SHU law professor Richard Pate has published a children’s book titled “Bored and Loving It,” which is illustrated by current SHU senior art student Julia Fernandez.
Source: Mark F. Conrad, Sacred Heart University
Source: Contributed by Richard Pate, Law Professor
The ideas and characters within the book come from a story Pate used to share with his nieces and nephews and was then put into the context of cellphone usage among young people. Pate had no prior experience writing books, but it was something he wanted to do, starting off with a children’s book.
“I decided to take the characters that I created casually and put them in the context of cellphone use,” said Pate. “I wanted to put out there how addictive it can be and teach kids to be cautious of cellphones. They are good for some things but can also create bad results.”
Pate decided to write a children’s book because it would be a great way to caution that demographic and ensure they don’t fall into the same traps that previous generations have fallen victim to.
The book follows three characters who lose their cellphones and are overtaken by extreme boredom. After unlocking their own creativity, the three realize how much fun they can have in a world without their phones while using their own imaginations.
“If you have a cellphone full of ideas that are already created for you, that entertain you, that take your attention, you will never devote your time to any ideas of your own,” said Pate.
Fernandez, who will be graduating in May as a double major in art & design with a concentration in graphic design and psychology, was tasked with illustrating Pate’s book. When given the opportunity, she was immediately on board.
“Art has always been extremely important to me and knowing that my art is being used in an educational context to help foster creative thinking in children makes it that much more meaningful to me,” said Fernandez. “Illustrating a children’s book has always been a bucket list item for me, so if someone told me I would have illustrated a book before graduating from SHU, I absolutely never would have believed them.”
Following graduation, Fernandez will be attending graduate school where she will study mental health counseling with an art therapy specialization. Fernandez hopes to continue to use her art in a positive way to help others and continue to do freelance art, graphic designing, and children’s book illustrations.
This project was a first for Fernandez, but after this experience, she is currently working on illustrating a series of children’s books for another SHU professor, which should be completed sometime in the summer.
Prof. Nathan Lewis, chair of SHU’s Art & Design department, was credited with connecting Pate with Fernandez for this project.
“The writing came first, and Julia created designs and illustrations that suited Richard’s text,” said Lewis. “Julia is talented, works hard, and is infinitely curious and positive. I knew she would be up to the task, and I learned from her that illustrating a children’s book was an ambition she has always had.”
The book can now be found for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.
“Even if you are a college student, you can start working in the field, taking advantage of opportunities that present themselves or creating your own,” said Lewis.
