Hello!
I’m Sally Kashner.
A storyteller with a rich tapestry of life experiences, from enchanting classrooms as a high school English teacher to inspiring the next generation as a grandmother who embarked on her publishing journey in her 70s.
Nestled in a home where echoes of my two grown sons’ laughter mingle with the vibrant energy of three nearly-grown grandchildren, I share my life with my husband and our cheerful English Lab, Ivy.
Throughout my teaching career, I transformed standard lessons into captivating stories that brought literature to life. Today, I channel that same passion into writing, aiming to empower young girls through tales where they can see themselves as heroes. Each story I write, including my “Cora Can” series, invites young readers to explore new worlds, encouraging them to believe, “Cora Can—and so can you!”
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In my books, I draw from the dynamics of my family and my late-blooming authorial career, crafting narratives that are not only entertaining but also educational. They are more than just stories; they are gateways to discovery and growth, designed to ignite curiosity and inspire confidence in young minds.
Join me on this magical journey through whimsical worlds where adventure meets learning, and where every girl can find a hero within.
Author Interview
Sally Kashner talks about:
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Her journey from being a high school English teacher to crafting stories for children, driven by a passion to infuse education with imagination and adventure.
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The blend of adventure and real-life lessons in her latest book, Cora's Christmas Challenge, where friendship, kindness, and a dash of bravery come to life.
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Self-teaching the art of storytelling and creating a world that resonates with children, using vibrant characters and engaging plots.
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The creation of Cora, a character who embodies curiosity and the spirit of exploration, pushing boundaries and inspiring young readers to dream big.
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The unique appeal of the book’s illustrations, designed to captivate and draw children into Cora’s colorful world, alongside moments of humor and genuine childhood wonders.
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A storyline in Cora's Christmas Challenge that touches on themes of empathy and helping others, inspired by real-life acts of kindness and community spirit.
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Incorporating light-hearted elements, like playful adventures and imaginative scenarios, to keep the narrative fun and relatable for kids.
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Highlighting the significance of play and exploration in children’s development, with Cora's Christmas Challenge serving as a gateway to adventures that encourage creativity and problem-solving.
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Can you share the inspiration behind Cora's character and how you designed her to resonate with young readers?Cora was inspired by the unlimited energy and curiosity I've observed in children. I wanted Cora to embody that sense of wonder and adventure that makes childhood so magical, making her a character young readers could see themselves in and aspire to be like.
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“Cora’s Christmas Challenge” is filled with adventures that blend imagination with real-world lessons. How do you balance fantasy and reality to create engaging yet educational stories?Balancing fantasy with reality involves grounding Cora’s imaginative adventures in real emotions and lessons. It’s about letting her fly high in her dreams while keeping her roots in the values and experiences that matter in the real world.
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Cora's adventures are not just about exploration but also about personal growth. What do you hope young readers take away from her experiences?I hope readers see in Cora’s adventures a mirror of their own potential for growth. Through her, they can learn that bravery, kindness, and curiosity can lead to the most wonderful discoveries about the world and themselves.
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The themes of friendship, kindness, and bravery are central to Cora’s story. Why are these particular values important for you to incorporate into children’s literature?These values are the foundation of a compassionate and courageous individual. By weaving them into Cora's stories, I try to nurture these qualities in young readers, preparing them for the adventures of life.
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Cora's vibrant attire and bright red hair are as much a part of her character as her adventurous spirit. How do you think her external appearance contributes to her role as a relatable and inspiring figure for children?Cora's appearance is a visual representation of her vibrant personality. Her colorful clothing and red hair symbolize her fiery spirit and uniqueness, encouraging children to embrace and celebrate their own individuality.
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The book includes a variety of supplementary materials, such as an activity and coloring book, an audiobook, an e-book, and a teaching guide. How do these companion materials enhance the reading experience and extend learning for young readers?The companion materials are designed to deepen the engagement with Cora’s world. They offer interactive ways to explore the themes of the book, and also to make the adventure continue beyond the last page and into real-life applications.
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You’ve created a character who embodies a “can-do” attitude. How do you think Cora’s approach to challenges can inspire children in their everyday lives?Cora’s “can-do” attitude is meant to inspire children to approach life’s challenges with creativity and courage. It’s a reminder that with a positive outlook, there’s no obstacle too big to overcome.
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The story also introduces non-fiction elements, like information about squirrels. How do you incorporate educational content into your stories without sacrificing narrative engagement?Weaving educational content into the narrative is all about making learning fun. By integrating facts and information organically into Cora’s adventures, I’m trying to spark curiosity and encourage readers to explore and learn more on their own.
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The world of “Cora’s Christmas Challenge” is vividly brought to life through its illustrations. Can you talk about your collaboration with the illustrator and how the visuals complement Cora’s adventures?Working with the illustrator was a collaborative dream. It was like Christmas time every day! We worked to ensure that the visuals perfectly captured the essence of Cora’s world, enhancing the storytelling with images that leap off the page and invite readers into her adventures.
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Finally, what's next for Cora? Are there more adventures on the horizon, and what themes or lessons do you wish to explore in future books?Cora's journey is far from over. There are more adventures planned, each one exploring new themes and lessons. I'm excited to continue growing with Cora, delving into topics that challenge and inspire both her and her readers. Cora is already on her next adventure: Cora’s Garden Rescue is coming soon!