The Artist Within Foundation
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Isela Arredondo: A Journey of Resilience, Love, and Creativity
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Isela Arredondo, a Mexican-American author, exemplifies the power of resilience, determination, and the unbreakable bond of family. Born in Mexico as the eldest of seven siblings, Isela migrated to the United States in October 1991. Her journey to a new country was marked by challenges to pave the road she and her siblings would walk. The strong belief in the eyes of her sibling, fed the fire in her heart, encouraged her indomitable spirit and commitment to her family. Therefore it helped to set the foundation for the person she wanted and would become.
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Arriving in the U.S. as a child, Isela quickly adapted to her new environment, throwing herself into learning and education. She learned basic English in just three months, later becoming quadrilingual in high school—a feat driven not only by her intelligence but also by her desire to prove herself. Her love for learning blossomed, encouraged by teachers who saw her potential and provided the tools she needed to grow and succeed. Despite the pressures she faced, Isela embraced her role as both a student and a protector for her siblings, striving to be the best version of herself for their sake.
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Becoming a Latin American author in the U.S., Isela wishes to inspire all to become the change they need to be for themselves. Isela writes not only for her daughter but for all children who need to heal—whether physically or emotionally. Through her words, she seeks to bring comfort and light to those who need it most. Her writing is a reflection of her journey: a celebration of love, family, and the power of resilience.
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Today, Isela continues to write books that speak to the hearts of children and families, offering hope, understanding, and strength to those navigating life’s challenges. She desires to help bring healing to the physical child, or the one within, no matter the age. Her work is a testament to the fact that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, love and perseverance can guide you toward healing and a brighter future.
"My mission is to create meaningful and inspiring children's books that celebrate resilience, embrace diversity, and encourage emotional growth. Through the power of storytelling, I aim to provide comfort, hope, and strength to young readers, helping them navigate challenges and recognize their own potential, no matter where they come from or what they face."
This book focuses on the developmental steps for children to recognize the various forms that money has. This book is to help children begin their jounrey as well as begin to develop some of the following:
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Empowerment: Financial literacy empowers children to make informed decisions about money from a young age. Understanding concepts like budgeting, saving, and investing gives them a sense of control over their financial future.
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Financial Independence: Being financially literate helps children develop the skills they need to become financially independent adults. They learn how to manage their money wisely, avoid debt, and plan for their long-term financial goals.
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Critical Thinking: Learning about money management requires critical thinking skills. Children need to evaluate options, weigh risks and rewards, and make decisions based on careful consideration. These skills are valuable not only in financial matters but also in many other areas of life.
Este libro se centra en los pasos de desarrollo para que los niños reconozcan las diversas formas que tiene el dinero. Este libro está destinado a ayudar a los niños a comenzar su viaje, así como a comenzar a desarrollar algunos de los siguientes:
Empoderamiento: la alfabetización financiera empodera a los niños para tomar decisiones informadas sobre el dinero desde una edad temprana. Comprender conceptos como presupuesto, ahorro e inversión les da una sensación de control sobre su futuro financiero.
Independencia financiera: ser alfabetizado financieramente ayuda a los niños a desarrollar las habilidades que necesitan para convertirse en adultos financieramente independientes. Aprenden a administrar su dinero de manera inteligente, evitar las deudas y planificar sus metas financieras a largo plazo.
Pensamiento crítico: aprender sobre la administración del dinero requiere habilidades de pensamiento crítico. Los niños necesitan evaluar opciones, sopesar los riesgos y las recompensas, y tomar decisiones basadas en una consideración cuidadosa. Estas habilidades son valiosas no sólo en cuestiones financieras sino también en muchas otras áreas de la vida.
Aprender sobre el dinero y cómo funciona es una habilidad importante para la vida que puede ayudar a los niños a lo largo de sus vidas.
Discover the Animal World" is a fun-filled adventure through the fascinating world of animals! Packed with amazing facts and easy-to-follow phonetic pronunciations in both English and Spanish, this colorful book makes learning about animals exciting and interactive. Perfect for young readers, it encourages language development, builds vocabulary, and boosts confidence in pronunciation. Whether you're an animal lover or just curious about the wild, this book is ideal for early learners and great for independent reading or sharing with the whole family!
My Little House is a heartwarming children’s book that celebrates the concept of home as a place of safety, love, and endless possibilities. Through poetic language and vibrant illustrations, the story follows the journey of millions of immigrants in pursuit of new beginnings. As the house shelters them through dreams, challenges, and joys, it becomes a powerful symbol of resilience, courage, and pride.
By portraying the "little house" as a symbol of both the past and future, the book illustrates the deep connection immigrants feel as they embrace the freedom, opportunities, and community in their new home. The themes of love, perseverance, and gratitude run throughout, celebrating the sacrifices and rewards of forging a new life in a new land. This touching tale will inspire young readers to appreciate their own homes, while honoring the land, people, and communities that have welcomed them.
