Meet Monique Cooper and Javan Allison | Published Children’s Book Authors

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monique Cooper and Javan Allison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monique and Javan, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Well, Javan was born a preemie and had several complications throughout his young life. He has survived over 9 Surgery’s and I knew he was going to be a unique child that one day would tell his story. Javan now suffers from Asthma, ADHD and Anxiety. In February 2018, Javan had an asthma attack where he almost lost his life. He was placed in ICU during that time and survived this detrimental disease. While in the hospital, I asked Javan if he would like to tell his story. He agreed and this is how we came up with the Idea of “The Adventure’s of Javan and the 3 A’s”.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Writing children’s books is more than just getting kids to read. As they read, they will start to understand that they are just like Javan. We have 4 books out between Javan and I. The Adventures of Javan and the 3 A’s was created on truth and experiences. He explains how he feels in detail but yet in an adventurous way with the 3 A’s. Most kids that suffers from Asthma can only explain to their parents by saying their chest hurts or they are having shortness of breath. Javan goes a little deeper with how he manages it, when he can feel the pain in his stomach and how he’s able to sit down and talk to his Mom about what he’s feeling. It’s not easy being a book writer but what sets us apart from most is because it is real and it helps to bring awareness, especially in the Black community. What we are most proud of is that the world took on our story and welcomed it. Javan has been recognized through the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Gardens Mayor Proclaimed September 29th to be “Javan Allison Asthma Awareness Day”, The national asthma and allergy foundation recognized Javan and named him their youngest advocate along with being a spokes person for them and so much more from doctors including Javan in their books to help bring awareness. There are so many lessons to learn through this journey and we are still learning. Writing a children’s book can be discouraging because children needs excitement and someone to look at and know they are just like them. Bringing awareness and pushing our books for other kids to read is what keeps us busy but it is also our passion.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When you come to Miami, the trip won’t be complete unless you visit South Beach. Art Deco Historic District is another to look at in the eyes of art. There you can find places to eat and take exciting pictures. My Friends and I love pictures. Everywhere we go its a photoshoot type of vibe. If there is a game, it would be nice to see a Miami Heat game at the American Airlines Arena. A drive to the keys for a day or two is great as well. Also the Hard Rock hotel is a great experience as we just enjoyed a few nights in the Newest Guitar Hotel. Everything was nice from the pool to the restaurants on the inside.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We would like to recognize and dedicate this to Rubie Mizell, she too is a published Children’s book Author. Her first book came out in January of 2018 and it inspired us. To know someone that close to you and to have accomplished something as major as writing books for children to better help them in literacy and awareness was so inspiring to us. After asking her how did she do it, she walked us through the steps and helped us with our own creativity. In doing so, she opened her own publishing company called Tyla’Grace publishing; which opened doors for many others to put their creative thoughts on paper.

Website: www.theadventuresofJavan.com

Instagram: the adventures of Javan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAdventuresofJavanandthe3As

Image Credits
Avalon Fotography