All about Books, Writing journey

The love of picture books continues 

The joy of picture books continues this week with the arrival of my niece and nephew. It has been a while since I had a toddler clamber on my knee for story time but it is one of life’s perfect moments. The excitement of meeting the characters, the flow of the words, colourful illustrations and even turning the page is contagious. Pure happiness radiates from the kids as they recite the words of old favourites or learn new ones. Picture books are magic portals into the world of reading and I don’t think they are appreciated by adults as much as they should.

Joy of picture books

They don’t need to be long Jasper’s Beanstalk with minimal words and simple plot captivated them as much as the longer more involved Bumblebear but the illustrations matter as does the rhythm. I have a lot to learn as I scribble ideas down and stories form in my mind. I wish I could draw the images I see beyond the stick person version because they do not do them justice.  These children’s stories are distracting me from my WIP. The more I try to focus on Amber the worse the words and the mental block is so I am procrastinating usefully by exploring the world of picture books and enjoying every moment.

Time to read We are going on a bear hunt again and again and again.

Do you have any favourite picture books I should read? Let me know your recommendations below.

 

Happy writing and reading!

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All about Books, Ellfaenian Journals, Writing journey

Picture books and more

I should be typing frantically towards my WIP for Camp NaNoWriMo but instead, I have been distracted by picture books.

I stumbled across a folder full of ideas, illustration attempts (they deserve the rubbish bin not hoarded) and drafts of children’s stories I wrote when my daughter was little. Some are ok and could have potential, others just made my daughter splutter with laughter – not the reaction I hoped for. A story about tadpoles in a jar anyone? Since then more ideas have formed; colourful magic, dragons, enthusiastic infants on exciting days out and clouds are filling my mind. This is not helpful when the current scenes in my WIP are based on teenage angst.  It is tempting to focus on pre-school fun  rather than current project. The arrival of Children’s Writers and Artists Yearbook 2018 has not helped either. How do you get back on track when your mind gallops in another direction?

I need a kick to go back to The Ellfaenian Journals. Amber has waited long enough!

But …

With my young nephew and niece visiting next week I may indulge in the beauty of picture books for a little longer.

Happy writing!

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