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| The author and his daughter Aviva |
Recently, I received an inquiry from Hans Kullberg about promoting his new children’s book written in honour of his late baby daughter. I invited him to tell us about it himself rather than review it, as I think it’s more appropriate in this case.
I will add links to purchasing sites after the post.
Take it away, Hans!
A father’s life is completely changed the moment he holds his child for the very first time. Fathers receive a new outlook on the fragility of life while he cradles his tiny child in his arms. Time becomes a precious commodity and the things we thought were important are re-prioritized. A father’s new priorities entail a well-nourished baby, clean diapers and a schedule that accommodates for naptimes. Even though we get less sleep, we are awestruck by the miracle that is life, and we start dreaming about our child’s future: her first words, her first day in kindergarten, her college graduation and watching her grow up into a thriving adult.
But what happens when that dream ends? What does a father do for his child when the unthinkable happens? After enduring the catastrophic tragedy of my daughter's death at 10 months of age due to an undiagnosed illness, I held her in my arms and promised that I would share her story with the world. Losing my precious daughter at such a tender young age has cut short that future I had envisioned for her. Aviva was full of life, love, laughter and had a contagious personality that lit up the room. Her story was cut too short. Knowing that such a force of life was taken from my hands far too soon has been beyond devastating. However, as a father who still believes in giving his daughter the best possible future, I’ve been motivated to share her life’s story with all the children that never got a chance to meet her with the hope of inspiring others.
The main orangutan protagonist in the book, Baby Aviva Orangutan Diva, embodies my daughter’s personality and characteristics including courage, joy, charm, fearlessness, teamwork and grace. Relying on her vivacious spirt, musical melodies and can-do attitude, Aviva the Orangutan Diva’s quest for golden bananas leads her to confront dangerous encounters and overcome obstacles for the benefit of her community. The uplifting children’s book on jungle animals teaches kids many important lessons including overcoming fears, adapting to new environments, the importance of teamwork and staying true to oneself. By remaining true to own’s most authentic self and finding strength from within, almost anything in life can be accomplished and anything is possible.
As a heartbroken father and first-time author, my simple goal for the book is to spread my daughter’s joy, charisma, personality and love with all the children she would have met around the world. Although I can no longer hold her in my arms, I look forward to the day this book brings smiles and joy to children reading it with their parents all over the world. Perhaps it will even bring fathers closer to their own daughters, knowing nothing should be taken for granted in this life. Through this, my daughter Aviva will live on, and her legacy will continue. Even though she's no longer physically here, it is my simple hope that her legacy can have an enduring impact on many others around the world. As a father who has lived through the unthinkable, my dream for my daughter never ends: I still believe she can have a positive and impactful future and I’m excited to see how Aviva’s story unfolds. By turning the page, her story is just beginning.
Thanks, Hans!
And here is where you can buy the book.
Amazon Link for Baby Aviva Orangutan Diva: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GG8SYD2
Barnes & Noble URL: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-aviva-orangutan-diva-hans-f-kullberg/1140165959?ean=9781736986714
3 comments:
I can't imagine living through a tragedy like you've been through, Hans, but what you've done in the aftermath is inspirational. I love the cover of your book - I would certainly pick it up if I saw it in a bookstore. I am sure your vision will happen and that your Orangutan Diva will keep Aviva's memory alive for years to come.
Like every other family, we have buried our grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and even some first cousins. Surviving was difficult, but not as difficult as burying a child would have been. My relatives, who lost children during the Holocaust, never really recovered.
That Hans was motivated to share Aviva's life’s story with children, therefore, is miraculous. Yes we have to discuss death with children, so well done Hans, if he can inspire them.
One last issue. If a child passes due to an unknown cause, does that make a difference to the parents' ability to live with the loss?
Wishing Hans lots of success with his book!
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