Be inspired!

My kids inspire me. 

The other day I sat down at the kitchen table to work on my storyboard for Little Jack Thomson and his Magnificent Brain. I wouldn’t normally do this while my kids are home because they are usually far too distracting, want food or drink, or need emergency services from me like band-aids, cuddles, or mediation. However, I had some really great ideas I wanted to get down on paper right away and I had one child away at a birthday party, so I decided to give it a try.

Within a few minutes, my four year old wanted to draw, too. So, I stopped what I was doing and got a piece of paper and some markers and sat him next to me. Then my seven year old wanted to draw. Soon, we were all drawing together quietly at the table. Yes, quietly. And, everyone was concentrating on their picture and we were all in the flow. It was total bliss. 

After we drew for awhile, though, I was the one distracted. When did my four year old learn to draw such dramatic trees and use such pencil strokes? It is such a great feeling when you see your child has made a leap in their development whether it's physically, mentally, or artistically. I loved his fantasy! The tree was getting hit by lightning which was coming from inside the house. The tractor had run into the tree. My son shared his story with me about everything in his picture and I listened like a child hearing a bedtime story.

I asked my children then to look at my storyboard and tell me what they see. It was wonderful to hear my children give praise and critique of my pictures and reminded me that their opinions were more precious than any I would receive elsewhere. Not only are children brutally (and tenderly) honest but they also see things differently. As an illustrator it is important to be able to see through a child’s eyes. I am lucky to have small children around me who inspire me to see what they see and feel what they feel and I am sure my illustrations will be better because of them.

Little Jack Thomson and his Magnificent Brain

Little Jack Thomson and his Magnificent Brain
First illustration, Linocut with watercolor - Oct. 2018

About a year ago, I began writing Little Jack Thomson and his Magnificent Brain. I was lucky enough to have a few weeks off from teaching and I finally had some time to write.

One of my sons was struggling with reading, making our after school homework time really exhausting for both of us.  This motivated me to write a story which was uplifting for children who also have difficulties at school and to encourage those who feel rejected because they think differently than everyone else. As a teacher I have worked with many children with special needs, and I wanted to write a book which also supported parents and educators who work diligently to help children feel special in spite of the adversities they face.

Little Jack Thomson is a gifted young boy who has autism and dyslexia. After one horrible day in school where Jack is made fun of by one of his peers, he comes home feeling distraught and upset.

Little Jack Thomson was feeling quite down.

He wanted to talk, but no words could be found.

He’d worked so hard learning his spelling last night,

But today on his test, only his name was spelled right.

One kid in is class said, “You’re stupid and slow.”

Jack repeated the words and felt lower than low.

Little Jack Thomson sat on his bed.

He rocked back and forth and held onto his head.

He thought about rockets ‘cause that made him feel good

and relaxed just a little, as much as he could.

There were so many things that Jack wanted to do,

but with grades like his, he knew he was through.

Jack’s mother, however, believes in him and is determined to show him just how magnificent he really is. She begins by telling him some stories of others who also achieved great things while overcoming similar obstacles and tries to convince him that he should never stop asking the questions that he finds important.

“You can never ask too many questions, or know too many things.

Who knows, little Jack, what the future will bring? 

Those questions may lead you to invent something new,

you might change the world, or make a new theory or two.

You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to try.

It’s important you ask who, when, where, what, and why. 

Don’t ever give up, Jack, you are one of a kind.

Keep asking questions and open your mind.”

Jack’s mother’s stories slowly start to lift his spirits and once again he begins to believe in himself and all of the great things he could become.

And then Jack stopped and stood straight and tall

He glanced at his mom, smiled, and looked anything but small.

“The other kids,” he said “may be better than me

at reading, and spelling, and climbing a tree.

But when it comes to ideas, I’m the best of the best.

And one day, my theories will be put to the test.”

“I have ideas for how to fly a rocket to Neptune,

build a train between planets, and mine rocks on the moon.

I’ve have plans for building a soap-powered plane,

Someday they will say I have a magnificent brain!...

If you would like to know more about Little Jack Thomson and his Magnificent Brain, please let me know. I am currently looking for literary representation and encourage any critique or advice that is sent my way.  Please check my website for more information and contact details at kelleydonner.com.