Frog Meets a Bog Beast is a fictional rhyming tale which has a broad reading age profile. An additional 'real' element has been included with factual habitat and actual nature information. This 'pick and mix' approach allows the reading experience to be either light or more detailed. A frog craft activity supports amphibian learning.
Forg Meets a Bog Beast
What made you want to write with a rhyming swing?
Rhyme is a popular and fashionable story telling tool. Personally, I think it can allow the reader's voice to be more expressive and captivating. I liken it to singing or dancing with the words with the listeners' ears tuned in.
Please tell us about when writing struck you on a plane in the early hours.
I was travelling alone on the plane. My mind was active on the night flight whilst the cabin was in night mode and the lights dimmed. At the time, I had a limited choice of activities but a pen and paper was to hand. So, I began to jot down ideas and began the maze of story writing and publishing.
Which stories do you enjoy reading with your son?
Stories enjoyed with my son include both rhyme and non-rhyme. In term of rhyme, Julia Donaldson has a brilliant array but The Smartest Giant in Town was his favourite for quite a while. We really enjoyed the Winnie the Witch stories as well as the fabulous art. Others included Jim and the Beanstalk, The Paperbag Prince, Dr Suess' collection and Billy's Bucket to name a few! The 'Secret Seven' books are currently being enjoyed as well as dipping in and out of other picture books. One element was it was something that, as a mother, could be worked on ad hoc allowing for other family commitments.
How much does your son enjoy reading your books now?
My son's enjoyment factor can change pretty regularly. Getting the book from paper notes to a finished printed book has been a long process. One of the most rewarding moments was when I had received the typeset full story and he decided to write his own book. This turned into 3! He drew pictures, wrote the storyline and then did his own front cover and bound it with staples. It made me proud to think that the book had given him an inspirational, independent idea with such a great result.
What made you decide to include an activity section and facts for the reader?
Originally the book was due to be a fictional tale only. However, through my learning and interest, I thought I would create a 3D concept; story, facts, craft activity. This combination was something that I had not really come across in picture book choices. Also, I wanted to give the reader a 'value for money' purchase.
What is next for you?
I would like to see the feedback from the book in the first instance. I hope that each reader finds something of appeal; be it the story, artwork, facts, habitat, photographs or the craft activity. I would like it to support and promote nature, habitats and conservation; hence the donation element when a book is purchased. I hope this book can be used as a tool to raise awareness and somehow make an active contribution. Children are the guardians of nature and future conservation. After that, over time, I do have a number of books that I hope to publish hence the My Animal Puzzle concept.
Readers can receive 20% off the cover price of Frog Meets a Bog Beast by entering the special discount code FMBB if they buy the book from www.troubador.co.uk. For more information about the author, you can visit www.lindabutton.co.uk.