Tim Warnes's Blog: My Life in Books, page 17

February 28, 2020

The curious case of Old Mr. Bunny

From The Big Issue (17-23 Feb 2020) | From The Tale of Benjamin Bunny by Beatrix Potter | Original © 1904 by Beatrix Potter

Everyone has heard the adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Pictures are also worth a crap load of money to the person suing you for copyright infringement.

— A Guide To Copyright and Fair Use Laws For Online Images by Danielle Prager

A friend of mine asked if it takes a lot of time getting permissions for my articles. So I thought now would be a good time to explain Fair Use policy, and talk about copyright in general.

But as I began writing, the stars aligned, and I came across an opinion piece in The Big Issue which made use of an illustration by Beatrix Potter. The caption read (incorrectly), Not all rabbits have Peter’s talent for survival - incorrect because the picture is of Old Mr. Bunny (not Peter). Taken from The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, surprisingly neither the book nor Potter herself, are credited. But worse - the photo is attributed: [the Photographer]* /Alamy Stock Photo.

While not Copyright theft (since the Photographer didn’t claim copyright ownership by adding the © symbol) this is surely copyright infringement - right?…

‘Copyright protects your work and stops others from using it without your permission.’
- GOV.UK

Or, as Beatrix Potter once wrote,

The bad Rabbit would like some carrot.

He doesn’t say “Please.”

He takes it!
- The Story of a Fierce Bad Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (Frederick Warne & Co. 1906)

But as with most things, it’s not that simple. Because copyright protection does not last forever. (To add to the confusion, Copyright Law also varies depending on the type of work and between territories.) Here in the UK, copyright for a written and artistic work lasts for 70 years after the author’s death. The article, Peter Rabbit Loses Copyright Protection, confirms:

In 2014, creators who died in 1943 fall into the public domain. One of those authors is Beatrix Potter, the author and illustrator who wrote The Tale of Peter Rabbit, making her works available… [to] be freely exploited by any party for any purpose.. without permission.

The British government’s own website backs this up: ‘Once your copyright has expired, anyone can use or copy your work.’

So our Bunny photographer is in the clear?

Not necessarily.

From Sorry by Norbert Landa and Tim Warnes (Little Tiger Press 2009) | Illustration © 2019 by Tim Warnes

According to Lana Castleman (writing on kidscreen.com), the representation rights to the classic World of Beatrix Potter property and preschool series The Tales of Peter Rabbit were purchased in 2011 by Silvergate Media. Meaning Silvergate control the licensing and merchandising rights to The World of Beatrix Potter.

(Later in her article, Castleman states that UK-based Frederick Warne & Co. ‘remains the underlying owner of Potter’s literary properties.’)

By now, my head was spinning. Precisely who does own the copyright to Beatrix Potter’s work? (And how trustworthy is the information on the internet?!) Like a good little bunny, I dug deeper (not to discredit anyone but to try and get my facts straight). Which is when I realised how extraordinarily complicated copyright law is. (One could say, it’s an absolute mess, which leads to confusion - even among those who work in publishing!)

I decided to contact the professionals, and emailed the government’s own Intellectual Property Office:

Please could you confirm that the following work (specifically the illustrations) is out of copyright, in the public domain and freely available to use:

- Beatrix Potter’s illustrations

I look forward to hearing from you…

It didn’t help at all. GOV.UK’s IP advisor replied:

Please be advised the copyright would last the lifetime of the owners, Plus 70 [years] from the First January of their passing. [sic]

No mention of Silver Media owning the licencing rights.

So I enquired with The Beatrix Potter Society.

Member Betsy replied:

Beatrix Potter illustrations are still under copyright. The Society has nothing to do with the copyrights, though.

They are still with her publisher which is now Penguin Random House with the imprint Frederick Warne.

All my best,

Betsy

But Betsy! I wanted to cry - Beatrix Potter died in December 1943! Her published works came out of copyright 70 years - in January 2014!

Wait! Perhaps that’s the secret to unravelling at least some of this mess.

Published works.

The Tale of Kitty-In-Boots, illustrated by Quentin Blake | Illustration © 2016 by Quentin Blake |Image source: barnesandnoble.com

In 2016, Frederick Warne & Co. published Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots (illustrated by Sir Quentin Blake) - for the very first time.

Since it was published after Potter’s death, it falls under different copyright law: so Kitty-in-Boots is copyright protected until 2039. (Blake’s illustrations, of course, will be afforded copyright protection for 70 years after his death).

The Kitty-in-Boots manuscript was discovered in the Victoria and Albert Museum archive (the most extensive public collection of Beatrix Potter’s letters and drawings) in 2015. Which raises the question: who owns her other original artwork and manuscripts?

Potter left almost all the original illustrations for her books to the National Trust. (The Tale of Peter Rabbit is owned by Frederick Warne and Company, The Tailor of Gloucester by the Tate Gallery and The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies by the British Museum.) Other pieces will be in private collections.

But owning a piece of original art - even when you have paid for it - does not give you ownership of the copyright in the artwork, which remains with the artist.

According to Wikipedia, the copyright to Beatrix Potter’s stories and merchandise was given (I assume in her will) to her publisher Frederick Warne & Co. Today, Warne is a division of the Penguin Group - meaning Penguin have the right to reproduce, licence and benefit from the exploitation of Potter’s work.

Except of course that the copyright in Potter’s work expired in the UK and other countries under the 70-years-after-death policy - didn’t it?

I hopped over to the FAQ page on PeterRabbit.com - which made me raise a quizzical eyebrow:

I would like to use Peter Rabbit images and/or text. Who should I contact for permission?

All Beatrix Potter’s illustrations and tales are owned by Frederick Warne & Co. and cannot be used without permission from the Frederick Warne Rights Department.

Please click here to download a Permissions Application Form, and complete and return to rights-brandsandlicensing@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk who will get back to you in due course.

Warne & Co. own all Beatrix Potter’s illustrations? What about those bequeathed to the National Trust? Those owned by the Tate and the British Museum? Not to mention private collections. Are they trying to give the impression that they still control (or indeed, control) rights that are no longer theirs? (The fact that Silvergate Media is the global licensing agent for Beatrix Potter/Peter Rabbit is also stated on the FAQ page. (Which, to me, seems to contradict the premise that her work ‘cannot be used without permission from the Frederick Warne Rights Department’ - and the need to contact rightsbrandsandlicensing@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.)

Can it really be this complicated?

Remember that image of Old Mr. Bunny in The Big Issue? Let’s just assume that yes, Potter’s work is out of copyright. And that the photograph was taken from the original Beatrix Potter art (rather than the printed illustration, whose copyright - I think - would be owned by the publisher).

Because it is instantly identifiable as Beatrix Potter’s bunny, it’s my understanding that the Photographer would need a licence granting him rights to use the image, or likeness, of the character. The Photographer would, in turn, issue a release form (a signed document giving permission from the owner - whoever that is) to The Big Issue, giving them the all-clear.

Except on the Photographer’s Alamy page, it clearly states: there is no release form for this image (meaning none was issued).

Curiouser and curiouser. (Sorry, wrong book!).

After further poking about in the recesses of the internet, I learnt that you do not need a release for editorial use (i.e. when ‘[t]he image … is used to illustrate an article, story, critique or educational text.’)

Which is where Fair Use comes in.

Except that The Big Issue article was not about Beatrix Potter or something closely related (for example, classic children’s books). So I think it would be a stretch to say that the use of Old Mr. Bunny falls under Fair Use law.

MY BRAIN HURTS!

Which brings me back full circle to my friend’s question: does it take up a lot of time getting permissions for my blog?

