I Can Smile With My Eyes

Roman is a sweet boy, trying to understand and overcome his worry and confusion in an uncertain time. With the help of his Mom and Dad, Roman finds fun ways to face his fears and worries, and new ways to communicate his emotions in a happy and positive manner!

Kathleen Carbonari is a mother of 4 beautiful daughters, and lives in a cozy town in Tennessee with her husband. She has had a love and passion for children and their wellbeing since she was young herself. She followed in her fathers footsteps in her desire to work with, and help to educate children. During the beginning of the pandemic, to present day, she has watched the struggle of her own children, trying to figure out, and navigate life, in this different and trying time. When Kathleen would come in contact with the "littles", as she refers to the younger children, she would see a fear, a confusion, when they looked at her. It was like they were trying to see who she was behind the mask. Is this person nice? Mean? Friendly? Learning to communicate emotions when most of your face is covered by a mask can be challenging to say the least. But one day, a little girl was staring at Kathleen in line at a store. Kathleen thought "how can I let her know I'm nice? I am friendly? To make her feel ok?" Then it came to her. If she gave a big smile behind her mask, then naturally her eyes would squint and look happy! And it worked! The little girl smiled back, and skipped off with her mom. And in that moment, a thought was born, that started this book process. Then in the Fall, Kathleen's grandson Roman was born, beautiful and innocent, and her desire for him to be ok, to not be scared, and to understand, in this crazy time, was such a priority. So this book, is her hug and comfort dedicated to Roman. And to all the littles who need to not feel confused, alone and scared. Because we are all in this together!