Derby resident Tammy DiCenso will be appearing at the Woodbridge Town Library 2:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7 to read from “Do You Want To Take A Selfie,” a new children’s book she published.
DiCenso is a lifelong Derby resident. Her book is about a family of geese. DiCenso took the photos that appear in the book, and many of the photos are local, including shots from the Derby Greenway.
The Valley Indy conducted a Q & A with in advance of her appearance at the Woodbridge library at 10 Newtown Road.
Click here for information from the library.
DiCenco’s photography, by the way, is on display at Artfish42 in Milford.
VIS:Is this your first book?
DiCenso: “Yes.”
VIS: Can you describe the plot?
DiCenso: “A baby Canada goose wants to take a selfie and the other birds are too busy. He finally asks his mom and of course she will make the time.”
VIS: Where did the idea for the story come from?
DiCenso: “I took a beautiful picture of a baby geese and his mom. It reminded me of a selfie.”
VIS: What books did you enjoy reading to your kids when they were young?
DiCenso: “Of course, the Bernstein Bears.”
VIS: How long have you been involved in photography?
DiCenso: “I always enjoyed taking pictures. It wasn’t until earlier this year that I started taking pictures with my husband, Kelly. We were at the (Derby) river walk taking pictures of the baby geese and a stranger offered to let me use his zoom lens. That was the start of a new passion.”
VIS: Did you receive formal training at a college, university or other learning institution?
DiCenso: “I did take a photography class in college, but that was many years ago.”
VIS: What local influences can be seen in this book?
DiCenso: “The adorable and beautiful birds that we have around us.”
VIS: What’s the best children’s book of all time, in your opinion?
DiCenso: “I really don’t have a favorite.”
VIS: Who is publishing this book? Is it self published?
DiCenso: “Yes, Createspace. I am starting another book after the New Year’s.”
VIS: Are there illustrations or is it told through photography?
DiCenso: “Both, the pictures are beautiful and the story is cute. When this book was in a draft form, I sent a copy to my niece in California, who works at a day care. She was reading the story to her class and she commented that some of the little girls were very sad because none of the birds wanted to take a selfie with the baby. They were showing empathy at an early age. She was impressed.
Another copy was given to my sister, who teaches at Irving School (in Derby) in the reading department. She has different age groups who took their job very seriously reviewing my book. They were very critical. They were cute. They loved the finished copy.”
VIS: Where can people buy the book?
DiCenso: “Amazon. It has been available just a couple of months.”
VIS: Where will you be appearing?
DiCenso: “So far … January 7 in Woodbridge, along with my photo display for entire month of January. February 4, Edith Wheeler Memorial – ‘Take your child to Library Day’.
I have my photos currently on display at Artfish42 in Milford.”
My photos have been displayed at the 2016 Milford Expo and Walnut Beach firehouse’s art gallery events.”
