Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to Michelle Worthington, Australian author with many successful picture books to her credit.
I previously introduced you to some of Michelle’s work when I interviewed Katrin Dreiling, illustrator of Michelle’s fun story The World’s Worst Pirate.
Today we are discussing her beautiful picture book Super Nicholas which presents alternate abilities in a compassionate way that promotes kindness.
About Michelle Worthington
Michelle Worthington is an award-winning children’s author and international guest speaker on the power of storytelling. A full-time fiction writer based in Brisbane, Michelle credits her three sons for giving her an endless source of inspiration, as well as her wrinkles.
Michelle is dedicated to encouraging a strong love of reading and writing in young children and enjoys working with charities that support the vision of empowering youth through education. As a mentor and editor, she helps aspiring authors find pathways to publication and enjoys working as part of a team in projects that are purposeful, innovative and inspirational.
About Super Nicholas
When a little boy with alternate abilities is born into a family of super heroes, it can be tough to make everyone happy. Nicholas has a heart as big as the sun and he can shine just as bright, even without super strength, super speed or being able to fly. His superpower is kindness and when it comes time to save the day, it’s the most powerful of them all.
What I like about Super Nicholas
Promoting kindness is one of our key values here at readilearn and many resources can be found in our collection focusing on friendship skills.
One of the things I really appreciate about Super Nicholas is that it challenges the superhero stereotype and suggests to children that showing kindness to others can be the most effective superpower.
It also shows the importance of accepting and appreciating differences in others, as well as ourselves. Stories like this have an important place in every home, school and library collection and I am happy to recommend Super Nicholas to you. Most of us feel a little different from those around us at times and all of us will find something to love in Super Nicholas.
The Interview
Michelle, you are a prolific and accomplished children’s author. When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I have always made up stories in my head but I wasn’t very good at writing them down. I am not very good at spelling and I was too scared to make a mistake, so I didn’t write any of them down until I was in Grade 5. My Grade 5 teacher encouraged me to start with writing poetry to get my confidence up and I started writing from then and have never stopped!
Continue reading: Develop your Kindness Superpower with Super Nicholas by Michelle Worthington – readilearn
this sounds like a wonderful book; to me, kindness is the most important trait a person can have…
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Thank you, Jim. I agree.
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This was a wonderful review, Norah! The message of kindness being the best superpower of all is always important.
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Thank you, Jennie. It is an important message and told beautifully in this lovely book.
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You are welcome, Norah, and good to know.
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A beautiful book with beautiful life lessons. Thanks for the introduction to Michelle’s work. 🙂
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Thank you, Debby. It is a beautiful book.
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Love this!
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Thank you.
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Such a beautiful story — I want to read it. The cover is gorgeous and begs to be opened. This is a standout story about the gifts we each have to offer.
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It is a beautiful book, Patricia. You’ve summed it up well.
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An excellent backstory about how Michelle created the character, Super Nicholas.
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Thanks, Pete. I’m pleased you enjoyed it.
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It was a good interview and she is right a kindness is a superpower
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It sure is. Thanks, Yvette.
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😊
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Kindness and friendship
Skills are key! And going to read the rest of the interview now
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Thanks, Yvette.
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yea for super kindness … but why oh why can’t we have a female protagonist??
If we really want equality this might be a great start … if female authors and illustrators would promote their own gender …
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This book was based on a real boy named Nicholas Love. That’s why there’s a male protagonist. I think the number of books with female protagonists is definitely increasing, with many female authors and illustators promoting their own gender. I guess it depends on who the story is written about and for whom.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
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ah I had no idea it was about a real person, thanks for explaining!
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My pleasure. 🙂
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