Nancy McNeil's Story
Why I Write Children's Picture Books
I clearly remember playing librarian by myself with my picture books. I created check-out book pockets, glued them inside each book, and stamped return due dates on slips of paper for each of my many imaginary book borrowers.
From childhood to adulthood, books filled my walls as their stories filled my soul.
Take the Becki series of picture books as an example. These kids books are written from my past experiences where I meld the best and funniest parts of my life with a creative flair! I believe that all children deserve to feel loved and special, mainly when uncertain and unpredictable times occur.
Books can transport a child to a new adventure and a place away from real life.
The original Trailer Kids! These are the baby goats who inspired my story.
Concept photo for Becki and the Trailer Kids!
Food insecurity (i.e., food shortages) and climate change are realities that adults face daily. Uncertainty and unpredictability upset adults, let alone children.
I encourage children to be adventurous and embrace life-long learning. Kids books become doors to new adventures. Perhaps the ‘transported’ reader/listener will begin to author and/or illustrate their own stories.
That is my greatest wish!
Before children’s picture books
I have worn many ‘hats’ in my life, such as health data technologist, fitness business owner, health fitness writer, communications director, manager of faculty research grants, skate lacer, blade sharpener, and farmer.
I worked in hospitals, fitness centers, ice arenas, universities, and on our 4.5-acre farm.
My favorite ‘Hat’
It's of being mom to my son and daughter (twins). Raising twins afforded me many after-work ‘mom’ adventures, such as gymnastics for preschoolers and, later, sports such as speed skating and archery with regional, provincial, and Canadian competitions.
I crisscrossed Canada a few times, had great adventures, and met fascinating people.
Now, I’m a Grammy and have two grandsons and two granddaughters. My grandchildren have caused me to rethink my goals. I truly believe small farms will play more significant roles in the future as food insecurity and sustainability challenge us.
These are serious adult issues. However, I want to share my fun farming adventures with children.
I wish to encourage children to be adventurous and learn as much as possible. Books become doors to new adventures.
Perhaps the ‘transported’ listener/reader will begin to author their own stories. That is my greatest wish!
Nature is my source of inspiration. This view is close to my house!