The short answer is yes and no - yes because I do my best to seek permission from the copyright holders; no, because I use them under Fair Use law (known as Fair Dealing in the US).

Confused? You should be! So, brace yourself - because next time, we’re going to wade into those murky water of Fair Use, where litigious beasts lurk around every corner…

* I do not wish to discredit anyone, so I have decided to make the Photographer anonymous.

Disclaimer:

I am but a humble storyteller.

I am not an attorney nor a lawyer (and clearly do not have a full grasp of the legal system)!

So please do not take my opinions as law, or indeed, truth. And remember that laws vary from country to country.

Detail from What Small Rabbit Heard by Sheryl Webster and Tim Warnes (Oxford University Press 2010) | Illustration © 2010 by Tim Warnes My decision to give Small Rabbit the blue jacket was, of course, a nod to Peter Rabbit.

My decision to give Small Rabbit the blue jacket was, of course, a nod to Peter Rabbit.

Sources A Guide To Copyright and Fair Use Laws For Online Images by Danielle Prager (Rival IQ, January 25, 2019)The Big Issue 17-23 Feb 2020www.gov.uk/copyrightThe Story of a Fierce Bad Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (Frederick Warne & Co. 1906)Sorry by Norbert Landa, ill. by Tim Warnes (Little Tiger Press 2009) Alli buys rights to Beatrix Potter, Octonauts By Lana Castleman (kidscreen.com September 22, 2011)The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (Frederick Warne & Co. 1902)The Tale of Kitty-In-Boots by Beatrix Potter, ill. by Quentin Blake (Frederick Warne & Co. 2016) Beatrix Potter and Copyright By Chris J Holland (UCL Library Services, 12 April 2016)Wikipedia: Beatrix Potter Property and model releases explained (Alamy.com) The Tale of Kitty in Boots: New Beatrix Potter Book Cover Revealed - BNKidsblogWikipedia: The Tale of Kitty-In-Boots www.Peterrabbit.comWhat Small Rabbit Heard by Sheryl Webster, ill. by Tim Warnes (Oxford University Press 2010)

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Published on February 28, 2020 01:43

February 21, 2020

Pinky and Brown

Sharing a book with a child is fun - it’s a time for closeness, laughing and talking together. It can also give children a flying start in life and help them become lifelong readers ... and it’s never too early to start.

— Booktrust

What Can Pinky Hear? by Lucy Cousins (Walker Books 1991) | © 1991 by Lucy Cousins

I've been thinking more about books and babies.

Remembering the days when my kids were little. (When they couldn't get me in a neck lock!)

We all enjoyed Lucy Cousin's work - especially Noah, who was mad for Maisy Mouse. My earliest memory of reading to Noah is of Cousins' picture book, Noah's Ark, which we had in board book and paperback editions. Oh - and her charming What Can Pinky Hear?

This is Pinky.

He has big ears so he can hear things well.

Pinky (who features in one other book - What Can Pinky See?) is a bespectacled, pink rabbit. Somewhat overshadowed by Maisy Mouse, I think 2020 is the perfect time to give Pinky Rabbit a reboot. He's on-trend for the new awareness around inclusivity in children's publishing. Because although Pinky’s male (which, admittedly, can be held against him), he is PINK and wears glasses. Come on Walker Books, what do you say?

Pinky's spectacles may seem inconsequential to us as adults. But to a child with issues surrounding their own sight, they can prove life-affirming, as this quote reveals:

The author, Lucy Cousins, tells us that Pinky "wears glasses so he can see well." Then Pinky goes on an adventure finding new things to see in different places. [His disability is addressed - but] the main focus of the story is on what he finds.
For Little Eyes (a community for family and friends of young kids in glasses, eye patches, or contacts)

There's no story as such to the Pinky books - instead, a series of questions that promote discussion (with the answers being revealed pictorially).

For example:

What can Pinky hear in the sky?

(A cloud shaped flap is lifted to reveal - vroom! - an aeroplane.)

Simple - and perfect for babies!

Here's why -

Bold, bright colours and thick black outlines (both characteristic of Lucy Cousins’ art);

Simple, uncluttered pictures that exude a feel-good warmth;

With their lift-the-flap aspect, they are interactive, turning reading into a game and encouraging exploration by Baby’s inquisitive fingers;

Repeated refrains (What can Pinky hear/see?) are reassuring to Baby;

The lack of a written answer encourages both Reader and Baby to engage more by verbalising what they see. This in turn develops the valuable skill of discussion.

(Both books end with an adorable illustration of Pinky asleep in bed, his glasses beside him on the bedside table. It's so cute!)

(In case you’re wondering what Pinky can hear at bedtime - the answer is the tick tock of a grandfather clock, and hidden inside - a mouse.)

For me, the real acid test of a picture book is how well it reads aloud.

And my next Good to Read recommendation works brilliantly both for babies and older children! It's Mr Brown Can Moo, Can You? by Dr Seuss.

Mr Brown Can Moo! Can You?: Dr Seuss's Book of Wonderful Noises! by Dr Seuss (Random House 1970) | © 1970 by Dr Seuss

We had a chunky, board book version which saw us through both our boy's early years, and they still remember it now. It was great fun to read aloud, thanks to Seuss's satisfying onomatopoeia:

Moo moo | Buzz buzz | Pop pop | Klopp

Cock a doodle doo | Hoo hoo|Dibble dibble dopp

Tick tock |Knock knock | Boom boom

Splatt

Last a whisper whisper and that is that!

I especially enjoyed reading this part:

BOOM BOOM BOOM

Mr Brown is a wonder!

BOOM BOOM BOOM

Mr Brown makes thunder.

He makes lighting

SPLATT SPLATT SPLATT

and it's very, very hard to make a noise like that.'

(I reckon I'll still be able to recite this in my dotage...)

The cadence of Dr Seuess's writing makes this a great one for babies. Through repeated readings, the reader (as I did) ends up learning the poem by heart. This can prove very useful in car journeys when Baby needs distracting - or soothing. After recommending Mr Brown on my Instagram feed, one follower commented,

Quoting this one was the only thing that would calm my firstborn on car rides, so it will always hold a particular spot in my heart, too.

One final book that holds a particular spot in my heart - Lullaby Lion by Vivian French, illustrated by Alison Bartlett (Walker 1997).

Lullaby Lion by Vivian French, ill. by Alison Bartlett (Walker Books 1997) | © 1997 by Vivian French and Alison Bartlett

Little lion

Large lion

Licking lion

Laughing lion

Lazy lion

Leaping lion

Lost lion

Looking lion

Love you, love you, Lullaby lion!

Aside from the fact that Baby Noah totally engaged with the book, he would respond to the rhyme itself (lots of lovely alliteration going on there!). Like Mr Brown, Lullaby Lion proved to be a lifesaver for us, too (especially on car journeys) since it would always help Noah feel calm.

An aside about board books.

Be they the traditional stock or the new fancy pants kind (with their squidgy, padded covers), board books are great for Baby to chew on. (As you can see, our copy of Lullaby Lion looks like a puppy's been at it!)

Sometimes, maybe that's all they're good for - at least as far as Baby's concerned. Because there has been a recent surge in reproducing all sorts of picture books in board book format. Personally, I have mixed feelings about this: the original doesn't always translate into the smaller size - and its content may not hold baby's attention.

Not all books are created equal. The books that parents should read to six- and nine-month-olds will likely be different than those they read to two-year-olds, which will likely be different than those appropriate for four-year-olds who are getting ready to read on their own. In other words, to reap the benefits of shared book reading during infancy, we need to be reading our little ones the right books at the right time.
Lisa S. Scott - Associate Professor in Psychology, University of Florida

But board books are clearly a growing market. And reading to children of any age should be encouraged. But how about we change our perception of who board books are for? Sturdy and easy to hold, board books open and lie flat in the most satisfying way - so no fiddling about with page turns (and no detail lost in the fold). Why shouldn't older kids enjoy them (especially for cross-over titles that work for babies and older kids, too - such as Mr Brown?)? When you think about it, board books are the perfect solution for an early reader who might want to lie in bed reading.

