The Circular Square

Square finds his edges and corners hard to deal with. They are always getting bashed and Square is quite miserable. However, he quickly realises that dwelling on his problems is not helpful and by making the best of things, he can be far happier. Every knock and tumble helps to make him a far more rounded individual.

‘The Circular Square’ is a wonderfully up-lifting and positive story which encourages readers to look for the positives in life even when things get tough. The lively rhyming text is accompanied by an appealing cast of shape characters who vividly bring the story to life.

Through focusing on the little things in life which make him happy in the moment and accepting that life is full of ups and downs, Square becomes a far happier individual, shaped by his experiences and the rewards of perseverance. The book is perfect for sharing in assemblies or as the basis for a PSHE lesson, and although targeted at a younger audience, carries a message which can be positively shared with older children too. The phrases describing the ‘little things that make him feel alive’ like ‘the sparkle of the sea’, ‘the gentle warmth of autumn sun’ or ‘the zing of homemade lemonade’ could easily be used to inspire the writing of precious things poems or lists. Further ideas for this are given at the end of the book where both the author and illustrator share a list of five things which make them happy - and offer a space for readers to do the same.

The story is brimming with a positivity which acknowledges that life is not perfect, but is definitely what you make it!

The Circular Square

Simon Philip, illustrated by Neil Clark

Templar ISBN: 978-1800785052

Blog Tour: Whisper to the Rescue

I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Whisper to the Rescue’ today.

Whisper is the smallest, quietest dragon on the mountainside and although he notices everything, his family don’t seem to notice him. He sees how they are damaging the environment, making it unsafe and unpleasant for the other creatures who live there, but he cannot make his family listen. however, with a little help from his friends, Whisper finds a way.

Brave and determined, little Whisper is sure to find a place in readers’ hearts. Proving that the quietest amongst us are often those who notice things which pass others by, this lovely story shows how perseverance, teamwork and taking a new approach can solve seemingly impossible problems. Many children will empathise with Whisper’s feelings of not being listened to, but will take courage from the creative solution he and his friends come up with.

There is also an environmental message here with children trying to make their elders recognise the damage which they are inflicting on the planet and change their ways. The story is perfect for encouraging discussions and making children feel as if they can be heard. This gentle story has real strength at its heart.

Whisper to the Rescue

Rose Robbins

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978- 1915252203

Guest post: Danielle Krysa

Danielle Krysa is a mixed-media artist, writer and speaker, and host of The Jealous Creator blog. After experiencing criticism from an art tutor that cut so deeply it stopped her creating art for 20 years, Danielle has rediscovered her creative joy and is helping others to do the same. She has written several books on the topics of creative block and dealing with the inner critic, as well as delivering workshops and talks on these themes for TEDx, PIXAR and on oprah.com, among others. Today she introduces us to her new children’s book, Art and Joy: Best Friends Forever.

Can you tell us a bit about your new book…

This is the story of two best friends, Art and Joy, who love being creative — until the Art Bully shows up and starts whispering doubts in Art’s ear. I love the idea of personifying “Art and Joy”, because they really are two peas in a pod! I want children to see that Art and Joy should always go hand-in hand. Hopefully, as these kids grow up, they’ll remember this story, and how important it is to keep these BFFs together!

What is the inspiration behind this story?

This is a children’s book, but I hope the message resonates with artists young and old! When we’re little, art and joy are almost synonymous. As we get a bit older, even just in grade school, we can start to worry about “doing it right” — uh oh, joy is already starting to fade. By the time we’re adults, so often creativity can get overshadowed by the pressure we put on ourselves to “be successful”. What will galleries be looking for, what do collectors want to buy, what if [insert anything] has been done before? As kids, we just glued glitter onto feathers and stuck pompoms onto construction paper because we knew it would be AMAZING!

Do your book ideas come to you visually, or does the storyline come to you first?

