Welcome to the Kid Literature and Art inspiration blog.
Over the last few years I have written children's books, created crafts with children and I'm usually found covered in paint or tea stains.
Feel free to get comfortable with a cuppa and read some of my thoughts and ideas from this blogger. You'll notice kid literature and art Inspiration are on Facebook, twitter, Instagram and Pinterest mainly.
Have the best day possible
Best wishes
A kid lit author. x
Children love to treat their Fathers to small gifts of appreciation, homemade things are the best, and homemade cards and pictures are always top of the list. But a book to read together can be very special. Not only do they teach kids wonderful things about consideration and empathy and thinking of others, and the joy you give others when you are giving and not receiving. It can also teach Fathers to share story time more often and how enriching and important it is when embraced in their life. It can show children the importance of a male role model in their life. Each of these books features a Father figure in the story and is appropriate for small children, or you can read to them if they are under three. Some of the books are ideal for older children also. Use these stories as an introduction to your Father's Day activities or simply to show students the significance their father has in their life
1 A Perfect Father's Day by Eve Bunting Why I love my Daddy
Eve Bunting's lyrical text makes it the perfect read for Father's Day. A young child takes her father on a fun filled adventure for Father's Day. This is a cute read for kindergarteners through first grade. Perfect-Fathers-Day-Eve
heartwarming book featuring children’s own words and animal illustrations, this is the perfect book to say, “I love you, Daddy!” A good read from birth up over.
‘I love my daddy because… ‘
Everyone’s daddy is the best. And who better to tell the world than children themselves?
This charming book combines endearing things said by children about their fathers with gentle illustrations of familiar animals. The text is amusing and insightful, with reasons why daddies are loved by their children ranging from ‘because he tickles me’ to ‘because he is my best friend’.
With beautiful pictures and charming words from children all about daddies, it’s just right to give to Dad and to read together!
3 The Night Before Father's Day by Natasha Wing
This story uses the same lyrical rhyme of the beloved "Night Before Christmas." A mother and her children surprise the dad by cleaning out the garage and washing the car. This story is an introduction to showing children the special things they can do. Night-Before-Fathers-Day
read this with or to your child at any age.
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4 The Ten Best Things About My Dad by Christine Loomis
The main character in this book talks about all the fun things that his dad does that makes him special. The father reads stories, scares away the monsters, tells jokes and teaches him right from wrong. It is the perfect book to read for Father's Day because the children can relate to the young narrator in the story. For ages 3-8 approx 10-Best-Things-about-Dad
5 What Dads Can't Do by Douglas Wood
This fun and amusing picture book talks about the things that dad's cannot do that regular people can. Such as, they can push but cannot swing, they cannot cross the street without holding hands and they cannot sleep late. Kids will get a kick out of the illustrations and love coming up with their own ideas of what their dad cannot do. For ages 2-7 approx What-Dads-Cant-do
6 My Father Knows the Names of Things by Jane Yolen
This story is the perfect book to show children how a father knows it all. The father in this story shares his knowledge of the world with his child while they take a walk for ages 3-8 approx My-Father-Knows-Names-Things
7 Just me and Dad
This classic critter book shows the tale of a father and son camping trip. Along the way the little critter makes some mistakes but manages to turn things around. It’s a delightful story that shows children their dad will always be there and things can get better. for ages 3-8 approx Just-Dad-Golden-Look
8 The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish by Neil Gaiman
This delightful witty book tells the tale of how a young boy traded in his dad for two goldfish because all his dad did was sit and read the newspaper. When the boy's mother finds out what he did she tells him to go get him back, but it wasn't as easy as he thought it would be. The father gets traded all around town! This whimsical, yet sarcastic, book is a fun read for upper elementary children. Day-Swapped-Dad-Two-Goldfish for all ages.