Convinced books for babies are a Good Thing? Great!

Check out some more recommendations below.

Good to Read

Books for babies

Miffy by Dick Bruna

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Anything featuring Maisy Mouse (In fact, anything by Lucy Cousins!)

Everyone Hide From Wibbly Pig by Mick Inkpen

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr Seuss

I Love You to the Moon and Back by Tim Warnes

Goodnight, Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

SourcesReading with your child (Booktrust.com)What Can Pinky Hear? by Lucy Cousins (Walker Books 1991) What Can Pinky See? book review (For Little Eyes, 20 Aug 2009) Maisy.comMr Brown Can Moo! Can You?: Dr Seuss's Book of Wonderful Noises! by Dr Seuss (Random House 1970)Lullaby Lion by Vivian French, ill. by Alison Bartlett (Walker Books 1997) For baby’s brain to benefit, read the right books at the right time by Lisa S. Scott (theconversation.com, December 9, 2017)

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Published on February 21, 2020 00:44

February 14, 2020

Babies love books!

I Love You as Big as the World - Bilingual Welsh/English language edition (Gomer 2013) | Illustration © 2008 by Tim Warnes

The first thing to look for, if you are a baby choosing a new book to read in a bookstore, is how a book feels under your feet. A good board book should offer a satisfying one-footed slide, and a good hardcover picture book should allow both feet good purchase for a long scoot or stand.

— Elizabeth Bluemle, Bookseller

In 2013, the Bookstart Wales distributed 40,000 bilingual copies of my book I LOVE YOU AS BIG AS THE WORLD as well as one thousand in Welsh.

Anhygoel! (As they say in Wales.)

Bookstart is the world’s first national book gifting programme. Established in 1992 and run by the reading charity BookTrust, a Bookstart pack is gifted to every baby in England and Wales before they are 12 months old (and again a few years later). Why is Booktrust so keen to get books into the hands of children? Because it engenders a culture of reading together, which has it’s own knock-on effects. As Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the National Literacy Trust explains -

Books have the power to transform children’s reading skills, enjoyment and mental wellbeing.

In a nutshell - books are good for you - including babies!

Babies love books. They are never too young to benefit from being read to -

start (if you can manage it!) from day one. Even before they can focus; before they have control of their tiny limbs - babies will be blessed. Reading aloud offers them another opportunity to hear your voice. (You may even find they act as lullabies - particularly rhyming books - and help Baby sleep.)

Robin and Jason Shepherd. Image courtesy and © Stephanie Shepherd

Once Baby starts growing and developing, books really come into their own.

‘If you want a positive loving relationship with anyone, find ways to spend mutually joyful times together.’

Books - and storytime - provide a simple (and portable) opportunity to do just that - as this short video demonstrates.

It was sent to my son, Levi by his friend, Rosie, and is of her reading to her baby brother, Ted. (The picture quality isn’t great, because this was a genuine, real-life moment. ) Just wait ’til you hear Baby Ted chuckle…

They’re reading my book, I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! written by Caroline B. Cooney (Zonderkidz 2016) - currently Ted’s favourite book! And they’re having fun, right?!

But the benefits to Baby Ted are even more profound:

Baby is bonding. Ted’s relationship with his sister is being strengthened - and vice versa. (This, in turn, will help Ted connect with people later on in life.)

Baby Ted is learning to interact - with the book as an object, and Rosie.

The act of engaging encourages Baby Ted to discover and explore his world.

Baby Ted is practising things like turning pages and noticing illustrations. (I don’t know what it is, but something about that big, big pig hug tickles Ted’s funny bone!)

With repeat readings, Baby Ted will familiarise himself with the book. In time he may start repeating words and phrases recalled from their read-alouds. (Many pre-readers learn to recite books by heart, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.)

The rhythm and cadence of Rosie’s reading will aid Baby Ted’s speech development.

Rosie the Reader is creating memories (for herself, and arguably for Ted, too).

From I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! by Caroline B. Cooney, ill. by Tim Warnes (Zonderkidz 2016) | Illustration © 2016 by Tim Warnes

When a child is being read to, typically what happens is the reader and the child focus their attention on something together, which has positive impacts on cognitive development. The child is also usually learning vocabulary, and perhaps developing some social-emotional routines for self-soothing.
Timothy Shanahan, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Founding Director of the UIC Center for Literacy

Excellent job, Rosie - keep up the good work with Baby Ted!

US customers can purchase Bear Hug directly from Zonderkidz using the link below:

Buy Bear Hug!

Available in soft padded Board Book and Hardback versions.

Try your local bookshop or search online.

* Rated 5 Star by 93% of Amazon reviewers **Rated average 4.2 Star on Good Reads*

SourcesRwy’n Dy Garu Di mor Fawr a’r Byd by David van Buren, ill. by Tim Warnes (Gomer 2013) How Babies Choose Books by Elizabeth Bluemle (Publishers Weekly blog, Shelftalker, July 9th, 2019)

BookStart

Children who own books six times more likely to read above expected level, survey finds by Eleanor Busby (Independent, 2 Dec 2019) Why Pre-Readers Should Get to Enjoy Books Independently (And How to Help Them Learn to Do It) By Lindsay Barrett (Brightly.com)I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! by Caroline B. Cooney, ill. by Tim Warnes (Zonderkidz 2016)

shelleyjohannes

Quoting this one was the only thing that would calm my firstborn on car rides, so it will always hold a special spot in my heart, too.

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Published on February 14, 2020 00:05

February 7, 2020

In which Pooh comes to the rescue

Illustrations © Ernest H. Shepard

[S]tories are a huge comfort when things are bad.

— Judith Kerr

One summer, we stayed at a holiday home in Cornwall whose entrance was alarmed. So whenever one of us came in or went out, a piercing two-toned signal was emitted.

'Hey guys,' it would proclaim, 'the door has been opened!'

Every.

Single.

Time.

Mildly irritating at first, after a day or two, the sound became less intrusive, until, by the end of the week, the alarm’s announcements were barely noticeable.

Until the wee hours of our final night’s stay, when - Boo-beep!

I woke up suddenly with a sinking feeling to the announcement that someone (or something) had just opened the front door!

Did I forget to lock it?

Had I dreamt it? (No - it had awoken my wife, too).

I lay in bed, straining to hear movements, praying that it was not an intruder of Hostile Intent. But all I could hear was the tom-tom beating of my heart as it pounded in my chest and head.

I was terrified - but my family needed me. I crept out of the bedroom and looked in on Levi (six at the time), who was still sleeping soundly next door. Noah was upstairs, so safe - for now. With no plan of action, I sneaked through the dark house, terrified of what I might find. There must be somebody there, raced my thoughts, because somebody must have opened the door.

The house was open plan and vast, with floor to ceiling windows that overlooked Sennen Cove by day - and potentially hid intruders behind their great swag of curtains at night. What would happen if I confronted someone - or worse, someones? I picked up a pair of scissors from Jane’s sewing pile and pulled and poked at the curtains.

I found no one - but the door had been opened for sure. I concluded the sound of the alarm must have scared the intruders off. Unless… Think, think, think. What would I do if I were the intruder? Next to the front door was a side door that led into the garage. Conceivably, someone could have ducked in there - so I locked it just to be safe.

My head was buzzing. High on adrenaline, I got into bed next to Levi. I needed to calm down, but how? Glancing at the bedside table between us, I noticed Levi's bedtime story: The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne.

