Markette Sheppard joins us on the podcast to talk about finding your light, shining your light, and not allowing anyone to tell you to dim your light. Along the way, we talk about her best-selling children's books (My Rainy Day Rocket Ship, What Is Light?and the upcoming Ninja Nate) and Alphabet in a Flash, the multicultural ABC flash cards for early childhood learners she created that will soon inspire a children's television series. As a TV host, Markette won an Emmy award for her role as host and moderator of a morning show in Washington, DC. She is the host and creator of The Glow Girl’s Guide to Life, a 12-part social media series on Glow Steam TV. Join us for a conversation about the importance of representation and of shining your light and building connections.

[00:33]  Are You Ready To Blast Off Into A World of Imagination and STEAM? We discuss the inspiration for  My Rainy Day Rocket Ship. 

[04:21] Don't Let Anyone Dim Your Light -- Markette's first book What Is Light? and the power of seeing yourself portrayed accurately in books.

[05:34] There's an energy that we all emit. It's just a warmth and a feeling that people have. And I want children of the world to know you have a light inside of you. Do not let anyone dim that light. 

[06:58] The Power of Children's Picture Books and Images In Shining Light

[07:52] The creation and marketing of multicultural ABC cards "When kids go to preschool, the first thing they learn is their ABCs, right? And so I wanted to make sure that they were learning in an environment with pictures and images and words that said, I see you. I hear you. I love you. And there isn't any talk about race or any cultural divide. It's just representation."

[11:20] The Power of Storytelling in Different Mediums

[14:53] From Television and Radio to the World of Entrepreneurship

[19:21] The Power of Connections

[24:15]  Childhood (or College) Picture Book Influences

[28:24] What Messages Do We Send Into the World? Recognize Your Light, Shine Your Light, Protect Your Light

[33:09] New Adventures for Markette -- A Sneak Peek at 2023's Ninja Nate

[38:44] Searching for Joy -- chocolate, family, and a cl

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