The “Nos” are Many, Rejections Plenty
It takes a lot to write a book
As a picture book author, you hope that the book you create is well received by kids and adults alike. The years of research and writing boils down to a single moment—release day. Are people going to be as excited as I am about this book? Will this book deliver the message I want to share with the world? For me, the biggest award is knowing first hand that my book is helping to create a positive change in the world.
Two years ago, my wife, Miranda and I traveled to Cameroon to complete research on our co-authored book I Am Farmer. Prior to our departure, the US State Department advised us to reconsider traveling to Cameroon, noting it wasn’t safe because of a heated political situation. Fighting had broken out in many parts of the country; many had died. At that point, we were so heavily invested in our research that the thought of canceling never crossed our minds. Although we knew the risk, we chose to go. We knew it was going to be difficult, and we accepted the challenge that lay ahead.
This was a story that needed to be told.
Our book is the story of “Farmer” Tantoh Nforba, who, in my opinion, is one of the biggest environmental activists in Cameroon. Tantoh’s work includes, among other things, building water catchments, digging wells, and planting gardens. From village to village, kids danced with him; adults shouted his name wherever we went; mayors and chiefs welcomed him into their homes. An elder from one village shared that once the new water catchment was installed, not a single person had gotten sick or died from drinking contaminated water. I’m in awe of Tantoh’s story and his hard work on behalf of the people of Cameroon.
“Time short, story long,” is one of Tantoh’s many proverbs. His work keeps inspiring people. In less a month since I Am Farmer hit bookshelves nationwide, there has been a call to action. Schools, churches, and community organizations are on the front lines advocating for better living conditions in Cameroon. Elementary students in Auburn, NY, have raised enough money for the construction of a new well for the eco-lodge that Tantoh has built. Also, my church, Prince of Peace in Green Bay, is on the path to raising $5,000 for another well project in Cameroon.
All my life I have been surrounded by activists just like Tantoh. People who want to make this world a better place. People who want to improve the lives of others through selfless acts. I did not have to look far. One of my everyday favorites is my mother. She couldn’t read or write, yet she was able to get electricity to our neighborhood in the village. For more than five years, she walked endless miles to government offices. When the “nos” from political leaders and heat exhaustion slowed her down, she persisted. She never gave up, even though it might have been the easiest thing to do.
Inspired by my mother, I too persist. At one of my past jobs, I was witness to an unfair system and how employers don’t always compensate their employees fairly. In this case, I too walked for change: I took matters into my own hands and organized a strike. My demands were simple. No work if we didn’t get paid a fair wage. Luckily, I did not get fired. Instead, two amazing things happened that week. My boss saw what one man was capable of and challenged me to go out and do something incredible in this world. His words to me: “it’s amazing how you pulled this off.” And, when we received our checks that Friday, everyone got a 100% raise.
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Never give up!” The changes we wish to see in the world—clean drinking water for the people of Cameroon, electricity for a village, fair wages for workers–do not come easily. At least, it hasn’t for me, for Tantoh, for my mom. Sometimes it can feel like the world is against us. Sometimes we can’t catch a lucky break. The nos might be many, the rejections might be plenty, but each step in the process is important. The key is to keep walking. Success is much sweeter when we’ve learned from our failures.
This is why I write. To inspire. To learn. To bring the world the stories of the people who, one step, one well, one penny at a time, make change a reality.
Baptiste Paul is a Caribbean-born author of three books for children. His debut picture book, THE FIELD, received starred reviews from Kirkus, The Horn Book, and Booklist. According to Kirkus, his co-authored book ADVENTURES TO SCHOOL, “will pique readers’ curiosity.” His picture book biography, I AM FARMER, chronicles the work of Cameroonian environmentalist Tantoh Nforba. Born and raised on the island of Saint Lucia, Baptiste is a native Creole/Patois speaker who enjoys reading his books and sharing about his experiences with anyone who will listen. Learn more about Baptiste at baptistepaul.net.
