Hidden Messages

Lessons and moral messages in stories

When my teacher asked that question after we finished reading a book, I wanted to sink into the floor and disappear. I didn't want to analyse the moral message of the story, I just wanted to enjoy it. But she was right, we learn something from every story we read.

We learn something from every book because every story has a message, either obvious or hidden.

Hidden moral lessons and messages are expected from children's books because that's what children's stories are about. They teach children without sounding preachy.

But what can you learn from a fantasy, romance or suspense story?
​You would be surprised how much you can learn about yourself while relating to the characters.

Messages in my fantasy stories

Magical realism, historical fantasy
Message:
Don't be afraid to try new things.
Let your imagination take you to the fantasy world.
Be proud of your heritage.
Let every experience make you grow as a person and fine tune your personality.
Or just find out that you enjoy reading a genre you haven't tried before.
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The main character of the story, Ilona, lives in the real world and has a real job. She's a doctor and she live a normal, everyday life just like everyone else.
But magic happens on her birthday and she begins to remember things that were hidden in her memory as nursery rhymes. Reality collides with the hidden fantasy world and a new reality emerges.  

​A review from a reader, Carol Hanlon: 
"Magical realism novels have not been one of my favorite reads. However, the title and distinctive cover of Erika Szabo’s new thriller captivated me. So, as a new Amazon Prime Member I sign up for it on my Kindle reader. To my surprise Erika’s excellent writing style made it enjoyable to read. The story is a real thriller. It held me spellbound. And kept me guessing to which side would win the battle between the forces of good and evil. as I turned each new page. The last page read I believe I’ve become a fan of magical realism. Thank you, Erika Szabo, for exposing me to a new genre with your latest FIVE STAR novel “Destiny."

Messages in my children's stories

Storybook for children 4-12
Message to kids:
Be kind to others.
Disabled people are just people who happens to have disabilities. Don't judge a person by the wheelchair, judge them by their personality.
People who doesn't speak your language are not dumb. You just don't understand what they're saying and they don't understand you.

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​Pico, the parrot, is sad and frustrated. He screeches and squawks all day but because he speaks Spanish, nobody understands him. His story teaches children acceptance, compassion, and helping others.

Storybook for children 4-12
Message to kids:
Help the helpless and be kind to animals.
Don't let bullies dictate what you do, don't be afraid, speak up.
Stand up for what you think is right.
Friendship is a beautiful thing and a dog can be your best friend.

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Even if nobody else reads this book, this editorial review fro Brian VanBramer makes the countless hours I spent writing this book worthwhile:
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"I received a copy of this book before publishing, and I can honestly say that this is by far the best children's story I ever read to my seven-years-old son. He hung onto every word and displayed a wide range of emotions throughout the story such as sadness, fear, excitement, and sheer joy. What I value most is when we finished the book he said to me, "Dad, I wish I had a dog like Peanut." At first, I thought that he's just like any other little boy is wishing for a dog, but then seeing his unusually sad expression, I asked him why he wants a dog like the one in the story. He said, "Because a dog like Peanut could save me from Connor." My heart jumped into my throat because I never noticed any sign that my son was bullied. When I asked him why he didn't tell us before, he said because he thought I would be mad at him not being able to defend himself. This story encouraged him to tell me and we are working on solving his problem together. "

Heroic fantasy for children 8-14
with coauthor Joe Bonadonna
Our message to kids:
Let your imagination fly and enter fantasy worlds where anything is possible.
Learn the difference between fantasy and reality.
Stand up and fight for what's right.
Help others without expecting a prize.
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The ghosts of the Trinity of Wishmothers are trapped. The children offer their help, so the talking skeleton takes them on a journey to the realm of Creepy Hollow. Righteous motivations drive Jack and Nikki: to protect the weak, confront evil, conquer their fears, and gain courage. In the battle against Evila and her minions they grow into the warriors they were destined to become.

"I’m unable to do justice to the wealth of detail and action Szabo and Bonadonna managed to pack into this book." ~Fletcher Vredenburgh
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"Szabo and Bonadonna make a great pair. Their Creepy Hollow Adventures is a perfect starting point for young children making the leap from "kids' books" to "novels." ~S E Lindberg

Storybook for children 5-12
with coauthor Becky Robbins
Our message to kids:
Accepting a foolish dare can get you in big trouble.
Some bullies have their reason to be bullies, but they can change when they realize that what they're doing is wrong.
Not every boy's dream is to become a doctor, firefighter or policeman. Some boys want to become pastry chefs.

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​Becky Robbins and Erika M Szabo paired up to bring this fun, educational book for children 5-12 about acceptance, friendship, family, dealing with bullies, and moral values such as not judging others by their appearances before getting to know them. With Sudipta Dasgupta's wonderful illustrations and Lorraine Carey's professional editing, the story based on an old legend of the haunted bakery comes to life.

Picture book for children 2-6
Message to kids:
Your sister or brother might be annoying, but when you're in trouble, they're the ones you can count on.

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​Penny always wants to do what her big brother does. She imitates his every move and constantly tweets, “Me, too.” Spike is angry at his sister and threatens to name her Metoo, but when the two young chickens face danger, Spike realizes how important family is and happy to have a sometimes annoying, but loving and brave little sister. 

What are the most memorable lessons you've learned from books?