The Starabella Series of Social Sensitivity Allows Children to Appreciate the Benefits of Diversity at Their Youngest Ages

BOTH THE BULLYING AND VIOLENCE IN OUR SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES, AND DISCORD AROUND THE GLOBE, COMPEL US TO SHARE STARABELLA'S MESSAGE OF HARMONY WITH KIDS EVERYWHERE

Starabellais a family production - a true labor of love.

I am a proud mom of two adult daughters - Tara who has autism and Dana who is neuro-typical. Together we collaborated to produce this 3-book series of picture books with music. We were inspired by the childhood experiences and dreams of my daughter Tara. Dealing with the challenges of autism, Tara was often teased and isolated in school. Her experiences were not unique. Too many children deal with bullying every day in school. Gifted musically, Tara came home and used her beloved piano to write magical, touching melodies and lyrics about a far more accepting world than the world she had to face each day. She wanted to share with others the idea that even though we do not always see love, compassion and acceptance, we know that they are possible.The “Starabella”books reflect her belief in the goodness of the human spirit. The series provides a way for children to come together to help make Tara’s dream a reality.

Tara composed 17 of the 22 songs and melodies used in the series as a very young child. For this series, Tara performed these songs and instrumentals on piano and keyboard. All of Tara’s songs are delivered from the viewpoint of the stories’ heroine, Starabella.

One person’s plight in a family affects every member of that family. Tara’s sister Dana, a talented singer and songwriter herself, took an early interest in Tara’s circumstances and her music. She began writing lyrics to Tara’s music. She and Tara performed music together in our local community throughout their childhoods. For the Starabella series, Dana narrated the stories, sang the songs, played many of the characters, and wrote additional songs reflecting the feelings of the stories’ parents and teacher.

I directed the project and wrote the words, tying together the messages in the music. My husband Marvin, believing in the importance of the project, supported and aided its production, making it all possible.

The Heroine Starabella

Starabella is a courageous, musically talented little girl with learning differences, whose eyes shine like stars when she is happy. Does she have a special connection to the stars? “It’s a Mystery.” Children visit Starabella in her home, community and school. Starabella strives to overcome obstacles to meet her goals, encouraging other children to do the same. 

The Starabella seriessends the message that we do not all learn, function, or view the world in the same way. Understanding leads to EMPATHY.In an interactive segment in Book Three, set in a kindergarten classroom, listeners/readers are asked to make friendly social choices to help the students in Starabella’s class solve social dilemmas. They see that this creates an atmosphere in which all the children feel welcomed, valued, and eager to share what is special inside them. At this moment, children share the wonder as Starabella, magically surrounded by star-glow, dressed all glittery, rises up on a star-shaped stage, holding a microphone. She emerges as Starabella Kindergarten Rock Star! Singing “Follow Me,” she leads children to the place where all their unique paths meet in HARMONY.

Audio/Visual Format 

The Starabella Series is not just books. It is a multi-media presentation. With narration, art and music it is in the format of a musical play.

There is a fully narrated audio CD with music located inside the front cover of each picture book. The narrated story and music are also available online. To fully experience the stories, it is necessary to listen to the audio.Children sing, dance, dream, and imagine along with Starabella’s music.

The picture bookscontain vibrant illustrations by award-winning artist, Anton Petrov. He sprinkled stardust throughout the pages! Each page contains excerpts taken from the narration and page-turn instructions to help children follow along with the story.The audio was produced by Joe Vulpis, an award-winning arranger and producer. He has worked with famous performers all over the world. He brought the Starabella recordingto a level of excellence in the world of children’s entertainment.

?The story of Starabella speaks directly to the place in ALL children that yearns for acceptance and understanding.

 ?“Starabella” is a winner of many awards including the Nautilus award for “better books for a better world.”

CONTACT and INFORMATION:

Sharon Fialco ?Author/Publisher

Starabella narrated picture books with music

Cell: 917-660-6607 ?Email: [email protected]? 

Website: www.starabella.com?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/starabellabooks?