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I Deserve More! Book Review

I Deserve More! by Anna Svetchnikov is about a girl named Claire who, along with her cat, Archie, finds a magic wand, which had been lost by a fairy named Misty. Claire, who thinks the world is unfair, uses the wand in an attempt to feel happy but soon discovered that no amount of sweets or gold can make her happy. When things get out of hand, Misty comes to the rescue and helps Claire face her anxiety and insecurities. Claire manages to defeat her dragon and realizes she has all that she needs.

Anna Svetchnikov combines storytelling and therapy in I Deserve More. Kids will be able to relate to Claire or at least empathize as we have all felt angry or upset. Parents can help further the discussion with their children about handling difficult emotions using the questions provided at the end of the story. The author also provides some coping skills or ideas, such as deep breathing and listening to music.

Our daughter may be too young to understand the deeper message, but she really enjoyed the fantastical story and illustrations by Oliver Kolarevski. It's a book she requests for us to read to her before bed more than once. I definitely recommend adding I Deserve More to your child's bookshelf!

Watch the book trailer on YouTube:

Where Can I Find I Deserve More?

I Deserve More! by Anna Svetchnikov is available on Amazon.

An Interview With Author Anna Svetchnikov

Q. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I was always a creative one in all aspects of my life. I have always pursued my passions and to be honest, this was and is a creative outlet for me. There was never an “ah-ha” moment where I decided to be a writer, it was more of an “I need to do this now'' moment. The opportunity presented itself in late 2020, at the height of the pandemic, there was a noticeable increase in stress and anxiety among adults and their children. As a family therapist, I was supporting my clients through telehealth therapy sessions. I was hearing a common theme - an inability to manage stress and control anxiety among my younger clients. With this, I found new ways to engage, not only my clients but my own children. This further fueled my creative side and I began writing my first series – The Awesome Team vs Corona Vera. Throughout the next year, I was able to write and publish additional books, including I Deserve More, Wish Away series, Too Sweet, The Fearless One, My Magic Ball, Do It Later, My friend Lares, Gone with a Spirit, Lost in Adventure, I am Just a Baby, The Legend of Astrid, Olive and I, Unfreeze Time, Good Night Apollo series, and I Can Do It series – to extend the reach of my direct client work to support others.

Q. What do you think is the most difficult part of the writing process?

As they say, the devil is in the details. Starting a new book is challenging, the main parts are all there beginning, middle, end, plot, themes, imagery, morals, and narrative - all in my mind, flow well and make perfect sense. Then comes the difficult part of putting it all on paper and conveying this clear vision and picture to an audience. At the end of the day, we are all storytellers with vivid imaginations, all that needs to be found is time, willingness, and a whole lot of patience for editing and self-confidence for the constructive criticism.

Q. What do you think makes a good children’s book?

It has to be out there and relatable, easy to understand and complex, entertaining, and educational all at the same time and on their level. An impossible task, I know, but children don’t view the world as adults and in some cases, it takes a lot of introspectiveness to find that child at heart. The one thing I’ve learned as a mom and as a therapist is that children are much smarter and intuitive than we give them credit for. They are capable of understanding and piecing parts, elements, and things that we would never imagine. They are creative, witty, and brutally honest which is all the more charming when they provide the critique.

Q. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

Many of my books focus on common themes that are conveyed in different ways through different points of view and unique experiences. I would always hope the readers, young and old enjoy and are inspired by the story. The icing on the cake would be to convey the power of positivity, to be present in the moment, to learn to appreciate and be grateful, and be kind to self and others. On a therapeutic level, the main underlying themes, try to explain, relate the value and importance of self-control, self-confidence, emotional regulation, and behavior management.

Q. How did you select the names of your characters in “I Deserve More?”

When I started writing I Deserve More, I didn’t think twice. When I first saw her, it had to be Claire! I felt like I knew her - and for the most part, I did. She was in my mind for a month before I properly sat down to write. I had a similar experience with my own children, when they were born there was never any doubt that there would be an Anthony, Adrian, and Apollo. From there Archie was an easy one, with my connection to Claire and always wanting a cat named Archie for myself. Misty on the other hand eluded me for a time. I was originally Imo (Imogen) but I could not relate or connect with it and in the end, Misty felt powerful yet delicate and more than fitting for a fairy.

Q. What would you do if you found a magic wand?

I am uncertain on this one. I can see the temptation, but the adult part of me is hesitant. If my memory serves me correctly, in most folklore and fairy tales most magical items come with an asterisk. But another, much younger side of me would not think twice, so long as there is danger, excitement, fear, joy, and a lesson to be learned, I’m ready for an adventure so long as my family is willing to come along.

Q. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Anything and everything that challenges and inspires me. I’m always trying to learn something new and expand my horizons and perspectives. At the end of the day, I am a busy mom of three little boys who provide me with a great amount of amusement and entertainment to write my stories. I particularly enjoy working on myself and stepping outside of my comfort zone. Such as recording my first single (song) to support moms and to help them feel better about themselves along with a humorous music video to highlight an upcoming book specifically for moms. Both coming out soon.

Q. What was your favorite book when you were a child?

Growing up with a professor (mom) and a photographer (dad), there was no shortage of books in the household from classical to current and everything in between. As a child I was attracted to tales of folklore and detective works from around the world. Some of my favorites would easily be from H.C. Anderson and A. Christie and not forgetting Grimms' Fairy Tales. But if I had to choose one, The Little Mermaid.