The Story of My Life in 9 Picture Books
You’ve probably already guessed that I love books – all kinds of books, but especially funny ones, and ones filled with adventure and mystery, and a little bit of magic too. I love islands and jungles and ice cream, birdsong and nature, and it is these things that I often look for in stories. Here are 9 other things I love and 9 brilliant picture books to go with them!
Dogs.
I LOVE dogs. But they can be naughty like George in this very funny story about trying to be good. Our family dog Ellie once stole my sock and hid it in the corner of the sofa, replaced the cushions PERFECTLY – and created a DECOY by scratching on the carpet on the other side of the room. If you like dogs too, then this book is for you!
Birds.
There is nothing more relaxing than listening to birds and I am trying to learn their lingo. This book isn’t about birdsong though. It’s a fabulously funny book about a duck who gets out on the WRONG SIDE OF BED. Because let’s be honest, everyone gets grumpy sometimes, even delightful ducks – but can anything or anyone cheer him up?
Home.
I don’t live in a cave (although I wouldn’t mind, as long as there weren’t too many bats) but I have moved LOTS of times and one thing I know to be true: home is where the heart is. In this story, Dave searches for a better cave, only to realise his home was perfect all along.
Exploring.
This delightful story about a curious bear who wants to explore the world, combines two things I love enormously: books and travel. I have been lucky enough to visit some of the wondrous worlds in which my own stories are set, but sometimes things can get a bit sticky – and that’s when a kind bear and a book of ‘being wise’ is just what you need!
Naps.
My MOST favourite thing (even more than ice cream) is spending time with family and friends, but everyone needs a little alone time once in a while too. Sometimes it’s nice just to stretch out on the ground, look up at the sky, and breathe. Or nap. Try it and see how lovely it feels!
Ice Cream.
Speaking of ice cream, my absolute favourite is MINT CHOC CHIP. But I also like a homemade strawberry ice cream that my mum makes every summer. It’s very easy. Or it would be, if you weren’t trying to help by unscrewing the wrong bit of the blender (which, in case you’re not sure, results in runny strawberries erupting from the bottom ALL OVER THE FLOOR AND WALLS). For more ice cream acrobatics, The Ice Cream Crocodile is a glorious circus extravaganza, bursting with heart and humour!
Food.
My first job, aged 14, was working in a restaurant kitchen, peeling garlic – all night. It’s amazing I still love it because I came home after work smelling like a GIANT BULB of garlic. Luckily for me, it wasn’t too long before I was allowed to serve customers. Maybe not so lucky for the lovely lady who left with gazpacho soup ALL DOWN HER FRONT. If ever you’ve dreamed of running your own restaurant, this story about a rather unusual café is not to be missed!
Postcards.
Postcards are becoming rarer, but they are still as GLORIOUS as ever. I know it’s hard to believe but when I was a little girl, we didn’t have phones or computers or anything hi-tech. What we did have were letters and postcards that we wrote on in pencil, or biro, stuck a stamp on with our own saliva, and sent to people we loved and missed. Why I never thought to write with CRAYONS is beyond me because what kind of person would not want to receive such a colourful delight through the letterbox! If you’ve never read this joy of a book, please do so right away!
Trees. (and Cows).
This was one of the first picture books I read as a grownup. I loved it so much that it made me think for the first time that I would try writing a story of my own. I loved climbing trees as a child. I spent many hours on the fourth branch of an old oak tree, tigers circling the trunk, and it was there that my imagination somehow grew. If you have an imagination and a dream, perhaps this wonderful story will inspire you too.