Highlighting: “The Present Is a Gift,” By Elchanan Ogorek, 2018. 24 pages. ISBN:978-1632272249.

(Courtesy of The Writer’s Life blog) Elchanan Ogorek recently wrote, illustrated and published his second children’s book, “The Present Is a Gift.” He is a practicing social worker in New York City and began publishing books when his oldest son, Leo, was born. The first book, “A’s B’s C’s Oh My!,” was inspired by Leo’s love of learning and Ogorek’s own love of traveling. “The Present Is a Gift” was inspired by the birth of his second son, Oliver, and Ogorek’s love for yoga and mindfulness.

“The Present Is a Gift” takes students outside of the classroom to learn aspects of mindfulness from several animals in their natural settings who are living in the moment, acting mindfully and practicing yoga poses. Included in the book is a mindful practice page where students of all ages can practice living in the moment, focusing and building confidence through various aspects of mindfulness. Through his books, he hopes to guide parents on how to raise children with an understanding of the importance of love, kindness, gratefulness and respect.

While running a Kickstarter campaign to raise money and awareness about his publishing project, Ogorek was interviewed by The Writers Life Magazine and featured on their blog. The following is an excerpt from the interview.

Can you please tell us a little about yourself?

I currently practice social work in a healthcare company. My role is to help support members utilize services to promote well-being. Part of being a social worker is helping people cope in everyday life and develop empowerment tools through learning about one’s strengths and goodness. My upcoming book “The Present Is a Gift” is inspired by my sons, reminding me to pay attention to what is happening right in front of me. I love how much I am learning from my children and wanted to share that with the world.

Without giving away too much of the book, (because we want people to go out and buy it) could you give us a brief synopsis of “The Present Is a Gift”?

“The Present Is a Gift” is about a teacher going out of the classroom and learning from mindful animals to help the students be more mindful in the classroom. Along with the lessons learned from each mindful animal the book comes with a practice page for kids, adults and teachers to practice mindfulness, which can be done along with the book or independent of the book.

Your background is in social work—what inspired you to take to writing? And why the genre of children’s literature?

A few years ago I was working in a day program for adults with mental health needs. As a group facilitator, I learned about mindfulness and began running groups and bringing mindfulness into my overall clinical work. The group attendees expressed how much they benefited from mindfulness. The idea of paying attention to this moment with a non-judgmental attitude is so important. I was inspired to write books once my first son came into this world. Since I was already drawing I decided to make a book for him. Publishing has given me the opportunity to share my passion with my children and to know that they will have something lasting from their father.

What are the advantages of starting yoga at a young age as opposed to starting as an adult?

Children are sponges and teaching them yoga and/or mindfulness can help them develop positive self-esteem. I think adults would benefit from this book as well. We are all students of life. Children can learn the benefits of paying attention fully, without judgment of themselves. The book teaches us to take our time, be proud of ourselves, stay focused, stay curious, pay attention to details, be accepting of ourselves fully and let thoughts and emotions come and go. If children can implement these at a young age they can practice and develop into mindful adults with ease.

What’s your advice to writers who might also find inspiration in yoga?

Yoga is inspiring for me because of the non-judgmental practice. It is an opportunity to rid myself of all my thoughts about the day and fully focus on the present. Yoga can be used as a great tool to help clear your mind.

Would you say it’s easier for children to be mindful and present?

Children don’t have to deal with all the life experiences adults have. At a young age they are still open to exploring all aspects of life and are not necessarily set in their ways. From my experience, adults (even when open to being more mindful) have more barriers because of all of their life experiences. We can all benefit from a beginner’s mindset, but children are used to the learning experience and being supported in their learning by parents and teachers.

Who is your illustrator? How did you know when you found the artists you wanted to illustrate your book?

I am actually the illustrator for my books. I illustrated and wrote “The Present Is a Gift” with insight and direction from my wife and our friend Tracey, who is also an elementary school teacher. I want to express my appreciation to Vanessa, my original graphic designer. For my upcoming book a friend told me about Fivver and the different ways to prepare for publishing. I found Jorge Luis Barboza, my current graphic designer, and I’m so grateful. Jorge and his illustrator, Halirio, have taken my work to another level while respecting my art and overall vision.

Elchanan Ogorek lives in Teaneck with his wife, Allison, and their two sons, Leo and Oliver. He is doing author visits in schools in New York and New Jersey and his books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and in the Teaneck library. The Present Is a Gift can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentisagift81. Ogorek is on Amazon at amazon.com/author/elchananogorek or on Twitter @ElchananO. Ogorek invites readers to visit and share his Kickstarter campaign.