Encinitas mother Phyllis Schwartz recently unveiled her third children’s book, “Laggie and Grillo: An Unlikely Friendship,” the story of kindness, respect and friendship.
Schwartz, a former journalist and San Diego State University alum, said her love for writing took her from the newsrooms to the bookstores.
“My lifelong love of writing led to me being a local news writer in San Diego and Chicago,” Schwartz said. “Throughout that career, I continued to write poetry, so it was a natural when I segued out of local TV to continue with my love of writing poetry and some of those I turned
into rhyming children’s books.”
In 2022, her writing career led to her first children’s book, “When Mom Feels Great, Then We Do Too!” which incorporates her challenges surviving three different types of cancer while raising her two kids. Shortly after, she released “Mom Wombat Says Make War No More!.”
Today, she’s the proud author behind “Laggie and Grillo: An Unlikely Friendship,” which tells the story of a girl who must write a poem about something that makes her mad. In this case, it’s not being able to have a pet.
“My book not only helps children think about the responsibilities of keeping a pet, but also about the importance of helping opposites get along and the art of compromise,” Schwartz said.
Schwartz said she hopes readers get excitement out of her books. In her newest book, she said she hopes readers learn about the importance of respect.
“I’d like parents and their kids to think about respecting other cultures, learning other languages, expressing yourself through writing and helping opposites get along,” she said. “I think children should experience the same feelings and values as I hope parents do.”
Schwartz will have a book signing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 16 at Warwick’s bookstore in La Jolla and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at Barnes and Noble in Encinitas (1040 N. El Camino Real).
“Laggie and Grillo” is available in both hardcover ($18.95) and paperback ($12.95), as well as e-book (Kindle, $4.95) formats at Barnes & Noble, Warwick’s, and Amazon.
For more information about the book and Phyllis Schwartz, visit www.phyllisfeelsgreat.com.
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San Diego Moms is published on Saturdays. Have a story idea? Email hoaq@timesofsandiego.com and follow her on Instagram at @hoawritessd.