Strangely, the stories come first. Given that I went to art school and then another year at design school, you’d think the images would come first! With both of my children’s books, How to Spot an Artist, and now Art and Joy, it was the story leading the way. Actually, for the longest time I couldn’t picture what the illustration style for Art and Joy would look like until, one day, I was swimming laps at our local pool and - TA-DAH - the image of a sparkly blob of paint with little pencil lines for arms and legs popped into my head. I cut the swim short, jumped out of the pool, and ran home to try it out! Luckily, it worked!

What is your typical writing or book illustrating day like?

Coffee is absolutely necessary while writing, and potato chips are my reward for finishing. I do all of my writing and illustrating at home, although whenever I feel stuck, I like to bring my sketchbook and laptop to a cafe. A new environment filled with people, sounds and smells helps me loosen up a little — also, they never run out of COFFEE!

What do you enjoy most about being an author & illustrator? 

Everything! It truly is my dream come true. I’ve had stories and pictures in my head since I was a little kid, and I feel so lucky to be able to put them into books that end up on bookshelves all over the world.

Were you creating art / illustrating from a young age?

Yes! My mom is an artist and she always says I was stealing her art supplies as soon as I could walk. I drew, painted, sewed, and — fun fact— I wrote and illustrated my first kids’ book under a bush in our backyard when I was seven years old. (I even planned a line of merchandise and a Saturday morning cartoon to go along with it — go big or go home, I guess?!)

What are your favourite books from your childhood? And now – which children’s books and creators do you particularly love?

When I was little I loved Curious George books, and everything from the world of Dr. Suess. In my 20s I bought Oliva by Ian Falconer, even though I was years away from having my own kid! I just thought it was so beautifully illustrated and that the writing was so clever. Oh, I also absolutely love BJ Novak’s The Book With No Pictures! Other book illustrators I love include Julie Morstad, Jon Klassen and Oliver Jeffers.

Art and Joy: Best Friends Forever by Danielle Krysa is published by Prestel, out now.

£12.99 hardback, ISBN 9783791375373.

Find Danielle at thejealouscreator.com and on Instagram @thejealouscreator.

Many thanks to Danielle for sharing this today. Some lovely ideas for ‘Make Stuff!’ activities are included at the end of the book.

I have taught so many children who have an ‘Art Bully’ whispering negative thoughts to them - and have my own personal one as well- so this story really struck a chord with me and would be a great one to explore with children of all ages. Perhaps everyone should adopt the new motto- ‘An artist finds joy every day!’

Dinos Don’t Give Up!

Dinah the diplodocus is one of life’s talented dinosaurs. Everything she tries, she excels at; every award there is to win, she wins. And she’s such a good friend. So when a surfing competition is announced, everyone is sure Dinah will win. However, much as she tries to stay afloat, Dinah doesn’t have any surfing skills at all and for the first time ever, comes in last. But with the support of her friends, some determination and very positive attitude, Dinah is soon back on her board again and doing her best!

There are some children (and adults) who sail through life, finding everything easy and who can therefore find it incredibly challenging when they come across something which they struggle to do. Resilience in these situations is so important - and Dinah’s story is perfect for showing the importance of getting back on your feet and trying again.

The story is wonderful for reading aloud with the rhyming text bouncing along at the perfect pace and there is much word play which adds to the gentle humour. Although she is a very talented young dinosaur, Dinah is also a good friend, supporting others when they need her, so their response is to empathise with her when she struggles and offer her support in turn. There is SO much to discuss and enjoy here, making this a brilliant text for assemblies or PSHE sessions as well as for story time!

Bright and colourful, each spread is full of vivid illustrations which capture Dinah’s adventures perfectly. There are so many details to notice and enjoy - so many humorous touches- that children will return to them again and again!

Dinos Don’t Give Up! is just joyful- perfect summer reading!

Dinos Don’t Give Up! Smriti Halls, illustrated by Richard Merritt

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801043090

You can read my review of ‘Rain Before Rainbows’ here.