One lucky 12 x 12 member will win a copy of I AM FARMER during the March check-in. Will it be you? Get your drafts written and revised in March for your best chance of winning!
233 Responses
Thank you so much for sharing part of your personal journey with us. It’s truly inspiring. I wish you much continued success with many more books that help create positive change in the world.
I love your testimony and the way your mother inspired you! So thrilled for your success, adventure and amazing journey!
So looking forward to reading I Am Farmer!
Thanks so much for this thoughtful post, Baptiste! I’ve been worrying so much about the world lately, and I really appreciate the positive stories.
All twelve copies of I AM FARMER are currently checked out of my local library system, by the way. I’ll give it a review when I can get my hands on a copy…
Thank you for showing us how a picture book can make a difference! I will return to read this post again when I need a bit of inspiration on my rejection-paved road.
Baptiste,
Thank you so much for inspiring us to go the extra mile and never give up. Thank you for the post.
Such an incredible journey. I have had the pleasure of reading I am Farmer. It is a wonderful call to action and a beautiful book.
What an inspiring story!
Thank you for your dedication to changing the world with your talents and sharing that journey with us. I can’t wait to see how you continue to change the world with your words. I hope there will soon be a book about your mother. :0)
Well now I’m inspired in all kinds of parts of my life, not just my writing. And I Am Farmer is a wonderful book. Thank you, Baptiste!
Thank you for sharing your story and encouragement to keep pressing forwards, even when it’s difficult and easier to just give up.
Will take your words to heart. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your inspirational journey.
It’s easier to think that one person can’t make a difference than to be brave and try to do so. Thank you for creating a book–a true story–that shows the good that a single individual can accomplish.
Congrats on the book, and awesome at all the inspiring work you, your church, the kids, and Tantoh are doing!
Thank you for sharing your inspiring stories of actions for change. Congrats on writing your latest book.
You know, being a writer–especially a beginning writer–I tend to get wrapped up in my personal journey. I suppose we all do to one degree or another, regardless of our backgrounds or choice of hobby. In the last few months I’ve heard time and again about those two magical “p’s” of being an author: patience and perseverance. And it’s always been applied to the craft and work of writing: be objective with those revisions, don’t let the agent rejections keep you down, etc.
Which is my long-winded way of saying that a post like this one from Baptiste is so, so appreciated. Here I am–and I assume a good deal of my comrades are as well–aching and squirming with thoughts of one day being published, having my name on the cover of a book, visiting a classroom full of eager readers. Meanwhile, villagers are praying that they’ll be able to quench their thirst without killing themselves. Families are boiling through summers without air conditioning. And minimum wage is a concept completely foreign to more people than we’d like to admit.
Meanwhile, I enjoy the fulfillment of all these basic needs and more, plus a decent share of daily luxuries. And the question that keeps me up at night? Wondering when I’m going to get a good handle on this writing thing.
Yeah. Sounds about right.
But, deep down, I know that this is not an uncommon feeling for someone to have, and I’m sure it will happen for me again. And that it’s not necessarily a bad thing that it will. Far from it. Because I know that every person has their own road riddled with their own challenges, and that those journeys shouldn’t be compared to one another to determine which is worthier, which is the cause that really deserves to be fought for. I think art always and inevitably takes the losing role in these arguments: “How can I create XYZ when there are people who need actual help?”
If this sounds like I’m thinking out loud, it’s because I am. I was provoked by this post, but in the best possible way. It checked my privilege, reminded me to be grateful for the fact that I can exist in a position where mastering my craft is one of my main personal obstacles. And with any luck the art I eventually create will make a difference of a kind, if only–as I hope the meandering thoughts of this post will–let somebody out there know that they are not as alone as they thought.
Thanks, Baptiste.
What an inspiring post, Baptiste! Thank you for your encouraging words and congratulations on all your success. Your hard work and “keep trying” attitude has certainly paid off, as readers all over the world benefit from your stories.
This story inspired me to get to work with polishing my manuscripts and take this year to prepare something and submit it. And then to start sticking my neck out and sending something to an agent or an editor. And to read and donate books with an organized group to schools that are in need.
