The Very Long String, Children's Picture Book
This book is a celebration of those VERY special relationships that help you find your way | Ages 2-8 (Adults, I know you'll want one for yourselves)
Well, hello there! My name is Jess! I'm an Author, Illustrator and Picture Book Maker based in the Midlands!
In 2018, I wrote and illustrated a children's picture book, 'The Very Long String' as part of my university degree. I printed three draft copies and then buried them safely in a drawer where they collected a layer of beautifully poetic dust. (I hope you're visualising a dramatic scene here) After working in Film + TV for 5 years in London, life threw me a curve ball and I had to return home. In a bid to dig out my creativity, I blew the 10 layers of dust off this book; re-worked and re- illustrated it in mid 2023. What happened next? Ah yes! I printed a hard copy, showed my dog, Toto and put it away again.
I have finally... *I think*...overcome the fear of releasing personal work and illustrations that aren't created to advertise IRN BRU or Ginsters Pastries. I have hesitantly 👀 decided to experience the vulnerability that comes with releasing this special book and give the character her well deserved, long awaited debut! I'm throwing this book into the wild (hopefully along with others) and would love all you wonderful people to join me on this journey!
So we've covered the who, the what, the where...here's the how!
SO...I have decided to self-publish the book! Whoo! with a great local publishers, Troubador publishing, who manage the whole production process on site. Therefore, everything is made locally and mindfully and who better to represent this personal book and the meaning behind it than... me?
There will be a staggered release of the book. ✨ YOU ✨get to have the pre-release version of the book, all signed with a personal note from me, before it is officially released to market. This will be limited to 500 copies. By pre-ordering the initial release you are further funding the production and distribution of the book as well as the social cause behind the book.
The WHY! this bit is important.
Why should you support me and this book?
I'm in the process of writing and Illustrating more books with meaningful narratives, tackling topics such as relationships, grief, loss, mental well-being and translating them into a language that young people can understand and find comfort in. I am forever keeping socially, culturally and environmentally informed and aim to shed a light on topics that aren't discussed enough. As an artist I hold strong values and I would love for my work to have a positive social impact. I have therefore allocated space in the self-publishing process to donate a portion of the books printed to Children's Hospital wards. One of which is the Leeds Barnsley Cancer Research Hospital. The more funding I receive, the more I will be able to donate! I know the weight of which illness can hold on a family along with the financial burdens it carries along with it. I therefore hope to gift a book that for a moment or longer can create an escape of calm and happiness and allows for families to enjoy this one and only precious life together.
I personally volunteer providing trauma informed emotional support for EMBRACE a charity that supports children who are victims / witnesses of crime and violence. I would like to donate a set of copies there to the toy bank and directly to counsellors/ emotional support workers as a tool to help children discover who that 'safe' person is for them. The scope of this, all depends on you!
Want to see the work they do? Here's a link ☞ https://embracecvoc.org.uk/
Love the project and would like to support me and the cause but don't want the book in return? You can make any donations you like without selecting any rewards, but do expect a personal thank-you from me ❤️
Want to order 10 or more copies? Want your shop, café or nursery to support this project and have pre-release stock? 👀 I can arrange this for you at a lower price! please send me a direct email to [email protected]
The T's and C's 📝
Please note by making the following payment you are agreeing to receiving the pre-release of the book when it becomes available in 09/2024. Due to this being part of a staggered release before the book is available to the market, please allow for possible delays in production and distribution. I have done my best to estimate time as accurately as possible, as you all know there are hurdles in everything so please be mindful. I have chosen to work with Troubador, a local, well established and successful publisher. I am fully committed to ensuring that every backer receives their desired reward in a timely fashion. If there are any lingering questions or concerns, please reach out to me!
Due to the nature of the Crowdfunder I will not be able to issue refunds.
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Please note! I am aware of the financial strains on many people due to the cost of living crisis. Sharing this project is equally as supportive as donating so please share and keep up to date with my work on socials!
Featured on Creative Boom! Read the Full article here!