9 The Berenstain Bears and the Papa's Day Surprise by Stan Berenstain
This classic Berenstain Bears book features Papa as a grumpy old bear that thinks that Father's Day is only a greeting card holiday. So when the day approaches and he doesn't receive anything, he is very upset. This is a great read for Father's Day and teaches children the importance of keeping secrets and lying. Berenstain-Bears-Papas-Surprise ages 3 -8 approx
10 Kisses for Daddy
When a grumbly Baby Bear refuses to give his father a goodnight kiss, their bedtime routine is transformed into a delightful game, as Daddy imagines all the different sorts kisses that other animal babies give their dads. Ages 2-5. Or from birth up if you are reading to your child. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Kisses-Daddy
No father could fail to be touched by this adorable, heart-warming book. It gently and lovingly affirms the unbreakable bond between a father and his child.
In this beautifully illustrated picture book, Daddy is always there to play, protect and comfort. Enter a world of strength and tenderness in this timeless book to keep and cherish. To read from birth up, or for children 2-6 years approx
12 A Wild Fathers Day by Sean Callahan
After two young children give their dad a father's day card that says "Have a Wild Father's Day" on it, the dad insists that the children act like animals for the day. The illustrations are simple and the repetition in this story is great. It will help the children predict some of the things that are going to happen next in the story. Wild-Fathers-Day children 4-9 years.
13 My Dad's a Hero by Rebecca Christiansen
Trying to explain to children about the war is not an easy subject to pull off. The author takes this tender subject, and has found a warm and endearing way to show children how to be proud of their father for serving in the military. My-Dads-Hero 4-9 years approx
When your grandad rings the doorbell, it's babysitting time! This is a hilarious and accessible picture book about a child spending time with his grandad. The perfect Father's day gift!
Written in a how-to style, the narrator gives important tips for 'babysitting' a grandad, including what to eat for snack (anything dipped in ketchup, ice cream topped with cookies, cookies topped with ice cream), what to do on a walk (find lizards and dandelion puffs, be on the lookout for puddles and sprinklers), and how to play with a grandad (build a pirate cave, put on a scary play).
A cunning study in role reversal, with Lee Wildish's over-the-top illustrations well in keeping with a jaunty text. children 3-8 years approx.
A story to bring comfort and hope to children who have experienced the death of a loved one. To read yourself and decide what age best to read to your child.
With tender words, her Papa describes a wonderful place, free of sadness and tears, where God warmly welcomes his loved ones after their life on earth is over. Little Cub and Papa spend the day wandering their beautiful, invigorating arctic world while she asks all about God’s home: How do we get to heaven? Will we eat there? Will I get to see you in heaven? Papa patiently answers each question, assuring her that…
This gentle story provides satisfying answers for a young child’s most difficult questions about what happens after this life, inviting “little cubs” to find comfort in knowing that God Gave Us Heaven.
A sequel to My Dad Thinks He's Funny, and a great Father's Day gift, dad is back by popular demand with more hilarious material in this witty celebration of dad humour. Dad still thinks he's funny... and says silly things like,"I've told you fifty million times, don't exaggerate." By turns funny and sweet, and with exciting art from award-winning illustrator Tom Jellett, this is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh - and the occasional eye roll!
For children of all ages.
This next one below is a page-turning story about a normally boisterous youngster with a fear of being alone in the dark...until a magical quest results in a good night's sleep all round. Extraordinary artwork provides a fantastical backdrop for a winning text set in a nonsensical invented environment. This is a terrific dad-and-son adventure tale, involving monsters, seafaring and wormcake! It is brilliant for reading aloud at bedtime when the sun slips down behind the scrintalberry trees
From the illustrator of the multiple award-winning The Tale of Despereaux, comes the endearing tale of Hamilton Squidlegger - a boisterous youngster with a huge fear of the dark. During the day Hamilton is fearless! He can triumph over all the frackensnappers, skelecragons and bracklesneeds in the swamp. But at night? Well, he quakes in terror... Will his dad be able to help him remain fearless in his own mud all night long? The perfect bedtime read, this terrific dad-and-son adventure tale involving monsters, seafaring and wormcake is brought to life by Timothy Basil Ering's colourful, energetic signature artwork and hugely imaginative language.
