How important is literacy to our planet?

Photo credit Wilson Reading Program

Their ability to #read & comprehend will shape how our #children assume responsibility for #mother earth#parenting pic.twitter.com/4uyNXnsXU4

— Bruce Medcalf (@TheDreamAvenger) December 14, 2015

Should We Learn To Live With Wildlife In Our Neighborhoods?

I couldn't agree more. When I wrote my children's story about a little #raccoon #family living just on the edge of the human world, I began to become aware of their point of view. After seeing so many deceased #raccoons by the side of our fastest route out of town to the freeway, it made me wonder what was their story? The #story I co-wrote with my daughter and editor (@natashayounge) is light-hearted and fun, but my hope is that it will help the young readers to think about the natural world just on the edge of our neighborhoods and ask more questions about our friends in #nature. Please see my bio for a link to my book summary. The book itself has gorgeous, almost real-to-life #illustrations and is available for purchase at #Amazon as well. #SammyRingtail #environment #childrensbook #conservation #learning #reading #literacy #greenmom #greenmoms #greendad #grandparents #grandma #granddad #gifts #naturelover

A photo posted by Jennetta Younge (@jennetta_younge) on Sep 24, 2016 at 8:51am PDT

What do you think? I would love to hear your opinion. Please share in the comments below.

About me.

Purchase my latest children's book on Friesen Press.

copyright 2016 Jennetta Younge 

The Power of a Picture-less Book

I have been a big fan of CBS Sunday Morning since I arrived in America in the late 1970’s.  I liked the show, because the former host, Charles Kuralt, had a wonderful way with words.  Overall, I enjoy how the program introduces its’ audience to the hidden lives of people that are public and yet extremely private.  

On February 21, 2016, I watched the feature on actor and writer B.J. Novak whom I have seen on TV shows, but I never gave him a second thought.  His description of his story, A Book without Pictures, however, grabbed my attention.  I felt, "At last, here is a writer who gets it!"

I am writing about this, because I was recently asked why I had so few illustrations in the book I self-published, “Sammy Ringtail’s Adventure to the Big City.”

On my small island of Antigua, I grew up without much access to books, and none with pictures. Some educators and parents think that all children’s stories should have pictures in order for them to get the meaning of the story.  Children, however, are smarter than most adults think.  

As a former Elementary teacher, I loved reading un-illustrated books to my class.  I found that students got more enjoyment when they were allowed the freedom to create their own imagery of the story.  I believe that this helps to develop childrens' listening and critical-thinking skills.  Therefore, I compliment B.J. Novak for giving writer's permission to create a children's story without pictures, and giving children permission to enjoy it.

What do you think? Please share in the comments below. I would love to hear your recommendations for other children's stories without pictures.

About me.

Purchase my latest children's book on Friesen Press.

copyright 2016 Jennetta Younge