Taline Badrikian presents her newest book

Taline Badrikian’s latest children’s book, Cute Bear (Pair: Churarchhuh – Friendly Raccoon), was released in October, giving parents a new way to teach their children Western Armenian.

Badrikian is a first generation Armenian American who grew up in the Watertown, Massachusetts Armenian community. He had the privilege of growing up with his paternal grandmother, who insisted that he did not speak or understand English even after living in the United States for more than 50 years, so Armenian was and the main language in his family. Badrikian attended Armenian Sisters Academy through the fourth grade and St. Stephen’s Armenian through ninth grade.

“My Armenian community has helped me a lot. I’ve been in leadership positions and opportunities that I wouldn’t have if it weren’t for my community,” Badrikian shared. Every week.

Badrikian studied computer systems and now owns his own digital marketing business. He has been a member of Homenetmen and AYF and is on the Board of Directors for Camp Haiastan.

Badrikian started a publishing company, Children Who Read Armenianand has published six children’s books, written in Western Armenian.

“In 2014, when I started looking for board books in Western Armenian for my first child, I realized that there were not many offered. So I did my best. I did it myself. Back then, it wasn’t as fluid as it is now, but I managed it through internet research and risk-taking,” Badrikian recalled.

He embarked on this new journey using Kickstarter to fund the first book. Within 24 hours, his book was funded. She credits this to her extensive and supportive network of friends, family and community. He has published a book every two years since then. He writes in Armenian and translates stories into English for his English articles published in Great Books for the Ears.

“Anoush Koon, Pari Yerazit was completed in three hours one Saturday morning,” said Badrikian. “It’s all about practice. These books give me a chance to practice and help me to keep up with Armenian. My books are a vehicle for adding Armenian words to children’s lives.”

All of Badrikian’s books have universal messages including friendship, teamwork, bedtimes, the benefits of sleep, exercise through play, and kindness. His latest book, out the week of October 21, 2024, is about kindness and how it can manifest in many different ways.

Badrikian’s books are available online at kidsreadingarmenian.com, Etsy and Amazon or with vendors including Abril Bookstore, Sardarabad Bookstore, Aghpur Events, Agateh, Armenian Museum of America, Hamazkayin Toronto, Hamazkayin Montreal, NAASR and Eastern Prelacy.

These books include text translated into English. “I’m a realist, and I don’t want Armenian to be scary. I want to make it easier for Armenian speakers and non-Armenian readers to find stories and share them with the children in their lives. I want there to be no obstacles,” said Badrikian.

Badrikian’s advice to aspiring writers is to be patient. “Write notes. Give yourself time. If you want to do it, you will do it. It’s not a quick process, but you have all the necessary tools. You just need your will to start and keep going until you finish. ”

Tallinn’s book collection includes A friendly raccoon, Sporty Napik – Healthy & Fit Bunny, Sweet Sleep, Sweet Dream, The Happy Piggy and An active ant.

“Read Armenian to your children. Give Armenian books to children to stimulate their interest. Keep the Armenian language alive by reading to our children,” Badrikian concluded.

Talar Keoseyan is a mother, teacher and writer. He is the author of Vanna’s Adventures (about Armenian customs and traditions); Mom and Dad, Why Should I Know My Armenian Heritage? (a children’s book about being proud of our heritage); Our song of Tigran and Tigran (written in honor of Tigran Harutyunyan, fedayee from the 44-Day War).