Honeycake: A Helping Hand
Written by Medea Kalantar
Illustrated by i Cenzial
Ages 4+ | 33 Pages
Publisher: Medea Kalantar | ISBN-13: 9781777289768
Publisher’s Book Summary: In the sixth installment of the delightful Honeycake book series, Nala’s uncles, Victor and George, take her to a fundraiser where she meets Alexis, a girl with an artificial arm. Through her interactions, Nala learns that you are never too young to lend “a helping hand,” that it’s okay to be different, and that being different doesn’t stop you from doing great things in life.
Available for purchase on Amazon, Bookshop, Barnes and Noble.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Medea Kalantar is a Reiki master and practitioner, a Guinness World Record Holder, and a multi-award-winning, best-selling author of the Honeycake Book Series(TM). Inspired to write these books when she became a grandmother, Kalantar’s stories are based on her own family, whose members come from many ethnic backgrounds. This unique mix is a perfect recipe—just like the spices in a honey cake. That is why she calls her grandchildren her little Honeycakes.
With all the negativity in the world, Medea Kalantar’s series is a much-needed glimmer of hope and positivity. The Honeycake Book Series(TM) teaches valuable life lessons, giving children the tools to overcome obstacles in their everyday lives. The Honeycake books teach children about diversity, acceptance, kindness, mindfulness, trust, and gratitude. This series will enlighten, empower, educate, and entertain children and their families for generations to come.
Learn more on the website, Instagram, Twitter, Amazon, and Goodreads.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to create the Honeycake series?
Medea Kalantar - Firstly, I would like to say thank you for featuring me and conducting this author interview. I’m honoured and grateful to be given this platform to discuss the importance and the valuable lessons my books will provide families worldwide.
I was inspired to write the series when I discovered I would be a Grandma. It was a full circle moment, so I started to bake a honey cake in honour of my Grandmother. My Bebi taught me how to bake a honey cake when I was a little girl. As I was making the cake, I realized all the different spices the cake had, like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, coffee, brown sugar, and honey. It made me think of all the different ethnic mixes my new grand-baby would have and how they would be just like this honey cake I was baking. The words and stories started to pour out of me. The fact that I have no formal writing training didn’t stop me from trying. I always wanted to write my biography someday, later down the road, because I’ve had so many hardships that I had to overcome. But I never intended to write—especially not a children’s book series. But the universe sent me a sign, and the messages were in me to share, and they had to come out. I wrote five books in four days, and I couldn’t stop. The universe had something planned.
Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write this latest book in the series, Honeycake: A Helping Hand?
Medea Kalantar - Alexis and Tracy are based on my friends who were born as a congenital limb amputee. I was so inspired by the incredible work they have done over the years and all their accomplishments that I wanted to honour them and highlight that you're never too young to lend "a helping hand" and that being different doesn't stop you from doing great things. I feel it's imperative to create books with a more positive message. Teach children to accept others and help them be aware that no matter how old they are or what challenges they face, they have greatness inside of them and can accomplish almost anything. I also want to reinforce that Kindness is a "Special Magical Power" we all have—the power to improve others' lives through charity.
Life Is What It's Called - What do you think kids will like most about this book?
Medea Kalantar - I think kids will like to see that they are never too young to make a difference in this world and can do extraordinary things if they put their minds to it. They would also like to see that bodies can come in different shapes.
Medea Kalantar - I think kids will like to see that they are never too young to make a difference in this world and can do extraordinary things if they put their minds to it. They would also like to see that bodies can come in different shapes.
Life Is What It's Called - How has your background experience helped you in writing this book?
Medea Kalantar - Firstly, I had a lot of help from the War Amps Champs foundation and
Unstoppable Tracy Schmitt to ensure we had the correct wording and
captured the true essence of children living as amputees. I intend for each
book I write to ensure every child feels empowered and represented in all my
Honeycake books. The passion I have for diversity and inclusion is my driving
force. I see my purpose as being one of serving humanity. I understand the
idea is for us all to live in a world of love, peace, and kindness toward all.
That time is far off but attainable. My work helping people as a Reiki master
and writer is a step in that direction.
