There’s something magical about working with children’s books, picture books in particular. From an author’s initial thoughts through to the point it sits in the lap of an admiring child there is almost nothing else in the world more miraculous and life changing in my opinion.
I’ve long held a love for reading, especially children’s literature, but when my now six year old son was born that love turned into a passion. For quite a while after his birth his only ability to communicate with his father and I was through the picture books we read to him. Over a long period of time that included outside help as well as our own creative ideas we were able to bridge a gap using the books he loved. Within months as we read to him and connected printed words with reality our son’s life as well as ours as his parents transformed into something we hadn’t dared to hope for. One in which he communicates openly and easily with us and those around him each day. He even creates his own stories now.
This isn’t to say that I believe every child will have the same dramatic encounter with picture books that my son did, but I do believe in the magic of reading to children. Creating that excitement that lasts for years and in some cases a sense of ownership at cherishing a single book they never thought they’d be able to keep because of their circumstances.
Picture books have the ability to change lives, in both adults and children. This is the reason I’m excited to work with and for so many talented picture book authors and illustrators as an agent. To be a passionate advocate for the authors who have the ability to change lives within such a short space. It is no small feat to be able to communicate messages of hope, reassurance and love or even lessons about bravery, kindness and loss within a mere thirty six pages. I have a profound respect and admiration for these talented writers and illustrators. Their ability to create and cultivate their craft never ceases to amaze me.
I couldn’t be happier. It’s extraordinary to be a part of an agency that embraces the changing landscape of publishing to incorporate all of the benefits of technology and also enables me to have a personal relationship with each of my clients to help them fulfill their dreams. I’m excited to be a part of the world of children’s publishing from beginning to end. To one day soon watch from the sidelines as the authors & illustrators I am fortunate enough to work with see the world light up in the readers of their books.