What an inspiring post. Your stories will no doubt inspire others to make a difference.
Thank you for this inspiring post. I’ll remember this when I next feel like throwing in the towel.
Baptiste, this made me cry. You have expressed both the difficulty of the work we do but also the reason for it. Thank you – I’m so glad you are in the world.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, your journey, your inspiration and your passion. This is the reason we write!
Thanks for your post and your books-both which inspire and help keep things in perspective. Looking forward to many more books by you!
Great post, Baptiste! Thank you for giving us a peek at your publishing journey and for sharing your insights on how important it is to have patience and to persevere in our writing!!
I loved hearing more about your trip to Cameroon and further efforts to help with
the situation there. I Am Farmer was inspiring and I’m glad it is helping to make a
difference!
Your drive to make the world a better place is fantastic. You put so much into your work and it’s really paying off. I Am Farmer is an inspiration for everyone of us. Thank you for sharing your story.
Your post made me think how each of us has the chance to make a difference big or small each day. Whether it’s a smile and hello to that lonely person or something bigger like saving people in your community. thanks!
Thank you for sharing your story!
Wonderful post, Baptiste. Your passion to make change comes across loud and clear. Just like tossing a pebble into a pond and seeing all the ripples it makes, our stories make ripples, too. We never truly know the impact (or how many ripples they will make)!
Thank you so much for sharing this inspiring story, Baptiste! Books can make such a difference in people’s lives, simply by planting the seed of awareness.
I love how your story goes full circle. Seeing you Mom be a change maker and you being a change maker as well. Beautiful.
Thank you Baptist’s for your insights, and for reminding me that saying “That’s just the way it is” is easy. Being part of the change is something we can all do with our writing!
Apologies for autocorrect: Baptiste!
Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story and encouragement. We love The Field and are looking forward to I Am Farmer!
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your story!
Thank you so much. So inspiring!
I loved the way Baptiste wove the story of Tantoh in with his own story, and his mother’s. What an inspirational post. Thank you!
This is such an important story to tell. I’m glad children are hearing about possibilities and the power of the individual at a young age. Thank you!
Congratulations on getting your work published. Your trials have been inspiring. I think there are many interesting people who need to have their story told. May you have continued success.
So excited to read this story. I think using your platform as a children’s author is an amazing way to equip and encourage children to make a difference across the world and in their own neighborhood. Thanks for the encouragement as many of us want to make that difference too with our writing. May we all see and witness the amazing stories of change that need to be told. And may the children who read this story be inspired to do something.
Thank you for this inspiring and encouraging post, Baptiste. Wishing you (and Miranda) much continued success!!
Thank you for writing the stories that need to be told and for reminding us of the power of persistence.
What an inspiring message. Thank you.
Thanks so much, Baptiste! I love your books, I love your life story, I love the inspiration you spread!
Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story with us, Baptiste!
Baptiste, thank you for sharing SEVERAL stories of action and inspiration- all packed into such a focused and concise post. Your passion is so evident, and I get the sense that having a short conversation with you is enough to make ANYONE stand up straight and identify some way that they can bring about a needed change.
Thank you Baptiste for the very important work you are doing! Your stories are filled with love, conviction and hope. Thank you for the inspiring post and reminding us of how powerful the written word is!
Thank you for giving us some of your background and the background for I AM FARMER. You and Tantoh are both inspiring!
Thank you for all you do to make a difference. And thank you for inspiring us to do the same!
You are truly inspiring! Thank you for sharing your journey and life story.
Your inspiring feature author article reminds me that we all have the ability to spark positive change. A book can often become the product of who we are and what is in our heart. Thanks for revealing your heart. Congratulations on your book!
Congratulations and I can’t wait to read your book! Your personal journey is inspiring.
Wow Baptiste, what an inspiring journey! I’m so glad you were able to bring the book I AM FARMER out in the world and that many more people are being inspired by this book to do good deeds in the world. Thank you for writing this wonderful post!
