ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joseph L. Licari is a dedicated author from Saint James, NY who transitioned from a successful business career to focus on family, writing, and music. With a passion for coaching and mentoring individuals of all ages, Joseph’s work as a guitar instructor for a major music retailer allows him to inspire children to learn in fun and engaging ways, a quality that shines through in his writing.
His debut book, “Mia’s Mouses”, is a heartwarming children’s story that introduces young readers to plural nouns through the adventures of a young girl and her mouse friends. The companion workbook, “Mia’s Mouses Workbook and Coloring Book”, further enhances the learning experience with interactive activities like crossword puzzles and word searches, making it a valuable tool for teachers and parents.
A graduate of Stony Brook University and Hofstra University with an MBA, Joseph (Joe) is an active member of the Smithtown Library Writing Group, Long Island Children’s Writers and Illustrators (LICWI), and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
When he’s not immersed in writing or teaching music, Joe enjoys spending quality time with his family, staying active, and contributing to his local church and community.
Amazon Website: https://www.amazon.com/author/jlicari
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlicari/
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AUTHOR INTERVIEW
What inspires you as an author?
Joe: The inspiration behind “Mia’s Mouses” stems from my family’s personal experiences and observations. My wife and I raised three daughters, all of whom now have advanced or graduate degrees and successful careers. Throughout my business career, I recognized the importance of effective communication skills on a daily basis. A solid foundation in reading and writing is crucial for success and personal fulfillment in society.
We have also been actively involved in our community and have witnessed the increasing need for ESL education as our population has grown and changed. There is significant pressure on teachers and the education system to follow structured curriculums, limiting their ability to spend extra time with students in areas of interest or difficulty.
I strongly believe that education should be enjoyable and engaging, like sports and dancing. Learning should be fun, and children should be celebrated for their curiosity and interest in asking questions while seeking answers as they embark on a lifelong journey of continuous learning.
What are some of the themes you’d like parents, teachers and children to remember about you and/or your books?
Joe: First, learning to read and write is so important and can be so fulfilling. I hope my books help inspire children and their parents to see the value of literacy and education. Second, the English language and its rules of grammar can seem very difficult at times for children, young readers and writers, and especially for ESL students. Regular and irregular plural nouns are just one example. But with a little practice and understanding, it’s not as hard as it may seem. Finally, learning is best when it’s done in a fun and engaging way. There is so much power in using your imagination and creativity in storytelling and sharing it with your friends and family. When I talk to children about Mia, I tell them that one of the things she does best is that she shares her excitement about what she learns with her friends.
