Chris Parsons - Author, A Little Spark
Chris Parsons
Author Chris Parsons is leading the charge to help educators and parents with interactive tools that spark kindness, friendship and giving in his debut children’s book.
Helping drive home the concept of finding good in the world, A LITTLE SPARK offers a read-along with a musical soundtrack, audiobook and corresponding lessons highlighted in each chapter. A first grade teacher in Dallas, Nicole Ramirez said: “I personally loved the lessons learned in the story- especially that even the smallest creature can make the biggest difference. That is especially important for children to hear because they so badly want to be seen and heard."
A Little Spark is more than a book. We all can be that Spark by helping those who need a hand up, a break, a chance – someday you may need your own Spark. The book teaches us a number of important lessons with respect to how we treat those around us. We must always strive to “Be That Spark”.
I’m so excited for you to connect with Chris, check out his new book, and follow along as he continues to share that anyone can do amazing things. We all have the ability to lift ourselves up. Every single person can “Be That Spark.”
I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.
I grew up in the scenic small fishing community of Flatrock, Newfoundland. It was a wonderful place to grow up surrounded by family, music, storytelling, and amazing people.
After graduating from University in Newfoundland, I was hired by IBM and my journey into the world of high tech began. After many years working across the globe in the world of technology innovation I decided to leave my position at AT&T last year to focus on my real passion – creating engaging and meaningful content for young audiences. Zuroam Media was founded in 2018 and with the support of an amazing creative team we released our first book A Little Spark on Oct 1st. (Illustrated book, soundtrack and audiobook)
Featuring the protagonist Spark, the brave young mouse, a fireless fire-breathing dragon Daniel, a freezing world, and an enemy to conquer, action, fantasy and humor are weaved throughout the story. With displays of kindness, comradery, bravery, forgiveness and even some evil to allow for valuable takeaways, A Little Sparkprovides parents and caregivers a set of tools to facilitate the development of good character traits in children.
There are beautiful illustrations to help bring the text to life, an audiobook with delightful performances of each character, and an album of songs (that can be accessed through QR codes).
The Children’s Book Review says: “From danger to bravery to equality for all, A Little Spark offers just the right amount of magic and adventure to captivate readers and encourage them to venture out into the world with a spark of their own.”
How did you get started?
When our kids were small, my wife Kathleen and I read the classics to them and I began adding my own stories to the mix. The audience for these stories grew to include a wider circle of kids. I truly enjoyed their reaction. I decided back then that I wanted to develop these stories and that one day I would become an author. But of course, like with most dreams, life happened and took me down a totally different path.
A few years ago, I had the idea for a story about the tiniest of creatures – a lowly mouse – who, through his own self-confidence, steps up to the plate and saves the day. I expanded the story based on that one plot point, and as the words flowed, I saw more and more clearly a bigger concept: anyone can do amazing things. We all have the ability to lift ourselves up. Every single person can “Be That Spark.”
As I wrote the story, I spent a lot of time on character development and as I got to know the characters, I wanted to give them voices. I wanted folks to hear what I heard. It started with music – I had all these songs, and one day I walked into this studio in Dallas and met the incredible Bruce Faulconer and our collaboration began. Eighteen months later, we had a soundtrack, and the characters had a voice. I think adding musical elements to a story can bring it alive and make it more engaging for kids.
Using QR codes was an easy way to embed the music so it could be experienced as part of the book.
The audiobook was really an extension of that approach. We had the incredible Brandon McInnis as narrator who actually sang a song in the book called “I’m Back.” The voices from the audiobook added another layer (voice) to the characters. On the inside flap of the book there is a URL which you can use to download the full soundtrack (12 songs) and audiobook (2 hours).
What inspired the work that you're doing?
My kids, Maggie and Kealan, were front and center in my mind when I finally took that big step a few years ago to publish my first story. They kept telling me that I should write these stories down so others could enjoy them. Well, it took many years until I finally felt the spark and A Little Spark was born – thanks, Maggie and Kealan.
