Local author, Suzanne Abbott-Dubeck, has recently published her new book, “Tina & Tara on Top of the World: Our Little Parade.” The book is about two little girls, Tina and Tara, and their mother, as they attend the 4th of July parade in town. The story takes readers on a journey, experiencing all the sights, sounds, and emotions that the characters feel. Abbott-Dubeck drew her inspiration for the book from her children, Tina and Tara, who she refers to as her “inspiration, strength, and the reason for all this gray hair!”
The “Tina & Tara on Top of the World” series is based on true-life experiences of Abbott-Dubeck’s children when they were young. Abbott-Dubeck tried to introduce her children to a wide variety of opportunities, making sure they took advantage of the resources around them, whether hiking in the woods, at the shore, or visiting relatives. Abbott-Dubeck explains that she has all these vivid memories that bring her so much joy that she had to put them down on paper.
Despite Tina and Tara being similar in many ways, they are as opposite as day and night. They both get along wonderfully and are the best of friends. One child is quirky, independent, and likes to bend rules to fit her unique personality, while the other is more down-to-earth and advocates for the little guy, but always marches to the beat of her drum. They lift each other up, and Abbott-Dubeck is happy to see them growing into special young adults with the same love and admiration for each other as when they were little.
Abbott-Dubeck came up with the idea of the 4th of July parade as the setting for this book from a mostly true event that happened when Tina and Tara were approximately seven and four years old. Some details were altered or added for the sake of the story, but Abbott-Dubeck remembers exactly where they sat to watch it, their matching outfits, and the excitement in their eyes as they watched. That day was one of the last parades they ever watched because the next year both kids were majorettes in the parade!
Abbott-Dubeck has had a varied career, including being a scout leader, basketball coach, and baton twirling instructor. She explains that all the things she did, she did for her kids. Being involved in her kids’ activities gave her the opportunity to spend more time with them, making memories, watching them learn, interact with others, and develop skills and interests that helped mold them into the people they are today.
The book is marketed towards children from two to ten years old because the characters in the book are approximately seven and four. Abbott-Dubeck hopes that the readers can relate to the situation in the story and find wonder and excitement in their own average, everyday activities. Abbott-Dubeck’s experience living in various settings, such as on a farm, in the mountains, in the city, and small towns, has impacted her writing. Abbott-Dubeck explains that it is all about making memories and that it doesn’t matter where you live; home is what you make it.
Abbott-Dubeck moved to Northern Lebanon community and explains that it was the best decision she ever made. This community welcomed her and her children with open arms, offering them a safe, wholesome place to grow up and allowing them the opportunity for things they would not have had in the city they left. Abbott-Dubeck is grateful to the “village” of friends in Northern Lebanon who helped her kids become the respectful, respectable adults they are today.
Abbott-Dubeck’s book is published by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc. She learned about Dorrance through a local friend and cannot say enough good things about them. Dorrance Publishing has a great team of professionals who stay in contact with you throughout the entire process. From layout and design to printing and binding, to shipping and publicity, these folks do it all for one fee.
Abbott-Dubeck is excited to see the positive response her book has received so far. She has already received messages from parents who have read the book to their children, expressing how much their kids loved it and how they could relate to the characters’ experiences.
In addition to writing, Abbott-Dubeck enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. She is also actively involved in the Northern Lebanon community and volunteers her time to various organizations.
Abbott-Dubeck plans to continue writing books in the “Tina & Tara on Top of the World” series, with each one based on real-life experiences from her children’s childhood. She hopes that her books can inspire children to explore the world around them and appreciate the small moments in life.
For those who aspire to become writers, Abbott-Dubeck’s advice is to write about what you know and love. “It’s important to be passionate about your writing because that’s what shines through in your work,” she explains. She also advises aspiring writers to seek out feedback and criticism from others to help improve their writing.
With the success of her first book, Abbott-Dubeck is excited to see what the future holds for her writing career. She hopes to continue sharing her experiences and stories with others, inspiring children to explore and appreciate the world around them.