Here was my remedy - my mean of escape to somewhere altogether less scary.

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.

"Pooh!" he whispered.

"Yes, Piglet?"

"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw. "I just wanted to be sure of you."
- The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne

I read until dawn.

From Winnie-The-Pooh by A.A. Milne | Illustration © 1926 by Ernest H. Shepard

Experiencing Winnie-the-Pooh is (for me) like gathering a soft quilt around my shoulders. The beloved Bear of Very Little Brain and his friends are a source of comfort and joy.

From time to time, I dip into one of the books and regroup with the old gang. Those marvellous illustrations by Ernest Shepherd alone delight me. And in recent years, I’ve returned to the audio versions for a little pick me up (usually when I’m painting my illustrations).

Why do I find the tales of the One Hundred Acre Wood so comforting? For starters, they remind me of snuggling up with Dad as a child. In the safety of his arms, I would listen as he brought the books alive, each character receiving a different voice. (Just like when Willie Rushton read it on Jackanory.) In later years, I rediscovered the joy of the stories when we bought the audio version for Noah (read by another Jackanory legend, the wonderful Bernard Cribbins). It was pretty much on a continual loop for about three years - so now all those added memories join the nostalgia mix and add to the feel-good factor.

Then there's Pooh himself, so grounded and unflappable - how could you not feel the calm of his presence in moments of uncertainty?

“Supposing a tree fell down, Pooh, when we were underneath it?”
“Supposing it didn’t,” said Pooh after careful thought.
Piglet was comforted by this.
- Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A.Milne

A.A. Milne wrote Winnie-the-Pooh post WW1. (Milne suffered injuries severe enough in the Battle of the Somme to be sent home an invalid). The stories, and musings of Pooh, evolved from the games that he played some years later in the woods with his son, Christopher (and his now-infamous collection of stuffed animals). This unique combination of experiences led to the great sense of love and peace that flows throughout the Pooh books - and makes them even more poignant.

“I think we dream so we don’t have to be apart for so long. If we’re in each other’s dreams, we can be together all the time.”
- Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A.Milne

As Lucy Mangan notes in her memoir, Bookworm, the Hundred Acre Woods ‘offered sanctuary, a quiet, idealised rural retreat from horror.’

From The House At Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne | Illustration © 1928 by Ernest H. Shepard

In short, the Hundred Acre Woods were (and remain) a happy place to escape to. Just as I did on that night in Sennen Cove.

In the morning, I had to relive my fear of the previous night and check in the garage.

Gingerly, I opened the door and swung it open abruptly to catch my prisoner off guard.

But there was no intruder - human or Heffalump.

We were safe.

And the moral of this story? Find yourself some good and faithful friends who are there for you through life’s ups and downs - someone to hold your hand when you are feeling overwhelmed.

Create a positive history for your kids through connected story time (my Good to Read recommendations should help with this).

And finally - don’t forget to lock your doors at night.

Good to Read

Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne, ill. by Ernest H. Shepard (Methuen 1926)

The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne, ill. by Ernest H. Shepard (Methuen 1928)

Good to Listen To

Winnie-the-Pooh / The House at Pooh Corner - read by Bernard Cribbins

Dramatised Pooh stories featuring Stephen Fry, Judi Dench, Jane Horrocks et al

Sources Lunch with…Judith Kerr by Tim Adams (The Guardian, 16 Dec 2018) How to connect with your children and enrich both your lives (telegraph.co.uk, 18 Sep 2017)Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne, ill. by Ernest H. Shepard (Methuen 1926)The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne, ill. by Ernest H. Shepard (Methuen 1928)BOOKWORM | A MEMOIR OF CHILDHOOD READING BY LUCY MANGAN (VINTAGE 2018)

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Published on February 07, 2020 02:19

January 31, 2020

Bear and Wolf

... while in the secret dark a fresh snow falls
filling our tracks with stars.

— from 'Snow' by Gillian Clarke | Used by permission

Mindfulness is a bit of a buzzword at the moment.

At its heart, it is about an attitude of gratitude, of noticing and appreciating what is often overlooked, and of acknowledging our present emotions. And for me, it’s been a life-saver. As a kid I think I was naturally mindful, certainly with respect to the nature that surrounded me. But over the years, as life presses in, that innate skill gets buried and lost. So reconnecting with my environment - and myself - has been a positive experience.

Here’s an example from my journal, dictated whilst out walking last October:

‘The plaintive whistle of a bullfinch. It seems to reflect my mood this morning: cheerful, yet with an underlying tone of melancholy.’

(In case your wondering what that sounded / felt like, take a listen to this recording of a bullfinch:)

This week, my Good to Read recommendation exemplifies the practice of mindfulness. It is the enchanting Bear and Wolf by Daniel Salmieri (Enchanted Lion 2018).

Bear and Wolf by Daniel Salmieri (Enchanted Lion Books 2018) | Image © 2018 by Daniel Salmieri | Source : Enchanted Lion Books

Bear and Wolf by Daniel Salmieri (Enchanted Lion Books 2018) | Image © 2018 by Daniel Salmieri | Source : Enchanted Lion Books

Quite simply, it’s a tale of a winter walk, ‘through the trees deep in the forest’ - and a chance encounter between a young bear and wolf.

And it is one of those rare picture books that I treasure - because nothing really happens.

Both Bear and Wolf have ‘set out from home, to take in the glistening, wintery night with eyes, ears and nose.’ As creator Salmieri explains, ‘[t]he story of Bear and Wolf is about being present and experiencing life fully. It’s about a shared understanding with your friend, where not a lot needs to be said.’

There’s no hero; no villain.

No crisis to build up to.

No resolution to be made.

Just the opportunity to stop and ‘watch [the]woods fill up with snow.’ (Robert Frost).

“Are you lost?” asked Bear.

“No, I’m not lost. Are you?” asked Wolf.

“No, I’m not lost. I’m out for a walk to feel the cold on my face, and to enjoy the quiet of the woods when it snows…

(I have to say, it makes a change that no one’s lost in the picture book!)

… What are you doing?” [asked Bear.]

“I’m out for a walk to feel the cold under my paws, and to listen to the crunching of the snow as I walk.”

“Do you want to walk with me?” asked Bear.

“Sure,” said Wolf.

And so the quiet, companions continue, exploring the sensations of the snowy forest.

Bear and Wolf walked through the quietly falling snow, using their eyes, and ears, and noses to take in the snowy woods. … [They] smelled the wet bark of the trees and heard the small sounds the snowflakes made on their fur.

‘I … wanted to focus on the senses,’ shares Salmieri, ‘because animals experience their whole lives so much through their physical senses.’ This approach makes Bear and Wolf an excellent book for teaching the principle of mindfulness.

Salmieri presents their journey with brave, cinematic viewpoints. From the aerial view of a passing snowy owl, or glimpsed between trees. From the depths of a frozen lake into which the new friends look, pondering the fish sleeping peacefully below.

The illustrations are uncluttered and free from the text, which sits below the images at the bottom of each page in a simple, unfussy typeface. Salmieri’s drawing style itself is childlike and naive (a skilful thing to pull off without the art looking just, well, crap). He works in what has become known as an analogue way. It’s how I still love to work. And although it is old school, it gives his work a distinct, ‘arty’ feel (making it stand out from the digital crowd). I relish being able to see the artist’s underdrawing, pencil strokes and splatter effects. (And if, like me, you enjoy watching artists at work, then check out the trailer for Bear and Wolf below, in which Salmieri talks about his book, and demonstrates some of his techniques.)