As part of the development ofA Little Sparkwe had a very engaged test market of parents, grandparents, teachers and kids who provided feedback on earlier versions of the book. This input was invaluable. I had several kids from this group who sent me letters and a few videos about how much the lovedA Little Spark– talk about a source of inspiration!
What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?
My biggest passion is to continue working with my family and my amazing team on the development of the Be That Spark platform. It has started with the release of A Little Spark and we plan to create additional content in the form of books, music and school programs focused on providing tools to help parents and other caregivers to foster character development in children. The lessons from A Little Spark instills values and emboldens children to act with kindness by teaching the following:
The importance of believing in yourself
Don’t judge others too quickly
Friends look after friends
Everyone deserves a second chance
Understand the situation
I am definitely living my passion and purpose – working with an amazing group of people to make a difference in the lives of children and having a lot of fun doing it.
What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?
Working with my family on Spark has been an awesome experience and it brings me great joy. Over the years I have worked with a lot of different companies and teams, but this has been more fulfilling as it has been a truly family effort with the help of a great supporting cast.
I have a love of music. This project enabled me to work with a group of incredible musicians to produce the soundtrack for A Little Spark - feedback on the music has been very positive. I now not only listen to the music but get a chance to create it.
How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?
When I work, I continually focus on the “customer back” perspective – I always test my assumptions through the lens of the ultimate customer (consumer) making sure what I am doing is aligned and relevant to the audience. This was the approach we used with establishing a test market for the book and using their input to produce something that would hit the mark with teachers, parents, and children.
I spend a lot of time planning and have an overall plan that I track and then develop detailed daily action items that I focus on. I spend time early each morning planning my day and I take the time to review my progress at the end of the day while updating the next day’s action list.
I am a big believer in the power of teams. Over my career I have had been afforded the opportunity to work with and lead some amazing teams. The most successful teams have a number of things in common – a shared vision, a complimentary set of skills, an ability to compromise, true passion for the job at hand and a desire to have fun. Through luck and a few good decisions along the way we have created such a team at Zuroam Media – I live intentionally by surrounding myself with great people who share and amplify my passion.
I pray every day as I find the spiritual side of life helps me keep my perspective with regard to what is truly important. Prayer helps you understand who you are and who you should become.
What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?
My younger self would be very pleased that I finally decided to follow my passion. I think he would be impressed with the book and that the stories have improved over time. He would be surprised that I found a way to create music still without being able to play an instrument or carry a note - thank you Bruce Faulconer.
Mostly, he would be very thankful that my family gave me the encouragement and support I needed to finally make A Little Spark a reality.
Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?
My go-to mantra is “You have one life to live so make the best of it – take some risks and have no regrets.” This mantra has served us well over the years – as a family we have been on a great adventure. When faced with big decisions along the way that mantra was used to help us deal with the unknown, to embrace change and to take risks we would never had considered.
That mantra played a major role in helping me take that first step on the A Little Spark journey.
What is your biggest dream?
My biggest dream is to collaborate with my team and other content creators to launch the Be That Spark movement.
Be That Spark is the overall theme of everything we are doing at Zuroam Media and the book A Little Sparkand its related content is just the beginning. Over the next few years, we would like to leverage our platform to work with other content creators, educators, writers, illustrators, musicians and animators to create meaningful and engaging experiences for children and parents. We need to constantly work with our kids to help them build their confidence and to always encourage them to believe in their ability to do more and to Be That Spark.
As part of the “test market” efforts, we conducted a pilot project with a Grade 1 class in Dallas. The teacher read the book and the class listened to the music and discussed the lessons – the teacher, parents, and the kids loved it.
Our goal (dream) is to develop a Be That Spark program for schools and other organizations with a focus on developing positive character traits using the lessons from the book as a starting point.
“I personally loved the lessons learned in the story, especially that even the smallest creature can make the biggest difference. That is especially important for children to hear because they so badly want to be seen and heard,” said Mrs. Ramirez, the Grade1 teacher who led the project.
To learn more about Chris and A Little Spark visit his website https://bethatspark.com on Instagram @bethatspark Facebook @bethatspark Twitter @bethatspark and the book A Little Spark is available on Amazon and on most online bookstores across the globe.
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