About
Books are a gift, open them with wonder!
About Maya Thembi
Maya Thembi is an emerging author, experienced teacher, seasoned homemaker, and mother of seven. She adapted her own version of The Shape I’m In from an original story composed in 1988 by her deceased mother, Arlyn Angela Pacely-Beard. Since childhood, Maya has maintained the dream of honoring her mother’s legacy and reviving her original story by publishing a series of children’s books. A dream realized, The Shape I’m is the first of that series, with many more to come. Maya is dedicated to creating literature that infuses everyday learning with socio-emotional issues, helping children learn to be themselves in a healthy way. Maya holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and is currently homeschooling four of her children. Through the experience of her own journey in teaching and parenting, Maya discovered that many children (often boys of color) do not feel comfortable communicating their emotions. She has since learned the importance of all children recognizing the power of their own voices, and the value of providing them a safe place to express their feelings. The Shape I’m In strives to touch the lives of all children it reaches, helping to normalize the full range of emotions we all experience at every age.