Okotoks author Lisa Marie Gilbert has just published the second book in her trilogy that aims to provide parents with positive, uplifting messages to share with their children.
Mama’s Pearls of Guidance was written for Gilbert’s younger son, River, and comes on the heels of her first book, Mama’s Words of Wisdom, which was penned for her older son, Rayne, now 9. Both books are based on lullabies Gilbert wrote and still sings to her two boys every night.
“When River came along two years ago in the middle of COVID, I couldn’t leave him out, so I immediately started writing Mama’s Pearls of Guidance for him,” she said. “I’m very, very proud of it; it turned out really good.”
Billed as a perfect bedtime read, the new book builds on messaging from the first, touching on topics such as positive energy, loyalty, goals, dreams and more. Gilbert said it’s a mom instilling little pieces of advice in her son through song.
There are many references to classic tunes from such artists as The Beatles, Elton John and Janis Joplin, and there’s even a playlist at the end of the book the author maintains are songs that you've just got to listen to in your lifetime.
“I'm a firm believer in music, that’s why it’s in the second book a lot,” Gilbert said. “Music is so important; it will save you in your darkest moments.”
The author is also passionate about spreading positive vibes in what can be a negative world, adding it’s really important to put that kind of energy out there.
She was encouraged by feedback from the first book, saying she heard from many who said it was such an uplifting, emotional message that it brought them to tears, including one woman she met at a reading who was so touched she couldn’t stop crying.
“It’s all the hopes and dreams you want for your kids. I guarantee if you read it, you’ll have a smile on your face by the end of it.”
Gilbert said she was very happy to once again team up with Lorraine Shulba to provide the illustrations to go along with her words after the first book won a gold award from an international design competition. She said they stand for all the same things, so Shulba captures the essence of what the books are all about.
The title and cover for the third book in the trilogy, Mama’s Girl Guide to Believing in Yourself, are already complete, but it likely won’t be released until next fall. Written for little girls, Gilbert said the third installment will have a slightly different feel from the first two, but the messaging, like having confidence in yourself, remains the same.
“For a number of reasons, I felt compelled that I absolutely had to do one for girls,” she said. “I’ve got lots of pieces of advice for them, but it’s more me speaking to every little girl out there as opposed to me singing to my little boy.”
Both books are available in bookstores as well as from Gilbert’s website — lisamarie-gilbert.com — where she will provide signed copies at no additional charge. She will continue to market the series and now that the second book is in print, will be lining up readings at stores and libraries.
