Chakwihili’, a possum, just wants to dance — and she is prepared to dazzle.
After an embarrassing moment shatters her dream of performing in the school talent show, she decides to run away deep into the woods. Will she ever dance again?
An early-reader chapter book, “Totally Possum” was released Saturday by White Dog Press. The book introduces children ages 5-12 to the world of independent reading while addressing the prevalent emotions of adolescence.
The story’s themes of self-discovery, perseverance and individual expression are crafted to resonate with kids who may face similar challenges in their own lives. A news release said they will find comfort in relating to Chakwihili’ and her journey.
Additionally, glossaries are provided to help young readers grow their understanding of performance terminology and connect to Chikashshanompa’ (the Chickasaw language).
Author Trey Hays teaches fine arts at Tishomingo Elementary School and believes that, through this work as a teacher and author, he can make the world a better place by fostering a love of music and creative expression. He has been awarded a grant to create marionette puppets of his characters from the book for local events and is developing teaching material tied to its themes and content.
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Hays was the 2024 Governor’s Arts Award Recipient for Arts in Education from the Oklahoma Arts Council. He can be found on Instagram, @treyhaysauthor.
Eli Corbin, who illustrated the book, has been artistic from a young age. He received his certification in graphic design from Kiamichi Technology Center in Durant and enjoys spending most of his free time drawing. “Little Loksi” by Hays was Corbin’s debut into the world of book illustration.
Hays answered the following questions:
What do you hope readers take away from the story?
“I hope readers see that difference is strength. Chakwihili’ plays dead when she is afraid, which seems like weakness, but it is part of what makes her special. If a possum in a tutu can stand tall, so can any of us. I want children to feel braver about being themselves, in school, on stage and wherever life takes them.”
Is there anything else we should know?
“I grew up in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, where community and storytelling shaped me. ‘Little Loksi’ was about survival after a car accident. ‘Totally Possum’ is about transformation and the courage to keep creating. Everything I do points back to the arts and to kids. I want every child, no matter where they live, to discover their gifts and share them. That is why I always sign my books with the same line: ‘May you use your talents to help others along your journey.’”
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Jimmie Tramel
Tulsa World Scene Reporter
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