This simple to understand, integrative guide is focused on teaching children about the history and value of money can help them develop a foundation for financial literacy, responsible spending habits, cultural and historical appreciation, and a global perspective on finance and economics.
​​​​​​​It is important for children to understand the history and value of money in all its different forms for several reasons:
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Financial literacy: Understanding the history and value of money is the foundation of financial literacy. By learning about the evolution of money and its different forms, children can develop an understanding of how money works and how to manage it effectively.
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Responsible spending: Knowing the history and value of money helps children appreciate the effort and resources that go into earning it. This can lead to more responsible spending habits and a better understanding of the importance of saving and budgeting.
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Cultural and historical context: Money has played a significant role in shaping the world we live in today. Learning about the history of money can help children appreciate the cultural and historical context in which it has evolved, and understand how it has influenced societies and economies over time.
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Global perspective: Understanding the history and value of money in different parts of the world can give children a global perspective on finance and economics. This can help them understand the interconnectedness of the world economy and the importance of trade and exchange.
Es importante que los niños entiendan la historia y el valor del dinero en todas sus diferentes formas por varias razones:
Educación financiera: Comprender la historia y el valor del dinero es la base de la educación financiera. Al aprender sobre la evolución del dinero y sus diferentes formas, los niños pueden desarrollar una comprensión de cómo funciona el dinero y cómo administrarlo de manera efectiva.
Gasto responsable: conocer la historia y el valor del dinero ayuda a los niños a apreciar el esfuerzo y los recursos que se dedican a ganarlo. Esto puede conducir a hábitos de gasto más responsables y una mejor comprensión de la importancia de ahorrar y presupuestar.
Contexto cultural e histórico: el dinero ha jugado un papel importante en la configuración del mundo en el que vivimos hoy. Aprender sobre la historia del dinero puede ayudar a los niños a apreciar el contexto cultural e histórico en el que ha evolucionado y comprender cómo ha influido en las sociedades y las economías a lo largo del tiempo.
Perspectiva global: comprender la historia y el valor del dinero en diferentes partes del mundo puede brindar a los niños una perspectiva global sobre las finanzas y la economía. Esto puede ayudarlos a comprender la interconexión de la economía mundial y la importancia del comercio y el intercambio.
En general, enseñar a los niños sobre la historia y el valor del dinero puede ayudarlos a desarrollar una base para la educación financiera, hábitos de gastos responsables, apreciación cultural e histórica y una perspectiva global de las finanzas y la economía.
In Don't Forget to Remember, a heartwarming and imaginative conversation unfolds between a parent and child, exploring the beautiful and unique journey of adoption, foster care and or being raised by someone other than the biological parent. Through whimsical guesses-like being from the moon and arriving in a hot air balloon-children are gently reminded that while their story may be different, the bond of love is unbreakable.
This tender story reassures young readers that love makes a family, no matter how it comes together. Don't Forget to Remember celebrates the joy of belonging and the deep connection between parents and their nonbiological children.
Perfect for children and families of all kinds, this tender story reassures young readers that love makes a family, no matter how it comes together. With lyrical verses and charming illustrations, Don't Forget to Remember celebrates the joy of belonging and the deep connection between children and their parents, whether adoptive, foster, or non-biological.
A delightful read for bedtime or any time, this book is a reminder that love is the greatest glue that holds families together.
Let this book be a treasured keepsake for families formed through adoption, foster care, or by guardianship, and a conversation starter for young children exploring their unique story.
Wiggle Wiggle, Wiggle Worm is an uplifting children's book about perseverance, resilience, and overcoming challenges. Through the journey of a determined little worm, imparts values of life lessons, addressing common challenges children face, such as self-doubt, loneliness, and adversity. The book's narrative encourages children to persevere, believe in themselves, and embrace the support and connections around them. Perfect for children who need reassurance that it's okay to face difficulties, because each wiggle brings them closer to their goals.
"The Tired Little Tire" is a whimsical, colorful children's book that tells the heartwarming story of a small tire covered in bright, patchwork "badges" from its many adventures. Despite facing bumps and bruises along the road, the tire rolls on with courage and joy, discovering that each twist and turn makes it stronger, wiser, and more vibrant. Through playful illustrations and a rhythmic narrative, the book teaches young readers that life's challenges are opportunities to grow and shine, and that they are more than their struggles-they are a gift that brightens any day.