Really enjoyed The Field and can’t wait to read The Farmer. Inspiring post, thanks!
Baptiste,
What an incredible story. Your journey is inspiring. I wish you the best of luck in 2019.
Thank you for sharing your personal journey! Congratulations on your books, too!
These are all wonderful causes that you have gone to bat for. Some who live in comfort often take for granted some of the basic elements of life like clean drinking water. That’s a cause close to my heart as well. Thank you for your post and for your contributions to the world of children’s books.
Thanks for sharing your journey! You and Miranda are inspiring. Can’t wait to read your latest book.
This post, and your stories, are so inspiring! Thanks for working, and writing, to change the world for the better!
Thank you for sharing your journey, Baptiste. It is so inspiring. And thank you for writing these important stories for children.
Love the positivity of your post Baptiste! Thank you for sharing your journey with inspiration and hope.
This post left me feeling positivity for efforts, action, and persistence of the human spirit. Here-here! to how your book has inspired communities to help the people of Cameroon.
Thanks for sharing your inspiring journey with us. You continue to inspire us all with your determination to make a positive difference with your wonderful books.
The persistence, love, and inspiration come through so clearly. Thank you so much for sharing! As long as there are stories like these by Baptiste Paul, the world is sure to, however slowly, evolve into a better place.
Why you write is a testament to your character. I look forward to reading your latest book, and all the books to come.
“This is why I write. To inspire. To learn. To bring the world the stories of people who, one step, one well, one penny at a time, make change a reality,” Your purpose for writing resonates within my heart. Thank you for the brave steps you and your wife took to research for your meaningful book, I AM A FARMER. Thank you too, Baptiste, for the beautiful tribute to your mother (the makings of another book) and for sharing other events from your personal testimony. I am truly inspired!
I love your humanitarian mind-set! We can all do something to help people who are less fortunate – thank you for reminding us of that and for sharing your insights with us.
Thank you for sharing these stories of perseverance and change with us. I Am Farmer is a remarkable book, and because of it, Tantoh is inspiring change far beyond the borders of Cameroon. Thank you for your example and thank you for showing us what a difference one person can make.
Thank you for sharing your story! I look forward to reading I am Farmer!
Wow! You and Miranda are such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story.
What a wonderful story and inspiration! I’m looking forward to reading your books!
Thanks for sharing!
So inspiring and wonderful. Congratulations, Baptiste!
Thank you for your hard work and dedication of sharing a very important topic. Great job!
There are many people in this world making a difference, but their stories are never told. The people behind the stories are not doing for themselves to be known, but to improve other’s lives. They put others first. Your writing is brining their quiet work to the forefront when so many in the world are doing it for personal recognition. I applaud you for your journey in writing and hope someday your words will make a difference in lives yet to be matured.
Thank you, Baptiste. So inspiring!
So inspiring, Baptiste. Thank you for your story and personal insights. Reminds us all to persist-not only in our writing life-but in reaching out to help others and make a difference.
Thank you for sharing such an inspiring story.
Thank you, Baptiste, for the work that you create for all readers young and old. And reminding us that children’s books can reflect different realities than our own.
Baptiste,
I’m honored to call you my friend. I’m happy that Tantoh was able to finally get his visa and hope that your trip to schools and bookstores creates more positive feelings that inspire children and readers to do what they can to change the world. I look forward to doing something similar— opening hearts with my sure to be published manuscripts!
Baptiste,
I’m honored to call you my friend. I’m happy that Tantoh was able to finally get his visa and hope that your trip to schools and bookstores creates more positive feelings that inspire children and readers to do what they can to change the world.
Thank you for making a difference in the world with your books.
What an inspiring post! Thank you for sharing.
This post filled my heart with hope for a world that seems to be faltering badly. You have given me hope and determination to do more than worry and whine. Thank you.
Thank you for bringing focus to ‘the world the stories of the people who, one step, one well, one penny at a time, make change a reality’. Your work is inspiring, Baptiste!
What a wonderful story! I hope that it is read and shared in all parts of the world!
