February 1st is the start of National Storytelling Week which was established to promote the art of storytelling and highlight its cultural and educational value. Storytelling has been an integral part of human communication for centuries, and this week encourages people to reconnect with this age-old tradition whether through traditional tales, poetry or more modern stories that you have created yourself. With this in mind, I’ve chosen books that will help children unlock the stories within them.
First, I’ve picked How To Make A Picture Book by Elys Dolan. Storytelling has long been at the heart of family traditions, connecting generations through tales shared aloud or passed down in cherished books. Before we had the letters and words to tell stories, we recorded them through art – whether cave paintings, stained glass windows or even the Bayeux tapestry. Now, Make Your Own Picture Book invites children to create their own stories and contribute to this timeless tradition.
With the help of Dolan’s hilariously enthusiastic assistant, Bert, young creators will learn how to craft their own picture books. From sparking brilliant ideas to using colour and space to tell a story, this activity-filled guide is packed with tips, fun exercises, and plenty of laughs.
By encouraging children to take the reins of storytelling, this book not only fosters creativity but also helps them appreciate the art of crafting tales and the illustrations that accompany them. Parents can join in the fun, turning this experience into a family activity that honours the joy of shared stories. A perfect way to nurture young imaginations!
Next, I’ve chosen Unleash Your Creative Monster by Andy Jones, illustrated by Olaf Falafel, a fantastic, fun-filled guide to creative writing, perfect for sparking a love of storytelling in young minds. Winner of the Lollies 2023 Book Awards for Non-Fiction, this book offers practical advice, engaging story prompts, and an unforgettable cast of quirky creative monsters to inspire budding storytellers.
Inside, children will explore the building blocks of great stories, learn essential writing tools, and uncover the secrets to crafting captivating tales. With tips on finding inspiration, keeping a story moving, and developing their ideas, this guide makes storytelling approachable and exciting.
Ideal for nurturing creativity and boosting confidence, this book is a must-read for families looking to encourage imaginative thinking and storytelling at home. Whether your child is a reluctant writer or an aspiring author, Unleash Your Creative Monster will help them unleash their inner wordsmith!
Finally, I’ve picked Ten Word Tiny Tales of Love by Joseph Coelho, with various illustrators. Can a story of love be told in just ten words? According to Joseph Coelho, the answer is a resounding “YES!” In this remarkable collection, Coelho shares heartfelt ten-word tales, beautifully brought to life by illustrations from twenty top creators, including Jon Klassen, Jarvis, Bob Graham, Myo Yim, Victoria Turnbull, and Ken Wilson-Max.
Each tiny tale explores cherished moments—whether between siblings, in the healing embrace of nature, or through the bond with a beloved pet. These concise stories, paired with stunning artwork, create a springboard for young readers to let their imaginations soar.
The book also features a note from the author and two creative writing challenges, encouraging children to try their hand at crafting their very own ten-word stories. This unique combination of inspiration and interaction makes it the perfect gift for young storytellers ready to explore their creativity.
A truly delightful read for sparking imagination and fostering a love of storytelling!
Happy reading!
