An Insider’s Scoop on the Children’s Book Brave Little Panther

Birmingham author D.P. Johnson, also known as “The Prettiest Author In Alabama,” just released her first children’s book: The Brave Little Panther, and it’s an absolute delight. She brings a fresh perspective on problem-solving and perseverance to the table as a by-product of her own struggles throughout childhood and as an adult in the corporate world. D.P. shares what her book is about, her inspiration, and unveils some exciting news—her book signing tour coming up—for the first time.

Can you share a little about the story and its main message for children?

In The Brave Little Panther, the story unfolds with a small panther named Rose navigating through challenges in the jungle, particularly during a storm that forces the animals to rebuild their habitat. Despite her diminutive size, Rose rallies the animals together to overcome the obstacles they face, including a group of wolves attempting to take over their newly restored home. Through Rose’s leadership, the narrative underscores the powerful message that one’s size is not a limitation to offering impactful solutions. Moreover, the story explores the notion of multiple challenges, highlighting how one problem can lead to another in a cascading effect, much like a domino effect. Unlike conventional narratives that often present singular problems and solutions, The Brave Little Panther emphasizes the importance of handling each challenge that arises with resilience and unity, showcasing the richness and complexity of problem-solving processes.

What lessons do you hope children take away from The Brave Little Panther?

In crafting The Brave Little Panther, my utmost goal was to instill in children the values of empowerment and encouragement. As young readers delve into the story, I hope they are inspired to find their voices and fearlessly express themselves. It is essential for children to understand that their ideas are significant and valuable, for they possess a unique perspective unburdened by preconceived notions. The story emphasizes that speaking up is not solely about confrontation, but about the importance of voicing thoughts, feelings, and opinions. Through the journey of The Brave Little Panther, children are encouraged to embrace their courage and belief in themselves, recognizing that their voices hold tremendous influence and merit in the world.

What inspired you to write The Brave Little Panther?

The Brave Little Panther book draws its inspiration from both my childhood and adult struggles. This heartfelt tale was born out of challenges I faced growing up, which later transformed into a source of strength and resilience. The decision to venture into children’s literature stemmed from a serendipitous encounter during a work event, where reading to young minds unveiled a newfound ease in my typically nervous disposition. The absence of anxiety in front of children sparked a revelation, leading me to embark on the journey of crafting a book tailored for them. Within the narrative, the symbolic presence of wolves and the storm serves as an allegory for life’s adversities that one may encounter. Through Rose’s unwavering spirit and triumphant journey, the character symbolizes courage and bravery in the face of obstacles, resonating with readers of all ages on the power of resilience and fortitude.

Why did you choose a panther as your main character?

In selecting a panther as the main character for The Brave Little Panther, careful consideration was given to the symbolism associated with this majestic creature. The historical significance of a panther encapsulates qualities such as courage, resilience, and unity, making it a compelling choice to drive the narrative forward. Panthers are recognized for their ability to protect and unite their community, qualities that mirror the journey portrayed in the storyline of the book. By embodying these traits, the panther serves not only as a powerful and captivating protagonist but also as a symbol of inspiration for readers as they follow the adventures and challenges faced by Rose.

Have your own life experiences influenced this book?

Oh goodness, where do I start! My life experiences have greatly influenced the development of The Brave Little Panther. In my professional journey, especially within the corporate realm, I have encountered situations where decisions were made without consulting the employees directly involved in executing the tasks. This disconnect between management and workers often led to mistakes and inefficiencies. It became apparent to me that the person closest to the problem is often the one with the most valuable insights and solutions. This realization inspired me to create a narrative where a seemingly less significant character plays a pivotal role in problem-solving. Through this book, I aim to showcase the importance of inclusivity and the idea that valuable solutions can come from unexpected sources. I believe that regardless of one’s position or level within an organization, it is essential to remain open-minded to diverse perspectives and ideas. By highlighting the power of collaboration and valuing every individual’s input, I hope that The Brave Little Panther will encourage adults to embrace a more inclusive approach to problem-solving.

When did you first discover your love for writing?

Discovering my passion for writing in 7th grade was a pivotal moment in my life. I vividly remember the rush of emotions as I penned down a heartfelt poem for the boy I liked. Little did I know that this innocent gesture would sow the seeds of my lifelong love affair with writing. From that point on, I delved into writing poetry, weaving intricate stories, and even composing soulful songs. While the boy may have faded into the background, the love and joy I found in writing have only grown stronger through the years. It’s quite amusing to think back and realize that writing captured my heart more than any middle school crush ever could. Haha, oh, the innocence of youth!

You have some book signings coming up—what can attendees expect at these events?

I am thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of The Brave Little Panther Book Signing Tour! As this is my first official statement on the matter, I am delighted to exclusively share this exciting news with Birmingham Parent Magazine. The tour is scheduled to kick off in a few months and extend through the end of the year, allowing me to connect with young readers across various locations. With my book rapidly gaining popularity in Jefferson County Libraries, I aim to include stops at these libraries and select bookstores to engage directly with the community. 

However, planning such an extensive tour involves numerous details to coordinate, such as securing venue availability, providing free books to children, and orchestrating effective advertising strategies. In order to make this tour a reality, I am actively seeking potential sponsors for financial support through my non-profit organization, The Brave Little Panther. This promotional run marks an exciting chapter for me and my book, and I cannot wait to share this adventure with readers of all ages! The kids can expect to see a real life author and get hopefully their first personalized autographed book.

How do you hope to inspire young readers through your work?

With this story, it is my intention to encourage individuals to face whatever challenges come their way. The underlying message of perseverance and strength woven into the narrative serves as a beacon of hope, reminding readers of their own inner bravery.

What’s next for you as an author? Do you have any other books in the works?

As an author, my focus is currently on expanding The Brave Little Panther, taking it to a national and international level through my self-titled non-profit organization. An exciting development on the horizon in June for my 40th birthday is the unveiling of a billboard in 5 Points South featuring my book and logo, beautifully captured by a drone photography company for content across my social media platforms and YouTube. Follow my journey on Instagram at @theprettiestauthorinalabama to stay updated on these upcoming projects. 

After the billboard launch, I plan to re-release The Brave Little Panther in multiple languages and distribute it to international libraries and bookstores. While another book isn’t in the immediate pipeline, my extensive writing experience over the years hints at potential ventures into scriptwriting. From crafting cartoon scripts to exploring various film genres, I look forward to diversifying my writing style to embrace new creative horizons. Keep an eye out for the transformative journey ahead, as big things are indeed on the horizon.

In closing, I want to give my daughter, Shania, a huge shout out! She is serving our country in the United States Air Force stationed in Germany at the age of 20 years old. She went off directly after high school. In addition to being an author, I’m so proud to be an Air Force Mom! She’s my number one fan and supporter 5k miles away. If you see The Brave Little Panther on Air Force bases, I had insider help. (Wink, wink!)