After twenty-five years, I'm Going to Start Here! is the delightful response to the very popular Dr. Seuss' Oh, the Places You'll Go! Like that best-seller, this book appeals equally to the young, those in the middle and to the ones who do not accept that a number defines age. With humorous verse and vivid pictures, it encourages kids, and kids at heart, to step out and reach for the stars. I'm Going to Start Here! invites you on a journey that's fun, upbeat and inspiring. And chances are you'll discover that indeed you already have within all you need to succeed in life. Now, everyone, get ready, get started and Come Fly with Me on this great adventure.
I'll walk across that stage and go out with a bang.
I've learned my lesson. I'm ready to spread my wings.
I have the power to make this life a stupendously, beautiful thing.
About the Author :
Raye Springfield is a writer, lawyer, and author of the children's book, I'm Going to Start Here!. For the young and those in between, it's a book that encourages, inspires and motivates minds to strive for success. With humor and vivid pictures, this fun book will make kids of all ages eager to step out and reach for the stars. After decades writing legal documents, and opinions as administrative judge, she has now authored five books, pursuing her love of writing full-time. The first edition of her historical non-fiction is in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, in Washington, D.C. In addition to her children's book, Raye is the author of The Legacy of Tamar: Courage and Faith in an African American Family, which documents family history as well as Haywood County, Tennessee history, and 2nd edition, both published by The University of Tennessee Press; Treasure in Jars of Clay: 100 Quotes on Joy, Life & Love; and the latest, a novel, Sunday at Six. She lives in Nashville, is the mother of a son and daughter, and somehow inspired both to also become attorneys.
Review :
"Raye Springfield's picture book story, I'm Going to Start Here! Come Fly With Me, is a fun, rhyming verse story following in the steps of none other than Dr. Seuss himself. The book encourages young readers to think big and to look outside the box, or at least beyond the oyster shell: "The world is my oyster, got a whole wide world to see!"....All you need to take along is your "ABCs - Aptitude, Boldness, Character, too." Why? Because "With my great imagination there isn't anything I can't do." The story is inspirational, encouraging readers to let their imaginations take them wherever it leads them. With bold and colorful illustrations, this is a great story to get the momentum going and make readers, young and old, think big and not to be afraid of what's out there." -Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
"There is definitely something to be said for writing a picture book for kids of all ages that also appeals to adults. The lines that talked about reaching out to home and keeping in touch with the people who have always loved you made me smile. This was definitely something that is just as important for kids to hear as it is for adult readers. I'm Going to Start Here! was a delightful read for people of all ages. I can't recommend it highly enough." - Long and Short Review
"I'm Going to Start Here! Is a rhyming book in the fashion of a Dr. Seuss-type book. There are many similarities to Oh, The Places You'll Go but touch on a lot of key elements young people should hear as they are moving forward in life. Raye Springfield has done a great job continuing the journey into adulthood that Dr. Seuss had begun. As an educator I found that all the points that Springfield hits on are key ideas to talk to your son or daughter about as they begin adulting. I would recommend this book to anyone who might have some fear or resistance to that step forward in life." -Stine Writing
