Suzy Davies's Blog: Book News, page 15

Little Einstein

Why do we call it planet earth
when water makes it blue?

Why does the sea always run away
then run right back to you?

How does a caterpillar learn to fly
with wings that are brand new?

And why do the the bees go “buzz buzz buzz”
when they’ve got lots of work to do?

Why does my tummy feel kind of funny
as we drive over a road hump?

And why is my nose pointed and long
when yours is just a stump?

How many colors do we need
for a rainbow in the sky?

And do you know the speed of light
when it goes flashing by?

Copyright Suzy Davies, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

City

Above the city
the serpentine river;
the bridges crossed,
with loves of mine.
Lights twinkle
in shadow-waters,
I feel the touch
of hands, entwined.
Lower still,
and all the people
swarm along the river’s path.
I remember
how one evening
your whisper echoed,
as if you laughed.
What would you make
of all the changes;
iconic buildings
jostling for space.
And now the skyline’s
like Hong Kong island;
unrecognisable,
much changed,
erased.

Copyright Suzy Davies, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

Moment

I often see her, still.
True, she is beautiful.
I wonder about her,
in her youth.

She gazes out toward the river
life’s journey before her.
We share.
“It’ll rain soon.”
Her eyes, green grey.
The faraway-look, again.

I often see her, still.
In pictures. In movies.
They are less than her.
I do not see reflections
in her eyes.

She gazes out through windows -
mist shrouds the mountains.
She laughs, shaking her curls
that spiral.
Cascade.
I do not hear the breath
in her voice.

I sometimes see her, still.
In moments,
as if alone together.
The laugh, the voice, her eyes, the breath.
Reflections.
I wonder as she breathes through me
if, without her,
this moment
will let me live.

Copyright Suzy Davies, 2018 All Rights Reserved.

Socks!

Socks.

I’m missing a sock - “Oh, DamnDrastic!”
now I’ve twisted my knicker elastic!
Was it Miss Butterfly
with her net -
swooped in the Tumbler
so now, I’m upset?

Where’s my sock gone, “Oh Dear Me!”
I think it was Mr Diver, you see,
he scuba dived
in the washing machine
a matching pair -
just my pipe dream!

That sock! DamnDrastic! Where has it gone?
‘twas in my drawer
with the other one!
Ah! Miss Sneaky must have crept
into my bedroom
while I slept!

My other sock - with fancy stripes -
it seems to have vanished -
overnight!
Who’s the culprit?
I’ll find out soon
and search for it
in another room!

“Ah! I’ve got it!
I think it’s you;
with one sock red, the other, blue.
Mrs Odd Socks -
the blue one’s mine,
so you keep your socks
and I’ll keep mine!”

Yes, she took it -
from the laun-d-ry
bold as brass,
where all could see!
Perhaps she’s lost her sock as well,
but if I have it,
I’ll never tell.

Copyright Suzy Davies 25/04/2018 Al Rights Reserved.

Books Which Celebrate Earth Day

I would never have dreamed up the idea of "Snugs The Snow Bear," my first Children's Book, without the image of "The Polar Bear on The Isle of Wight" which first inspired me to put pen to paper.
And, once the character of "Snugs" was born, my thoughts turned to something very serious, which has been preoccupying me in recent years.
People in certain areas of the world struggle to survive. They struggle for food. They struggle for water. Every day is a battle.
It seems likely that, in the future, more and more places on earth will become, at best, inhospitable places to live. At worst, they will be places where no human being can survive. I am talking about the phenomenon of Global Warming, a phenomenon that destroys life; it makes the survival of endangered species fragile, and survival of humans in certain areas almost impossible. This is a war - the war against Global Warming. And every day, we ignore the dangers at our peril.
How much more evidence, from the top scientists on this planet, do we need? How many more World Summits will we hold, before we listen, and take action?
The world is hot - too hot. And we need to take measures before it is too late.
We have seen record temperatures across The States, and this is taking its toll on people far and wide across the country.
The idea behind my Snugs Children's Series is to drive home this message in a way that is compelling, engaging, entertaining and inspirational. Colorful illustrations by Peter Hall capture the landscape of The British Coastline and Iceland. It is important that we preserve these landscapes for our children's children to enjoy.
My second Children's Book, "Luna The Moon Pig," illustrated by Sheila Graber of Paddington Bear fame, echoes the environmental concerns in my first book.
Behind a cute story of a little pig, is a message about caring for all animals and about the beauty within us. It speaks of the natural world, of which we, and animals, are a part. Remembering our roots is a metaphorical theme. The story is based on the stunning woodland areas in The Lakes Area of Florida. Captured to perfection in Sheila Graber's stunning illustrations, the book shows Florida animals, flora and fauna.
By showing our children fabulous natural world landscapes in picture books and middle-grade readers, we are bringing into focus one of the most important things in
life; the knowledge that the world is wonderful!

What Makes a Good Ending in Children's Books

"The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen
Offensive tale of persecution and body fascism in which an ugly-looking bird is given a hard time wherever he goes. The only birds who take him in are a group of wild ducks, who are then promptly slaughtered. He just about survives a wretched, lonely winter and is willing his own death when he is saved by a sudden (and wholly unconvincing) transmogrification into a swan.

