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“There is a silver lining to every cloud.” 

What a lovely motto, Hélène Schweiger! In her new book for young readers (and anyone young at heart or who could use some youthful energy) entitled The Magic Pond, she tells a sweet tale about courage, adventure and the magic of friendship. Everyone must undergo change and uncertainty, and the message in this story helps readers see the strength we have hidden within ourselves, the strength to become who we truly are.

Twins Danielka and Jirik run into a funny kind of trouble when they sneak out one night to admire the full moon. But after a veil of mist lifts, Jirik emerges as a frog! Mother can’t solve this puzzle, but maybe a friendly elf can?

The author loves nature and sees beauty everywhere. She uses storytelling on a daily basis as a perfect way to convey messages to children and adults, helping children become the wonderful adults they have the potential to be. We were delighted to ask her more about her inspiration, her family and her mission to spread joy through her written words. Read our review here

Q: Where did the idea for The Magic Pond come from?

A: Well, it started with a friend who was pregnant with twins. I asked her what a good present for the babies would be. Her answer was “write them a story,” so, twins it would be. I also asked if I could use their names in the book. She was thrilled at the idea. I wanted to convey a message to them both, that life can be full of surprises and if you are open to them, a world of wonders waiting to be explored.

Q: How do the supernatural and magic enter into the story, and why did you introduce them?

A: Storytelling for me is one of the best ways to learn. Today I still remember how impactful some stories were to me growing up; how they made me think and wonder “can I do it too?”

I find that magic allows me to bring across important messages without being too lecture-like. The supernatural and magical take us away from our ‘normal’ lives. This is where all is possible, even the impossible! Where it is allowed to dream big and different! 

Q: Tell us about the strong family dynamics within the book.

A: Many of my friends have compared my family to a clan! There is a tie in many families that is so strong and accepted to be so. My own experience is that, in difficult times, the Clan Schweiger comes close together to face whatever life has thrown our way. It feels good to know that regardless of where we are, we stick together. I know that this is not always the case but considering who I was writing it for, I thought it was important to express the bond as being one of trust, acceptance and unconditional love. Also, you see that they accept the supernatural as if it were normal, probably because they are strong together.

Q: Why is curiosity and unlimited imagination in children so important, and how do they play into the story?

A: Curiosity and imagination allow us all to push the boundaries of our day-to-day life and tap into our immense pool of inner wisdom. Thinking outside of ‘normal’ gives the opportunity to rest our minds as well, I feel. They open doors to new ideas, new images, concepts, etc. What I find, when I look around me, is that we are so attached to the material here and now that we forget how to dream. Not dreaming is, for me, as if a whole world is shut off. The world of opportunities, surprises, laughter, thoughts and tears. A world that gives us the possibility to grow inside.

Q: You’ve said you want to share some universal messages to all children in the world, to give them the strength to become the wonderful adults they can be. What are some of those messages?

A: Call me naïve but I sincerely believe that we are born equipped to live a beautiful life. But (yes there is a but) life and people happen and we forget all these internal tools we have – intuition, self-love, believing in others, etc. I see this every day with colleagues, friends and even myself sometimes. I forget, get derailed and lose my inner compass somehow. The messages I have included in The Magic Pond are truly keys to feeling free, to being grounded and able to enjoy life while welcoming all the beauty there is around and in us.

Q: In particular, you’ve said you see beauty everywhere; in fact, your motto is “There is a silver lining to every cloud.” Why can adversity be a virtue sometimes? Tell us the importance for children to see the world in such a positive light.

A: For me, being negative uses too much energy. It can stop me from actually moving or doing anything – if I am grumpy, I am inefficient for sure!  

The reality is that we face complicated, frustrating, scary, disappointing situations on a regular basis. We must accept it and figure out what we can do with it. The earlier we learn how to transform any situation to our advantage, the more it can become a habit. Seeing the positive behind any situation allows children to see all the possibilities that exist and not limit their thinking to the problem but to what else can be. 

Q: What would you say to parents who are considering getting this book for their children?

A: The book can have different uses. Firstly, the story is long enough to be read in a couple of nights! Also, it can be used as a basis for discussions with kids and teenagers too, and finally, simply to have a good time together in a world of imagination.

Q: Do you have another project you are currently working on?

A: Yes! I have a second book out and … it is in French; I haven’t translated it yet. It is called Margot et les Lucioles Magiques (Margot and the Magical Fireflies) and you can find it here or on amazon.fr. Some magic again! It is the story about a young girl who spends the year-end holidays in a beautiful hotel and … well, there is some mystery and some saving to be done! 

The illustrations have been done by a young artist and give life to the story. I wish I had more time to write, I have lots of ideas and even if it is scary to put a book out in the world, it is also wonderful to read the reviews and messages from people giving me great feedback.

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About Hélène Schweiger:

After many years in corporate life, Hélène Schweiger decided to take the plunge and do what she has always wanted to do – write stories for children. Hélène is French and Danish. She has lived in many countries in Europe. She has two cats who closely monitor when she is available for cuddles and playtime. She loves nature and sees beauty everywhere. Her motto is ‘there is a silver lining to every cloud’. There is no limit to her imagination. She uses storytelling on a daily basis as a perfect way to convey messages to children and adults. Hélène wants to share universal messages to all children in the world, to give them the strength to become the wonderful adults they can be.

Judy Moreno

Judy Moreno is the Assistant Editor at BookTrib and sincerely loves the many-splendored nature of storytelling. She earned a double major in English and Theatre from Hillsdale College after a childhood spent reading (and rereading) nearly everything at the local library. Some of her favorite novels include Catch-22, Anna Karenina, and anything by Jane Austen. She currently lives in Virginia and is delighted to be on the BookTrib team.

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