Kristina Lucia Pezza

The Purple Dragonfly Book Awards has awarded "Bella’s Big Girl Bed" a First Place award for Picture Books and an honorable mention in the category of Parenting. "Bella's Trip to Paris" received an Honorable Mention for Best Illustrations.

An artist, creator, and bestselling author, Kristina Lucia ignites the imaginations of children and their parents through her limited-edition animal-themed sensory storybooks. Kristina came from humble beginnings in a small farm town, where there was only one traffic light! Her childhood sparked creativity at a young age and her adopted home of New York City keeps her inspired every day. Curiously Curated Creations of Kristina Lucia features a magical array of warm, cuddly, and comforting creatures along with storybooks that help parents and kids improve communication and deepen their relationships.

Whether she’s struttin’ down Fifth Avenue in Manolo stilettos, or curled up on her sofa in slipper socks, Kristina is creating a masterpiece. Her crochet hooks and knitting needles are always within reach to whip up almost anything, from stuffies to baby sweaters, and her kitchen table is often covered with watercolor paint and brushes, or freshly baked cookies.

After an injury forced her to reconsider her 100-mph corporate career, Kristina realized her true path: To be the artist she was meant to be. The door of Curiously Curated Creations of Kristina Lucia opened upon her receiving a sign from her Mom, and the journey began in November 2019.

Kristina’s passions include being a competitive dancer, an avid reader, and travel buff. When not working, you can find Kristina in the studio dancing a cha-cha, enjoying a new book, or exploring an amazing destination.

Kristin’s own healing led her to realize the importance of communication and being in touch with one’s feelings as well as those of others. Regardless of our age, gender, or nationality, we are all human and experience the same emotions. Feelings are a source of relatability and a connection point for communication. When we acknowledge our emotions and combine that with having respect for the feelings of others, our relationships grow and flourish, to create fuller lives for ourselves.

What inspired you to write and illustrate children's books?
I wanted to create a brand for children because they have always accepted and embraced my creativity with open arms.  However, when I decided to write and illustrate a children's book series, I discovered the great opportunity of reaching an audience of not only children but their parents and families as well.

How and when did your journey start as a writer?
During the 2020 lockdown, I started writing my blog.  I gained more clarity and confidence in my writing skills as the blog gave me the space to play and discover my own writing voice.  In December 2020 I wrote ten children's stories in the week and my journey to becoming a published author began.

What lesson does the main character, Bella Elephant, learn and how does she share it to others throughout the book series?
Through the book series Bella learns how to identify and work through both her negative and positive feelings.  She also learns to recognize and respect the feelings of others.  By developing this skill Bella creates a ripple effect that inspires others in her community.  This process is in relation to the serenity prayer which is utilized on many healing journeys.  

How did these stories and characters come to your mind?
My main goal was to write about topics that are relatable while also sharing a part of myself with the audience.  This balance is key when writing a children's book.  The main character of the series is a child version of myself to allow for full creative freedom and all the characters to be animals to make everyone feel welcome.  

Do you want to leave any message for your readers?
Always be your true self.  When we are the best version of ourselves, we create a ripple effect that touches others in ways that we do not even realize.  Each of us has a choice and a responsibility to those choices.  

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Visit Kristina on her website: 
https://cccokl.com/
Follow Kristina on Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/kristinaluciapezza
Subscribe to Kristina's YouTube channel: 
https://www.youtube.com/@curiouslycuratedvideosofkr5608
Connect with Kristina on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinalandrews

LINK for BOOK:
https://www.amazon.com/Bellas-Big-Girl-Bed-Bella/dp/195995900X