Wanda Bulmer, also known as Grandma Oz, is an author and illustrator who loves to entertain children and, at the same time, provide positive Christian values. From her writing desk in Topeka, Kansas (USA), Grandma Oz tells us about her love for books and “There’s a Mouse in My Couch”.
You’ve recently written and illustrated three books for children. How did it all start?
I wanted to write a story for my three young grandchildren. I have always enjoyed the hobbies of watercolor painting and writing poetry. I enjoyed painting an image of an animal and then writing a poem to go along with it. So I was able to combine my two favorite hobbies. Also my love for dogs inspired me to use them as the main characters in my stories.
What values are you trying to instill in children through your books?
I want my stories to promote positive Christian values. I try to teach children the important lesson of showing love and kindness toward others. I also want to try and teach children to have tolerance and compassion for others who may be different than them.
Why do you think these are so important?
We are living in a world that doesn’t always show love or kindness. Many times we see a lot of negative news on T.V., or in our newspapers. Sometimes we need to be reminded that we should care for others.
“There’s a Mouse in My Couch”, the first book in the Westie family series, introduces children to great animal characters…
The main characters in my stories are my three dogs. I call them the Westie Family because two of my dogs are West Highland Terriers. Cosmo and Aribella are both West Highland Terriers. Whereas, Cadie Sue is a Carin Terrier. Aribella and Cadie Sue are rescue dogs from the Oklahoma Wesite Rescue. Cosmo was given to us from a family that could not keep him.
How did you come up with the Westie family?
My love of dogs are the focal point of my stories. I also believe that children enjoy stories written about animals. My three dogs are so cute and loving. It is simply easy to include them in a story.
What lessons are learned from this book?
Showing love and kindness are values that need to be taught at an early age. Perhaps the world would be a better place if we all remembered to follow these positive values.
What are your writing and publishing plans for the near future?
I would like to write a chapter book for my grandson who is in the 3rd grade. I want to include in the book some of my childhood experiences. Growing up in Kansas means that we live in the part of the country called, tornado alley. As a young person, I experienced going through a monster tornado. It is this experience that I want to include in one of my stories.
You can find my “up-coming” books on GrandmaOz.com