Thank you for sharing your journey.
You are both such an inspirational team! Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
What an inspiration you are to so many and how exciting to learn how your books are making positive change!
Thank you so much for sharing your story!
It’s so important to remember that one person can make a difference. Thank you for sharing personal and inspiring stories!
Thank you so much, Baptiste! The work you do is important and inspirational!
Thank you for these words of encouragement:
“…each step in the process is important. The key is to keep walking. Success is much sweeter when we’ve learned from our failures.”
Needed to read that today!
Kudos on not keeping your bravery and personal power all to yourself, Baptiste. And thank you.
Dear Baptiste,
Your unselfishness is an inspiration to us all, Being able to write about your personal research for your books is special. Thank you for sharing your story.
Baptiste—I can’t wait to read your book. Your protagonist reminds me of my father who worked on potable water projects in many countries during his lifetime. I’ll be curious to hear about Farmer Tantoh and all his work!
Ann
Thank you, Baptiste, for all the good work that you do, and for reminding me of the power of the written word.
One day, someone will need to write YOUR story on activism, Baptiste. And I hope you write one about your mum, too–bless her and Tantoh!
Many thanks, Baptiste, for sharing Tantoh’s inspiring life story and your own!
This was so interesting to me – thank you for the great post!
Thank you for this inspiring post!
I’m amazed and moved by Tantoh and his story. Thank you for sharing your journey and the story behind the story, and for bringing I Am Farmer to light (with Miranda). Truly inspiring all around!
Your book was already on my TBR list. Now I have even more interest. Thank you for sharing.
Such inspiration! I love that you write books to change the world, one step at a time.
Thank you for your inspirational post!
What an amazing story (and story behind the story)! Can’t wait to read the book.
Thank you, Baptiste, for sharing your inspirational story about Tantoh, as well as your own. JYou are truly a light for others to follow.
Great post! Loved hearing about your inspiration!
This idea of agency, that each of us can make a change, no matter how small we may feel, is well-stated. Sometimes we feel like we have to be someone other than who we are–someone with more education, more power, more visibility, more of whatever it is that we feel we lack. But the truth is that we just have to want to accomplish our goal, no matter the obstacles. I’m so motivated by this story. Thank you for sharing it with us and with the world!
How empowering for those NY elementary students! How life-saving for the Cameroon people! This is what literature is all about. Reaching out, sharing with others, opening eyes and hearts. Thank you Baptiste.
Thanks for sharing about your book and your life. One person can much a huge difference.
You are right…it was a story that needed to be told.
Thank you for sharing how your determination and persistence to bring change to the world has influenced your writing. You are inspiring, both in your writing and your activism!
Such an inspiring story! I can’t wait to read this book!
Great story, very inspiring
Thank you, Baptiste for sharing your story in this inspiring post! Can’t wait to read your book!
What an inspiring story. I can’t wait to read your latest book. Thank you for sharing your story.
This is an awe inspiring story.
What an amazing story! I can’t wait to read this book.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Congrats to you both!
What an amazing story! I can’t wait to read it!
Love it!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!I am so inspired and so glad I wrote my third PB Draft!
Your journey to Cameroon and your mother’s persistence are
Will definitely read the story. Clean drinking water is so essential…someone can and did make a difference.
I feel like Baptiste and his sweet wife have gone far in making a positive change in the world! They are an inspiration. During down times (and always), their persistence and talent make us feel uplifted and able to create.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story!
thank you sharing your around the world stories for children of all ages!
This line really struck me: “For me, the biggest award is knowing first hand that my book is helping to create a positive change in the world.” What a positive and empowering message! Thanks so much for sharing it.
Thank you for sharing your story!
I love your books and am inspired by the change and effect they are having. Thank you the story.
Thank you for sharing your journey…and your very special story. Your work (and wife’s work) are so inspirational…and as writers, we are always looking for more of that!!
Baptiste, you come from good stock! You are opening people’s eyes to ways we can be a part of changing lives for the better. I really enjoyed THE FIELD and I look forward to reading your other books…..with more to come, I hope.
