"Granny's Teddy", a wordless children's Christmas storybook I designed and illustrated is now available to buy HERE.Details: Hardback. Full colour picture book. 30 pages. 22 x 28 cm.
"Granny's Teddy" tells the story of "Granny", who like many people of her age never had a teddybear, until now. Teddy drops in on Christmas Eve, comes to life, and turns her life upside down.
The idea for the book was based on a true story (honestly). When I was about 12 years old I bought my Granny a teddy for Christmas. She loved it, and told me that she'd never had a teddy when she was little.
Later I heard from my Mum (her daughter) that she would talk to it, and sit the bear on the chair next to her when she watched TV. The teddy had become a friend. The idea stuck with me, and many years later I came up with the idea for this book.
I've self published through Lulu.com after struggling with publishers who loved the illustrations and story but couldn't understand the concept of a book with no words.
The illustrations are produced in watercolour, gouache and pencil, and you can view some low resolution preview pages by following the link above. I've set the price just above the printing charge. I'm not looking for big profits, I just want people to read my book.
Yes; I do mean read.
When I was 11, in my 1st year at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School for Boys, I leart something I've never forgotten...
Our English teacher, Mr. Garth Sutcliffe asked us to read a certain number of pages from "The Otterbury Incident" (I think), after which, we'd be tested on what we'd read.
One question in particular went something like this: "On page #, how many people in the picture are wearing hats?"
We all complained that we only had to read the pages he told us, and he agreed, and asked us why we hadn't read the pictures.
"READ THE PICTURES" has stayed with me ever since. Thank you Mr. Sutcliffe.
2 comments:
Hi Mark,
I've just been reading about your book, Granny's Teddy which I think sounds a lovely book and one which I would love to read with my four year old daughter. I'm definitely going to get her a copy for Christmas. I too was taught by Garth Sutcliffe and like you, he left a big impression on me. An unusual style of teaching from time to time(!) but in my mind an excellent teacher. I was sad to learn only today that he has passed away. It makes me pleased to think that his memory and his teachings will live on through the inspiration he gave to people like you.
Suzanne
Hi Mark,
I've just been reading your blog about Granny's Teddy (I'm only 6 years out of date!) which sounds lovely and which I would love to read to my four year old daughter. I'm definitely going to get her a copy for Christmas. In your blog you mentioned Garth Sutcliffe - I was also taught by Garth and like you, he left a lasting impression on me. His teaching style was from time to time unusual to say the least, but still, I thought he was an excellent teacher. Unfortunately I'm nowhere near as creative as you but he's one of those teachers I've never forgotten and am unlikely to ever forget. I was saddened to hear today that Garth has passed away but it is pleasing to know that his memory and his teachings will live on through the people he inspired, like you.
Suzanne
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