In 2020, Hasmik Grigoryan-Belich, a mother of three from the U.S. State of Texas, published her Armenian book Hello Sun, which guides children learning Armenian as a second language to become familiar with Armenian vocabulary.
“As a young mother of a two-year-old, I struggled to find suitable Armenian literature to read for my son, Vin. That was back in 2013. Most of the books in Armenian was difficult to comprehend for children whose native language is not Armenian. It was at that moment when I realized that there definitely are other Armenian mothers who are facing the same challenge,” Grigoryan-Belich emphasizes in a conversation with Aravot.am, referring to her motivations and goals for writing Hello Sun.
She details that the writing process commenced in 2014, when her second child, Eva, was born. According to Grigoryan, the works of the American children’s novelist and artist Dr. Seuss was a great source of inspiration while writing Hello Sun. The author notes, “Dr. Seuss was one of our favorite English reads. The book Hello Sun was largely inspired by Dr. Seuss, who is an undisputed master of word usage. His speech is easy, simple and understandable, but there is poetry involved that makes it perfect and enjoyable for children to enjoy.”
Hello Sun was also an opportunity for Hasmik Grigoryan-Belich to spend time on one of his favorite pastimes—art. All the pictures in the book are hand-drawn by her. “The simple rhyme of the book allows children to easily acquire Armenian vocabulary, at the same time enjoying eye-catching illustrations,” the author explains, adding that without the pictures, the book might not have been attractive for children.
The book took six years to complete. Hasmik recalls—she found time to work on the book in the evenings, after returning from work. “Being a mother of three and working in the oil and gas industry, it took until November 2020 to publish,” says Hasmik, noting that composing quality illustrations was also time-consuming.
Hasmik Grigoryan-Belich first came to the United States in 1998 through FLEX, an exchange program for high school students. She graduated from the Southern Methodist University with a Master’s Degree in Information Engineering and Management. Currently, Hasmik is a senior product management director for an energy company. Hasmik and her husband, Jimmy Belich, have two sons, Vin and Alex, and one daughter, Eva.
The author shares, “My children really enjoy reading the book and are proud that it is their mother’s creation. Eva can now fluently read most of the book.”
When Aravot.am inquired if there are any new programs and projects related to the preservation of Armenian culture, Hasmik first informed that there is also a Hello Sun activity book, which strengthens and reinforces the knowledge gained in the first book.
Hasmik adds that the preparation of a book that teaches the Armenian alphabet is currently underway. The author is also creating a fairy tale about the adventures of a ladybug, as well as a book with simplified Armenian folk music for children. “My daughter and I are writing a book about dinosaurs,” says Hasmik, emphasizing that her children have always been interested in the history of dinosaurs. “We believe that this book will bring great joy to children who want to enjoy this type of Armenian literature. Hopefully, in due time, we will be able to make this book a reality,” concludes Hasmik Grigoryan-Belich.
Arsen AIVAZIAN
