What’s Your Something Special? Catherine Gibson Shares the Inspiration Behind Her Books

Catherine Gibson, a dance teacher and author, strives to bring happiness to children through everything she does. Besides her commitment to deaf children, she believes all children deserve happiness and encouragement to do what they love.

Through her various projects, she is a busy lady; the Connecticut native’s work always brings her great happiness, primarily since it’s aimed at helping others. Catherine Gibson took some time out of her busy day to share the inspiration behind her books.

What inspired you to start writing children’s books?

When I started teaching dance in my early adulthood, I was deeply fascinated with sign language’s beauty and how much it resembled dance. However, I was also a mom of two young boys. By the time they went to middle school, I had found the time to take sign language classes at the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford.

While there, I heard many of the school’s children were interested in dance, and I volunteered to teach them twice a week. Seeing how excited they were whenever it was time for their dance class was amazing and inspirational, and I immediately knew that I wanted to become their voice.

Which was your first book?

I first wrote the book Through Sophie’s Eyes and soon after wrote Sophie Discovers Synchronized Swimming. My deaf dance students inspired both books as they were keen learners and loved to dance. I included sign language on the border of each page to encourage other children to learn sign language.

You have several professional achievements, including the Mom’s Choice Award, Women of the Year Honoring Excellence, and the Mark Twain Award for Daisy Mae Finds Her Way. What do these mean to you?

I feel deeply honored because these achievements prove that my message about showing each other respect and kindness is reaching audiences of all ages. I want people to know that bullying is terrible, perseverance is vital, and all humans and animals deserve respect.

Betty White, the actress and comedian, has endorsed your book Daisy Mae Finds Her Way. How did that come about?

Betty White was an exceptional woman with a ground-breaking career in entertainment that spanned seven decades. She was also one of the first females to work behind the cameras. White supported many causes, including animal welfare. I have always admired her, and her actions have encouraged me. She wanted to endorse Daisy Mae Finds Her Way because I addressed several issues that meant a lot to her. For example, she loved that the book invites meaningful family conversations about bullying and abuse in a story involving two friends and an undernourished stray dog.

Previously, you have spoken about another inspirational person, your dance teacher. Can you expand a little?

As you can see, I draw my strengths and examples from dynamic women. So what can I say about Helyn Flanagan, my dance teacher that is only 102 years young? She taught me so much, including perseverance, determination, how to care, how to dance, and how to teach others to love dance. Some of the most important lessons she taught me are reflected in Gracie Saves the Day and Coach Bob & Me.

Catherine Gibson, dare I ask, What’s Your Something Special?

Everyone is special as long as we can find our unique qualities, and that’s why I wrote the book What’s Your Something Special? Our little protagonist Samantha wants to be just like other children, but she can’t because she’s in a wheelchair. But, with the help of a mysterious circus magician and a pair of sunglasses, she discovers that her wheelchair plays no part in making her unique; it is her heart.

Therefore, to answer your question, like everyone, I have also discovered that I have something special. Besides my family, I have my foundation and publishing business, For Children With Love. From here, we spread positive messages about embracing our differences and being kind to each other.

Finally, you recently announced a talk show, Keeping it Real. But this is not your first show?

Yes, I already host a children’s show, the Kidz Fun Squad, with Michael LaChance, an author and puppeteer. We will soon air Keeping it Real with Dennis Schleicher on YouTube. I look forward to our focus on life issues and positive conversations. I also hope to do more TV shows with positive messages for children.