“What’s Your Story?” is a guest post feature on BCBA’s blog. Indie/Self-Published authors are invited to write about their books, writing journey, creative process, inspiration, rewards and challenges of publishing, etc. They can go in whatever direction they choose. We are excited and grateful for their willingness to share, and we hope you enjoy Levi&Toonk’s story. Go here for more WYS? Posts.
In 2018, my mother was laid off from her job of many years. Although stressful, it was the highest paying job she had ever retained with exceptional benefits. It was a position normally reserved for college graduates (which she was not), so the loss was a devastating turn of events. Physical ailments also added to the woes of her life, and for the first time, she did not have the responsibility of child-rearing as motivation to revive her spirit. She no longer felt she could add anything of professional value to the world.
Eight months ago, I walked away from a promotion and moved from Texas to California to advance my two-year-old son’s modeling and acting career. I had plans to continue in education at the administrative level, but tremendous setbacks and 300+ job denials turned my plans upside down, deeming my hard work and three degrees useless.
One day while conversing with my mother, she came up with the idea to showcase my son’s life through her creative outlet, writing. It was always her dream to become a published author, and I knew that I was destined to impact more students than just those in my classroom. I revamped her idea after thorough research and planning, then Levi&Toonk LLC was born!
I am now the Editor in Chief of our company, co-owned by my mother. We have created a board book series chronicling the developmental experiences and milestones of my son as he grows into a young man (in real-time). Students in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades are our primary audience with an emphasis on gifted children of color. We aim to become a beacon of light for minority students by serving as a solution and resource to the lacking federal protocols and procedures surrounding identifying gifted students. We also serve as examples of how marginalized people can turn their handicaps, deficits, hardships, or poor circumstances into a fulfilling career or platform for change and positive influence.
Although our content is primarily written with gifted children in mind, Levi&Toonk books promote early literacy for all young children. Additionally, readers will notice that our work defies the status quo through our unconventional presentation and combination of educational standards, humorous stories, and social themes. We have also created free downloadable vocabulary lists to explain some of the more “challenging” words in each book. Ultimately, we promote an authentic minority experience and bond families through relevant, shared reading excursions.
Our book releases are offered as sets, including six books. In our first collection, Levi gradually discovers more about the world around him, including his imaginary friend and alter-ego, Toonk. It is titled All About Me and features the following books:
Through the forthcoming collections, readers will experience the many wonders, intricacies, and splendors of life as Levi and Toonk lean on one another so that Levi becomes a confident and joyous Black boy in America.
Sets are offered at a reduced price, but all books can be purchased individually as well. Visit the FAQ section on our website to learn more about our current operations or to read up on our mission, values, goals, biographies, and additional contact information. Eventually, Levi&Toonk will extend our reach with additional products, like shirts and bags, to accompany the collections. We even aim to produce an animated series to bring our books to life!
Be a part of the movement devoted to literacy and equity by ordering your copies and informing your family and friends about the next best children’s book series, for us and by us. Happy Reading!
Connect with Levi&Toonk:
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Nakia Montgomery
Meet the Author, Founder, and Co-Owner of Levi&Toonk LLC: Nakia Montgomery (writing under the penname Kia M.) has worked for many large corporations from 1998 until 2018 when she realized that being her own boss would better serve her and her family. She has always loved reading, writing, and storytelling, but it wasn’t until 2019 that she would put her talents to good use and venture into children’s books because of her grandson, Levi Smocks, a model and child actor. Kia loves donating her time to underprivileged or under-served organizations, the homeless, and today’s youth. She is a connoisseur of food, loves to travel, and is a fun, loving person.
Briantria Smocks
Meet the Editor in Chief and Co-Owner of Levi&Toonk LLC: Bri Smocks is a passionate educator by trade with several degrees and certifications who was looking forward to transitioning into an administrative role until she moved to California in June of 2019. As a result of the relocation, she decided to revise her professional goals, partner with her mom, and manage business operations to ensure the company’s success. In her spare time, she enjoys reading autobiographies, traveling with her husband, and being a momager to Levi, a child star in the making!
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