The Well-Loved Child
Some years ago I published a picture book about the many forms of love that children can relate to. LOVE IS was rejected by every publisher my agent submitted it to, because it’s what’s known as a “crossover book” – that is, a book for both children and adults. Publishers do not like marketing books that crosses categories; they want well-defined marketing targets.
Even more unusual, this little paperback also functions as a greeting card booklet, as it fits in a 5”x7” envelope and may be mailed with just two first-class postage stamps. You’d think the book’s diverse audience and its ability to be two different products would be an asset, but that wasn’t the case.
LOVE IS also stands out from my other children’s books in terms of style. The illustrations are outlined, like cartoons, and the colors are very restricted – not typical of my work, but it served this subject well.
The text is a rhyming poem about the many manifestations of love as something that is both given or received, mostly as acts of caring and expressions of affection. Romantic love is only briefly mentioned. Most important is the love of parents and grandparents who accept and cherish their children and grandchildren. The two illustrations shown here speak to that kind of love. A great big welcome home hug is wonderful for both this child and her grandmother. Too many children do not experience this. And the relaxed presence of the father with his son at the end of a busy day is a great gift for both.
It made me happy to illustrate children who are embraced and accepted for who they are. The little girl’s unbridled enthusiasm is welcome and shared. The little boy compares his growing feet to those of his father, who snoozes contentedly.
Perhaps the greatest gift of all for a child is that of shared time together.
These are the little moments that shape children’s character, their sense of place in this world, their feelings of self-worth and confidence. The language of love speaks in gestures, and I enjoyed coming up with examples that could be shown in pictures. I hope these illustrations evoke stories in my readers’ imaginations. They’re ordinary moments, but as vital as food and water.
Certainly there was no lack of material in illustrating this book.
You can order a signed copy of LOVE IS from the children’s bookshop in my webstore.
A good week to all!
D. Yael Bernhard
https://dyaelbernhard.com
Have you seen my other Substack, The Art of Health? In addition to being a visual artist, I’m also a certified integrative health & nutrition coach with a lifelong passion for natural food cooking and herbal medicine. Now in its second year, this illustrated newsletter explores cutting-edge concepts of nutrition. I strive to make relevant information clear and accessible, and to anchor essential health concepts in unique images. Check it out, and if you like it, please subscribe and help spread the word. Your support keeps my work going!although it appears several cars have parked there anyway.