Turn Not Pale, Beloved Snail: A Book About Writing Among Other Things

by Jacqueline Jackson

Encourages children of all ages to open themselves to the fullness of life and experience and to the impulses and joy of creative writing

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Childrens

235 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1974

About the author

Jacqueline Jackson is a retired Professor of English from the University of Illinois at Springfield. She also taught children's literature at Kent State University. She has four daughters: Damaris (deceased), Gillian, Elspeth, and Megan.

Ms. Jackson's for young readers are Julie's Secret Sloth, The Paleface Redskins, Chicken Ten Thousand, The Ghost Boat, and The Taste of Spruce Gum, a Notable Children's Book of 1966. In addition, Jacqueline has received the Dorothy Canfield Fisher children's book award. She considers her books Stories from the Round Barn and More Stories from the Round Barn to be her best work.

Reviews

[Samwise Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a nice book.

I would have benefited from reading this as a child. Hell, I've benefited now as an adult.

[Chrissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I'd like to send through a wormhole to my nine-year-old self's bookshelf. Jacqueline Jackson has written a book about writing aimed primarily at children that speaks to the rhythm of assembly and creativity that reminded me what I loved about reading and linked that love back to writing.

With chapters on writing with all the senses and recognizing the rhythm of everyday speech as it relates to poetry (loved the "Woody" poems!!), this would be excellent as either introduction or refresher. There are suggestions on how to create emotions in the reader and why that is important and the author continually links reading and writing with a joy at being alive that I responded to as a reader.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mom gave me this book when I was about twelve, and it had an enormous influence on me as a writer. Jackson's style is warm and encouraging, setting aside the technical aspects of writing (because there are lots of books and classes for that) and focusing instead on the excitement and pleasure of putting thoughts into words.

This book is not, thank god, one of those fluffy feel-good things that pamper the reader's self-esteem by reassuring you that "anything is good as long as it means something to YOU" -- after all, the purpose of good writing is communication. This book also isn't about writing for money or how to plot or tips for marketing, nor does it offer formulas for success or a single correct approach.

Instead, this book is about writing for the sheer joy of it, about (re)discovering the delightful sensation of putting words down on paper, words that mean something and communicate something, whether it's a sight, a sound, a feeling or an event. It's about how wonderful language is, how much fun it is to play with, and what an amazing toy and tool and friend it can be.

If you used to love to write and now it just seems like work, if you've ever wanted to write but have been reluctant to try, or (most especially) if you know a young person with that itch to write, you need this book :)

[LeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I plucked this from my shelf and after 30 years it is still a keeper. At that time I was a librarian and lover of children's literature. Now I am a writer and It inspires me as much as ever. It makes me want to reread remembered books and discover new ones that will help me see the world in new ways. Directed at young writers, the author is very negative about teachers who kill creativity with regimented assignments. She suggests ways to think differently and get your thoughts down in words and leaves her readers to take what they choose. Lots of examples from her own writing and family that make me want to meet them in person. A shame that it is out of print.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book designed for children but works for all. It's about creativity, encouragement. Suggestions for fun ways to begin...lots of personal examples of the playing with words the author and her daughters do. Jacqueline Jackson is the author of my favorite childhood book so this book was particularly fun for me to read.

[Jessica Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacqueline Jackson invites readers to deliberately utilize all five senses to inform and inspire their writing. Her love for words and writing is evident. The book encourages nurturing a love for them too.

"...That's the real joy of writing—the life that's in it, the creating you're doing."

I truly enjoyed this book! Delightful instruction/advise for writers of all ages and experience.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

A writing manual aimed at children, the themes are uninspiring. Most of the chapters are made up of anecdotes about the author’s children and short, banal poems written by her children. This did not inspire or encourage me. I stopped after the fourth chapter.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new favourite book about writing. Loved it.

[Melinda Worfolk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my childhood favourites. I read it over and over as a kid, and I absolutely loved it. A few years ago I bought a used copy and I recently re-read it while convalescing and unable to read anything too challenging. I was pleased to see it had stood the test of time--I liked it just as much as I had when I was a child.

So, thank you Ms. Jackson for being such a profound influence on my creative life. You are the reason I started keeping a diary when I was a kid, you are the reason I used to write poetry and short stories, and you're the reason I continue to write (although now it is mostly academic writing).

[Sadly, although I still enjoy making up stories in my head, I don't write fiction or poetry anymore. However, after I re-read this book I actually wrote a poem for the first time in probably ten years. And you know what? I enjoyed it!]

[Krista Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

not your average book on writing (it doesn't take the joy out of what should be a satisfying, if sometimes frustrating, process). twists and turns through thoughts on observation and catching experiences among other things.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. I love this book. It feels like the author is speaking with you. It feels super personal, and though it's a little dated, the ideas are still relevant.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was what I read as a child when I discovered I was totally a writer and stuff.