Well, if I’m ever going to make the family fortune by writing children’s books, as my son is often exhorting me to do, I’d better get a move on!
But how? I don’t have those clear, honest and true memories of childhood to guide me like Beverly Cleary. I don’t have the zany imagination of Dr. Seuss and others. I don’t, I don’t…
I often want to write for my grandchildren, BlueCat and Stargirl. But the plot eludes me.
Today on the Sunday video call, StarGirl was still in her pj’s. We all tried the psychological tricks- her mama says to us, “Did you know, yesterday StarGirl got herself dressed, ALL BY HERSELF?” “No” the grandpa is mock astonished,“that’s not possible!” I say, “Do you pick out your own clothes to wear?” StarGirl falls for none of our tricks, but – on her own sweet time- disappears and comes back dressed.
“No socks,” I say. “What socks do you want to wear today?”
Stargirl happily dashes off and returns with the beaver socks in hand. She loves her animal socks, with the little faces and ears at the heel.
Mama laughs and tells how StarGirl- at the park with friends- will exclaim, “Mira!” To her friend’s parent, and turn backwards picking up one leg, waving it in the air. “Que?!” Mama has to direct their gaze to the little animal face on the heel of the sock. “Ah, que mono!”
So later in the hot shower, I am thinking maybe I will write a story about StarGirl. StarGirl in the beaver den! She can imagine her slippery body diving through the stick and clay-lined tunnel to the pond’s watery expanse, and then up for air. Would StarGirl like eating bark with her beaver friends? Maybe take some lollipops into the den! Would the beavers like the lollipops?
We will see. Every story-teller has to find their own voice, after all, and their own muse.
Pencilonmybackporch 
Yes, I would love to read the story of Stargirl in the beaver lodge. There is something so engagin and mysterious about beavers. When I was in elementary school, I have a clear memory of writing a report about beavers — your image reminded me of that long ago research. I bet I am not the only one who would love for you to uncover the mystery of life in a beaver lodge with Stargirl.
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I had an immediate connection to this post. I want to write a children’s book too. I want it to be based on my experiences at my dad’s short-lived restaurant, but the memories are fuzzy. I look forward to reading more about Stargirl one day!
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I think Stargirl is a terrific character and she will give you many plot lines for your stories. Look forward to seeing book displays .
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I think you have discovered an interesting idea for your writing! I try to write stories for children, but get lost in the revision process. Keep writing those ideas down!
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Definitely want more stories about StarGirl and BlueCat! I love how you weaved another language into this post. Perhaps something to consider for your future book.
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I can see a whole series started with what you have started to explore here! I have writing dreams too – and I think we just need to write write write and try try try!
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I like how you honestly start by naming how you aren’t like Cleary and Seuss. But you do have a dream. And you do have a muse! And this slice ends with confidence proclaiming you do have a voice. Can’t wait to see how you weave your science knowledge msterfully into your story? You know I’ll be in line to buy it! once published!
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I too, have always wanted to write a children’s book and have had some of these same thoughts. Thanks for walking us through how you’re getting going. Can’t wait to hear more about Stargirl in the beaver den.
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You always tell a good story. You have such creative ideas. I think StarGirl and BlueCat would be perfect names and inspiration for a children’s book
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