My name is Donna Sapiano and I am a new author and illustrator of children's books. I have been waiting decades to realize this dream and in 2021 I finally made that dream a reality. Born in Saskatchewan in the 1960’s, I grew up enjoying both the city life and the farm life as a healthy, active and busy woman.
However, in my 30’s I found myself a physically disabled woman struggling with Scleroderma, a rather dangerous autoimmune disease. I share this with you to demonstrate how, even with a crippling disease, you can climb over hurtles, wheelchair and all, to achieve and enjoy goals and dreams you previously thought unattainable.
Now, I enjoy life as a married mother of two grown boys. I live with my husband Ray, a wonderful supportive man I lean on and love more than words can express. We wed in 1987 in Edmonton and recently retired to beautiful Merrickville, Ontario, Canada. Although my hands are deformed and I am in a wheelchair, I can still hold a stylus (held together with an illustrator's glove and a hair elastic) and operate a computer. With specialized equipment, such as my 21 inch Huion illustrator's tablet and my Voice to Text Software, I have successfully written, illustrated and published several children's books.
The name of my first book is, A Fun Way to Memorize the Capitals of Canada. I use mnemonics throughout this book to make it easier to memorize the capitals of Canada. My second book, The Cauldron Street Clan, is a book in rhyme that explores being different and shunned for how you look. Never fear; it has a happy ending. My third book, Winston Eats His Way Through the Alphabet, is about a fun, educational journey through the ABC’s with Winston, the hungry Biewer Terrier (pronounced Beaver Terrier). Winston can’t resist nibbling away on each letter food example, you are asked to guess.
My books are available through amazon.ca in Canadian funds and worldwide in different URLS and currencies. They are sold in three formats: eBook, Kindleunlimited eBook and paperback. A couple of things that I have learned throughout this process are: First, don't let age or a disability get in the way of your dreams. Secondly, it is never too late to start your journey! Get on your path and find a way!
This is the real Winston from my book, Winston Eats His Way Through The Alphabet.
Sincerely,
Donna Sapiano
Author, illustrator