Anyone written and illustrated books for their kids?

[Nina]

I am the mother of a 3 year old and a one year old and have written and illustrated a couple of books for my kids, which they and I love.

I would love to meet other parents who have done this too as I am setting up a little business on the topic.

Or if there are any of you out there who would like to write and illustrate a book for your little one let me know and I can give you some tips on how to get started- I am making a couple of audios explaining how to do it and you are welcome to have a listen (no charge).

Love
Nina

[Donice]

Hi Nina ~ So wonderful to hear..... I too have written a book for my children.... it sits unillustrated at the moment. I would love to connect with you on tips on how to get started....☻ Thank you so much for posting... Warmly, Donice

[Nina]

Hi Donice,

Great to connect with another mum who has done the same as me.

Most mothers I have met have trouble getting started with the illustrating step of writing and illustrating a picture book because of time. So, the first step is to set aside a little time for yourself (this is probably the hardest part- you may even need to book some time in your diary) and take out your children's pens and paints and just have a play- pretend you are in kindergarten!

When it comes to illustrating the most important thing is let go of any worries about wanting to be right and just have fun. When I have been teaching mothers how to write and illustrate stories for their children most don't think they can draw, but once they start playing around with pencils or paints they discover how much fun it is to just go for it and they are always happily surprised by how good the results are. You will soon realize you have your own style. Another tip is to have a look at children's picture books you have already and really have a look at the illustrations. Very often the illustrations are extreemly simple so there is no need to be intimidated.

So, those are the first 2 steps. I am trying to record an audio leson from home but the builders on the outside of the house are making so much noise I haven't successfully done so yet! I'll let you know when they are ready.

But if you are interested I have literally just started a ning network for parents who write and illustrate stories for their kids it is called Piggy Publishing Adventures. http://piggypublishingadventures.ning.com/

Let me know how you get along.
Warmly,
Nina

[Nina]

Hi Donice,

Just to let you know that my audio lessons on how to write and illustrate your 1st children's book is available on the main page of my Piggy Publishing Adventures site. You don't need to do anything but click on the audio button to listen. Have fun.

http://piggypublishingadventures.ning.com/

Warmly,
Nina

[Jennifer MacIsaac]

I wrote and illustrated a book for my girls. It is called Birthday. I actually did it when my first born was just a baby but after #2 I revised it and "published" it on tikatok.com If you are not familure it is a fun site designed for kids to write and illustrate, but adults can have fun too. Once your book is done you can order a bound hard or soft cover of it as many coppies as you like for around $20. It is good if you want coppies for yourself or a present, not meant for selling though.
here is the link to my book:
http://www.tikatok.com/view/book/birthday

[Nina]

Thanks for that. I read your book on tikatok and really enjoyed it and the site!

Jennifer MacIsaac said:

I wrote and illustrated a book for my girls. It is called Birthday. I actually did it when my first born was just a baby but after #2 I revised it and "published" it on tikatok.com If you are not familure it is a fun site designed for kids to write and illustrate, but adults can have fun too. Once your book is done you can order a bound hard or soft cover of it as many coppies as you like for around $20. It is good if you want coppies for yourself or a present, not meant for selling though.
here is the link to my book:
http://www.tikatok.com/view/book/birthday