I must give credit, too, to the publisher, Enchanted Lion. By giving Bear and Wolf more than the standard number of spreads, they’ve allowed the work to breathe and flourish. We are even treated to some ‘silent spreads’, where the reader is given a moment’s pause, to do nothing but rest and enjoy the view. It’s paid off - the resulting book is ‘stunning, serene and philosophical’ (New York Times), and our reading experience is enhanced. (Honestly, I envy the opportunity Salmieri was given. Publishers usually want an obvious story arc full of whizz-bangs.)

The newfound friends part - Bear to return to her hibernating family, Wolf to run ‘silently with his pack, looking for the caribou.’ Yet the story comes full circle when Bear and Wolf meet again in the spring, when the awakening forest is ‘bursting with sounds and smells.’

I chose this beautiful book as my Good to Read recommendation because it’s a perfect bedtime story.

The wintery landscape has a magical quality. The woods are still and hushed. You can almost feel peace descending as you read Salmieri’s beautiful, simple prose. (‘The thing that I loved to write when I was younger,’ explains Salmieri, ‘was poetry.’)

A feeling of calm is guaranteed.

Bear and Wolf will teach your kids about friendship and how to be mindful and appreciative of their environment.

And as its creator, Salmieri points out, it’s a great reminder for adults, too, to use our ears to listen, our eyes to see, and our nose to smell.

To find joy in our surroundings.

Just like Bear and Wolf.

Learn more at: https://enchantedlion.com/all-books/bear-and-wolf With thanks to Gillian Clarke for allowing the quotation from her poem, Snow. Good to read

Quiet picture books with tender friendships

Very Special Friends by Jane Chapman (Little Tiger Press 2012)

The Toot and Puddle series by Holly Hobbie (Simon & Schuster)

Leon and Bob by Simon James (Walker Books 1997)

The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers (HarperCollins 2007)

SourcesBEAR AND WOLF BY DANIEL SALMIERI (ENCHANTED LION 2018)Snow - from Selected Poems by Gillian Clarke (Picador 2016)Eurasian Bullfinch audio by Stanislas Wroza (Xeno-Canto- shared under Creative Commons) Ten beautiful winter poems (PanMacmillan Blog, 12 November, 2018)Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost (Poetry Foundation) Standout New Picture Books By Maria Russo (New York Times March 9, 2018)Bear and Wolf - Book Trailer (2018) Produced by Enchanted Lion Books |Videography by Miriam Abrahams (Vimeo)

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Published on January 31, 2020 02:54

January 24, 2020

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!

Up in the hills above the farm
Lives a pack of wolves
Never did no harm
Sleep all day
Hunt till four
Maybe catch a couple of rodents
You know, carnivore

— Paul Simon - 'Pigs, Sheep and Wolves'

Last week I wrote in support of Booktrust’s bath, book, bed campaign - a routine that we set in place for our sons when they were growing up. Looking back, I remember bathtime itself was often filled with stories.

Picture books were often shared; then as they grew older, chapter books. And during our bathtime games, many fantastical narratives were made up on the spot by father and sons.

Don’t underestimate the value of playing these imaginary games with children. As well as being fun and creating bonds, the skill of storytelling is being learned.

Here’s an example, pulled from a sketchbook, of a story told during bathtime by Noah. It’s his adaptation of those familiar fairy tale characters, the Big Bad Wolf and one of the Three Little Pigs. Noah’s imagination was off the clock - he was so much fun to be around and was frequently ‘in character’ as someone else. During this phase, he enjoyed pretending to be a little pig (‘Pid’). My role? The Big Bad Wolf (a.k.a. The Big Bad Woof).

Noah had just turned three at the time, and unable to read or write. But boy could he tell a story!

(Which revisits an earlier head-scratcher: What makes an author?)

Noah’s empathy for the wolf (generally the bad guy in kids’ eyes) is touching. Our Little Pid/Big Bad Woof games were undoubtedly inspired by this week’s Good to Read recommendation (and an old favourite of ours): The True Story Of The 3 Little Pigs!

The True Story Of The 3 Little Pigs! by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith (Penguin Books USA, 1989) has been going strong since its publication over thirty years ago.

Then, as now, the book’s art style and design made it stand out from the pack. But Scieszka’s text was rejected numerous times before a publisher was found who was prepared to commit. They had yet to discover that children enjoyed and understood irony and pithy humour - which is what Scieszka (America’s inaugral Ambassador for Reading) has become known and loved for. The book was borne out of Scieszka’s passion for reimagining old, familiar stories. At the time, he taught at an elementary school:

“I love the oldest tales – myths, fables, legends, fairy tales,” Scieszka said. “And I love an unreliable narrator. I also loved that my 2nd graders’ response to almost any question I would begin to ask them was, ‘I didn’t do it.’ So having the wolf tell his side of the story combined all those loves.”
- Revisiting The Childhood Classic 'The True Story Of The 3 Little Pigs!' 30 Years Later

The character of the wolf is skilfully displayed through his voice:

Nobody knows the real story, because nobody has ever heard my side of the story. … The real story is about a sneeze and a cup of sugar.
- Alexander T. Wolf

As he goes on to explain how he was making a birthday cake for his dear old granny, the wolf shares two crucial facts:

He had a terrible sneezing cold.

He ran out of sugar.

So I went next door to ask if I could borrow a cup of sugar.

Now the guy next door was a pig.

And he wasn’t too bright, either.

He had built his whole house out of straw.

Can you believe it? I mean who in his right mind would build a house of straw?

I just love the tone of Scieszka’s writing! It’s great fun to read aloud, and opens up all kinds of possibilities for the young listener/reader.

So of course the minute I knocked on the door, it fell right in. I didn’t want to just walk into someone else’s house. So I called, “Little Pig, Little Pig, are you in?” No answer.

Scieszka sets the narration up so beautifully - it reminds me of how standup comics drop in critical yet seemingly arbitrary details to set up their punchlines. Remember the wolf’s terrible sneezing cold?

That’s when my nose started to itch.

I felt a sneeze coming on.

Well I huffed.

And I snuffed.

And I sneezed a great sneeze.

The rest, as they say, is history. See how plausible this is?!

Wolf sneezes.

Poorly constructed house collapses.

Pig found dead in the remains.

Ah yes, that foolish pig…

It seemed like a shame to leave a perfectly good ham dinner lying there in the straw. So I ate it up.

But the wolf still doesn’t have his cup of sugar. So he goes to the next house, that of the First Little Pig’s brother, who ‘was a little smarter, but not much.’

He had built his house of sticks - and the same fate befalls him.

And as we all know, the Third Little Pig had wisely built his house of bricks. But in this version of the tale, Pig #3 (who is selfish and rude) insults the wolf’s dear sweet old granny. As the wolf explains, ‘when somebody talks about my granny like that, I go a little crazy.’

When the cops drove up, of course, I was trying to break down this Pig’s door. And the whole time I was huffing and puffing and sneezing and making a real scene.

True to form, journalists jazz up the story to create the legend of the Big Bad Wolf.

Scieszka summarises it neatly with this tantalising invitation on his website: ‘Read and learn. Then decide for yourself - Big Bad Wolf . . . or media frame-up?’

[The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs] is a kind of revisionist history ... told by one Alexander T. Wolf, who wants it to be known that the standard version of the story is filled with half-truths, dissemblance, hypocrisy, pseudology and slander. He endeavors to set the record straight, and … does an admirable job of it.
–Frank Gannon, The New York Times, November 12, 1989

Aside from Scieszka’s delicious narrative, I love this book for the art by Lane Smith. His style, though varied, is instantly recognisable by the simple designs, collage elements and delicate textures created by ‘layer after thin layer of oil paints,’ explains Smith, ‘sprayed with a water-based varnish and blown dry with a hairdryer while the paint and varnish are still wet. The oil and varnish react to one another, separate, and dry as sponge-like, stippled, textures.’

