Well-worn picture books from my personal library

I am living my dream. In my early twenties, before I became a freelance writer, I taught preschool. My favourite part of the day was circle time when I could indulge in the magical world of children’s literature. We would all sit cross-legged on the carpet and I would select three or four picture books to read out-loud. The stories were funny, heartwarming, thrilling and sometimes even scary, and they were illuminated with beautiful illustrations. I was in awe of the talent and imagination of these writers and artists. In my wildest dreams, I never imagined that one day I would be writing my own picture books.

Once upon a time, there was a young moose …

My story chose me, rather than the other way around. Actually, my real-life character chose me. I happened upon him while camping one summer at Lake Superior Provincial Park. I was walking back to my car from my campsite for some essentials, and had just turned onto a wooded path when I stopped in my tracks. A young moose stood in the distance, looking directly at me. For a few moments, we stood alone on that path, staring at each other. I almost said hello! Then he silently slipped into the forest. He struck me as a little moose who liked to play and have fun. From that moment on, I knew I would write about him.

It took me seven years to finally come up with the story that clicked, and in a few short weeks I wrote Wade’s Wiggly Antlers. It’s been an exciting journey since then, one that’s still evolving. What I find most satisfying is that I’ve come full circle, having loved children’s literature in my early career and now having the honour of writing for this extremely challenging but rewarding genre.

I absolutely love writing for children. They are the best audience a writer could ask for.

Here’s just a small sample of my favourite picture books for kids:

1. Red is Best by Kathy Stinson and Robin Lewis
2. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
3. Fifty Below Zero by Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko
4. Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse by Leo Lionni
5. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
6. Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
7. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
8. The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton
9. Franklin in the Dark by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark
10. Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
11. Corduroy by Don Freeman

Stay tuned for updates about that fun-loving moose!

Also, if you are looking for creative inspiration, I highly recommend spending time along the outstanding shore of Lake Superior. You never know who you might run into!