Over the past few months, in a continuing series, the Peekskill Herald has been highlighting local authors who live in Peekskill. These include: children’s author Sarah Troncone, and author, filmmaker, poet and greeting card extraordinaire; Susan Polis Schutz in June; Ed Frieidman in July; poet Nina Belen Robins in September; and earlier this month the 2024 Laura Boss Narrative Poetry Award and author Suzanne Cleary. 

This month the Herald highlights brand new children’s book author and illustrator, Lorna Gonsalves and her book Little Meena and the Big Swim/ La Pequena Meena y el Gran Nado, a bilingual children’s book about a tale of collective triumph over bullying and greed. The story follows a group of young fish who, with the guidance of an elder, organize to make positive change in their community. To their amazement, they find that working together gives them superpowers.

“Children, did you know that you have real superpowers? It’s true! Even if you are young, even if you are small, you and your friends and schoolmates have the power to make the world a better place. Want to know how to release your powers? Read Little Meena and the Big Swim/ La Pequeña Meena Y El Gran Nado and you will see that when many little people all get together and speak in one voice, big people have to listen. And change. It is called Solidarity/ Solidaridad!” That is the summary the Westchester County Library System uses to entice children to read the book. 

On Saturday, October 26, at 3:00 p.m., Lorna will be reading from her new book in the children’s section of The Field Library. Afterward, Lorna will lead a simulation exercise where all participants (children and adults) will create a piece of art that depicts the iconic “organize” image with fish in formation. In addition, there will be books available for purchase and Lorna will sign each one that is purchased for those who wish to have the author’s signature. 

“The book will delight readers of all ages while leaving them with important lessons about how to harness the power of solidarity to benefit everyone,’ said Gonsalves in speaking with the Herald. “The book is intended to spark the imagination of children and inspire them to apply what they have learned from Meena and her friends. In a world in which children often feel isolated and helpless, Meena points out that sharing concerns and seeking guidance from elders is a good way to start solving problems. And organizing together can really give children superpowers.” 

Lorna Gonsalves was born and raised in the four major cities of India and finished college in Mumbai before coming to the United States. “While in India, I grew up hearing stories about peaceful resistance and observed how voicing concerns, and sharing music and visual art touched people and helped them to work together to make positive change happen.” 

As Gonsalves continued in her life journey, it was her background in psychology, sociology, counseling and vocal performance and her work experiences as a crisis counselor, university professor, non-profit director, and youth advocate that helped her understand telling stories, using art, and organizing together are all necessary components of bringing about real and lasting change. That is what inspired her to create the book Little Meena and the Big Swim/ La Pequena Meena y el Gran Nado.

Two years ago, Lorna and her husband moved to Peekskill to be closer to their two children who live and work in New York City. Shortly thereafter, Lorna got involved in her local Homeowner’s Association at Chapel Hill. She began work on creating a pollinator garden with 30 other residents. The goal of the Pollinator garden was to restore the meadow and transform the Chapel Hill meadow. 

Lorna and her husband rave about their new home in Peekskill. “It’s nestled between the mountains and the Hudson River, is a beautiful town with magnificent natural beauty.  We love the diversity in the town and the convenience of hopping on the Metro North. We enjoy hiking along the paths and seeing a diverse array of people gathering around a good meal and listening to music. 

Little Meena and the Big Swim/ La Pequena Meena y el Gran Nadore can be found at The Field Library in Peekskill, though only one copy is in circulation. The book can also be found in independent bookstores such as Hudson Valley Books for Humanity on Main Street in Ossining, via the publisher at Hardball Press, or online retailers such as Amazon. 

Don’t forget to let Lorna Gonsalves and The Field Library know you read about this event in the Peekskill Herald.

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