Smiths illustrations are often dark, in both style and content (Son 2, Levi, found his work a bit too creepy). But Noah enjoyed details like the visionary wolf burger with paws and ears poking out! From an artistic point of view, I valued Smith’s as part of the boys’ early visual education.

A youth specialist from the New York Public Library praised Scieszka’s ability to tell a tale that kids find hilarious, while simultaneously triggering more profound thoughts (how many kids will sympathise with the wolf’s reaction to the pig’s granny insults?)

Teachers, meanwhile, value the parody of True Story, which encourages empathy and creativity. It shows kids that ‘it’s okay to take a familiar storyline and riff off of it gets their creative writing juices flowing.’ This idea of interpreting a story from different perspectives is a point worth dwelling on. We live in a world of fake news, accusation and denial. Opinions are becoming increasingly polarised - so teaching children the skills to interpret information from different perspectives has tangible value.

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! is a great, fun place to start learning. Snuggled up with someone who loves them and wants to share the jokes? Even better!

A note on Paul Simon’s song, Pigs, Sheep and Wolves: I suspect he may have been influenced by The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! - it certainly reflects the premise: the pigs are the bad guys, and the wolf is framed. It’s entirely feasible that the story was brought to the songwriter’s attention since True Story begins,

I’m the wolf. Alexander T. Wolf.

You can call me Al.

Take a listen here (I love it):

Provided to YouTube by Sony Music Entertainment Pigs, Sheep and Wolves · Paul Simon You're The One ℗ 2000 Sony Music Entertainment Dobro: Mark Stewart Drums: Steve Gadd Arranger: Wynton Marsalis Percussion: Jamey Haddad Percussion: Steve Shehan Electric Guitar: Vincent Nguini Bass: Bakithi Kumalo Auto-generated by YouTube. Good to Read

Some other great books by Scieszka and Smith (Wolf’s honour)

The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Tales (Viking 1992)

Squids Will Be Squids (Viking 1998)

SourcesThe True Story Of The 3 Little Pigs! by Jon Scieszka, ill. by Lane Smith (Penguin Books 1989)Sheep, Pigs, Wolves by Paul Simon (paulsimon.com)Revisiting The Childhood Classic ‘The True Story Of The 3 Little Pigs!’ 30 Years Later by Fernando Alfonso III - Forbes (Apr 22, 2019)Jon Scieszka Worldwide CHILDREN'S BOOKS; EVERYBODY'S FAVORITE SWINE By Frank Gannon (New York Times, Nov. 12, 1989) Why Kids Say They Love Fairy Tales By Kari Ness Riedel (Brightly.com)

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Published on January 24, 2020 08:51

January 17, 2020

Bath, Book, Bed

Detail from It’s Bedtime, Charlie! by Tim Warnes (DMind 2020) | © 2020 by Tim Warnes

We know that sleep is a number one concern for new (and not so new) families. Bath, Book, Bed is a tried and trusted way of ensuring that your little ones establish a great sleep routine - and that means you can get some rest yourself.

— Nanny Jo Frost, Booktrust Ambassador

I absolutely loved reading stories to my kids.

We'd read at breakfast, mid-morning, afternoon, and in the evenings. Snuggled up on the sofa or snuggled in bed; at the library or the back of Waterstones. Storytime was not confined to any particular time or place. We have read during bathtime or waiting at the doctors' surgery; on long train journeys and even at wedding receptions.

But bedtime stories were a sacrosanct part of the daily routine.

They came every evening without fail after the bath, and in turn, would be followed by bed and sleep (sooner or later!)

It was a time-honoured tradition learned from my parents, and I treasure the memory today. But maybe it's not such an obvious routine to everyone; because in 2017 Booktrust saw the need to launch their Bath Book Bed campaign.

The idea is simple enough. Parents - if you want to get some rest and equip your child for a good night's sleep, then adopt this daily routine at the end of the day:

Bath, book, bed.

Having the same bedtime routine every night helps signal to children that it's time to wind down, time to relax. …The repetition gives them a sense of knowing which will always make them feel safe as they are getting ready for bed.
- Nanny Jo Frost (Bath, Book, Bed: Simple steps to a better night's sleep)

Everybody wants a good night's sleep - but with a child or more sharing your space, it's not always easy. In fact, at times, it can be an absolute nightmare.

Noah was a right one for getting up in the middle of the night and coming in to wake me with a confident tap on the forehead! In the end, we hit upon the trick to keep him content by putting him back to bed with the tranquil tones of Bernard Cribbins reading Winnie-the-Pooh playing in the background. This worked for us as Noah was so entrenched in the audio versions at the time. As time went on, he would administer the remedy himself. Although this had its own downside. On too many occasions, I was jolted from my sleep with this ear-splitting announcement from Mr Cribbins:

WINNIE-THE-POOH BY A.A. MILNE. CHAPTER ONE. IN WHICH WE ARE INTRODUCED TO WINNIE-THE-POOH AND SOME BEES AND THE STORIES BEGIN.

(‘Sorry 'bout nat, Dada!’)

It was these experiences as a father and our bath, book, bed routine that I drew upon when I received a picture book commission from a Hong Kong publisher. Their only direction was for the story to feature some common, adult phrase. (My editor noted, I have been hearing mummies saying 'Stay still', 'Are you ready?')

And the phrase I chose?

It's bedtime, Charlie!

It's Bedtime, Charlie! was commissioned specially for Hong Kong and the Asian market (with the view to publishing more widely).

I did a little research, and discovered that the Chinese market wants clarity. Subtle and subversive messages and humor do not work there, according to managing director Kate Wilson of Nosy Crow. Chinese publishers, she said, "want very clearly deductive plots with an explicit message and learning outcomes..."

I'd intended Charlie to represent one of those super-charged kids with an endless supply of energy. (Initially Charlie was a girl, but the publisher requested a boy.) To try and convey this, I began my story at the end of a family day out:

Charlie and his family had spent all day at the zoo.

Now everyone was tired.

Everyone, that is, except Charlie.

(The illustration shows Charlie racing around with a balloon.)

Teatime, too, is a pretty lively affair. And bathtime!

Bedtime stories with his Grandfather begin to calm Charlie - but he doesn't want them to end.

'I'm not sleepy!' he cried.

'You must be!' yawned Daddy. 'We've had such a busy day.'

Bath - tick.

Books - tick.

Now it's bedtime.

'The trick with bedtime,' says Super Nanny Jo Frost, 'is to create a calm environment with toys tidied away.'

Once the story is finished, dim or turn lights off so your child knows that it's time to go to sleep. … Don't forget teddy or other favourite cuddlies and finally it's kisses and cuddles and an 'I love you'. …
- Nanny Jo Frost (Bath, Book, Bed: Simple steps to a better night's sleep)

Charlie's parents have it down pat.

Mummy tucked in Daddy Rabbit,

she tucked in Mr. Tickle;

she tucked in Baby Owl -

and then she tucked in Charlie.

'Sweet dreams, everyone,' said Mummy.

But Charlie wanted to play.

The illustrations tell the story here - Charlie has got out of bed and is playing with his Baby Owl and a dinosaur.

Mummy came back in.

'It's bedtime, Charlie,' she said firmly. 'Toys down.'

'But I'm not sleepy!' complained Charlie.

Mummy tucked him in anyway, and crept back downstairs.

It’s Bedtime, Charlie! by Tim Warnes (DMind 2020) | © 2020 by Tim Warnes

Charlie's bedtime shenanigans continue, with hooting, bed bouncing, cries of I'm hungry!, and finally, I'm scared!

