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cartoon - osmanli cafe
 Two words can change a mood, change a
conversation and change a life: child molestation. You hear the news
reports. You dread it. You wonder how you can protect your child,
grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Former AYF Page
contributor, Talar K. Kozikoujekian, hopes she has found a way.
Talar recently published Karla’s Lesson, a picture book about
a young girl who is lured into a compromising situation. Karla’s
ability to trust her instincts, and to act on them, save her. She
goes on to become a teacher and shares her knowledge with her
students. If you don’t know how to approach this delicate topic,
allow Talar to help you. I had the pleasure of interviewing Talar
about herself and her book.
Armenian Weekly—When did you first develop a passion for
writing?
Talar Kozikoujekian—I have always loved to write but it
really started in 8th grade with my teacher from the Armenian
Sisters Academy in Philadelphia, Mrs. McAssey. She was very
instrumental in helping me develop my writing skills.
A.W.—Where were your first stories and articles published?
T.K.—My first articles and poems were published in the
Armenian Weekly.
A.W.—How did publishing in The Armenian Weekly affect your
writing?
T.K.—Publishing in the Weekly gave me a forum and gave me
confidence as a young, influential writer. Although I was writing
for the AYF Page, the exposure that the Armenian Weekly gave me was
so influential in my development as a writer.
A.W.—Is Karla’s Lesson your first book?
T.K.—No, the first book I published was Towards the
Homeland, which was a collection of Armenian poems published by
Cader Publishing.
A.W.—Is that book still available for purchase?
T.K.—Yes it is but it’s only through me. Interested readers
can go to www.xlibris.com/karlaslesson.html and www.xlibris.com/timmyssecret.
html. I can be reached at talar725@aol.com.
A.W.—As a teacher, do you discuss the issue of child
molestation with your students?
T.K.—I discuss ways that children can avoid the manipulative
tactics that predators use to lure them. My students were very naive
to this subject and couldn’t believe that child molestation occurs.
When I first wanted to approach this topic with them, I searched for
books to read to them but couldn’t find many. That is why I wanted
to write for students in their language so that they could
understand. Because the topic is so touchy, I had to make sure that
I wasn’t making them unnecessarily frightened. I wanted to get the
message across, but I didn’t want to scare them.
A.W.—Child molestation is a difficult topic to discuss. What
made you choose this topic for your first picture book?
T.K.—I saw that there were not very many books out there. I
wanted to write a book that would be a lesson in itself. I wanted to
give parents and educators a springboard to discuss this crucial
topic with their children. It is a difficult topic but ignorance is
not bliss in this case. Parents and educators need to arm and
enlighten our children so they don’t fall into traps. Both of my
books always end happy, with the children as the heroes. They are
meant to empower.
A.W.—How did you choose an illustrator?
T.K.—Selineh [Shahbazian] was a student of mine several years
ago. She had just emigrated from Iran and didn’t speak a word of
English. I was able to help her understand using her art talent.
When I decided to write the books, I thought of her and she agreed.
A.W.— Can you tell us about your upcoming book, Timmy’s
Secret?
T.K.—Timmy’s Secret is about a little boy that is very
unhappy that his uncle is coming over. He’s unhappy because his
uncle is making him feel uncomfortable. He gets the courage to tell
the truth to his parents and they provide him with security.
A.W.—At what age do you recommend reading them your books?
T.K.—Timmy’s Secret is for grades Pre-K till 2nd grade
and Karla’s Lesson is for grades 3-5.
A.W.— What do you hope children and parents get from reading
your books?
T.K.—I hope that both children and parents get to go into
discussion about this crucial topic. Both books are easy reads and
are meant to teach a lesson.
A.W.— How is the issue of child molestation handled in your
community in California?
T.K.—Child molestation is still hush hush but it needs to
come to light. Children need to be armed with knowledge.
A.W.— At what age do you recommend discussing child
molestation with children?
T.K.—I have already started teaching my two boys, ages 2 and
4, that no one can touch them in private places. I have also started
to tell them about strangers and who I will always trust them with.
I tell them to educate them, not to scare them. It’s very important
for parents to approach this topic with their children. Statistics
show that 90 percent of abuse is from family members—people kids
think they can trust. That’s another reason why I wanted the books
to be focused on this topic. If one child isn’t lured because they
remembered something from the books or the discussion their parents
and teachers had with them regarding the books, my mission is
complete.
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