...and it happened like this.
I went into the St Paul's Bookshop, next to Westminster Cathedral, to browse among the books. I was looking for a children's book about Pope John Paul II - I needed one for a schools' project with which I am involved. There were a lot of attractive books about him, but nothing specifically for younger children.
I stood, leafing through a couple of books and thinking "Oh, I'd love to do a book about JPII...a book with really delightful illustrations, something a child would enjoy looking through again and again..."
At that moment the manager, Stephen, came by, and stopped to say "Hi - how's things?" in the way that people do. "I'm just looking at these books" I said "and thinking that it would be lovely to have a really good book about Blessed John Paul II, for children..." And he said "Would you like to write one for us?"
We talked. We agreed. We looked at the current series of children's books on various saints (John Vianney, Therese of Lisieux) and agreed it should match these - the illustrations are delightful.
And so it's happening. When I got home, I started on it. He's organising an illustrator.
Golly.
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7 comments:
Well done indeed and thank you!
Great! I can't wait to get one of the first copies!
Dear Auntie Joanna,
The life of Blessed John Paul II for children sounds like a marvelous project for you. Lolek by Mary & Mark Hoffman (ages 4-12) was popular in the U.S. several years ago. But I have not seen any recent books about Blessed John Paul II which would capture the imagination of children of various ages. This is sent with loving thoughts on his birthday, May 18.
Sheila A. Waters
Bronxville, NY
Wow, that is fantastic. My little son is 20 months old. Perhaps when you get it published he will be just the right age. Do let us know when it gets published. I would buy it.
Congratulations. I hope the process goes both quickly and smoothly.
I'll withhold the congratulations until the book is actually published, but it sounds very worthwhile.
I'm just a bit concerned that JP II was mainly great in counsel. A list of papal documents and political wrangles isn't going to appeal to most children. it's not as easy as writing a book on, say, Padre Pio or Mother Theresa.
I sat at his desk four days ago!
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