Eight-year-old Mario Tubiolo is following in the footsteps of his dad, faith-based talk show host Craig Tubiolo-Syracusa, sharing a message of love and compassion with the world.
The illustrated book centers on the heartwarming bond between a young boy and his bushy-tailed companion.
Mario’s dad hosts the nationally syndicated talk show, “Walk in Faith.”
He said that the book’s message is especially powerful coming from a young author because “children speak from their hearts.”
“Mario’s attempts to share his mom’s treasured almonds with his furry friend lead to a playful mix-up when Jimmy impulsively takes the entire bag. Heartbroken, Mario fears he has lost both his friendship and the almonds,” an official synopsis reads.
“But Jimmy, sensing his friend’s sadness, returns the bag, restoring their bond. Through forgiveness, Mario learns that real friendship endures beyond small mistakes, with compassion and understanding as the foundation.”
In a recent interview with The Epoch Times, Mario said his book is based on his own interactions with wildlife outside his New Jersey home.
“It was inspired by a real-life furry friend in my yard who eats all the bird seed I put in my bird feeder,” he said.
Mario said he named the squirrel Jimmy after comedian Jimmy Fallon, adding that his fondness for animals extends to all species.
The Power of Forgiveness
Mario said one of the lessons his dad has imparted to him also served as inspiration for the book—namely, the importance of forgiving others.“It’s important to forgive because you can have stronger friendships with the people you love,” he said.
“When you forgive, it makes you feel good and makes you a better person,” Mario added, noting that his father, who co-authored the book, always tells him to “take the high road.”
In addition to embracing the power of forgiveness, “Mario and the Squirrel Named Jimmy” explores other moving themes, such as compassion, unconditional love, and the joy of connection.
Mario’s father told The Epoch Times that it’s important for parents to teach their children these valuable lessons. “But we can’t teach them without living them,” Tubiolo-Syracusa said.
“These lessons and values can transform our lives and the people around us, and also have the power to transform the world,” the veteran journalist continued.
The Wisdom of Children
Mario gifted his new book to each of his classmates for Christmas and has already received great feedback.“They liked it a lot, and they asked me to autograph the book,” the young author said.
“Mario and the Squirrel Named Jimmy” is the first installment in a series of forthcoming books.
Tubiolo-Syracusa said he and his son are already working on a second book about overcoming fear and anxiety, in which Mario and Jimmy embark on an adventure through Italy.
“I’m so proud of my son Mario and his creativity; he is one of the most generous, kind kids I have ever encountered. He teaches me how to be a better person,” the talk show host explained.
Tubiolo-Syracusa observed that children are often able to express themselves openly and without inhibition. For this reason, he said parents should empower their children to explore their creativity to the fullest extent.
Because children are untouched by societal influences or life’s challenges, “their words carry the power to transform us,” the Brooklyn native said.
“Their pure heart and unconditional love, expressed without hesitation or judgment, is a profound reminder of how we are called to live.”
Parents can learn valuable lessons from their children if they take time to listen with open hearts and minds, he said.
“It’s not always easy, but if we truly pay attention and view the world through their eyes instead of our own, I believe the world would be a better place.
“Our children have so much wisdom to share if we would just listen to them.”
