‘Karla’s Lesson’

By Tamara C. Gureghian

"The Armenian Weekly", Volume 73, No. 13, March 31, 2007

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.