Sensitive Explorations

Sometimes we get so caught up in the craft of what we are doing and the hoops that often need to be jumped through for publication that we forget the why. Why do we want to get books in children's hands? What kinds of messages do we want to give kids about themselves and the world we live in? 

Most editors are well-aware of the power of children's books to transform lives either through laughter and delight or through the sensitive exploration of ideas and experiences relevant to their lives. And like me, they are drawn to both kinds of books.Today I have a big soft spot for the second kind of book as seen in this sensitive exploration of farmer's markets through the eyes of a young boy.

The author/illustrator, Linda Knoll, was concerned that so many kids were disenfranchised from their food source and ignorant about how food is grown. She also wanted to shine a light on the wonderful world of farmer's markets. So she created the concept book - Patient for Pumpkins. It is a beautiful quiet book that combines both fact and fiction and was published by North Atlantic Press, who publish socially aware books. So let's have a look at how former student and current friend Linda Knoll created Patient for Pumpkins.