JOE SHANDROWSKI
If you happen to visit Fairfield, CT anytime soon you just might hear the tale of Huga Tuga, a magical blue sea monster that was born in the imagination of Joe Shandrowski and soon after brought to life in a series of successful children's books.
Huga Tuga (pronounced hooga tooga) is the star of The Wonder Series, stories that have been designed in a way that Joe hopes enhances the storytelling experience between adults and kids.
"Huga Tuga takes children on amazing adventures through the world of imagination," he said. "Along the journey, the children will learn a valuable lesson concerning the importance of reading."
Since the release of the first book, Joe has used Huga Tuga to create a program he performs called "Reading Rocks Live! A Pep Rally For Reading." The performance is an interactive theater experience that includes a spectacular light show, cartoon illustrating, bubble magic, and the "Treasure Chest Of Imagination." The children also get to dance along to the cool cat sounds of Huga Tuga and the Sea Animal Band.
When Joe began performing "Reading Rocks Live" in 2002 he appeared at two schools. Today he workes with 90 schools/year (Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, North Carolina, California, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania & Maryland.)
The idea for the show was simple and personal for Joe.
"When I was in grade school no one ever visited our class to encourage us to pursue our dreams or to believe in our imaginations," he said. "I never thought I would find myself on stage performing but it is an amazing experience.
Hopefully, by visiting schools, libraries, and hospitals I can put a smile on the face of a child, and at the same time help them realize their full potential by believing in their imaginations." Becoming an author was not something Joe thought about until a car accident left him with severe back and neck injuries in 1993.
"I couldn't go back to work so I went to college," he said. "I took a few early childhood education writing courses and the fuse was lit." With the help of his family, Joe, at the age of 34, opened up Huga Tuga Creations in 1997. The goal was to create a publishing company that would distribute new and innovative material.
Unfortunately, things did not work out and the company folded in 2000. "We just had no experience in the business and it quickly became overwhelming," he said. "My family thought it was best to close the doors. I couldn't blame them. They had their full-time jobs and family matters to deal with."
But Joe was not about to give up. He knew to keep his dream alive he would have to make tough decisions. Over the next year, he cut back on "normal" life to pursue one of a starving artist. He was determined to bring Huga Tuga to life. He didn't expect it would take ten years, but it was worth every minute.
"You quickly realize if you want something bad enough you have to depend on faith and determination to see it through," he said.
Twenty years later he has published three picture storybooks, one chapter book, and another on the way (2021). Because of the demand, Joe decided eight years ago to turn, PEP RALLY FOR READING into the only full-time author/literary enrichment experience available.
"It was a one-in-a-million chance of success, but I didn't want to regret not having at least tried," he said. "I also knew I would never be happy if I didn't. I gave up a lot, but I'm glad I took the chance. I wake up every morning with a smile, knowing I'm making a difference. Pretty cool!"
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