Precious Words

I’ve been thinking…

…how grateful I am to my young readers.   

It is nerve-wracking asking for feedback on creative projects.  We want honest critiques that help hone the result.  But we yearn for the “way to go!” to bolster our efforts.  

Several young readers were particularly encouraging that Little Children, BIG Feelings was worthwhile.  I am forever grateful to my dear friends Cindy and Matt for sending a videotape of young AJ listening to his mama read a draft of the book.  He was genuinely intrigued by the story and the balloons.  And at the end, he made my heart smile with the precious words, “Read it again, Mama!”  Cindy told me that they read the book, from an email attachment, a dozen times.  I am so glad he now has a beautiful hardback copy to enjoy.

Jo Ann’s young grands often visit and check out the illustrating magic she is doing on her computer.  After viewing “Feelings,” they got caught up in the spirit of it.  Days later, Jo Ann was supervising her grandson’s zoom kindergarten. The teacher began the day by asking, “How are you today?”   Jo Ann had to smile when her grandson enthusiastically announced, “I am EUPHORIC!”  

He loves that word as much as I do!!

Then several weeks later, Jo Ann’s 3-year-old granddaughter was sorely disappointed when some Sunday plans fell through.  In expressing her dismay, she emphatically stated, “I am just NOT joyful!”

These moments and those with my own grands who offered me their feedback encouraged me as I pushed through the publishing maze to complete a book that I believe will give voice to children’s feelings. 

“A little child shall lead them.”  

 Indeed.