S. Deborah Desser’s cardinal rules when writing her children’s books are non-negotiable. Books should cultivate curiosity, solicit silliness, add a soupçons of serious, and entertain while (quietly) educating, because that’s how children learn about life. It’s like micro-grating the veggies and hiding them in the mac’n cheese…shhh…it’ll be our secret.
S. Deborah Desser’s cardinal rules when writing her children’s books are non-negotiable. Books should cultivate curiosity, solicit silliness, add a soupçons of serious, and entertain while (quietly) educating, because that’s how children learn about life. It’s like micro-grating the veggies and hiding them in the mac’n cheese…shhh…it’ll be our secret.
When you browse through your home library, you’ll find that your perennial favorites are a little dog-eared.
~ S. Deborah Desser
Available November 17th, 2022
Have you ever wondered how a child processes sadness and loneliness after the loss of a loved one? Are there fears and anxieties they never had to deal with before? Do they start questioning their own mortality?
The Last Leaf is an honest, simply told story about the life cycle, as explained through the four seasonal changes and narrated from the perspective of one leaf on a tree. While everybody works through their own emotions and experiences differently, The Last Leaf may help guide both child and adult as they embark on the first steps of their journey to coping, understanding, and healing.
Employing a nature-based parable of life's seasonal changes as viewed by one leaf on a tree, Deborah eloquently writes about a sensitive topic. Quoting from her book, "Season after season, every family changes for different reasons and in different ways," we get to experience the connectivity of our existence, and the ebb and flow of the circle of life. It evokes that integral part of us that is a humble piece of a bigger picture. And it does so without putting limitations on the child's thoughts and feelings; which is so important to the dialogue.
~ Carla Van Walsum, PdD- Heart Based Solutions LLC
Every so often an insightful book shows up on the radar that helps therapists help their patients. Ms. Desser's, "The Last Leaf," is a book that I highly recommend as a part of the healing process for those dealing with grief through the loss of a loved one or while experiencing other types of life transitions. In its brevity, simplicity, and open-endedness, it is the perfect foray into an approachable and honest discussion for young and elderly alike.
~ Shawn Gordon, Therapist- Trinity Harbour
Giving merriment and giggles the starring role, Mumbo Jumbo takes children and adults on a poetic journey where silly collides with serious. From the innocent years through to adolescence, readers are effortlessly led through a child’s world, while gaining a deeper appreciation of life’s tender, terrifying and truthful moments.
The variety and diversity of these poems takes a fresh approach with this eclectic, well-paced, collection: Eggs with Ketchup expresses a child’s preferences, Rainbow Rider articulates a child’s discovery of individuality, and Stranger in My House and Here with Me describe the frustrations that many children experience with their brothers and sisters. The Truth About Orange, Smelly Clean and Laughter 101 are just about good old-fashioned fun!
Deborah’s lyrical literature is captivating as rhymes, rhythms, catchy phrases and honest sentiments underscore life and the realization that both parent and child are growing up together.
WHERE TO BUY:
Mumbo Jumbo has limited inventory.
To receive your First Edition copy, shipped only in the contiguous United States, please use our CONTACT page to make your request before supplies run out.
S. Deborah Desser
Writer | Author
A self-proclaimed divergent-thinking Luddite, whose writing skills far surpass her tech prowess, Deborah is a lover of life; an avid reader, a professional interior designer, a creative who dabbles in painting, composing music, and singing, thirster of travel and adventures, an enthusiastic cook and baker, a sub-par (pun intended) golfer, and beyond the moon and stars passionate mother of one son.