Amazing story and glad you told it.
You are incredibly inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
I have friends who live in Cameroon, so I Am Farmer is a great story about the place they live. Thanks!
What a great book and a great hero! I learned so much by reading it!
Such a great post! Never give up! Thank you for sharing. Can’t wait to read I Am Farmer 🙂
Children deserve to have role models like Tantoh, your mom and you! It only takes one person with courage and conviction to bring about change and what a great thing for kids to know.
Thank you for bringing us Tantoh!
Hi Baptise, I enjoyed your 12×12 webinar with Miranda and it’s wonderful to read more about this story and your story, as well!
Thank you, Baptiste for this inspiring post and for the difference you are making in the world.
Thank you for sharing this important story and for the inspiration!
I love how your sharing of this story is inspiring so many to come together and give aid. Thank you for sharing the reminder that even small steps can lead to change.
wow! amazing and inspiring story. thank you for sharing.
Thanks Baptiste! Clean water is something we take for granted but so essential. Thanks again for sharing your story. Best of luck in the future.
Thank you for your stories, Baptiste. I love the story of how your book came to be, and I hope to read the story you have just released. I wish you good luck as you move forward in your picture book writing career.
I love your writing and look forward to reading this one. Thanks for sharing your inspiring story!
Dear Baptiste,
I enjoyed reading your blog post and am excite to buy and read “I am a Farmer.” I have been an activist most of my life and focused on the environment much of that time. It is tiresome work and can feel hopeless. Thank you for bringing hope to children around the world. Someday, I too will bring hope via a published book. Thank you and Miranda for your deep commitment to creating a better world by telling stories of those creating a better world.
With warm regards,
Jo
PS. I am glad you returned home safely from Cameroon and I hope all is getting better politically.
Great post, Baptiste! I’m writing about a woman in Brazil who‘s taking matters into her own hands and helping make other people’s life more comfortable. I believe the world needs more books about those people! Thanks for inspiring us!
Beautiful work, Baptiste! I cannot wait to read everything! Thank you for sharing your journey and insight!
I love the idea of some stories need to be told. And yes, rejection. That seems to be an ever-present theme in writing and publishing.
Thank you for sharing these amazing stories — yours as well as Tantoh’s. I’m fascinated by the activism in African nations — and just how challenging life can be. And also amazed at how something as simple as a well or catchment system can improve the health of a community. I was talking to a coworker recently and told her I’m fortunate — I have running water, electricity and a roof over my head. It’s easy to overlook these every day blessings that we have. Thank you for reminding us about other places in the world.
Thank you so much for sharing this story. I look forward to reading I Am Farmer!
Wow! This is like inspiration upon an inspiration upon an inspiration. My dad taught me that everything was my job. If I notice it needs to be done, I should do it. All my life I’ve received such joy in doing little things to make a place or person’s day better. Baptiste, you, Tantoh, and your mother inspire me to think bigger and to stick with my writing – my lofty goal to inspire the love of reading and art and experiencing them together. And I can’t wait to read both your books!! One more reason to be grateful for 12×12!
I am so eager to read to read your new book, Baptiste!
What a remarkable person and story. I look forward to reading your book!
What an inspiration! One person can have such a long-lasting impact on others. Thank you for sharing!
I can’t wait to read your new book! I’m sure it will be as inspiring as your post. Clean water is essential to life and growth. Thank you for sharing your journey and writing about Tantoh. Your words have sparked me to keep writing and challenged me to learn from the “Nos.”
What a pleasure to read about your story and to be reminded of the power of a picture book. Thank you.
Such an inspiring post, Baptiste! There are so many amazing, inspirational people in the world…including you. It will be a pleasure to read your book and I’m sure it proves to be a huge success.
What an inspirational and hopeful post. Thank you for sharing your story with us!
What an inspiring story! Thank you!
Educational and motivational! Thank you for sharing your story.
Baptiste, your words carry a lot of weight. Thank you for sharing.
