Jackie Kopito is a writer and author, and her latest fiction book for tweens is titled Twintastic. Today, Jackie delves into twin relationships and also discusses her book Little Fantastic, which she co-authored with Wendell Hanes.
Hello Jackie, welcome to BrandEducation!As the author of Twintastic and a twin expert, could you tell us more about what being a twin expert means to you?
Since I’m an identical twin myself, and I’ve heard practically every twin question, I feel I have a good understanding of the unique dynamics of twin relationships and experiences.
How has your personal experience shaped your perspective on the unique challenges and joys that parents of twins face?
I think it’s essential to treat twins as two unique individuals. Whether you have twins or not, it’s equally important not to compare your children. Each child possesses their own personality and inner fantastic.
Can you share some specific twin experiences that you think resonate with children, particularly those featured in “We Da Biggest” with the Dowe twins?
My twin sister, Amy, and I have always gotten along, supported, and trusted each other. Whether you’re a twin or have a sibling, I believe it’s important to be a team and genuinely celebrate each other’s success. I was never jealous of Amy—just happy for her. Whenever Amy needed help with schoolwork, or vice a versa, we would always be there for each other.The Dowe twins are a true team. Watching them practice and perform together, it’s clear they are in tune with each other’s feelings and perfectly in sync.
How does Little Fantastic incorporate themes of diversity and inclusion, particularly for children with disabilities, into its stories?
Little Fantastic takes young readers on a magical journey through the everyday adventures of preschoolers, celebrating their unique ways of being fantastic at home, at school, and beyond. The stories emphasize helping one other, making new friends regardless of race or ability, demonstrating problem-solving, and believing in yourself. It’s all about embracing what makes each child fantastic.
Can you explain how Little Fantastic reflects your own experiences as a twin, and what messages you hope it conveys to young readers?
Little Fantastic reflects my own experiences of embracing who you truly are. I hope to inspire young readers to believe in themselves. In the story and along with the song, We Da Biggest, the twins dream of becoming rap stars when they grow up. Even though their puppy and cat doubt them, it doesn’t hold them back. They are confident they’ll be stars, not because others believe in them, but because they believe in themselves.
How do you think parents can use Little Fantastic as a resource to encourage discussions about differences and similarities among children, including those with disabilities?
Through relatable characters and stories, each featuring an original song, the Little Fantastic book series show children to celebrate what makes them unique, while highlighting themes of friendship and kindness. Parents can use the stories and songs to have conversations about diversity—whether it’s abilities, race, or personality—by emphasizing that everyone, no matter their background or challenges, has their own FANTASTIC WAY!
What inspired you to collaborate on Little Fantastic, and how do you see it impacting children and families?
Wendell is not only a dear friend but also my business partner. While working on another project one day, the idea for Little Fantastic came to us. I think children and families will connect with the stories and songs because it celebrates the inner fantastic in every child. Wendell and I have written the story We Da Biggest, and Wendell composed and sings a catchy song to go along with the story. We also have written five additional stories, each with an original song.
How do you think your twin bond can inspire themes of friendship and empathy in the stories within Little Fantastic?
My bond with my twin inspired our upcoming book, Little Fantastic, I Look Like You. It explores the experience of looking alike, being best friends, and embracing the unique magic of being fantastic twins.
What advice would you give to parents of twins on fostering a strong sibling relationship, similar to the messages conveyed in Little Fantastic?
What I want to convey to parents of twins is the importance of encouraging their twins to support and be there for one another. Twins share a unique bond and friendship. By fostering a strong connection, parents can teach them the value of finding their inner fantastic, teamwork and empathy. This bond not only strengthens their relationship but also prepares them to navigate challenges together.
In your opinion, what role do stories like Little Fantastic play in promoting positive representations of twins and diversity in children’s literature?
Stories like Little Fantastic can play a crucial role in promoting positive representations of twins and diversity in children’s literature by offering characters and narratives that celebrate uniqueness, collaboration, and individual strengths. It shows twins as distinct individuals who share a close bond but have their own personalities and skills. Little Fantastic stories empower all children to feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving fantastic things, regardless of their background or life situation.
Find out more about Jackie Kopito at: https://www.jacquelinekopito.com/