Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Jeff was raised by his grandparents. They taught him that kindness is the most important virtue to make the world a better place. He has worked in many far-away places and knows that children are our future. He is inspired by his daughter, who is an imaginative story teller, wonderful artist, and fearless explorer. She collaborates daily with her mommy to create wondrous tales of kindness, forgiveness, and of course with many garden fairies.
Proceeds from the sale of Jeff’s fourth book, Maisha and the Rainbow Tree, will be donated to charitable causes supporting sustainable forest restoration and families in need.
While Jeff has published several textbooks with some of the most famous scientists on the planet while at Harvard and MIT, writing his latest book with his daughter is by far the pinnacle of his literary career.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dr. Jeff Blander and his daughter are grateful to share a story of joy, kindness, and hope through their newly released children’s book, “Maisha and the Rainbow Tree.” Jeff explains, “my grandparents who raised me firmly believed that kindness is the most important virtue to make the world a better place. It is this lesson that has shaped me professionally as well as in my most important roles; as husband, father, friend, and neighbor.” This heartfelt book shares a powerful message of hope, friendship, and advocacy-a message that will always ring true, especially during this difficult time.”
“For me personally completing this project with my daughter provides some closure and a full circle with my own mom who went to heaven when I was a young boy. She had started, but never finished, a beloved children’s book project for me. I know this was something that was so very important to her as she would often tell friends and new acquaintances alike about the project. Thus, doing so many years later with my own daughter is truly an extraordinary and healing experience. We hope this project can bring some joy, kindness, and smiles to others during difficult times. All author proceeds will go to charity to heal our planet and support families in need.”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Jeff often writes and creates his stories with his daughter using crayon, magic marker, and sidewalk chalk.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Carl Sagan, Stephen Hawking, Albert Einstein, Shel Silverstein, Wangari Maathai, Dr. Seuss, The Invisible Strings, The Giving Tree, Charlotte’s Web, The Lorax, Stranger in a Strange Land, The State of Africa, Death be not Proud, Cosmos, and Maisha and the Rainbow Tree.
What are you working on now?
We are currently producing the video and audio books for Maisha and the Rainbow Tree. Also the translation into Swahili. There is also an exciting project called “The Rainbow Slide Connection.” https://friendsofmaisha.com/rainbow-slide-connection.
Most excitedly, stay tuned for the next adventure with Maisha and friends…
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
We have been fortunate to participate in virtual readings through public libraries, stories shared through alumni magazines, a widely publicly available/distributed podcast, as well as a TV Interview on the evening news;
TV Interview: https://wjla.com/news/local/new-hope-sprouts-one-year-after-neighborhood-tree-removed
Virtual readings: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/4324013
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/Angelbonnet%26Friendsstoryt/episodes/Maisha-and-the-Rainbow-Tree-written-by-Jeffrey-Blander-and-the-Save-Our-Tree-Team-eefbci
PENN Story: https://www.alumni.upenn.edu/s/1587/gid2/16/interior_1col.aspx?sid=1587&gid=2&pgid=25502#Jeff%20Blander
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Your voice and story matter. Don’t ever give up. Follow your dreams and passion, never let the haters bring you down.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Follow your bliss and you will never fail in life.
What are you reading now?
junie b jones (with my daughter), every indie children’s book I can get my hands on (they are all beautiful and tell a personal story of triumph), JAMA, and New England Journal of Medicine.
What’s next for you as a writer?
While my heart is so full right now with of current project, Maisha and friends have many exciting adventures ahead…
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Invisible Strings, Maisha and the Rainbow Tree, and Cosmos.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jeffrey Blander Website
Jeffrey Blander Amazon Profile
Jeffrey Blander’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account