Roberta Writes – Children’s Book Review and illustrations

Children's Fiction 3 Minutes

Today, I am highlighting Timothy Turtle Discovers Jellybeans written by Kaye Lynne Booth and illustrated by me.

What prompted you to write a book for children?

Since living in the Colorado mountains, I’ve become somewhat of a birdwatcher. The birds and animals which visited my yard inspired me to write Charlie Chickadee Finds a New Home with a true incident which occurred when a family of chickadees were chased out of the nest they had built in a tree in my yard. The Heather Hummingbird and Timothy Turtle characters were inspired by watching live hummingbirds and an incident which occurred with a live turtle, although the events in their stories are fictional.

Which writers of children’s fiction influenced you as a child and as an adult?

As a child, my favorite book was Little Bear’s Visit, by Else Holmelund Minarik, illustrated by Maurice Sendak. I always laughed when Little Bear gets scared and runs away from his own shoes, and the tale about how Momma Bear found the injured bird always touched my heart.I also enjoyed humorous books like “Stand Back,” Said the Elephant, “I’m Going to Sneeze”, by Patricia Thomas and Wallace Tripp. But, Dr. Suess was probably my favorite author. His books and those of Shell Silverstein were heavy influences in my poetry, and perhaps in my children’s books as well. I have always been a sucker for rhyming and alliteration.

    As an adult, I read all those same books to my children, but I think our favorite was Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are. My kids and I had the words memorized and they would help in the reading of the story. We even told that story camping, without the assistance of the book. I love words. I love playing with words and sounds. Writing children’s stories and poetry are my outlets for that sense of playfulness and humor, as well as my love for rhyming and alliteration. Those don’t always sit well in adult literature.

    My review of Timothy Turtle Discovers Jellybeans

    Picture caption: cover of Timothy Turtle Discovers Jellybeans

    Timothy Turtle Discovers Jellybeans is a delightful story about animals that could inhabit a child’s backyard. Timothy the turtle discovers a collection of colourful sweeties that a young girl has discarded as they are too sweet for her. The girl’s cat, Katy, warns Timothy that these sweets gave the girl a tummy ache, but he proceeds to eat the sweet treats anyway. There is a lesson to be learned by Timothy, but he has lots of helpful friends to aid him in his distress. This book includes a subtle message about the benefits of healthy eating.

    The book also introduces young readers to beavers and nuthatches and includes realistic drawings and paintings of these creatures.

    I enjoyed this delightful and well written story for children.

    My illustrations

    I had only been drawing for about a year when Kaye approached me about illustrating these three books. I was still finding my feet as an artist and trying out different mediums. This book includes some drawings and also some of my first paintings as I discovered what has become my favourite art medium.

    Picture caption: This is one of my favourite drawings. I love the turtle I managed to create and the colours of the background and jellybeans.
    Picture caption: This is one of my first watercolour paintings ever. I really loved how it came out. A delightful Becky the Beaver.

    Discounted pricing

    Kaye’s My Backyard Friends books are available at discounted prices from 1 to 25 December at the links below.

    Heather Hummingbird Makes a New Friend – $2.50 – https://books2read.com/MBF-HeatherHummingbird

    Timothy Turtle Discovers JElly Beans – $2.50 – https://books2read.com/MBF-TimothyTurtle

    Charlie Chickadee Finds a NEw Home – $2.99 – https://books2read.com/MBF-CharlieChickadee

    About Kaye Lynne Booth

    Picture caption: Kaye Lynne Booth author photograph

    Kaye Lynne Booth is a multi-genre author  who has had a whole collection of children’s stories just waiting for the right illustrator.

    The books in the My Backyard Friends series are inspired by the birds and animals that visit author Kaye Lynne Booth’s mountain home. The first three books in the series are Heather Hummingbird Makes a New Friend, Charlie Chickadee Gets a New Home, and Timothy Turtle Discovers Jelly Beans.

    Author poet and illustrator Robbie Cheadle does the beautiful illustrations that bring this series to life.

    About Robbie Cheadle

    Picture caption: Robbie Cheadle profile picture

    South African author, photographer, and artist, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated seventeen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, written and illustrated four poetry books and written and illustrated one celebration of cake and fondant art book with recipes. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.

    Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

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    Published by robertawrites235681907

    I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry

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    83 thoughts on “Roberta Writes – Children’s Book Review and illustrations”

    4. They look like delightful books with beautiful illustrations!

      Maurice Sendak is a favorite of mine, too. He did a wonderful, final interview with Terry Gross several years ago on Fresh Air–they were both in tears.

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    7. There is no moss growing under your feet, Robbie. These are adorable drawings. Your artistic ability, especially for drawing animals is unparalleled.

      I identified with Kaye’s love of Shel Silverstein, Dr. Zeuss, and, of course, Where the Wild Things Are. They remind me of my days teaching Kindergarten.

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            1. I love them. It’s art that isn’t my thing, LOL! That’s according to all my art teachers, photography teachers, and advertizing guru husband.

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    17. I particularly enjoyed your interview with Kaye. I am curious about what prompts authors to write children’s books, in Kaye’s case, a love of rhyming and alliteration without fear of negative reviews!

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      1. Hi Liz, I find people’s reasons for writing generally to be most interesting. Most writers don’t make much money from writing. I write and paint because I enjoy the creative process. I blog because I like sharing knowledge and a love of creating.

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    20. Your illustrations are lovely, Robbie, and these three books look and sound like perfect Christmas presents for young children. Contratulatons to the author and to Kaye and you, Robbie.

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    21. I am always inspired by your energy and your openness in sharing your creative journey, Robbie. There is something wonderfully uplifting about the way you embrace each new project with such confidence and joy. You work hard, and it shows in every book you bring into the world.

      This new collaboration with Kaye Lynne Booth is especially delightful. Her My Backyard Friends series has such a gentle charm, and knowing that these stories grew out of the birds and animals around her mountain home makes them even more endearing.

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      1. Hi Timothy, the fact that the animals in these books are not indigenous to Africa was the most difficult part for me with the illustrations. I had to look up each animal and research it as best I could. It is easier for me to draw and paint our local animals which I know well.

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    27. What a great collaboration, Robbie and Kaye! I love how nature around Kaye’s home inspired her stories. I love watching our hummingbirds too. And Dr. Seuss and Shell Silverstein were also favorites when I was younger, and also for my children. Great interview and all the books look and sound delightful. And Robbie, your illustrations are amazing. Congrats to you both!

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    29. What a great partnership to illustrate Kay Lynne’s books, Robbie! Ill check out her books. I’m writing a children’s book based on the Phoebes’ nesting and fledglings in my backyard. Im able to my photos which makes sense.

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