By Joana Pastro

Please pinch me!

My debut picture book, LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS is out in the world today! Hooray! It’s been a five-year journey, filled with ups and downs, a lot of learning, and willingness to try new paths. And then 2020 came along and, well, we all had to adjust to a new normal. Still, I couldn’t be more excited!

LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS is the story of a little girl who attends a school for damsels and loves everything about it, except for one rule. That rule states that damsels are supposed to wait for rescue if captured by a villain and never attempt to escape. LillyBelle doesn’t like that rule at all. Soon enough, she has the opportunity to prove it wrong and show the world that girls can very well save themselves.

Here’s the book trailer my son made to celebrate it:

 When I wrote the first draft of LillyBelle, I wanted girls to feel empowered. That was the most important takeaway to me. But as I revised, other themes emerged, which made Lillybelle relatable to a much wider audience and hopefully with deeper takeaways. So, since LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS is a fairy tale, I’ll play fairy godmother and bestow upon it a few wishes: 

1. That gatekeepers—parents, grandparents, librarians, teachers—identify the importance of this book for all children, and help it reach the hands of children of all genders, without judgement. It is not a “girls’ ” book. It's a children's book.

I hope girls will feel empowered, and that the book will reinforce to boys that girls are equals and that their stories matter.

2. That children learn to stand up for themselves and see that their problems can be solved by using their knowledge and friendliness. That when confronted with a problem, crying, yelling or violence doesn’t help. Bottom line, I hope they understand that life is much easier—and happier—when we deal with conflicts in a peaceful way.

3. That children learn to accept the differences between people—damsels, ogres, witches and giants—and better yet, celebrate them!

Now that I’ve played fairy godmother, it’s time to thank the people who helped make this book a dream come true. Many thanks to:

1. My family and my critique partners for all their support.

2. My former agent Natascha Morris, and my former editor Jes Negrón for believing in LillyBelle and me.

3. Jhon Ortiz for making LillyBelle come to life with his fabulous art.

4. The whole team at Boyds Mills & Kane, and BookEnds Literary Agency.

5. And last but not least, the Soaring ’20s debut group. Being a new author in 2020 hasn’t been easy, but together we’re making it happen. It’s been an amazing journey!

Let’s keep the party going!

Please stop by the @MindyAlyseWeiss and @JoPastro Twitter accounts from 10/21-10/25 for a fun-filled contest and a chance to win prizes.

Much like LillyBelle, Joana Pastro loves a good tea party . . . or any party, really! When not writing, you can find Joana baking (and eating) delicious desserts, singing as loud as she can, or twirling around the house. Also, like LillyBelle, Joana thinks good manners are of the utmost importance — just ask her kids. LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS is her first book. Her second book, BISA’S CARNAVAL releases in fall ’21. Born and raised in Brazil, Joana now lives in Florida with her husband, her three kids and one rambunctious Morkie. Visit her at www.joanapastro.com, on Twitter @jopastro, and on Instagram @joanapastro.