THE INSPIRATION
This children's book series was inspired by my youngest daughter, Maddie when she was 4 years old. She is more like her daddy than me. Maddie is observant, is an internal processor, thinks before speaking and loves alone time to recharge. She is an introvert, an "innie". I am an "outie". As an extroverted mom parenting a different temperament style than myself, I was stretched outside my comfort zone, so I wanted to better understand and learn how to best support her. I have experienced different temperament styles in the workplace and relationships, but as for parenting, it brought about an internal conflict of when to push or hold back.
I had to look at my own perception of introversion. My husband and some of my best friends are also introverts, so I thought I sort of understood, however there was much more to learn. As Marti Olsen Laney describes in The Introvert Advantage, the difference is a matter of energy usage. Extroverts use energy; introverts conserve energy. So how we refuel emotionally looks very different and there is a misconception that 'innies' aren't social. Social situations stimulate 'outies' while social situations deplete 'innies'. I had to learn when to approach a new situation with Maddie from an observational perspective; and hold back on my natural tendency to jump right in! This took intention on my part, to be fully engaged with all that was going on around us and within Maddie's heart and mind, like at swim lessons or at a party.
Many also confuse shyness with introversion. Shy is a behavior that both 'innies' and 'outies' may exhibit at times. Shy is behaving in a reserved, timid, nervous or insecure way. Introversion is one's character, disposition or personality and about how one looks inward to renew emotionally. So our behavior does not necessarily define our identity, just as hurting someone, does not necessarily make us a hurtful person.
I had to look at my own perception of introversion. My husband and some of my best friends are also introverts, so I thought I sort of understood, however there was much more to learn. As Marti Olsen Laney describes in The Introvert Advantage, the difference is a matter of energy usage. Extroverts use energy; introverts conserve energy. So how we refuel emotionally looks very different and there is a misconception that 'innies' aren't social. Social situations stimulate 'outies' while social situations deplete 'innies'. I had to learn when to approach a new situation with Maddie from an observational perspective; and hold back on my natural tendency to jump right in! This took intention on my part, to be fully engaged with all that was going on around us and within Maddie's heart and mind, like at swim lessons or at a party.
Many also confuse shyness with introversion. Shy is a behavior that both 'innies' and 'outies' may exhibit at times. Shy is behaving in a reserved, timid, nervous or insecure way. Introversion is one's character, disposition or personality and about how one looks inward to renew emotionally. So our behavior does not necessarily define our identity, just as hurting someone, does not necessarily make us a hurtful person.
[click image for credit]
There is a wealth of literature for adults, teens, parents, relationships and team-building on temperament, with even more current research on introversion for the younger age. But when I looked for children's books to affirm the quiet nature of our little ones, all I found were books on finding the courage to be brave and not be shy or the kid/character "coming out of his or her shell" which is not what I was looking for. I was looking for a book to encourage Maddie that being quiet, reserved, not having to be in the spotlight or even being shy for that matter, was OKAY! Why is it that our extrovert ideal world thinks everyone needs to speak up?
1 out of 3 people are introverts. Introverts are often stereotyped as socially awkward or shy, but are really full of extraordinary gifts and talents. Extroverts thrive and get energy from interactions with people and introverts tend to seek energy from within. 'Innies' process before taking action, they take in the big picture, they form deep relationships, they can play independently, and they form ideas outside the box.
1 out of 3 people are introverts. Introverts are often stereotyped as socially awkward or shy, but are really full of extraordinary gifts and talents. Extroverts thrive and get energy from interactions with people and introverts tend to seek energy from within. 'Innies' process before taking action, they take in the big picture, they form deep relationships, they can play independently, and they form ideas outside the box.
My purpose is to help redefine introversion as a positive attribute by shining a light on its strengths. Introversion and extroversion are hard-wired. We cannot change our hard-wiring, however we can grow our emotional intelligence and develop new ways of responding to the world around us.
My mission is to share our story of honoring quiet personalities, how it affects our family dynamic, how it can affect classroom settings and how young children can be taught to embrace their unique learning styles and ways of interacting in this world. By honoring each of our identities, we can create nurturing environments where we all thrive.
Quigley's character represents Maddie's real-life experiences and my experiences as an outie mama raising an assertive, self-confident innie!
My mission is to share our story of honoring quiet personalities, how it affects our family dynamic, how it can affect classroom settings and how young children can be taught to embrace their unique learning styles and ways of interacting in this world. By honoring each of our identities, we can create nurturing environments where we all thrive.
Quigley's character represents Maddie's real-life experiences and my experiences as an outie mama raising an assertive, self-confident innie!
-claudine norden | author
THE ILLUSTRATOR | bonnie wiegandThis book features hand-painted illustrations by Bonnie Wiegand. Bonnie is the illustrator of several picture books, and is the author/illustrator of one series. She creates illustrations with water-based oil paints and watercolors. Bonnie is from Vermont, and grew up with a painting studio in the backyard. She currently lives in Telluride, Colorado, with her husband John and dog Jack. An introvert at heart, you can usually find her in the woods, on a mountain, or with a paintbrush in hand.
|
THE PUBLISHER | Marc hobermanQuigley the Quiet Hedgehog is published by HOMBERMAN BOOKS. Creative Director, Marc Hoberman, is a renowned photographer and one of the world's leading luxury coffee-table book publishers with numerous best-selling titles including London!, Winelands of Colorado and Teddy Bears. Living around the world (but officially in Cape Town, South Africa) Marc's adventurous life began very much as a quiet hedgehog. As with Quigley, Marc loved to read and from a young age creating books became his happy quiet pursuit. His first book, about the photography of stamps, was published when he was just 12 years old and has been inducted into the Smithsonian permanent collection.
Subsequent books are independently published by Claudine Norden, www.ClaudineNorden.com |