storytelling visual picturebooks childrensbooks

I volunteered to write and illustrate a picture book for Martin’s House - Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa North Yorkshire. It has been a challenge because I wanted to convey the critical work that is carried out at this establishment without producing a book of sadness.

After much deliberation I came up with a story about a little butterfly’s challenge to find a place of safety and comfort away from the ferocious wind that threatened to damage the butterfly’s delicate wings.

The book is going to print as I write, I am very excited to see the finished picture book, an order has been placed for 500 copies to distribute throughout Martin House’s 14 charity shops.

I have covered the initial cost as a donation to this amazing cause and I hope the monies from the sale of the books will help towards the running costs of this incredible charity.

I would like to show you some highlights from the book and ask, if you can please purchase a book, either through the Martin House website or from one of the charity shops, that would be incredible!

The books will hopefully be available from the beginning of May 2025.

Reading out a story may not be enough.

Children are amazingly imaginative, so reading the story alone may not be enough to keep your children actively engaged in a story. 

Therefore, acting out a story or their favourite book might be the perfect way for you to make reading interesting and interactive. 

There are a few different ways that you could do this, depending on how theatrical you are willing to be.

If you are reading as a whole class, you can get children involved in acting out the story by assigning volunteer students to take on a character role.

Students should be encouraged to use voices and perhaps even some props to really embrace their characters and test their reading and oral skills.

Before you know it, children will be hooked on the edge of their seats whilst reading and listening together!

If it is a one to one session maybe read a page each and adopt the voice of the characters. There is no reason why your child cannot dress up as their favourite character, you could even act out a part of the story. 

Storytelling is fun, it broadens the imagination and helps a child develop a sense of wonder and appreciation of the written word, so always make it interesting if you can.

Drawing pictures of the characters can help drum up enthusiasm because the child will buy into the book with a feeling of ownership, plus it will help develop their own imagination to create new characters and storylines.

It is learning with a fun element being part of the lesson without the child realising this. 

So go on, be creative, push the boundaries of your own limitations and you will be surprised how much you enjoy the experience yourself!

Great read for Halloween, the kids will love it! 

The Magic of Visual Storytelling

The role of picture books in helping children visualize stories and create connections with characters is so important. It fosters a love for reading and strengthens bonds with the reader. Journeying through the pages can spark the child's imagination, encouraging them to engage with the story and characters to help develop a love of reading. 

The profound impact of picture books on parent-child relationships is powerful, the visual stories provide a platform for meaningful connections and shared experiences.

Examine the storytelling techniques in picture books that entice children to read and engage with the characters, ask the child what they think of the story and the characters, whose their favourite and why? Would they change the ending, how did they feel once the story ended? Would they want the story read again?

By asking questions and inputting with your feelings and emotions, it helps the child engage and want to participate.

You never know, your child might one day want to write a story themselves and draw the characters. It could be an exercise both of you enjoy!