If you’re like me, you probably have so many ideas for children’s picture book stories.
As a storyteller, I have often been asked, if I have published any books.
I hear myself reply with the words, “The stories and pictures are all in my head?”
“Hugg is a pug who loves to play and explore but there is something he loves best of all”
Something remarkable happened towards the end of 2021 in that I finally committed to publishing a story about a pug named Hugg,, for early readers.
I had written the story in 2017 and shared it as a voice recording with some friends and family and as expected the response was ‘positively nice’. What you would expect to receive of course from friends and family.
But there is so much in creating a picture book as the pictures need to be on point especially if the text is aimed for early readers.
I asked artist Chad Reynolds if he would like to ‘have a go’ at illustrating ‘My pug named Hugg’. When Chad sent through the initial drafts I was sold. Actually the story goes that the drafts were very close to the final images used.
After various critique group sessions with feedback from authors, creatives, teachers and children, I was in a position to print the first 100 copies at the end of November.
The month of December has been fun and exciting in sending Hugg to different parts of the world.
One thing I know for certain is that it is up to me to get Hugg out there.
On Saturday 8th January at 10am GMT, you can join me on YouTube Live for a live telling of the story and I will also be showcasing my Kamishibai (Japanese paper theatre) in telling ‘My pug named Hugg’.
This will also hopefully motivate you to get on and publish your story.
My Kamishibai is a wonderful way for children to tell the story to a group of friends.
if you would like to purchase a copy of the book you can order it here