Rewrite: Joins Ugly Duckling Support Group; campaigns successfully for physically challenged ducks' rights; is ultimately accepted for what he is rather than conforming to meaningless notions of grace and beauty."

I recently read with interest an article in "The Guardian" that argued for a new kind of children's book. One which was not so bleak and pessimistic. Perhaps one that told a story with a happy ending?

My fairy story, "Luna The Moon Pig," was inspired by my old favorite children's books with Paddington Bear and Kipling's "Just So" stories. It is also a reimagining of "The Ugly Duckling" and one which allows a pet pig, Luna, to be a super-pig and just a pig, at the same time. My idea for the ending is that she is who she is! The difference is in her own new-found self-confidence! Although Luna does not join a pigs' support group and campaign for pigs' rights, Maria, the lead human character, is on a mission to raise awareness of piggies! Luna The Moon Pig shows that animal rights should be extended to include all animals who are sentient creatures. I hope you enjoy the ending when you read my book! Here are my ideas about what makes a great ending!

In my view, a good ending requires a number of things all working together - namely:-

Resolution

The plot should all come together at the end in such a way that obstacles or problems the characters face are resolved. If the ending is magical, it should have enough of a real dimension to allow readers to suspend disbelief.

Development

The ending should show forth how characters are transformed by their journey in the world of the book. After all, life only makes sense to the extent that we are in process and find meaning through our ability to connect with others and help to shape their lives, as our interaction with others shapes ours. There should be a sense of each character having agency and some power to create their lives.

Satisfaction

A convincing ending and one which resolves things and shows the transformation of characters will
satisfy. The best endings for children's books are ones which appeal to our need for some justice in the world, and a sense that the good guys can, and do, win!

A Surprise.

What I like to see is a surprise ending in a fairy tale which still satisfies all other criteria to make it the best ending. An ending should never feel incidental or tacked on. It should be holistic both to plot and character. A well-written book will give clues to the ending, but at the same time surprise and delight!

A Beginning.

For me, every ending contains a beginning. It is essential that an ending leaves a reader satisfied but full of anticipation about the next chapter ... the beginning of a new book in the series!

Why I'm Spending Less Time On Twitter

Last year, I wrote a blog entitled "An Author's Dilemma" in which I stated that a writer's work should speak for itself.
I live by these words, and I write every day. This is my focus.
In order to show readers what I write, I regularly contribute to the blog here and I post book reviews to The Writer's Newsletter. I am also a regular contributor to Poetry Challenge on LinkedIn.
I have published three books to date. However, I have many books written which are not published yet. The reason? I am an unknown writer. I'd like to thank those who have discovered my books for writing reviews and spreading the word. It is always great to be recognized for what one does. A heartfelt Thank You!
I am spending less time on social media which is less satisfying for me than getting on with the real job - writing books.

International Happiness Day!

Pharrell Williams sang about it - and so did Diddy-men Ken Dodd ;) Happiness makes you smile just thinking about it!
For me, I hear the words of my late dad when I think about happiness - "Make sure you love your job because that'll make you happy! You'll probably spend most of your life working - except when you are asleep, and if you love your job it won't seem like work at all. And you'll be with like-minded people"
What great advice this was. My job- writing - does fulfill me and makes me very happy indeed! It is a solitary job, but thanks to those people who encourage me and who read my books, I cannot imagine a better occupation. I love to hear from my readers, and it spurs me on to know I can make people feel happy in my own small way.

Starlight.

When skies are bright

and spring is here

most every night

an orchestra appears.

Every star doth music make

to make a symphony

for those awake.



Starlight has magic,

it lights the skies

with cinematography,

before our eyes.

The constellations

are sublime

and tell us stories,

to the end of time.



Most every night,

before I sleep,

I stand and wonder

at the cosmos, deep.

The infinity of starlight

lets us dream

of a higher power,

in a grander scheme.


How small I am

when I gaze up high,

and wonder at the mystery

of the night skies.

Copyright Suzy Davies 03/19/2016. All Right Reserved.

The Writer in a Storm.

She sits at a window,
that faces the park
the daylight is fading,
to almost dark.
It’s almost deserted
as people return
to their flats and houses
to find the warm.

She glimpses through raindrops
on the window pane,
hearing the rush
of a long distance train,
and onto the skylights
the rainwater beats
as she gazes below
at the shiny wet streets.

The rainwater gurgles
down all the gulleys,
the rush-hour commuters
are all in a hurry.
The traffic lights blink
and cars surge straight ahead
as flashes of lightning
crash overhead.

She stands at the window,
looks up at the sky,
and hears rolls of thunder,
cleaving the sky.
The wind through the park
it gathers up speed,
and the lounge carpet’s
lifting
under her feet.

Silent and still
she watches the scene
like a black and white movie
on the silver screen
as a trio of students
flag down a car
to take them to lodgings,
not very far.

She paces the room as the thunderclouds
roar,
louder, more angry
than they were before.
She rolls down the blind
with a fair hand that shakes,
arranges her hair,
lights her cigarette.
Then, the doorbell, it rings,
and she’s there at the step,
as a caller - her lover,
comes in from the wet.

I sit at the window,
opposite the park,
watch comings and goings
until it is dark.
The kettle is on
and I have company;
my cat and computer,
the storm and the sea.

Suzy Davies, Copyright 2018. All Rights Reserved.