Deb Troehler
ISBN: 9781419655647
Booksurge
Reviewed By Rhonda Carver
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
An ordinary mopane worm from South Africa, Chipo greatly enjoys life in the mopani tree that she shares with her family, as well as the elder moths of her community. Every day, she savors the tree’s succulent leaves for breakfast, then delights in playing games like hide-and-seek with the other worms and moths. All in all, both her routine and surrounding environment provide Chipo with a fun, protected lifestyle of peace and stability.
Something within the inquisitive little worm, though, just won’t let her be satisfied with life as she knows it. Eventually, her curiosity gets the best of her, and – ignoring the warnings of her brothers and sisters – she ventures to the top of the tree to further explore the world around her. Amazed by what she sees, Chipo is inspired to discover more, so she ventures even further until she reaches the highest heights of her leafy home.
Much to her shock and surprise, though, Chipo slips and falls off the tree, landing in a strange new place – and before she has the chance to orient herself to her new surroundings, she’s whisked off on a whirlwind journey that takes her far away from her family and friends. In the face of such abrupt change, Chipo is forced to learn how to adjust quickly to the strange new life suddenly thrust upon her.
Well written and presented, Chipo’s Gift is a rewarding literary jewel. In it, author Deb Troehler does an effective job of helping the reader – through Chipo’s adventures – to understand the true benefits of risk-taking. Despite the discouragement of her brothers and sisters, the intrepid little worm dares to explore the world around her. As a result, she is rewarded with a plethora of sights and sounds that she never would have experienced had she remained isolated within the confines of her restricted home environment. Like Chipo, individuals young and old can only benefit from trusting the “adventurer’s spirit” within themselves and daring to learn more about the vast, wondrous world that has so much to show us all.
Serving to further enhance Troehler’s tale are the rich, colorful illustrations peppered throughout the story. Created by Troehler herself, the striking visual imagery further augments her already compelling narrative, vividly bringing the story to life and making it even more engaging to the reader.
Although Chipo’s Gift is primarily geared towards young readers, individuals of all ages are sure to enjoy the visual and literary treat that it is. Highly recommended.
Official Apex Reviews
Interview: Deb Troehler (Chipo's Gift)
Apex Reviews: Deb, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking forward to
learning more about your book.
What inspired you to base the story in Africa?
Deb Troehler: Chipo’s Gift was inspired by a dear friend that emigrated from South Africa to the United States in the 1990s. While some of her family members were able to come with her to the United Sates, many of her loved ones remain in South Africa Chipo, the main character, experiences basically the same separation from her friends and family. I also wish to encourage children to think beyond their borders - whether it be their town, their state, their country, or their continent.
AR: What exactly is a "mopane worm?"
DT: A mopane or mopani worm
(caterpillar) is the larval stage of the emperor moth. Their name comes
from the mopani tree, where the worms forage until they reach maturity.
While searching for just-the-right type of moth for my story, I came across an
unassuming caterpillar that eats leaves that are actually the shape of a
butterfly’s wings. The irony was too good to pass up.
AR: Please share with our readers what the "long sleep" is.
DT: The “long sleep” is the
stage where the mopani worms undergo metamorphosis. Unlike the usual
chrysalis stage of most caterpillars, mopani worms complete
their transformation underground. Somehow I pictured little Chipo
“tucked in” under a warm blanket of soil, waiting for her wings to develop.
AR: What is it about Chipo that makes her more adventurous than her brothers and
sisters?
DT: When I developed Chipo’s
personality, I attempted to create a character that associated well with the
other characters, yet had her own unique individuality. The status quo is
definitely not the way to find adventure. In addition, the name
Chipo is a name from Zimbabwe that means gift (the title of the book is purposefully redundant).
Chipo's gift was to see life in a different way and recognize the beauty of
nature, which encouraged her to make the trek to the top of the tree.