Únase a una joven cebra en un sincero viaje de autodescubrimiento mientras aprende la importancia de las lecciones de la vida, una raya a la vez. Guiada por una madre sabia y amorosa, esta historia enseña a los niños el valor de la resiliencia, la paciencia y aceptar los desafíos como oportunidades de crecimiento. Con cada nueva raya obtenida, la cebra aprende a elevarse, adaptarse y apreciar la belleza del viaje de la vida. Una conmovedora historia sobre el amor, la perseverancia y los caminos únicos que todos tomamos.
Una conmovedora historia de resiliencia, crecimiento y amor
En esta conmovedora historia bellamente ilustrada, una joven cebra se embarca en un viaje de autodescubrimiento, guiada por la sabiduría y el amor de su madre. A través de desafíos grandes y pequeños, la joven cebra aprende poderosas lecciones sobre la paciencia, la resiliencia, el perdón y la fuerza que se encuentra en las luchas de la vida.
Únase a una joven cebra en un sincero viaje de autodescubrimiento mientras aprende la importancia de las lecciones de la vida, una raya a la vez. Guiada por una madre sabia y amorosa, esta historia enseña a los niños el valor de la resiliencia, la paciencia y aceptar los desafíos como oportunidades de crecimiento. Con cada nueva raya obtenida, la cebra aprende a elevarse, adaptarse y apreciar la belleza del viaje de la vida. Una conmovedora historia sobre el amor, la perseverancia y los caminos únicos que todos tomamos.
Una conmovedora historia de resiliencia, crecimiento y amor
En esta conmovedora historia bellamente ilustrada, una joven cebra se embarca en un viaje de autodescubrimiento, guiada por la sabiduría y el amor de su madre. A través de desafíos grandes y pequeños, la joven cebra aprende poderosas lecciones sobre la paciencia, la resiliencia, el perdón y la fuerza que se encuentra en las luchas de la vida.
Heavy Is the Crown is an inspiring children's book that follows the journey of perseverance and growth through the development of strength and character. As well as the promise of achievement and self appreciation. Through vibrant illustrations, Heavy Is the Crown encourages young readers to embrace their responsibilities, push through adversity, and recognize the value of collaboration in overcoming obstacles.
En No olvides recordar, se desarrolla una conversación conmovedora e imaginativa entre un padre y su hijo,representado pro un hijo elefante y una madre búfalo. Explora el hermoso y único viaje de la adopción, la acogida temporal o la crianza por parte de alguien que no es el padre biológico. A través de conjeturas extravagantes, como ser de la luna y llegar en un globo aerostático, se les recuerda gentilmente a los niños que, si bien su historia puede ser diferente, el vínculo del amor es inquebrantable.
Esta tierna historia les asegura a los lectores jóvenes que el amor hace una familia, sin importar cómo se forme. No olvides recordar celebra la alegría de pertenecer y la profunda conexión entre los padres y sus hijos no biológicos.
Perfecta para niños y familias de todo tipo, esta tierna historia les asegura a los lectores jóvenes que el amor hace una familia, sin importar cómo se forme. Con versos líricos e ilustraciones encantadoras, No olvides recordar celebra la alegría de pertenecer y la profunda conexión entre los niños y sus padres, ya sean adoptivos, de acogida o no biológicos.
Deje que este libro sea un recuerdo preciado para las familias formadas a través de la adopción, el cuidado temporal o la tutela, y un tema de conversación para los niños pequeños que exploran su historia única.
La LLAntita Cansada" es un colorido libro infantil que cuenta la conmovedora historia de una pequeña llantita cubierta de amorosos parches e "insignias" de sus muchas aventuras. A pesar de enfrentar baches y magulladuras a lo largo del camino, la llantita rueda con valor y alegría, descubriendo que cada giro la hace más fuerte, más sabia y más vibrante. A través de divertidas ilustraciones y una narrativa rítmica, el libro enseña a los jóvenes lectores que los desafíos de la vida son oportunidades para crecer y brillar, y que son más de lo que les ocurre, son un regalo que ilumina cada día.
Este conmovedor libro para niños puede usarse para fortalecer el vínculo entre el niño y la figura paterna para guiarlo a través de los momentos en que puede estar ausente de su hogar. Las circunstancias del padre pueden ser, por ejemplo: trabajo fuera del hogar, despliegue, separación, divorcio, enfermedad o muerte. "Siempre estaré aquí" involucra al niño para que comprenda que él o ella no ha perdido permanentemente al padre, ya que vive en sus sueños, pensamientos y corazón. Las ilustraciones están detalladas para involucrar al lector en el libro y darle una perspectiva positiva a una situación a menudo difícil. Este libro emocionalmente conmovedor ayuda al niño interior a sanar, hacer frente y encontrar esperanza. Para notificaciones de servivio a la comunidad, porfavor visite: www.theartistwithinfoundation.com. Gracias
This heart-touching children's book can be used to his strengthen the bond between child and father figure to guide him or her through the moments he may be absent from their home. The father's circumstances could be, such as: working away from home, deployment, separation, divorce, illness or death. "I'll Always Be Right Here" engages the child to understand that he or she has not permanently lost the father, for he lives in his/her dreams, thoughts and heart. The illustrations are detailed to involve the reader in the book and give a positive outlook to an often difficult situation. This emotionally touching book helps the inner child heal, cope and find hope.
