Stef told us briefly about her childhood and how they moved on many occasions, and at one stage she spent some time in foster care. This expanded her imagination about stories of hope and belonging. Although she never set out to be an author she wrote a story titled “A Home for Luna” which was discovered by a publisher. They arranged for an illustrator to compose the very important drawings and then published the book which ultimately won a UK Childrens Book Award. Stef has gone on to have many more works published – and had a table display of her books for all to see and purchase if desired. (It was pretty empty at the end of the night!)
Stef gave us an in-depth presentation on how a quality children's story is constructed. The Syrian civil war and the subsequent refugee crisis initiated the idea of a hideaway cat sheltering with penguins. The frightened, cold and hungry cat was out of her comfort zone amongst a colony of penguins. Similarly, the penguins were unsure of the cat. Circumstances brought them closer and closer until Luna was accepted by the penguins who offered her food and comfort.
This is all told in 350 words with carefully chosen sentences that never mention the words sad, hungry, cold, happy or comfortable. The child is left to arrive at these feelings by hearing about the cat’s surroundings which are shown in carefully illustrated scenes. Stories allow children to experience emotions through the characters – sadness, illness, grief, happiness, comfort, etc. Reading the story to the child also creates a bond and questions about the story can be asked and answered along the way.
Wow – who knew there was such a significant back story to the production of a children's book!
Neil Henderson