I am grateful to God for allowing me to serve, influence, and transform this planet for the higher good.
Life Is What It's Called - Why do you think the message in this book is important?
Medea Kalantar - Aside from the topic of amputees in "Honeycake: A Helping Hand," I wanted to incorporate the usual theme of blended families as the Honeycake series is known. I also wanted to introduce the concept of same-sex relationships, normalizing these dynamics. This book has many examples of inclusion and compassion, and I love that there is so much representation in this short children's book. But the most important thing about the book is the beautiful message that shines throughout, which is that it's okay to be different! Some great lessons here are to help younger children understand and accept other people. Promoting inclusivity and acceptance along with kindness and humanity. It's a simple yet powerful message and perfect for kids to read.
Life Is What It's Called - How do you see Honeycake: A Helping Hand being used at homes and classrooms?
Medea Kalantar - I think it's a fabulous teaching tool for kids to learn about disabilities/amputees and the wonders of prosthetics. There is even a glossary at the back that explains big, new words.
Life Is What It's Called - How does this installment build on the other books in the series?
Medea Kalantar - Honeycake books will teach children about feelings, aka emotional literacy, which is SO IMPORTANT for little learners. Identifying and labelling feelings in oneself and others is a life skill that takes lots and lots of practice. Honeycake books also emphasize open-mindedness toward anyone who looks and thinks differently than they do. Children will learn that people worldwide have different lifestyles, abilities, looks and family dynamics, and that’s something to be celebrated. Teaching children about diversity and inclusion is essential — we all want to raise tolerant, accepting, and empathetic kids. I feel it’s imperative to create books with more positive messages to help caregivers teach children to accept others and help children to become more balanced, kind, grateful and honest. Books help children manage their emotions when things don’t go as they hoped. I always say there is no such thing as winning or losing; there is only winning. You win when you reach the goal you want to achieve, or you win by learning a precious lesson. It’s all about perspective and how you look at things. Giving children these tools at an early age will help them grow into happy and fulfilled adults that aren’t stressed out but live in harmony with a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Honeycake will be understood by all ages and truly is a refreshing approach to human life with its joy, blessing and unique qualities. While Honeycake has been written as a children’s book series, it has a charm which will delight people of all ages. I feel these books will be enjoyed by parents, grandparents, and children alike, and I expect the timeless positive messages in the series to resonate for ages.
With all the negativity in the world today, the Honeycake series is a much- needed glimmer of hope and positivity. The Honeycake books are a great children’s series that teaches valuable life lessons on diversity, acceptance, kindness, mindfulness, trust and gratitude. These books will enlighten, empower, educate and entertain children and their families for generations to come.
Life Is What It's Called - What writing projects are you working on right now?
Medea Kalantar - After this book, I will take a break to focus on a more significant project. I have partnered up with a production company, and my Co-Creator Lanette Ware-Bushfield, CEO of AWWB Production Inc., is helping me take the Honeycake Book Series and adapt it into a tv series. We are currently working on a 60-second sizzle reel to be pitched to major television and animation studios.
I plan to come back with another five books in the Honeycake series, with our heroine Nala and her little brothers when they are a little older, with books geared for middle graders.
Life Is What It's Called - What do you want readers to know about you as an author?
Medea Kalantar - Aside from being an author, I’m also a Reiki Master, Intuitive Healer, Spiritual Teacher, Guinness World Record Holder, a proud mom of a daughter and a son and, of course, a grandmother of two beautiful boys who were the inspiration behind the Honeycake book series.
I want my readers also to know that I had no formal writing training, which didn’t stop me from trying. When you believe in something, and the intention is pure, you can accomplish anything in life.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win 6-book set of the Honeycake series with bookmarks—including a copy of Honeycake: A Helping Hand autographed by Madea Kalantar!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
Four (4) winners receive:
Five (5) winners receive:
Honeycake: A Helping Hand Book Giveaway
I am grateful to God for allowing me to serve, influence, and transform this planet for the higher good.
Life Is What It's Called - Why do you think the message in this book is important?
