I had two e-mails this week which made me feel I have not lived in vain. One was from a woman called Merjan to say that she’s been reflecting on the books she had read in her life as part of the Read Across America campaign. She and her mother checked out one of my titles, THE LOVE ME BIRD every week from the public library. ‘Your picture book turned me into a huge reader and eventually becoming an English literature major. Thankyou for teaching me the importance of love and the role it plays in our daily lives.’
The other was from a young woman called Lucy, from Lincolnshire, where I grew up , about my book TELL ME SOMETHING HAPPY BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP, published in 1998 and still in print. ‘It was the first ever christmas present from my grandfather when I was born in 2002 and came with the box set of the toy Willa. I’ve had them for 21 years now and I’ll never part with them. I just want you to know that your work has a positive impact on people’s lives.’
Phew! Wow! This is gratifying of course and goes to show that children’s picture books are not just for childhood, sometimes they are for life.
Lucy included a picture of her Willa toy, with faded pyjamas and much of the fur loved off, but still with perky ears. Next to it is a photo of the original Willa who has spent most of her life in a box. I had quite a few of these but over the years I’ve sent them out to desperate parents, grandparents and so on, trying to replace a beloved lost Willa. Alas, they have become collectible and impossibly expensive. The book and toy have stood the test of time, and after 9/11 they were recommended in the US to help children feel safe again. More than ever children need reassurance so I think a celebratory issue would be welcomed. Meantime, huge thanks to Merjan and Lucy for taking the trouble to write to me.
If you would like to buy Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go To Sleep click here