Welcome to Margaret Welwood, and her children’s books! Tell us how you got started, Margaret.
I’ve always enjoyed sharing stories with children. But when one little granddaughter started asking for “fake” stories, she wasn’t just asking for fiction. No, she wanted stories that were made up on the spot. My writing muscles, used to striving for clear, concise, and compelling non-fiction for adults, stretched in new and happy ways as I strove to share my faith and values with a story-hungry little girl.
When it came time to start writing some stories down, I continued to read to children, but now with an added purpose: to learn from the masters. The Berenstains are among my favorites, and Coralie (the artist for my first two books) and I studied their work. I also read books about writing for children and began reviewing children’s books.
Scissortown, my first picture book,answers the two questions that burn in the heart of every serious reader ?
What happens when a neat and tidy town is invaded by Slicers and Dicers? These pleasant-looking creatures mean no harm, but they never met a pinking shear or nail clipper they didn’t like.
The clever grown-ups hide all the cutting tools, which brings us to your second burning question: What happens when nobody can cut anything at all?
“A delightful story with many layers of meaning.”
“Teaches children the importance of being responsible and using their thinking skills to solve problems.”
If Scissortown explores your burning questions, Marie and Mr. Bee leaves a question unasked.
Children with disabilities and their parents find this story of compassion, forgiveness, and forever friendship particularly empowering because no one asks why Marie uses a wheelchair. She is an equal and beloved partner in work and play, and her forest friends make accommodations for her disability without comment.
“All sorts of important ideas pop up while Marie and her friends play and work in the forest: the power of choice, the treasure of friendship, the capabilities of ‘disabled’ children, what kindness looks like.”
Little Bunny’s Own Storybook is the tale of a library-loving rabbit who takes matters into his own paws when his favorite place closes for inventory.
“By describing with words and illustrating Bunny’s book-making process, the author gives readers a detailed how-to.”
Children (both human and animal) who make—or learn to make—good choices in cute, humorous settings are one place I want to leave my mark.
Where do you want to leave your mark?
Connect with Margaret!
E-mail: margaretwelwood@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Gail! This looks lovely.