KIds' Books, TV Shows, Tree Carvings: Maplewood Native, Entrepreneur Debuts New Projects

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Maplewood native Barry Farber is used to navigating the business and creative worlds at once, and says that even though his entrepreneurial achievements and new children's book come from separate disciplines, they inform each other.

In fact, Farber's debut children's book, "The Adventures of Little Billy," features animal characters who exemplify traits that lead to success.

Farber, who lived in Maplewood until midway through high school and graduated from Livingston High School in 1977, has published 14 books. "Little Billy" is his first for children.

His most well-known book, "Diamond in the Rough," was definitely not for kids, and was about the traits that make someone successful in business. But he believed kids could learn important traits such as patience and courage.

"There's a lot of synergy between all of them," Farber said, of his various creative works. "I've always had animals growing up. I like nature. I like martial arts and doing things that are associated with the natural world."

When it came to translating his past projects and tips for success into a kids' book, it wasn't hard, he said.

"Every one of those projects was a commitment," he said. "Failure is not an option."

Farber said he forsees five books in his series. He has also cast a cartoon series based on the books, with some New Jersey actors doing the voices, including his middle son Jordan, 27, who lives in Hoboken.

Farber said that as he has moved forward with various projects, he's met resistance, but proved critics wrong. He even had success selling a flat pen on TV.

Aside from recently writing and working with stars on TV programs, Farber has sculpted many works of art. And as he wrote his children's book, he carved animals into the trees in his Livingston yard (see photos above).

"Artwork is a passion," he said. "It helps me relax. When I'm sculpting, I go into a mode where my mind is very relaxed. Ideas flood my mind that I've never had before. [One] idea was, you cannot just write this book. You have to get this book out there. You have to go big."

The Traits For Success

Farber said "Little Billy" works best for kids aged 2-6, but could be for older children.

"I wanted kids to be surrounded by something entertaining but also give them something powerful and positive," he said.

Among the traits exemplified by the animal characters: curiosity, imagination, patience, wisdom.

"Bosco the bear is all about attitude, giving a smile to people," he said.

A publicist noted, "Barry drew inspiration for his new book from the key components and plot line of ‘Diamond in the Rough,’ his first book examining the top traits of high achievers, ranging from business leaders to brain surgeons ... Each of the animals, an owl, bear, wolf, turtle and toad, have the essential traits detailed in Diamond in the Rough — but in the form of a compelling story kids can relate to, while integrating important values that parents will appreciate."

On TV

For the cartoons, which will air on cable TV later this year, Ottis Jerome “O.J.” Anderson will play Sherman the Turtle, The Amazing Kreskin will play The Magic Tree, and Bobby Collins will take on the role of Bosco the Bear.

Farber is excited enough about the new world he's created that there are hats and other gifts that go with the book, available on this website: https://shopmagictree.com/

Find some of Farber's other work here: https://farberoriginals.com/Little Billy Animated

Order "Little Billy" here.

Read more about Farber here.

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