These books are amazing, and will lead on to many more about that special relationships in the lives of little children. A soft and gentle take on family life and relationships that perfectly captures the humour and impulsive nature of family life, and those people. Also books of a delicate nature that can help children understand about life and loss and death as a natural process, but how to deal with it and not hide it away or pretend it didn't happen. Some parents feel that if they do not talk about grief or loss with their children they are protecting them, but alas to protect them we must allow them to discover about life by approaching difficult subjects in the easiest helpful way, and allowing children to be able to come to us with questions, books are ideal to help in these areas.
These brilliant story books also capture the unbreakable bond between father and his children. Dad might not be a superhero, but he can always make a superhero mask or wear his pants outside his trousers, even if he does super snores or think he's funny! Dad can still make monsters go away at bedtime, because he is going to read to me again tonight yehh!!
Yeh for Dads Happy Fathers Day everyone, to all Fathers and all remembered!
These links from Amazon are easy enough to change from UK to US or whatever country you are viewing them from. Thank you
Libraries are magical places because they hold books of wonder. Like the soul to your mind.
Some libraries are so fascinating, they are a photographers paradise. An architectures dream. They can look like playgrounds and that is a good thing. A playground for the imagination. Books are magical and they open doorways, a little like some of these amazing entrances to some of these libraries we have on show for you here. A library is as imaginative and creative as the stories that fill them.
This is why they need preserving, and like a rare extinct species they are now under threat. To take away libraries is to take away a big part of a childs life that is so much needed for their growth on every level. We should always preserve the library, as we would our childs future. Want to get involved in saving libraries? Here’s some advice about what you can do to help protect the UK’s public libraries, along with some campaigning tips, and links to resources.
In the meantime fest your eyes on these amazing creations, that not only hold far away worlds and imaginary happenings, they also are the beginnings of creative genius minds. Your child's mind that would be.
What a treasure trove of buildings and magic to uncover, why not add some of them to your bucket list! Please check out more amazing stories and pictures from our page every day here https://www.facebook.com/KidLiterature
The power of storytelling Stories spark emotions. Narrative, the power of story, is important in that it tells us who we are, our beginnings, and how we can make the world a better place. Through the power of empathy, we can walk in someone else's shoes, and see things through their eyes. We have an intuitive, emotional side as well as a deliberate, rational side to our character. Too often we only try and connect with people on a rational level, but people may understand what you want them to do but if they aren’t emotionally engaged they will find it hard. Storytelling gives people a way of inspiring others in a way that appeals to every aspect of our character. People use stories to make sense of things. Everyone has a story in their head about what their work means for them. This story is the result of thousands of interactions and experiences and it becomes the 'lens' through which we interpret the world around us. Leaders with a shared strategic narrative can engage people in the wider context of the journey the business is on, giving people a framework to understand changes and action required. A story has a core message, but can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the lens through which it's being heard. People learn from stories. Stories are a great way of learning from others, and can help shape cultures within business. Stories give people the space to discover the implicit meaning of what’s being said, enabling them to learn, discover and own what they need to do for themselves. Storytelling is a great tool for leaders seeking new behaviours in their teams. Sharing emotive stories of best practice inspires individuals and teams, helps them learn more quickly and helps organisations to become more agile. Alison Clarke is the Author of Sisterhood and her book delves into fantasy and how teamwork make the difference. Lethal combination. It is a pleasure to introduce her book on our blog. The Sisterhood, is about how one person can make a difference. How people are part of a chain, and that through teamwork, working together, wonderful things can happen. Oppie, and her best friend, Aurie, a dragon, come across forces of darkness, an evil that is sweeping the land. But together, they find that through connecting with others, there is hope among the sea of darkness. This novel is filled with girl power, Greek, Celtic, and Ghanaian mythology. If you would like to join this fantastical odyssey, check out the links below.