Daddy comes to the rescue and sings a soothing lullaby - such an effective strategy that he sings himself to sleep!

Charlie carefully climbed out of bed to play quietly with his toys.

(Yes, it is autobiographical - I have been in the exact same situation!)

Parenting can be tough. Lack of sleeper makes it tougher. Even when we are following good advice, it doesn't always go to plan.

Fortunately for Mummy, 'even excitable little owls fall asleep sooner or later.'

'Sweet dreams, everyone,' she whispered.

Good to read

Tried and tested soporific books to lull your kids to sleep

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, ill. by Clement Hurd (Harper and Brothers 1947)

Down by the River - Very Special Friends by Jane Chapman (Little Tiger Press 2012)

A Bit Lost by Chris Haughton (Walker Books)

Days Like This by Simon James (Walker Books 2000)

I Love You to the Moon and Back by Tim Warnes (Little Tiger Press 2015)

Booktrust's #BathBookBed campaign is endorsed by the Institute of Health Visitors. Download their free booklet Bath, Book, Bed: Simple steps to a better night's sleep here:www.booktrust.org.uk/bathbookbed

Development art for It’s Bedtime, Charlie! by Tim Warnes (DMind 2020) | © 2020 by Tim Warnes

Sources

Bath, Book, Bed: Simple steps to a better night's sleep by BookTrust

It's Bedtime, Charlie! By Tim Warnes (DMind 2020)

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Published on January 17, 2020 00:36

January 10, 2020

Good to Read

Detail from the forthcoming, It’s Bedtime, Charlie! by Tim Warnes (DMind 2020) | Image © 2020 by Tim Warnes

I feel strongly that by reading with your child, by the simple act of holding them close while you read to them, you let them know that you care for them, have time for them and love them.

— Eric Carle

Over the Christmas break, I found an unsolicited email in my spam folder.

The company, describing itself as ‘prestigious’, wanted me to join its awards programme. In exchange, I would receive their ‘seal of excellence [which] is recognized and respected by consumers in more than 57 countries.’

It continued:

Our Honorees consistently report increased sales and a boost in positive media exposure which is why many PR and marketing pros choose to partner with us as part of their overall marketing / publicity strategy.

In fact, more than 99% of our clients have rated their experience with our program as “Great or Good.”

But here’s the thing.

The invitation came with a caveat.

I was expected to pay for the honour.

Really? For a ‘seal of excellence that is trusted by consumers globally’?

The discovery didn’t sit well with me.

Sure, the payment goes towards a plethora of services provided by the programme. (These include lifetime rights to use their seal of excellence, a dedicated ‘winners’ page in their shop, exposure on social media etc.)

But for me, the knowledge that those seals of approval have to be bought discredits the entire programme. Where’s the honour in that? How can consumers possibly trust it?

(Interestingly, the archaic form of the word prestigious means ‘of, relating to, or marked by illusion, conjuring or trickery.’)

Detail from The Big Book Adventure by Emily Ford, ill. by Tim Warnes (Silver Dolphin 2018) | Image © 2018 by Tim Warnes

That’s as good a reason as any for me to continue writing these blog articles. Because all the books I recommend as Good to Read come with no strings attached.

I endorse them because I believe in them. I believe they will bring joy and will enhance storytime for you and your children. I believe they will inspire, inform and entertain.

They are worthy of your attention. Which makes them Good to Read.

I’ve explained why I don’t trust that awards programme (who shall remain nameless). And by the way, I don’t feel like this about all awards programmes. Just those that can be bought. (Give me a Greenaway Medal any day!) So it’s only fair to turn the tables on myself and ask:

Why should you trust my recommendations?

I have spent the last 25 years working full-time in the children’s book industry as a professional writer-illustrator.

I have more than 85 original titles bearing my name.

My books are published and enjoyed globally, in far-flung places like Japan, Indonesia, Poland, China, Slovakia and Russia (to name just a few).

My guidance will save you time by helping you make informed choices, giving you confidence that your kids have a great start to their reading journey.

I am not paid to review any of the books (but do, potentially, earn affiliate links here and there). I don’t even get sent (or request) review copies. These are all books that I own or have borrowed from the public library. This blog is a labour of love.

Why do I care so much?

I have experienced first hand the bonds created between the reader and the young listener - first as a child, then as a father reading to my own children. Study after study shows how far-reaching the positive effects of reading to children from infancy can be.

Such benefits include helping infants to:

learn to speak

interact with others

understand the world around them

become empathetic citizens of the world

And of course - storytime helps children learn to read!

That list, of course, is not definitive. Perhaps the most magical and priceless benefit is that, through the simple act of reading together, lasting memories and deep connections are made.

As Eric Carle once said,

“Sharing a book becomes more than pages with words and pictures.”

The carer-to-child relationship is strengthened. Everyone wins!

Who doesn’t want a piece of that?

Please continue to join me each week throughout 2020. Spread the word - and let me know how you get on!SOURCESIt’s Time for Bed, Charlie! by Tim Warnes (DMind 2020) The Very Hungry Caterpillar author Eric Carle reveals how his dad reading to him as a young boy helped forge his writing career (The Scottish Sun, 28 Oct 2018)THE BIG BOOK ADVENTURE BY EMILY FORD, ILL. BY TIM WARNES (SILVER DOLPHIN 2018) Why it’s important to read aloud with your kids, and how to make it count by Amy Joyce (The Washington Post Feb. 16, 2017)Why Do Toddlers Love Books? Experts Explain Your Mini Bookworm by Ashley Jones (Romper.com, Nov 12, 2019)

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Published on January 10, 2020 00:53

December 20, 2019

Jesus’ Christmas Party

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!

— Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Last week, I recommended Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi (illustrated by Jane Chapman) as Good to Read.

Like Goodnight, Manger, this week’s book shares that universal theme, which makes them instantly relatable: everybody want a good night’s sleep! And on a deeper level - the True Meaning of Christmas.

It’s Jesus’ Christmas Party, written and illustrated by Nicholas Allan (Hutchinson 1991)

Visually, Jesus’s Christmas Party, with its loose line drawings and light watercolour washes, looks very different to Goodnight, Manger, which is dark and atmospheric, conjuring up the look and feel of the stable.

What the two books have in common is their delightful retellings of the Nativity - only this time, ‘through the eyes of a grumpy innkeeper who ‘liked [nothing] more than a good night’s sleep.’ (Allan even gets in a story twist right at the end.)

The innkeeper in Jesus’ Christmas Party gives Mary and Joseph two blankets and sends them ‘round the back,’ ( a refrain repeated throughout to much comedic effect). The innkeeper becomes increasingly grumpy and frustrated as his sleep is interrupted - first by Joseph’s request for a third, smaller blanket, followed by shepherds, kings, an intrusive bright floodlight - and the LOUD singing of angelic hosts.

I agree with the Kirkus Review - ‘this is not a trivialization’ of the Nativity:

It’s a gentle nudge to the reader’s imagination: What would it really have been like to be there?
- Kirkus Reviews

There’s another knock at the innkeeper’s door:

From Jesus’ Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan (Hutchinson 2015) | © 1991 by Nicholas Allan

‘We are three shepherds.’

‘Well, what’s the matter? Lost your sheep?’

‘We’ve come to see Mary and Joseph.’

‘ROUND THE BACK,’ said the innkeeper.
- Jesus’ Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan

Like Goodnight, Manger, Jesus’ Christmas Party has also faced criticism. ‘Some people thought it was blasphemous,’ says Allan, ‘because it was funny.’

And it is! (Funny, that is.)

According to the Sunday Times,’ [t]he funniest, most endearing version of the nativity story for many years.’

The chorus of angelic singing is the final straw for the poor innkeeper!

