Dyonne Antonette Josiah has launched a book series to help parents have those tricky conversations with their children.
The first book in the series ‘The Adventures of Canary Ryland‘ series is, ‘How Do You Get a Baby?’
Let’s get to know Dyonne Antonette Josiah …
Please introduce yourself …
My name is Dyonne Antonette Josiah. I am a children’s author from Islington, North London. I created The Adventures of Canary Ryland over 10 years ago.
What started you on this particular career path?
One day I was in a the children’s section of a book shop and noticed the lack of books about babies. This inspired me to write a book from a humerus point of view that would enable the tricky conversations between parents and their children.
Tell us about The Adventures of Canary Ryland …
Canary Ryland is a 6-year-old girl who goes on a journey to find out where babies come from. She questions all of her friends who all give her amusing answers. Canary and her friends then descend into a magical upside-down world called Destonia where they continue to look for the answer to the question. Whilst in Destonia they meet the royal twins, Princess Sophilia and Prince Seth, the Royal advisor Buddy Bee, and the people of Destonia. Oh, and I can’t forget the scary and smelly Snoockapuss.
The book ends when Canary presents the question to her parents and they ask her where she thinks babies come from. I’ve also left a space where children and parents can explore the question for themselves. This wonderfully illustrated book is colourful, has a huge gatefold, is interactive and allows children to use their imagination. Lots of thought has gone into ensuring the book is also Dyslexic friendly. The book even comes with its own Destonian language guide.
What are you watching?
I don’t often watch TV, but when I do I really enjoy watching comedy shows from the 90s and 2000s. I’m also a huge Disney fan.
What are you reading?
Currently I’m reading Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It’s about a band from the 70s who are on the hunt for fame.
What are you listening to?
My favourite album rotation at the moment is Earth by a band called SAULT.
Last thing you saw on stage?
The last thing I saw in stage was Cleo Sol at the Royal Albert Hall, the show was so captivating and incredible. Such a beautiful and timeless voice.
Whose footsteps are you following in?
I’ve definitely been inspired by a author called Nathan Byron and his illustrator Dapo Adeola who have written the books Speak up & Look up. I adore Malorie Blackman, her style of writing is very interesting in how she writes from the perspective of both characters. My favourite author as a child was Jacqueline Wilson who wrote my favourite book Dustbin Baby.
What’s next?
How Do You Get a Baby is the first of a trilogy. I’m currently developing Mummy’s Having a Baby, and My Brother Rooster. Both stories have been written but developing the illustrations can take a little while. I also have another 25 books and a TV show in development. I’m super excited for them to be released.
Where can we get a copy of How Do You Get A Baby?
You can purchase a copy of book from my website canaryryland.com.