The Sisterhood is an adventure that melds different types of mythology within its own unique world to create an interesting atmosphere and fast paced storyline. I especially liked the use of religion and well known well known fables such as King Arthur and Camelot. A terrific beginning. journey in this odyssey. A tale filled with Celtic, Greek, and Ghanaian mythology, The Sisterhood will delight all audiences. Kids, ten and up, as well as adults will be entranced with the story of Oppie and Aurie. Oppie is the daughter of a sorceress, and Aurie, her best friend, is a dragon. In the first book of this trilogy, they go on a journey to save the universe. Alison Clarke's passion for the Arthurian tales, as well as medieval literature like Chaucer, also fuels her writing. Her first degree is in Sociology with a double minor in French and English.
How to Find an Independent Editor to Review Your Work
When the writing process ends, the editing process begins – but first you actually need to find an editor to read your work. That set of objective eyes – fresh eyes that haven’t been staring at those words for days or weeks or months – is crucial to perfecting your work, and there are tons of qualified independent editors out there who can review it.
So, how exactly do you get an independent editor to check out your work? We’ve got a few tips for the search:
Make sure you’re happy with what you’ve written.Stylist suggests this bit of advice, and it makes sense. You don’t want to send an unfinished product for a few reasons – firstly, because you want the editor to tackle the project as a whole and final entity; and secondly because professional editing does cost money, so you want to spend it wisely.
Ask fellow writers for recommendations. This is especially helpful if you know someone who has written work in the same genre and worked with an independent editor before. Regardless though, it’s always a good idea to see whether you know writers who have had positive experiences with editors.
Look at what books/work that editor has worked on, and investigate those a bit – are they quality pieces of work, and did the editor do a good job? Also don’t hesitate to ask the editor for references – if someone doesn't want to offer any references, even just written ones, then that’s suspicious.
Work on a small sample or test edit together.Jane Friedman is right on with this advice. For as much as you can scour the Internet for evidence of an editor’s expertise, nothing beats personally interviewing that editor and working on a few pages or a chapter together. This is important to do before you sign any contracts – working on a sample gives you an idea of the editor’s talent, style, and feedback, so you can assess after that whether you want to work together on an entire piece of work.
An interview also offers the opportunity to ask questions that are really important to you, so you can be sure you and the editor are on the same page (no pun intended) when it comes to your work.
Discuss what you want in an editor. Maybe you’re looking for pure proofreading, maybe you’re looking for content editing, and maybe you want both. As Writer Unboxed explains, it’s really important to flush this out from the start so you can set up clear expectations for the editor. Different people have different strengths too, so it’s good to have this conversation.
Get everything down on paper. Because these are typically going to be freelancing transactions, it’s really important to put all the details down on paper. You want to make sure that deadlines, cost, and other expectations are all very clearly outlined and agreed upon by everyone involved before the editing process starts. If an editor doesn’t want to do this, be suspicious.
Ah, yes: "platform." If you're an Indie author you know this term well. It might even be a four-letter word to you. This concept crept into the industry a few decades ago and has now become a major player. Long gone are the days when a new author's merit is based solely on his or her ability to write. Now it's about whom you know, or how many whoms you know. Agents and publishers are looking for built-in sales.
Let's face it; we're living in the age of Kim Kardashian selfie books and gals like Snookie are NYT best-selling authors. And do you think agents and publishers are eager to work with these people because they think one of them might be the next Harper Lee? No, it's because they have a platform.
The $64,000 question for the Indie author, of course, is how do I build a platform without being famous? Sorry; I don't have the answer to this question, hence the title of this article.
Like most Indie authors, I spend my time trying to build my presence on social media. I submerge myself in the wretched political fray, silly fart jokes, and airing of dirty laundry that has become Facebook in hopes of tethering out a few fans of my prose. I tweet, pin, blog, and try to link to as many like-minded authors as I can on Linkedin. It's a daunting task.
