Cory Peticolas is a husband, father, Registered Nurse (RN) and children’s author. When he is not spending time with his family he can be found creating the next Dodo comic. Cory’s first children’s book, The Dodo Who Did, the Dodo comic and fun Dodo art can be found at Dodo & Friends.
1. What inspired you to write a children’s book?
My two girls, ages 22 months and 9 weeks are the source of inspiration for this first children’s book, The Dodo Who Did. I had been wanting to write a book for a long time now. I never thought my first book would be one for children. Having kids changed all that. It’s absolutely wonderful.
As a family, we read lots of kids books together. We have books in our baby go bags, books in backpacks, books in the car, and on the shelf at home. We read every night. Some of our favorites are by Kevin Henkes, Jan Thomas, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Sherri Rinker, and classics like Goodnight Moon.
2. Tell us a little about your book and how you believe it’s shaping the minds of young readers.
The Dodo Who Did is about a little yellow dodo bird named Dodo. In the story, Dodo wants to fly yet everyone around him tells him he can’t. Dodo refuses to think this way. He looks for advice from a mentor, realizes he can fly and then gets busy and does the work.
The main theme of the book is, “Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right” (Henry Ford). The quote itself, plus the storyline of the book says it all.
It’s meant to show young readers how important it is to believe our actions can make our dreams come true. Belief provides determination and creativity. And failures are only stepping stones to success, all very much like real life.
3. What practical methods did you apply from your current career as a Registered Nurse when authoring your book?
As an RN, I join people along their health journey, which is actually a creative process. It involves meeting and loving people where they are at in life. The process is continuous, lifelong, challenging and rewarding. I have to be creative in order to be successful. Whether it be explaining a procedure or health teaching about lifestyle change, the process requires flexibility and creativity. Every person is unique and requires a different approach.
Creating a book is fun; it requires patience and lots and lots of revision. I’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t. I’m still learning (and failing). And I’m enjoying every step of the journey.
If I were to pass along just one practical method, it would be an idea from the book The Art of Possibility by Zander: “Remember Rule #6: Don’t take yourself so seriously”.
4. What advice or inspiration do you hope your book conveys to young children?
Your attitude makes a big difference in your life.
“Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.” – Wise Hippo
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