong>with</strong> the learning disorder. These types of learners absorb and excel but not in the way that most learners would. There have been significant studies done by experts on how to create a conducive environment suitable for all types of learners. “Research into possible differences in the wiring of the brain is ongoing, but tests routinely show that dyslexics are better at spatial reasoning and “seeing the bigger picture.” As a mother, Tingley saw her own kids struggle <strong>with</strong> the same experiences she did as a learner. Her son, Sean, didn’t talk till he was 4 years old and her daughter, Nikka, kept getting kicked out of school. “My daughter is diagnosed <strong>with</strong> severe learning disability. So she got kicked out of private school and I had to put her in a special education class. I pretty much wrote my book for my children,” shares Tingley. The story is about the Noodles family. Tingley admits that the name came up while she was cooking noodles for her kids. The book fol<strong>low</strong>s Nolan, the main character, <strong>with</strong> his sister, Nicole, and his parents as they go on an adventure to Point Moon Ray. Nolan is different from the rest of the children in his neighborhood and Point Moon Ray is the only place where he feels at ease. It also highlights another character, Sean, who’s having problems <strong>with</strong> reading that he wants to drop out of school. His father, a fisherman, wants to help him but doesn’t know how. When Nolan and Sean finally meet by chance, they succeed in teaching each other and their families that no matter what, life’s challenges need to be understood—not ignored—and can be overcome. “Instead of making fun of Sean, Nolan is excited to help Sean, in order to make things better,” says Tingley. The book is a “charming story about the importance of perseverance in the lives of two children <strong>with</strong> different disabilities. Richly illustrated by the author, it blends the power of love and determination <strong>with</strong> the courage and optimism of children who are coping <strong>with</strong> “being different.” Parents and children from all ages appreciate this tale about the search for friendship and acceptance by an author who knows firsthand what it means to “be different” in a world where being like everyone else usually means an easier transition from childhood to adolescence and beyond.” “I used regular markers, paint brush markers to relate to the kids when I made this book. Parents and teachers Illustration of the Noodles family from Janice Tingley’s first published book Nolan’s Dreams Left photo: Author and illustrator Janice Tingley (second from the left) <strong>with</strong> her family. She dedicates her life’s work to them. authorial magazine | 15
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