‘RIGHT - THAT DOES IT!’

So [the innkeeper] got out of bed,

Stomped down the stairs,

Threw open the door, went round the back,

Stormed into the stable, and was just about to speak when -
- Jesus’ Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan

What I find so charming about Jesus’ Christmas Party is the transformation of the innkeeper as he gazes upon the baby, Jesus.

Laura Sassi wrote this about Goodnight, Manger:

I wanted to write a Christmas story that would be fun for anyone to read, but which would point them in the direction of Jesus – the real gift of Christmas.
Christmas Thoughts: The Inspiration behind Goodnight, Manger (Laura Sassi Tales)

I don’t know Allan’s intent behind creating Jesus’ Christmas Party. But I can tell you this: if you’re after a story about the True Meaning of Christmas that is both fun and thought-provoking, then look no further. Because whatever your belief system, this pair won’t disappoint.

My Life in Books will resume in January 2020Good to Read

For the True Meaning of Christmas

Jesus’ Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan (Hutchinson 1991)

Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi, ill. by Jane Chapman (Zonderkidz 2105)

SourcesHow the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr SeussJesus’ Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan (Hutchinson 1991) Kirkus Reviews : Jesus’ Christmas PartyThe Author, Spring 2019 Christmas Thoughts: The Inspiration behind Goodnight, Manger (Laura Sassi Tales)

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Published on December 20, 2019 00:58

December 13, 2019

The True Meaning of Christmas

Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi, ill. by Jane Chapman (Zonderkidz 2015) | Image © 2015 by Jane Chapman. Used by permission

To perceive Christmas through its wrappings becomes more difficult with every year.

— E. B. White

I love the Christmas season and the trimmings and trappings that surround it.

The joy, the celebrating with (and of) friends and family.

My most recent illustration job, I Love You More than Christmas! with Little Tiger Press, embodies all of this. It’s a jolly, warm book, celebrating the season and the activities of a family of - yes, you’ve guessed it - bears!

However.

Last week I was sent a pdf of the cover (which will look spectacularly joyful with a red foiled background!) On the back cover blurb I read the tag line:

A festive celebration of the true meaning of Christmas.

My heart sank.

The true meaning of Christmas is the birth of Jesus - God’s redemption plan!

And while I recognise that, of course, not everyone shares my faith (and that, as already mentioned, there are plenty of good things surrounding the Christmas period that are worth celebrating), the tag line left me, as a follower of Jesus and co-creator of the book, feeling sad.

Not angry or offended. Just sad.

So I asked for it to be changed - and Little Tiger Press didn’t hesitate.

It brought to mind two picture books that do touch upon the true meaning of Christmas: Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi (illustrated by Jane Chapman); and Jesus’ Christmas Party by Nicholas Allen (which I shall share next week).

As well as celebrating the birth of Jesus, they share another theme, which makes them so relatable: we all want a good night’s sleep!

Detail from Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi, ill. by Jane Chapman (Zonderkidz 2015) | Image © 2015 by Jane Chapman. Used by permission

Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi, illustrated by Jane Chapman (Zonderkidz 2015) takes us straight into the stable and action - and in doing so confronts us with some realities.

Here, author Laura Sassi shares her inspiration:

Goodnight, Manger was inspired by my daughter. As a preschooler, she loved playing with the little Baby Jesus that was part of our nativity set. She’d carry him around the house saying things like, “Baby Jesus crying. It’s okay, Baby.” Then she’d gently feed him or rock him and sing a lullaby. Before listening to her tender play, I’d never thought of Baby Jesus as ever crying. But, he was human (and God) and so he must have cried.
Interview with Laura Sassi (Sunshine and Reading )

But even before this, Sassi had the story seed of a mama hen trying to get her chicks to sleep.

[The idea was set] in a typical barn setting. It wasn’t until I decided to make it a very special barn – the stable where Baby Jesus was born – that the story took shape in a fresh new way.

… how much more thrilling is it to see a frazzled mama asking a glorious array of angels, rather than geese, for example, to quiet down? Much more fun!
Author Laura Sassi with The Power of Setting in Picture Books (Picture Book Playlist)

Sassi’s version of the story takes a pragmatic approach - Jesus cries!

“Cluck, he’s cute.”

“Oh, yes, hee-haw!”

Now sleepy Baby starts to…

Waaaawh!

“Shhh,” brays Donkey.

“Time for bed.

Here’s a pillow

For your head.”
- Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi

Into this believable pastoral scene descend the noisy visitors, and the quiet stable becomes more and more chaotic.

Sheep leap railings,

Tipping pails.

Tumble, splash.

Poor Baby wails!

…

Mama’s frantic, in a tizzy.

Who knew stables were so busy?
- Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi

From Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi, ill. by Jane Chapman (Zonderkidz 2015) | Image © 2015 by Jane Chapman. Used by permission

This is where some people get unstuck and take offence.

They feel that Sassi’s version misrepresents the story, and are affronted by the down to earth representation; by Mary’s wish for some peace and quiet; that it feels, well, maybe a bit too real?

Blogger Katie Holman:

The story of the magnificent and miraculous birth of Christ is reduced to frustrated parents trying to get a baby to sleep. First the animals are being disruptive. Then angels come to praise the new king and Mary tells them to be quite [sic]. Three kings show up with gifts for the baby and how does Mary feel about that? “Mama’s frantic, in a tizzy.”

… The author … has changed the whole meaning of the story.

Being a new mom isn’t easy. Certainly there was a lot going on that night. I can imagine that Mary was tired, sore. However the joy of giving birth to her Savior certainly must have outweighed those things. Can you imagine Mary telling the angles [sic] to be quite [sic] or getting upset at the three kings for coming?!
- Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi (Midnight Mom)

Another reviewer objected to Mary trying to quieten the angelic hosts. ‘To me that was almost rude.’

The Christmas carol Away in a Manger has a lot to answer for! Because all babies communicate their needs by crying. And Jesus was fully human. (Let’s not forget the words from John 11:35: Jesus wept.)

Fortunately, the majority of reviewers seem to agree that this is a fun, unique and thought-provoking book that makes us think differently about a familiar Bible story.

The Holy Family is refreshingly portrayed with authentic ethnic coloring. And the characters exude a joy that pulls the reader into the jubilant stable and makes them want to join the festivities.
- HisTreasureSeekers.com

As always, Jane’s illustrations are packed with incidental details and interactions between characters which add to the gentle humour - and bring a second narrative to Sassi’s text.

I love the closing lines of the book - they remind me of another of my Good to Read recommendations - Goodnight, Moon. (Both are great for soporific storytimes!)

Goodnight, manger.

Goodnight, stall.

Time to sleep now,

One and all.

(It reminds me of another of my Good to Read recommendations - Goodnight, Moon. Both are great for soporific storytimes.)

NEXT WEEK

Another story about the True Meaning of Christmas that is fun and thought-provoking: Jesus’ Christmas Party by Nicholas Allen. Definitely worth a look.

Whatever your belief system, these two won’t disappoint.

(I Love You More than Christmas! publishes with Little Tiger Press, 2020)SourcesBrainyQuote.com Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi, ill. by Jane Chapman (Zonderkidz 2015) Interview with Laura Sassi, Author of Goodnight, Ark and Goodnight, Manger - Sunshine and Reading (February 21, 2017) Author Laura Sassi with The Power of Setting in Picture Books - Picture Book Playlist (May 16, 2018) Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi (Midnight Mom)Scripture taken from the Holy Bible (King James Version)

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Published on December 13, 2019 00:52

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My Life in Books

I have been fortunate enough to inhabit, in one way or another, the world of Children’s Books for nearly 50 years. It’s a world that has brought me solace, joy, excitement, knowledge, friends - and a ...more

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