In 2023, Jasmine S. Harris came to Argyle Fox Publishing with When Mommy Says, a sweet book that highlights the special bond between mother and son. When she returned with an educational book about learning numbers and letters, we were ecstatic.
Just who is this prolific children’s book author? Keep reading to find out!
Let’s get started by learning about you. Who is Jasmine S. Harris?
I’m an Indiana native, a mother, aunt, and author of When Mommy Says and Let’s Find My ABCs. My children’s books are inspired by the children in my life—from my four-year-old son to my niece and nephews.
Fueled by creating a legacy and using God-given skills and talents, I’m embarking on a creative journey through writing, hoping to bring smiles and families together for generations to come.
You’ve now published two books with Argyle Fox Publishing. Tell us a bit about your newest title, Let’s Find My ABCs. What is it about and what inspired the story?
My love of learning and helping my four-year-old learn is what inspired this story. One way we spend time together is reading, and one night he was infatuated with a seek-and-find book he has. I said to myself, “If that’s what he likes, I’ll make one too!”
I knew I wanted it to be fun and educational—you can’t beat that—and what better way than to start with a childhood basic concept like learning ABCs and numbers!
This book is aimed at teaching youngsters about the alphabet and numbers. How did the children’s book writing experience differ for your first book, When Mommy Says?
Let’s Find My ABCs was different because the material was there. I just needed to find a way to appeal to children with imagination and rhyming words based on something they’re already learning or becoming familiar with.
When Mommy Says is a bedtime story based on a typical day with my son. It also rhymes and has an element of learning to following instructions.
Now that Let’s Find My ABCs is published, how will you measure whether your book is a success? What is your goal for the book?
My goal is for children to enjoy it and read it over and over again! Additionally, I want parents to have a fun way of spending time with their young children while simultaneously helping them learn.
What are you doing to market your book and let folks know it is available?
I’ve created a Facebook author’s page that has links available for both books, and I post there. I also participate in vendor events in town and sell my books there.
Your illustrations are so colorful and fun! How well did Antonella Vivas Vismara meet your vision, and what goes through your mind when you look at her illustrations?
She did an amazing job of capturing my words with vivid images that make your eyes want to look at everything on the page! I couldn’t have chosen a better illustrator.
What feedback have you received so far on your book?
I’ve received positive feedback on both books. It’s gratifying to know an idea I had in my head has been made tangible to the world (scary!) and they love it! I even had someone say that Let’s Find My ABCs was BRILLIANT! That made me proud of the work I did, especially as the comment came from a distinguished doctor who purchased the book for her granddaughter.
With two books under your belt, what do you know about book publishing that you wish you knew before publishing your first book?
That it’s a big investment in yourself and you need to have a plan in place and intent for your book. Like I said, it’s a big investment, and if you’re wanting to gain profit from it, you need to have a plan in place to do just that. Personally, it wasn’t about the financial gain. I was more interested in living out a lifelong dream when given the opportunity and creating a legacy for myself and my family.
What would you say to other authors who have a great story they aren’t sure if they should publish?
Just do it! If you have an idea, get it out into the world!
Do you have plans to publish another book? If so, can you tell us a bit about it?
There are no plans for a third book at the moment. I’m still flying high on excitement from the first two and learning new ways to market them.
Where can readers find you online?
They can find me on my Jasmine Harris author page on Facebook. Also, my books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Thanks so much, and here’s to success!