Tucson writer creates children's books with heart

Jimmy Danelli is a self-proclaimed “softy” — a man with heart.

The former writer for “The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh,” which aired on ABC, brings that heart to the table in his recent venture — producing picture books for children ages pre-K through second grade, which he self publishes under the name Danelli Publishing.

The first book, “Mouse Goes to the Beach,” is a story about compassion and empathy. Mouse, on a day trip with his parents — a goose and a ground squirrel — ends up helping a baby sea turtle find its way to the water.

“It’s really compassionate and heartfelt,” Danelli said. “And it has a beautiful ending.”

Danelli moved to Tucson with his “lovely wife,” Maureen — illustrator of “Mouse Goes to the Beach — two years ago from Burbank, California.

“We used to do a lot of RVing. We used to go to Saguaro National Park and thought it was so beautiful here, so when we got tired of L.A. and were looking for a place to retire to, we thought of Tucson,” Danelli said. “We just think it’s a beautiful place. We just love it.”

Danelli will be signing copies of his new book at the Foothills Mall Barnes & Noble on July 2. In advance of that, we chatted with him over the phone.

What was it about Winnie the Pooh that inspired you to write for the show and your DVD, “Winnie the Pooh, Seasons of Giving”?

I felt I could bring something to the table. When I joined the show, it was purely whimsical and maybe bringing in life lessons would be a way to up the ante in the story lines. It really worked out well because the show went on to follow my lead and I think it helped improve the quality of the content. It’s what I’m very proud of.

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My first episode actually represented “The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” at the Emmys. I was very, very proud of that.

Why did you start writing picture books for children?

A lot has changed since I wrote those shows and I think we need to be careful as to what we expose our children to these days. Violence, intolerance and lack of diversity permeates everything from movies to children’s picture books.

When I approached major children’s book publishers and told them I wrote a book with heart like Pooh, I was told by them that books with heart were not edgy enough for today’s children ... A book like mine, “Mouse Goes to the Beach,” the story lines have compassion, love and heart.

Just as I did with the “Winnie the Pooh” television series, I will continue to write books with heart ... Without any advertising, it’s selling. There’s obviously a demand.

What’s next for you?

Every three or four months, there will be a new mouse book that will teach a new lesson and be entertaining as well. I’ve already completed five books. I’m just really happy to be able to contribute to society in a positive way.

What do you hope kids take away from your books?

I’m hoping they come away with compassion and acceptance of diversity and empathy for others.