Meet Dara Henry | Children’s Book Author & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dara Henry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dara, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
I’ve learned quite a bit on my path to traditional publication. Most importantly, I’ve discovered the importance of just going for it! The only way to achieve a goal is to jump right in and get started. In terms of writing, that means getting involved in the writing community, taking classes, meeting other authors, and most importantly, writing each day. The consistency helps me stay on track while continually working on my craft. This isn’t to say I’m always selling work, but I am always moving forward, learning, and growing, which is important when it comes to making progress in any business or career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Storytelling is a special kind of art. I love that stories help readers learn more about themselves and about other cultures, build connections, foster empathy, and promote imagination. Children’s literature holds a special place in my heart, specifically picture books. Everyone from infants to seniors can benefit from reading and listening to picture books.

While writing manuscripts, I’m most excited about creating interesting characters with stories that are relevant to all readers. A book can really stand out when characters are exciting and relatable. In my debut picture book, Hanukkah Pajamakkahs, Ruthie, the main character, loves her holiday pajamas so much she wants to wear them all eight nights of Hanukkah. Pretty soon, her special pajamas start to get dirty. As a parent of three children and as a former elementary school teacher, I’ve seen first hand how messy kids (and life) can sometimes get. But Ruthie is optimistic. She doesn’t let the mess stand in her way of enjoying the holiday or her festive pajamas. I hoped to convey the message that even when things don’t go according to plan, you can be resilient and continue on. While the storyline is built around Hanukkah, this is an important message for all readers. After all, life isn’t spotless, but you can still have fun.

I’ve had some parents contact me to say that Hanukkah Pajamakkahs has become a family favorite. Knowing that children are connecting with the story, and to Ruthie, is incredibly rewarding. My path to getting traditionally published hasn’t been easy. Throughout the years, I’ve faced rejection from agents and editors. I wasn’t sure I’d ever make it to this point. But I kept at it, continued working on my craft, writing new stories, and now Hanukkah Pajamakkahs is out in the world for everyone to enjoy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many wonderful landmarks and places to visit in and around Los Angeles, one needs more than a week to fully explore the city. If I planned activities to entertain a visiting friend and only had a week, I’d start off by spending time at the beach, enjoying the sand and sun. My favorite beaches are: Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. The carefree, relaxed, beach-vibe is unique to the area and something many visitors enjoy. While there, we’d stop by the charming independent bookstores, Pages, and grab a book before strolling down the street to Manhattan Beach Creamery for an ice cream treat. There are plenty of top-notch restaurants in the beach communities, but I’d take my friend to dinner at The Strand House in Manhattan Beach. The view of the ocean is exquisite and the food is superb. Watching the sunset while eating dinner is a must-do.

Another spot we’d visit would be the Griffith Observatory. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium is an out of this world experience. The iconic Hollywood sign is visible from the grounds and panoramic views make this a desirable tourist destination. We’d pack a lunch and hike in the area. There are multiple paths to choose from, but we’d trek along the 2.6 mile loop.

The Getty is a fantastic spot and would be our next stop. It includes buildings with interesting architecture, beautiful gardens, and a large art collection. After perusing through the galleries and walking around the lovely grounds, we’d grab a bite to eat at the café and sit outside near the garden, although there are multiple options for eating.

Another favorite place to take visitors is Grand Central Market on South Broadway. It’s a large food emporium offering a wide choice of cuisines. Just across the road from the market hall is Angels Flight Railway. It’s a funicular railway, taking passengers on a ride up and down Bunker Hill. The ride is short, but it’s a really fun experience. From the top of the hill it’s just a quick walk to The Broad, a contemporary art museum. There, we would enjoy favorites such as, Balloon Dog by artist Jeff Koons. One of the most unique bookstores is located in downtown. The Last Bookshop on Spring Street contains artful displays of books throughout the store.

What’s a trip to Southern California without a day at Disney Land, Universal Studios, or Knott’s Berry Farm? Packed with rides, games, and fun, each has its own unique feel and is an exciting time for everyone. After spending the day walking around an amusement park, it would be time for some relaxation. My friend and I would head to The Terranea Resort, located south of Los Angeles, in beautiful Palos Verdes. Situated on the coast, we’d de-stress and calm our minds while gazing out at the Pacific. A spa experience would be the perfect end to a busy, fun filled week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As an author, I spend a lot of time reflecting and thinking about connections and relationships. I’m reminded of all those who have taken the time to connect with me. I feel fortunate to have people in my life who have helped me get to this point.

My husband and children always make themselves available for talking through ideas, reading early manuscript drafts, and providing inspiration. I have supportive parents and other family members who have championed my efforts, and dynamic friends who cheer me on.

Colleagues have also helped me get to this point. My agent, Rena Rossner has provided encouragement each step of the way. I have a critique group and marketing groups (PB_Soar24 and Kidlit Kangaroos) made up of talented authors. Many of these authors go out of their way to offer feedback when I have questions or collaborate when it comes to marketing strategies.

I am very grateful that Sourcebooks believed in me and in my debut picture book, Hanukkah Pajamakkahs. The whole team has been a pleasure to work with and have been tremendously supportive and generous with their time and expertise. Building a career and creating this book has been a group effort and I’m extremely grateful to everyone involved.

Website: https://www.darahenry.com

Instagram: darahenrywrites

Twitter: @dshenry1

Image Credits
Blue shirt headshot credit: Annie Vovan Photography