Local Spotlight: Meet Children's Book Author Ioana Stoian

Today are excited to introduce you to local children’s author, Ioana Stoian.

Tell us about you and what inspired you to write Begin One Way?

Growing up in Europe, walking has always been my predominant mode of transportation. I have fond memories of walking to the park, school, and the shops with my mother and I’ve passed this on to my son. Begin One Way is inspired by our weekly walks from our little pink house, through the neighborhood, to the Hamline Midway Library.

When my son was around two and a half years old, he became curious about all the road signs around him, which led to many discussions and games on our strolls. I like to support his interests with books, but I couldn’t find many about road signs, especially from the perspective of being on foot. So together (he’s been a part of the entire process), we’ve made Begin One Way, for him and all the other children curious about signs.

Tell us about Begin One Way. What can parents/kids expect when reading your story?

Parents and children can expect to have fun reading the book while learning about road signs and traffic safety. The rhyming text can help to memorize the meanings in a light-hearted way, and the whimsical illustrations are bound to make everyone laugh.

What do you love about the Twin Cities? Why is this a great community to launch your book?

I love the variety of outdoor spaces in the Twin Cities and there’s always something going on.

What is the best way for the Minnesota Parent community to support your business?

The best way to support me is to ensure your local library has a copy of Begin One Way. Of course, I’d love for everyone reading this to purchase a copy. Still, my genuine desire is to empower children and encourage them to get outside – libraries make reading material accessible to all!

What’s been your greatest joy in writing this story?

My greatest joy in writing this story has been getting the seal of approval from my son. This book has captured a specific moment in our lives and will always be dear to my heart.

How does your book inspire parents?

I hope this book will inspire parents to take a walk with their children and leave all distractions behind. Many adults don’t have the luxury to spend hours, but even 10 minutes of quality connection can fill everyone’s emotional cup (including our own).

Tell us about you! Your family, why you love being a parent. What brings you joy?

I moved to the Twin Cities from London, UK, nine years ago when I married my Minnesotan husband. We are both paper artists, but since the birth of our first child, I’ve become a stay-at-home mother and my artwork has morphed into creating children’s books. In 2019 I published Always be You, a board book that celebrates all children for who they are (not who we want them to be), and now Begin One Way. I know many more will come, and I look forward to collaborating with our children.

I love being a parent and am fortunate to share this journey with my supportive husband. We both follow respectful parenting practices, and I feel honored to watch our children unfold daily.

Spending time with young humans is refreshing; they are spontaneous, curious, and honest. They open our eyes to the world around us and invite us to notice and appreciate the simple things in life, which we often take for granted. I love the constant reminder to slow down and savor every moment.

Tell us about your favorite places to go with your kids? Restaurants, road trips, parks, etc.

With small children, we often stay closer to home, so many of our favorite places are in or around the metro area.

We often go to The Dodge Nature Center, The Carpenter Nature Center, Crosby Farm Park, and the St Croix River Regional Park.

We treat ourselves to delicious bahn mi from Lu’s Sandwiches, Indian curry from Shifa in Minneapolis (I could eat their chicken dildar every day!), and Vietnamese food from our local Hoa Bien and patisseries from Marc Heu. I have to say we are spoiled for choice!

I want to give a shout out to Kinoko Kids, a toy shop in Minneapolis that has been incredibly supportive of my work. They also have an excellent curation of children’s toys, books, and vintage clothing.

Begin One Way: A Children’s Book of Road Signs can be purchased wherever books are sold!

ISBN: 978-957619227