It took many years but Medford resident Gloria Barone Rosanio and her husband Jim Rosanio have finally published a children’s book.
“Flip Flop Flo the Know-It-All” is about a girl who disobeys her mother and brings flip flops to school and learns an important safety lesson as a result.
Gloria said she thinks most people can relate to Flip Flop Flo who is a know-it-all little girl but is “a sweet smarty pants” as well.
She said she had been writing the book for many years. It started when her daughter was a little girl — Gloria kept notes of things she said and did and found it interesting to see how her daughter saw the world.
She started when Kaitlyn, her daughter, was 4. Kaitlyn is now 20.
Knowing her husband could illustrate the book got Gloria to get down to business and focus.
“Through his illustrations it really came to life,” she said.
While this is Gloria’s first published book, she has had many articles and essays published and has a blog on a national women’s website, www.skirt.com.
Gloria said the response has been “very good.
“We had no idea what the reaction would be like,” she added. “I kind of felt like I had an idea that would be of interest to kids.”
Gloria and Jim tested “Flip Flop Flo” on their 8-year-old godchild.
“The reaction is more than I expected,” Gloria said, noting she and Jim are getting invited to talk to schools and read book to kids, and also to sign books for kids.
“They really, really like it,” she said. “It’s terrific actually.”
Gloria said some kids have approached her because they want the main character to go on new adventures.
The book was just recently published by Marquette Books in Spokane, Wash.
Jim Rosanio is self employed with a small company called Imagicians Advertising and Marketing. He has been in business for more than 23 years.
While his area of expertise is graphic design, Jim said he enjoys creating cartoon characters.
Jim said Gloria handed him a script and he illustrated it.
Kaitlyn, who is now married, doesn’t remember some of the things in the book that are based on her actions.
“She’s really excited for us,” Gloria said, noting her daughter comes to book signings and talks with a camera. “She seems just so proud of us — I thought she’d be proud because she was the inspiration but she seems more proud that it’s her parents.”
Also, half of the proceeds from the book sales goes to Shoes that Fit, a national charity that gives school shoes to kids in need. It can be found at www.shoesthatfit.org
Gloria and Jim will attend an alumni event at the Barnes & Noble at Rowan University in Glassboro from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Oct. 21.
“Flip Flop Flo the Know-It-All” can be found on Amazon.com.
Jim said he considers their neighbor’s child a focus group because she wants her parents to read the book every night at bedtime.