AR: Even though she's initially scared, Chipo eventually embraces her new life and
surroundings. Where does she draw her courage from?
DT: Throughout the story,
Chipo never forgets her home and family. She finds similarities in her
new world that comfort her. Her instinct to continue on the path to
become a moth prompts her to move forward in her efforts. And,
just like all mopani worms-she has a terrific appetite. How can one be scared
when they are munching some delicious hibiscus leaves?
AR: In addition to penning the tale, you also provided the illustrations for
Chipo's Gift (which are outstanding). How long have you been an illustrator?
DT: Thank you for the
compliment. Technically, I do not
consider myself to be an illustrator in the true sense of the word. I am
a fiber artist and pattern designer, by trade. When I created the
illustrations for Chipo’s Gift, I pulled from my former experience as a teacher
where I created elaborate classroom displays using a wide variety of mediums.
For example: the clothesline for the batik-print outfits is real twine.
AR: What kinds of reactions have you gotten to the book thus far?
DT: Many of the readers have admired the bold colors and Chipo’s spunky little attitude. One little girl said “Yah for Chipo!” when her grandmother finished reading it to her. Some of the children immediately notice that the colors of Chipo’s dots change, which encourages them to reread the book to find other details they may have missed. Several teachers have been pleased with the accompanying thematic unit that I developed for the book.
AR: What is the main message that you'd like readers to take away from the story?
DT: One insignificant choice can dramatically change a person’s (or, in this case, caterpillar’s) path in life. Learn from the results of that choice and find joy on the new path.
AR: Prior to becoming an author, you worked as a special education teacher. Please share more with our readers about your efforts in that field.
DT: I was a special education
teacher for fourteen wonderful years. My classroom was literally my
second home. I encouraged my students to succeed by doing their best
with the hand they had dealt, as well as finding happiness with their own
unique qualities, somewhat like Chipo's. In 2001 I was forced to take a
break from teaching when my cancer returned. (I am a 4-time cancer
survivor). I had originally planned on taking a two year break from
education, and resumed my side-career as a fiber artist and designer, as well
as freelance writer for magazines. Two years quickly turned into almost
eight. Chipo’s Gift has brought me full circle, inspiring me to return to
the classroom through the presentation of my book and related activities.
AR: How has your publishing experience been with Booksurge?
DT: Booksurge has been a wonderful company to work with. They provide great support for their authors/illustrators-which has continued even after the publication of the book. My Booksurge team leader faithfully answers my questions within a day's time. I also firmly believe in the print-on-demand philosophy, as it reduces the amount of paper used for production. The one drawback of print-on-demand, however, is the listing price. In fact, the list price for my book is what prompted me to develop the thematic unit that accompanies Chipo’s Gift. After all, as a former teacher, I realize that educational resources for any book are a definite plus.
AR: What are your future writing/publishing plans?
DT: While I am working on a sequel for Chipo’s Gift, I am also in the process of final revisions for a series of children’s books based on a little girl from Michigan. In addition to my children’s stories, I have resumed writing articles for magazines, with my most recent article published in April 2009. (Doll Reader Magazine)
AR: Do you have a website where people can learn more about you and your ongoing
efforts?
DT: Readers can find
additional information Chipo’s Gift and the orphanage in Africa (Beautiful Gate Lesotho)
to which I donate a portion of my royalties, on my website: http://www.debtroehler.com.
The thematic unit is available on my website as well as The Lesson
Plans Page: http://www.lessonplanspage.com/LAScienceMathArtPEOMDChiposGiftThematicUnitK2.htm
AR: How can they contact you directly?
DT: There is a contact page on
my website. I’d be happy to answer any questions.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
DT: One of my philosophies is
to give more than is expected. With the creation of Chipo's Gift and the
accompanying thematic unit, I hope I have succeeded in following that
philosophy.
AR: Thanks again, Deb, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
DT: Thank you for the opportunity to share the story behind Chipo's Gift.