Author Talk | Embarking on a Sparkling Journey

Author Talk is a two-way journey in the name of literature, allowing authors to face readers directly and giving students the opportunity to communicate face-to-face with the author and experience the charm of literature. On 9^th November , Concordia invited the renowned children's literature author, Mr. Chang Li, to share stories about star children with the students, embarking on a sparkling journey of literary enlightenment.

Mr. Chang Li is an author with multiple identities. He transitioned from a computer science major to a Ph.D. in children's literature and then became a children's literature writer. Moving from the field of science to the realm of children's literature, his works span across different age groups, blending literary and scientific elements harmoniously.

In this children's book creation sharing session, Mr. Chang Li captured the children's attention with an "impossible story." Then he skillfully connected three stories about love and courage using "three sentences," making them vivid and engaging.

"The story tells us about wanting to see, not just to look."

 The first story is about "Seeing" - "The Little Mole and the Stars." Mr. Chang Li explained to the children the creative process behind the "stars" in the picture book. Since the mole has never seen stars before, it can imagine them in any shape it wants. Each star represents the small kindness that every person releases, and when they come together, they illuminate the life of the "star children."

This story tells us that when our perception of the world changes, our imagination changes, and so does the story. Although marginalized groups may face challenges in real life, in the world of imagination, they can also see, run, and feel the kindness and tenderness of those around them. All great stories point towards a better world.

"All stories are the same story."

The second story is about "Finding Happiness" - "Where Are You Going." In this story, there is a little boy who loves talking to people, and he always asks the same question, "Where are you going?" Different people react differently to his question - some think he is impolite, some find meaning in it, and some simply enjoy playing with him. In the end, the little boy and the people around him find the lost happiness together. This story also helps us better understand the words and actions of children with autism, opening a window for them and drawing more attention to inclusive education.

"A good story is always multiple stories."

 The third story is about "ears" - "I Hear the Singing of All Things." This is a completely symmetrical storybook that can be read from the middle towards both sides. The text in the first half is exactly the same as the text in the second half, but it actually tells two completely different stories.

Mr. Chang Li said, "A good story is not worth reading only once, and it is not just a single story. A good story can extend into many stories." Mr. Chang Li led the children to read this picture book three times from different perspectives, taking us into the world of "clatter-clatter" surrounded by noise, where children with hearing impairments live, and then leading us out of that dark world, replaced by warmth and friendship.

After the children's book sharing session, the students were curious about Mr. Chang Li's creative journey and eagerly raised their hands to ask questions. With enthusiastic interaction and humorous responses, the event concluded successfully, and the children all received personally signed picture books from the author.

Education rooted in love silently nurtures and enriches the hearts of every child. We believe that after listening to these stories about warmth, happiness, and strength, the children's hearts will be even more fulfilled, and they will feel the kindness and warmth of the world.