You and Miranda are so inspiring, Baptiste!
Thanks for that truly inspiring message!
Baptiste Paul, we’re so grateful you “never give up.” When we become buried under rejections, we feel the weight of writing above the “slush pile.” Your inspirational goal of making a difference for good through your research, donated efforts, and published book is one we all celebrate. Congratulations on publishing your story and for influencing positive change. You are extraordinary! May your writing journey continue to reward you with inspiration and learning. Your success is the world’s success. Blessings!
Thank you for this post Paul. I really enjoy your writing.
Wonderful! You and Miranda are taking on the world!
Wow, what an amazing story, both the writing of this book and the book itself. Never give up even when the NOs are piling up around you. Thank you for your perseverance and vision to help make the world a better place.
Thank you for making the world a better place.
What an amazing and inspiring story. A great lesson in response to rejection. Congratulations to you and your hard work.
Thank you for sharing your story. It’s so powerful to see how your personal inspirations translated into your professional successes that will impact so many lives in a positive way. I’m looking forward to sharing your book with my high school students as we study world issues of water.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful post about your journey Baptiste.
What an inspiring experience. I can’t wait to read the book. Thanks for getting the book out there and sharing your story with us.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story, and the lengths you took to write I Am Farmer. I can’t wait to read it, and your other works Baptiste!
Thank you, Baptiste, for your stories and your dedication to inspiring kids!
I love hearing from your and your lovely wife through 12×12. Thanks for investing in us.
I like inspirational stories. You never know what can have a positive effect on someone else.
Baptiste Paul, you are an inspiration. Thank you for making the world a better place and congrats on your book release!
Such an inspirational story! I am so looking forward to reading I Am Farmer!
Congratulations, Baptiste! Sounds like a very interesting story.
Very inspiring post!Thank you so much for your words.
viji
These books look wonderful! Thank you for sharing your insights!!
I remember hearing about your story last year and was intrigued by your story. Thanks for sharing more. You’re an inspiration!
I’m impressed with how quickly you’re seeing the benefits of sharing Tantoh’s story. You are creating a positive change. Congratulations!
The stories of advocacy and persistence you shared about Tantoh, your mom, and you were incredibly inspiring. Thank you so much for putting books into the world that truly make a difference! There are stories that need to be told and I am grateful you’re telling them!
This quote resonated with me so much: “The key is to keep walking. Success is much sweeter when we’ve learned from our failures.”
Thank you for sharing this encouraging insight with us! I’m excited to be part of 12 x 12! May your journey continue to be filled with yeses!
Baptiste!
You. Are. Amazing. !!!!
Thank you!!!!
Thank you Baptiste – inspiring!
Your story is so inspirational! You have shown that one book really can make a difference. You have drawn attention to important issues that need to be addressed.
“Time Short, Story Long.” Simply beautiful. Thank you.
Many thanks for sharing with us about your book and advice to never give up . Writing for children is the biggest challenge I’ve ever had so I needed to hear your message. Congrats to you and thanks again!
This is so true! Thanks for reminding us to never give up.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story! Persistence is such a valuable trait.
Thank you, Baptiste, for your passion and for your courage. Thank you for making a difference in this world!
Thank you, Baptiste. Persistence and the desire for positive change will stick with me!
Wow! You are an inspiration to us all! I’m so impressed by the incredible amount of time, effort, and research you invested to make I Am Farmer a reality and being awareness to an urgent cause. I can’t wait to read it! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for the inspiring article! I’m looking forward to reading your new picture book, congratulations!
What an impressive post! It shows the power a kid’s book has to move, educate, and inspire! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for this inspiring post. One person can make a difference, but persistence is key. I have I AM FARMER on hold at the library. Can’t wait to get my hands on it!
Thank you for sharing your story. One person really can do a lot.
So inspirational! My favorite line: The key is to keep walking.
