When I was a little girl (a very, very long time ago), I used to love learning new, really big words like ‘discombobulate’. As I grew, my love of words grew too, until I loved them so much, I could not stop writing them down.
One day, as I was scribbling a particular word, a very peculiar thing happened. The word shouted at me, “Stop! Don’t put me there!” As you can imagine, I was shocked and nearly fell off my chair. When I recovered somewhat, I said to the word, “Could you stop shouting, please? I am not used to it.”
Can you guess what happened next? No! I thought not. The word said, “I might be small, but I will misbehave if you do not use me properly. I will not tell the story you would like me to tell. I will say something entirely different!”
I dropped my pen. I hoped that by dropping my pen, the word would stop talking. Alas! It did not. It carried on chitterchobbling, even after the ink had dried. I was in a pickle. I could not allow my words to run away with my story, now could I?
I don’t know about you, but when this sort of thing happens, there is only one thing left to do if you prefer not to spend your time arguing. “Very well,” said I. “I will do as you ask if you will just be quiet and allow me to concentrate.”
Since that day, I have been paying special attention to every word I invite into my stories. After all, a story should say exactly what it means to say and not be led astray.
With love from Dr. Niamh,
Ph.D in Learning Through The Imagination and Founder of Dr Niamh Children's Books. www.drniamhchildrensbooks.com
I will be doing a regular feature on Kid’s Corner. To kick us off, I have reblogged a couple of book reviews from This Kid Reviews Books. Erik is a favourite of Plum Tree Books. Erik is 11 and does a weekly, very successful review blog amongst all the other great things he does. He is an inspiration. If you are looking for a wide selection of great children’s books, you will find Erik’s reviews well-written and informative.
Niamh Clune 
I will have to keep track of what books he is recommending and make a list for my niece for her very young son, my great nephew Luke, who in 11 days will be 7 months old. He’ll be ready for books really soon. It’s good to read to little ones just so they hear the words and the excitement in the readers voice. A great way to introduce babies to the world of books. Thanks Niamh. I will check Erik out. jk
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Thanks Dr. Clune! This means a lot that you featured my book reviews (and I’m glad you are starting a kids corner)! 😀
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Erik is one of my favourite reviewers! Thanks for featuring him here.
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