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 Seuss 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)

Comments

[Concha]

Wow, Jane, more books?? Congratulations, you come up with the greatest ideas ever! :)

[jen]

Mazel tov! I wish I had little children to read this to!

[maggie]

Well done, and yet another string to your bow. It looks very interesting indeed, and even though I have no littlies to buy for, that's not enough reason not to buy something, is it?

[Lacer]

Awww congratulations once again! You're an inspiration! Now I can get some of your books on my kids' shelves as well as my own (although my eldest already likes Cherry Cake and Ginger Beer and she has one of your quilts I made her on her bed (she chose from the quilt book), so you could say she's a fan already!)

[trish]

Congratulations , that's wonderful news.

[Laura]

This looks stunning! I'm pre-ordering a copy to enjoy with my granddaughters!

[Leila]

Congratulations! It looks like a good one!

[Maggie]

Congrats to you!

I came to your blog to let you know that I borrowed your Domesticity book from the library last month and made the rock cakes for my English husband (also a Simon) and I to enjoy and we both loved them and they've made their way into our kitchen binder as a family recipe.

It was so nice to bring a bit of England to him here in Canada! He remembered them from his childhood. (Maybe I'll see what they're like drizzled with maple syrup next time ;-)
Thank you!

[MrsBYork]

That looks fab - and timed perfectly for my niece's 3rd birthday, bravo!

[Trekky]

Looks fantastic - such great pictures on the cover! Now I know what to get my friends children next year!

[Katherine]

Congratulations on the book! I am really looking forward to when I can get my own copy.

Also, I was excited to see you're working with Lerner Publications - it's based in the Twin Cities, where I live! So cool.

[Kristin]

Oh, this is spectacular! What a treat. I can't wait to see them in person too.

[Ruthanne (in Seattle)]

Congratulations on the new book! What a terrific idea too. Can't wait to see it for real!

[geraldine]

Lovely! Note to Jen - you don't need children to read it to - I don't either, and will treat myself!!!

[Charlotte]

Well done, how fantastic! You are extraordinary. My husband writes and illustrates children's books and, as you say, it is no easy feat.

[Gill]

Times like this I miss working with children. I used to love reading books to them and discussing the pictures. Well done and good luck in your new venture.

[Nancy]

I'm so pleased to see that Lerner is publishing this in the U.S. I'm a school librarian and I'll be sure to buy it for our school library.

[martha brown]

Also available on Amazon.ca in Canada! I've preordered it (I'm a kindergarten teacher)

[Pom Pom]

VERY cool! Brilliant, too!

[catherine]

Congratulations Jane, what a great concept! - another feather in your cap / string to your bow. So lovely that your many creative talents are finding such wonderful outlets.

[Sue]

Renaissance woman. I will look out for it in the bookshops and have a peek -alas no small children to buy for any more.

[Sophie]

Congratulations! You achieve so much with your time.

[Eva]

Congratulations! Cool idea! The cover looks great and really makes me want to read the book myself. And I'm a bit older than 8. ;-) It's great to know that this is going to be part of a series.

[adele geras]

A brilliant idea, Jane. Can't wait to see these....

[Claire Garland]

I'm jealous! I'd love to do a book for children, I love childrens books. Well done you - I'll get one... if you buy my knitted doll pattern!... only joking, I will order one though!
Claire x

[Jessica Powers]

Clever concept indeed! Well done and yeah for you! I love how wide and far you cast your creativity.

[Zoe O]

Oooh, we can't wait to get a copy in our house. Books are certainly the only time for quiet reflection with our exuberant young man. I agree about the plethora of beautifully illustrated books for children, but a lack of those with 'artful', interesting photographs - rather, my searches have shown up rather pedestrian texts. From limited parental experience, books are far more fun if everyone involved enjoys reading them - so congratulations Jane, and thank you for working your magic!

[Martina Tierney]

Congratulations Jane, is there no end to your talent...??

[Susan Krzywicki]

Congrats! Great to see you with more success. Keep it up!

[Rebecca]

Oh Jane, how wonderful and I love the colourful cover. You are certainly a well established author now.

[Red]

congratulations! I have a friend who has a little boy and this could be a great gift for he birthday next April. That is, if his mom doesn't get it for him first. She's a fan of your books already.

[Marnie]

Doesn't get much better than this - writing a blog for your own pleasure about all the things you love to do and books and more books following in its wake. Congrats.

[Eve]

I've pre-ordered your book for my nearly three year old - looking forward to reading it together x