Author Isela Arredondo
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Our goal is to also create the opportunities for growth and connection between parent and child and between the inner hurt and the inner healing.
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Quotes I live by:
My desire is to remind others that if they did not drown in the ocean, they can not drown in the glass of water in front of them.
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May you look to the past to only visit the memories that will fuel and help you fight your current battels.
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None of us really know..... we are going to make mistakes for we are making it up, each step of the way to the best of our ability!
“I will always be right here” Reaching a child’s emotions and heart to attempt to bring joy in difficult times when a father figure is away. The missing father, grandfather, or father figure is not permanently lost, but has given the child many memories.
These positive thoughts and dreams are essential for coping and healing. “I’ will always be right here” is a heart-touching little book to help the inner child of all ages find a positive outlook and lasting hope.
May every child , including the child within us, also heal, regardless our age.
Testimonials
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Oliver
This book had me in happy tears. “I Will Always Be Right Here” is such tender story about a child who is
worried about what happens when his father is no longer with them. Its focus is to overcome any obstacles this sweet child may have, by allowing the child to see that even though he is not physically
present, he is ALWAYS there in their heart, and that their experiences together, will get the child through whatever may come in the future.
The phrase “Little one…. is used over and over and is so reassuring and shows the unrelenting love a parent has for their child.
This is a beautiful and comforting
book for me as I walk my patients and myself through metastatic cancer with my young children.
Deanna Duncan, MD
Hospice and Palliative Care Physician
Founder of Hearth Hospice
Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivor ("Metathriver")
As a former licensed and accredited National Association for Family and Child Care provider and Juvenile Detention officer, I believe this book may help some of our
children heal the hurt or void left by one or both of their parents absence, by no fault of the child’s. By coping and dealing with the emotional pain early before adolescence stages,
this healing may help them break the cycle. This book is an excellent source of communication for the child to open up and just talk about the “what ifs” and just to reaffirm the child “I will always be right here”.
Deanna Smith, Entrepreneur
“I Will Always Be Right Here” is an incredible heartwarming love story about the never ending love a dad has for his child, and the love a child has for their dad. This beautifully illustrated book captures the uncertainty a child has being away from a parent, or dad, and the absolute love and reassurance that his love is endless, even when they are not together. No matter what the situation, or where he is, “he will always be right here”. This book is amazing for any child, especially for the sweet babies that are in situations beyond their control. I loved how Ms. Arredondo used many diverse children throughout her book, which will make all children feel that they can relate and are included. The entire book is filled with positivity, and hope, and the last sentence “Little one, I will always be right here in your heart”, melts my heart! As a board member of the Children’s Advocacy Center, think the Ms. Arredondo has written a book that will provide comfort to many children, especially to those in need of some extra tender loving care!
Dr. Lynn Lavook Cross – Children’s Advocacy Center Executive Board Member
I Will Always Be Right Here is a beautiful depiction of the love between a child and their father. Isela does an exceptional job conveying reassurances for the child reading this book who might be struggling with abandonment or a heightened awareness of their father's absence. Whether separated by deployment, incarceration, foster care, or an out of town living situation, the genuine love felt while reading is enough to warm the hearts of all ages. When caregivers are at a loss, I Will Always Be Here can provide the words needed to express overwhelming love from the father's perspective!
Jennifer L. Dixon, Ed.S.
School Counselor
I Will Always be Right Here, by Isela Arrendondo, is a gentle book helping children understand that their daddy will always love them and part of their lives even when he has to be far away. The lyrical text and soft images provide a comforting sense of support for children who are experiencing anxiety or fear about being separated from their parent. Ms Arrendondo’s efforts to make the book available in English, Spanish, braille, audio, and American Sign Language are exceptional and provide a model of creating accessible books for all children and families.
Wendy Sapp, Ph.D.
Accessibility Specialist
Interviews
I am extremally honored that every time someone buys a pair of pearl earrings at The Edwin Hotel. For each pair sold, a pair is donated to a survivor of cancer. Gem for a Gem has been one of the most joyous works of my heart!
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I am a culmination of all who invested, encouraged and believed in me, for I am a product of my community, due to the kindness, guidance and support, I have received my entire life! Thank you for your investment of your heart! Therefore, it is my desire to pay it back, and write to represent, give a voice, and support the children of our community.
Thank you ArtsBuild and the members on our community, for believing in me and other talented, passionate individuals of our community!