Nice work! I just got back from spending my Spring Break building houses in Mexico. Feels great knowing people have a safe place to live now. I don’t know who had the brilliant idea of asking high schoolers and a few adults to come build houses on their vacation, but it is the same kind of person as your Farmer. Thanks for showcasing this individual!
Thanks for sharing your journey.
Your message of persistence and the evident hope that you have shines through your writing. I am always on the hunt for inspiring picture books for my daughters and will certainly be picking up yours! Uplifting and encouraging stories like these are like medicine to the soul and truly do impact the direction of the world.
What an inspiring post! Thank you for sharing this, Baptiste!
Thank-you for sharing your inspiration story.
Baptiste,
Thank you for a such a powerful post. What s way to rally the troops! I was really moved by Farmer Tantoh’s story and loved the book. This is an amazing story to get out in the world— a person who, against all odds, perseveres and creates a positive change in the world. Thank you again for sharing your own personal journey. I think your personal injection of that spirit makes your books incredibly moving. We love them all!
Best of luck to you,
Kelly
You have a beautiful heart! Thank you for making this world a better place.
What an inspiring journey! Thank you for sharing this with us, and for all that you’re doing to make this world a better place. Children’s books are such an important part of that. <3
Thank you for an inspiring, big-picture view of why we write and the impact we can have!
This is so inspiring and amazing – exactly what I needed to hear today! I believe that your direct impact on the community and the world is exactly what we would all love to see through our writing. Thank you for sharing this and for encouraging us all to never give up.
Every bit of this post is fantastic – your own journey, the inspiration your mother provided, your incredible subject, and of course, turning it into a picture book for children! I look forward to reading it with my son.
Reading this brought tears to my eyes, so inspiring! Thank you for reminding me why sharing our stories is so important. We really can make a difference, whether it’s one story or one well at a time.
While reading Miranda and Baptiste’s books, I am constantly reminded of the good in the world. Life can be so difficult, and I am in awe of the many activists that change the world. I hope I can do some good in my very little way. I know Miranda and Baptiste do with their books.
Batiste – What an amazing story that needed to be shared and told. Thank you for this…I will get a copy!
Thank you!
Thank you for your work. You are an inspiration.
Thank you for sharing your stories of perseverance and change. A better world is not only possible, it’s within reach, especially when we are united. Thank you for being an advocate for change and telling the stories that need to be told. Wishing you the best with your books.
Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Amazing! So grateful you’ve shared your story with us.
The world needs more authors and people like you. Onwards!
Nice post filled with inspiration. Thank you Baptiste!
Thanks for sharing this inspirational story. I grew up on a farm in Wisconsin, so your title of course drew me in. (It was also fun to read that you live in Green Bay!)
Baptiste, I love your message to readers and the inspirational biography on Tantoh’s work. I love that your book has inspired others to join in the mission for clean water.
Baptiste, I love your message to readers and the inspirational biography on Tantoh’s work, and how your book has inspired others to join in the mission for clean water.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! It is truly inspiring and it’s wonderful that you are celebrating people who strive to make positive changes in society. We should all commit to doing our parts in driving change as well.
Your activism is inspiring. Looking forward to reading I AM FARMER.
Thank you for this inspiration and important work! I am looking forward to reading I Am Farmer.
I am delighted to learn about “I Am a Farmer,” Baptiste, and look forward to reading it. What wonderful work you are doing!
What an inspiring story! I can’t wait to read it.
That is a beautiful, amazing story. Thank you so much for sharing. I’m excited to read it!
Thank you! Your story is so inspiring!
Timing is everything, right? I mean, I put off reading this post (March was incredibly out of control) and after listening to Stacey Abrams tonight, I’ve been thinking about all the small changes (and big ones too) that can be made by any of us. Your story is inspiring. I wish you and “Farmer” much success!
Congratulations on the impact I AM A FARMER is making. I appreciate your reminder: our goal is getting our message out there.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story with us, Baptiste. Your message to never give up applies equally to the world of publishing. We need to persevere if we want to get our stories out there. The best of success with your books!
Thanks for sharing the amazing inspiration for your book. What an uplifting message
for all ages!