Author Mary Cuffy reads stories online

CHILDREN’S book writer and teacher Mary Cuffy said the anti-covid19 virus measures have created some unique challenges for her to present her work to an audience. She said the use of technology has enabled her to reach a wider audience.

Cuffy’s books feature Lola the Ladybug, with titles such as Lola and the Dancing Ladybug, Lola and the Magic Sticks, Bake the Cocoa Cookie with Lola, and the newly-launched Lola Meets her Shape Friends. Her books are written for children at the early childhood level. She said the stories contain information about the culture and history of TT, presented in a simplified way that scaffolds a child’s learning, with eye-catching illustrations.

She received the April author of the month award from the National Library and Information Service (Nalis).

She said during the stay-at home period, she has been doing virtual read aloud sessions using Facebook, Instagram and Zoom. She said these sessions are very different from the online tutoring which she does at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus.

“When you’re reading aloud virtually, there is no one to lock eyes with or to see a smile on a child’s face. You are in an empty space, but the wonderful thing about that is you try harder and energies are released from your reading into a child’s home. All you can hope is that it touches someone and they get the joy of what you are reading. Zoom feels much more personal, the interaction is better and it’s a controlled group. With an Instagram or Facebook Live you have to be prepared for anything.”

Cuffy said there were some unique challenges with doing work over the internet.

“Connectivity can be an issue and a challenge at times. I have an excellent service, however, when you go live, things can 'happen.' I live in a quiet community but if I’m doing a live, that is when the dogs bark the loudest and that is the time someone wants to do some type of construction. Before doing a live I say a silent prayer, then say, 'universe do your work'.”

Cuffy said she is working on two new publications. She plans to animate some of her books to reach different audiences. She is researching the idea of including the visually impaired, deaf and children with other learning disabilities and will be reaching out to various organisations.

Cuffy grew up in Arima, attending North Eastern College, Sangre Grande, before moving on to UWI, St Augustine, where she attained a bachelor’s degree in education with a concentration in early childhood care education, and a Master of Education in Literacy Instructions.

She said she decided she wanted to write for children while creating a reading website for her master’s degree. She said this was further nurtured by a love for storytelling and observing the joy stories brought to children.

“I’d always get asked to read a story whenever I visited a school. They especially loved the ones that had actions or singing. I still remember a few from my childhood days. I love children’s literature and want to contribute worthy stories to the genre. Furthermore, I want to provide children with stories that help understand their rich culture in a fun way.”