textures

 

All through their childhood, I read enormous numbers of books to Tom, Alice and Phoebe. (We still laugh at memories of Phoebe bringing in at least fifteen books when asked to find something for me or Simon to read to her.) Books were undoubtedly the best way of creating calm, restoring peace, reducing noise levels, starting dicussions, sitting closely, and keeping all three happy at the same time (the other solution was fresh air). We read colour books, fairy tales, animal stories, rhymes, modern books, classics, and lots of beautifully illustrated books. But the one thing I always felt was missing was a range of books with photographs in them,  and what a missed opportunity that was.

Even though I could see the gap in the market, I never thought I'd ever have my name on a children's book. So it's still quite a surprise to see this cover (it will be even more exciting when I hold a real book in my hands) because this is my photography between the covers of a book for young children (say in the 4-8 year range although it's very suitable for younger children, too). It is the first of four 'concept' books for Millbrook Press which is part of Lerner Publications, and it's been quite an educational experience writing it (quite apposite, as Millbrook is an educational imprint).

It all came about because of blogging. Carol, now my fantastic editor, is a passionate knitter and started reading Yarnstorm a long time ago. She contacted me out of the blue to say that she thought my photographs and style might be suitable for children's books, and would I be interested in writing a proposal? Well, it doesn't take much for me to imagine new books (as Dr Suess says, 'Oh the things you can think up, if only you try') so I came up with ideas, Millbrook liked them, I then realised that writing books for children is nowwhere near as easy as it looks, and now we are getting closer and closer to the publication of the first title in the series in March 2011. And when my copies arrive the tables will be turned and I shall be bringing a pile of books to my children with a big smile and asking them to read to me. 

(The book is also available retail from Amazon.com,Amazon.co.uk and even Amazon.co.jp)