My daughter attended her annual book fair at school this week. Among the books she wanted me to buy for her was Clarice Bean, That’s Me by Lauren Child. I was happy to do so, since Lauren Child is one of my heros.
Best known for creating the hilarious Charlie and Lola in addition to the Clarice Bean series, Lauren Child is an award-winning author and illustrator from England. Her body of work includes many other equally funny and creative books that I adore, such as her brilliant retelling of The Princess and the Pea and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. She uses mixed media, combining endearing child-like sketches with collage and photos in a totally unique yet instantly recognizable style. As Lola might say, “I am an absolutely hugely enormous and big fan.”
So when I opened up Clarice Bean, That’s Me, I was particularly struck – and inspired – by the inside flap copy.
For anyone who ever loses faith that they might yet get their children’s book published one day, here’s a little gift from Lauren Child (in as close to her font/style as I could capture):
A word or two from Lauren Child about this actual Clarice Bean book…
This book was sent to lots of PUBLISHERS
Some people liked the words
Some people liked the pictures
Not many people liked them both together
Hardly anyone liked the t y p e
A few thought it shouldn’t be written from a child’s point of view
No one thought it would work as a book
the way it was
I DIDN’T WANT TO CHANGE IT
I waited for five years
I STARTED MAKING LAMPSHADES
I MIXED PAINTS FOR AN ARTIST
I BECAME A RECEPTIONIST
NOTHING happened. . .
F i n a l l y I got a letter
It said, Yes
I still have it
It was one of the most exciting things
that has ever happened to me
(For more on Lauren, visit her wonderful website: www.milkmonitor.com)