And when I finally publish a book, I bore and annoy every one of these contacts with constant promotional blasts as I watch my sales rankings and reviews every hour in the faint hopes of a miracle.
A few months ago, however, something happened. A nice lady on Facebook, who rescues animals, one of which was a little dog named Josh who was born with a cleft palate, asked me to write a book about him. Josh was already a Facebook star with a lot of fans and had already been featured in several magazines and had just won a contest to be on the cover of Modern Dog Magazine. In other words, Josh had a platform.
It was not my usual type of book, or genre, but did I mention "platform?" I accepted the offer and in February I published I'm Not Defective: The Story of Josh. After one week, it became the #1 book on Amazon and Kindle for books about dogs. Amazon even added a banner that read, "#1 Best Seller."
Granted it's not the NYT list, or even the USA Today list, but it was still something none of my previous books had accomplished. And in this short time it has now accumulated more reviews than any of my other books. And more importantly, I am actually making a little money from this book. Wow.
After Josh's book did so well, I have now been contacted by other Facebook doggie moms and dads about possibly writing a book about their little internet stars. I just published my second in the series titled Mr. Fancy Pants: The Story of Munster and it became a #1 Amazon Best Seller the first day. I suspect this book will eventually top 200 reviews.
I still have several novels on the backburner, which I will eventually complete and hopefully publish, but for now I'm enjoying the fact that people are buying my books. I'm ecstatic that I am actually making money from writing.
And while I pat myself on the back for discovering this niche in the market, it is hardly original. I have since met a lot of popular Facebook pet owners who have already been contacted by more successful authors, agents, and publishers about writing a book about their pets. There are a lot on the market already.
So if you're an Indie author struggling with that god-awful task of building a platform, my advice is to look around. Just because you don't have a huge platform, doesn't mean you can't find someone who does, and make that the next subject of your book.
If you think the kid literature platform is for you, and you wish to borrow it or exchange blogs please comment under this post or email us at kidliteratureauthors@yahoo.com
If you wish to give your child the world, then read to them.
Read to them before they are born, so they can hear and recognise your voice.
Before you are wishing your child a happy first Birthday, they have already picked up more than they will learn in ther lifetime, so make sure you are reading to them very regularly by then, and it is a joy and a pleasurable time together to look forward to. Before long they are looking out for story time, bonding plenty, learning even more, and very soon can start to point at objects on pages.
Guide them by saying the words out loud, allowing them to see you have fun and enjoying saying the words out loud. Your child will recognise it as a fun and happy time, and associate reading with so many good feelings. Your child is learning the importance of language, and so many skills that will help them through their life.
As well as knowledge and enhancing their life academically, reading to your child stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. It will soon come as easy as walking and talking.
The bond of reading together is enjoyable to you both and connects you in a beautiful world together. It allows the child to be more motivated where they soon may also want to read by themselves. They will see you reading and enjoying your reading time and pick up on the habits you do so quick. It is a time for relaxation and a time to look forward to. Your habits are quickly picked up by your child, so make them positive reading and creative ones.
They may choose the same book to read over and over, but that is fine, it will speak to them on an emotional level and you can gradually introduce other books. Even if a child likes to read by themselves, it is worth reading to them when you introduce a new book, and also read a new book together.
Children like to think about these stories later on, or even in the next few days after, and this can open up more communication when discussing parts of a story or book.
We want our children growing into adults who read frequently and reading is knowledge, and knowledge is power. Books are full of it! It is there right at your fingertips, so go to a library or arrange a visit, or a bookstore. Go online and find some e-books and many other wonderful books you may not find in a library.
Just read.
These can be precious times and bring bout enjoyment that will go with them through their life.
How fulfilling as a parent or carer to give them this world! Start their adventure today and watch them grow. The rewards that follow are precious. Your time is precious to your child, your time is the best love and it is never too late.