Medea Kalantar - Aside from the topic of amputees in "Honeycake: A Helping Hand," I wanted to incorporate the usual theme of blended families as the Honeycake series is known. I also wanted to introduce the concept of same-sex relationships, normalizing these dynamics. This book has many examples of inclusion and compassion, and I love that there is so much representation in this short children's book. But the most important thing about the book is the beautiful message that shines throughout, which is that it's okay to be different! Some great lessons here are to help younger children understand and accept other people. Promoting inclusivity and acceptance along with kindness and humanity. It's a simple yet powerful message and perfect for kids to read.
Life Is What It's Called - How do you see Honeycake: A Helping Hand being used at homes and classrooms?
Medea Kalantar - I think it's a fabulous teaching tool for kids to learn about disabilities/amputees and the wonders of prosthetics. There is even a glossary at the back that explains big, new words.
Life Is What It's Called - How does this installment build on the other books in the series?
Medea Kalantar - Honeycake books will teach children about feelings, aka emotional literacy, which is SO IMPORTANT for little learners. Identifying and labelling feelings in oneself and others is a life skill that takes lots and lots of practice. Honeycake books also emphasize open-mindedness toward anyone who looks and thinks differently than they do. Children will learn that people worldwide have different lifestyles, abilities, looks and family dynamics, and that’s something to be celebrated. Teaching children about diversity and inclusion is essential — we all want to raise tolerant, accepting, and empathetic kids. I feel it’s imperative to create books with more positive messages to help caregivers teach children to accept others and help children to become more balanced, kind, grateful and honest. Books help children manage their emotions when things don’t go as they hoped. I always say there is no such thing as winning or losing; there is only winning. You win when you reach the goal you want to achieve, or you win by learning a precious lesson. It’s all about perspective and how you look at things. Giving children these tools at an early age will help them grow into happy and fulfilled adults that aren’t stressed out but live in harmony with a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Honeycake will be understood by all ages and truly is a refreshing approach to human life with its joy, blessing and unique qualities. While Honeycake has been written as a children’s book series, it has a charm which will delight people of all ages. I feel these books will be enjoyed by parents, grandparents, and children alike, and I expect the timeless positive messages in the series to resonate for ages.
With all the negativity in the world today, the Honeycake series is a much- needed glimmer of hope and positivity. The Honeycake books are a great children’s series that teaches valuable life lessons on diversity, acceptance, kindness, mindfulness, trust and gratitude. These books will enlighten, empower, educate and entertain children and their families for generations to come.
Life Is What It's Called - What writing projects are you working on right now?
Medea Kalantar - After this book, I will take a break to focus on a more significant project. I have partnered up with a production company, and my Co-Creator Lanette Ware-Bushfield, CEO of AWWB Production Inc., is helping me take the Honeycake Book Series and adapt it into a tv series. We are currently working on a 60-second sizzle reel to be pitched to major television and animation studios.
I plan to come back with another five books in the Honeycake series, with our heroine Nala and her little brothers when they are a little older, with books geared for middle graders.
Life Is What It's Called - What do you want readers to know about you as an author?
Medea Kalantar - Aside from being an author, I’m also a Reiki Master, Intuitive Healer, Spiritual Teacher, Guinness World Record Holder, a proud mom of a daughter and a son and, of course, a grandmother of two beautiful boys who were the inspiration behind the Honeycake book series.
I want my readers also to know that I had no formal writing training, which didn’t stop me from trying. When you believe in something, and the intention is pure, you can accomplish anything in life.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win 6-book set of the Honeycake series with bookmarks—including a copy of Honeycake: A Helping Hand autographed by Madea Kalantar!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
- A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: A Family of Spices
- A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: Help, I Swallowed a Butterfly
- A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: Special Magical Powers
- A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: A Circle of Trust
- A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: Counting All My Blessings
- A signed hardcover of Honeycake: A Helping Hand
- Bookmarks
Four (4) winners receive:
- A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: A Helping Hand
Five (5) winners receive:
- A signed paperback copy of Honeycake: A Helping Hand
Honeycake: A Helping Hand Book Giveaway
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Medea Kalantar.
