Post by Gayle M. Irwin
This is Children’s Book Week, a time to celebrate kids, kids’ books, and children’s authors. Three of my four current published works are written for children (but adults seem to enjoy them as well!), and I’ve been fortunate to visit a few classrooms this past month in preparation and celebration of Children’s Book Week.
As a writer (and a reader) I’ve been influenced by many authors, most notably Laura Ingalls Wilder. Mrs. Wilder was my inspiration during my youth – I read all her “Little House” books, and I’ve read her works several times during my adult years as well. Growing up in southeastern Iowa, I related to her farm life, particularly in Missouri where she spent her later years. That home is located near Mansfield, MO – my maiden name is Mansfield, and combining those factors, I was thrilled when my parents took me to visit Laura’s farmstead on a journey through 
Missouri when I was in high school. I visited again in 2007 when my husband and I traveled through the area on our way back to Wyoming from visiting his parents in North Carolina. Sage was with us then; the weather that December in southern Missouri was stunning, and as we walked the grounds of Rocky Ridge Farm, I reflected the impact Mrs. Wilder has had on children, youth, and adults since her first book was published in 1931 when she was 65 years old. My first book had been published earlier in 2007, and my in-laws, quite excited, had purchased two copies for their local library outside of Charlotte, NC; I had started school visits as well. My book career began the year I was able to again visit my author heroine’s property.
As you read my stories of long ago I hope you will remember that things truly worthwhile and that will give you happiness are the same now as they were then. It is not the things you have that make you happy. It is love and kindness and helping each other and just plain being good. – Laura Ingalls Wilder
Laura Ingalls Wilder, photo from http://www.washburn.edu
There are many great childeren’s books about a wide variety of topics and in a multitude of genres, some splashed with important life lessons. I write about dogs and weave positive lessons in my stories; I discover such valuable nuggets in others’ works. Some of my favorite dogs books for kids (besides my own!) are A Dog’s Life: The Autobiography of a Stray by Ann Martin; Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo; and The Tale of Two Bobbies by Kirby Larson. Ms. Larsen also writes historical fiction for kids – her Hattie Big Sky series is delightful! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Ms. Larson, and, like Mrs. Wilder, I look up to Kirby for her accomplishments and her craft.
Gayle reading to children at The Knowledge Nook, toys & books in Casper
Though I’m not on the same level as the two women authors I admire, I recently shared some of my stories at an event for families. We used the timing as a way to honor Moms, Kids and Dogs, for Mother’s Day, Children’s Book Week, and Be Kind to Animals Week. The event exposed youngsters and their families to a local author (me), someone who composes stories for them. I love sharing my writing with families in such settings, and I think it’s great when authors go to libraries and schools – how I would have enjoyed meeting a real author when I was a kid!
So, this week, during Children’s Book Week, expose your kids (or grandkids, nieces or nephews) to some great books – perhaps even take them to an author event. Share your favorite children’s book with them – maybe one you’ve written.
What books did you read as a child or teen? Who was/is your favorite children’s author?
Happy Children’s Book Week!
Children are made readers on the laps of their parents. – Emilie Buchwald, author
Gayle M. Irwin is the author of inspirational dog books for children and adults. Her children’s books include Sage’s Big Adventure, Sage Learns to Share, and Cody’s Cabin: Life in a Pine Forest. These stories teach children the value of those who are different with lessons in respect, courage, and perseverance. Cody’s Cabin includes a nature journal and vocabulary words, making a wonderful addition to homeschool science lessons. Her adult nonfiction, Walking in Trust: Lessons Learned with My Blind Dog, is a devotional-style book with 30 chapters on various topics, such as patience, loyalty, friendship, kindness, and love, among others. Learn more about her writing and speaking endeavors at www.gaylemirwin.com. She and her recently adopted dog, Mary, are certified as a dog therapy team; Mary often accompanies Gayle on her speaking engagements. A book about rescue dogs is in the making and will include Mary’s story.
Keira's Place 
Hi Gayle. Fun read, and enjoyed learning about your favorite children’s authors. For myself, I don’t recall author’s names, just remember that as a kid I loved sports stories, especially about baseball, and books about space exploration. Back in those days, Project Mercury was just getting started, and I loved reading about trips to the Moon and Mars.
Reblogged this on Wyndy Dee.
Thank you!
Lovely post Gayle. My daughter was intrigued with Laura Ingalls Wilder and still loves her works. I was more of the “Little Women” age but I also enjoyed Ms. Wilder, although I was no longer a child. I love the fact that you pay it forward by doing the library visits with children. What a treat for them to be able to meet you and hear your wonderful stories. I hope to do some libraries this summer. Although my books are not written for children they are appropriate for young adult and with a theme of “women’s strength” the thread is definitely one children need to learn. Thank you for such a great article and incentive. Good luck with your books!
Thank you, Linda and Mike, for your comments. That’s a great thing about authors and books — different genres for different readers. Writers “speak” to people through their works, and reach different audiences — that’s one of the beauties about what we do! May you find success and fulfillment as you “speak” your own gifted language to many readers! Thanks for reading my post!
You go girl! I’m so proud to know you. I think it’s great that you are giving your time to kids. I’d love to do that. “The Secret in Grandma’s Trunk” was written for children, but like your book, adults love it too. I’m starting your book today.
How would I go about reading from my book in a library or a school? Thanks Cher’ley
Hi, Cher’ley — I was fortunate to get started in the school district in Casper because I knew someone who was already doing presentations, and she put in touch with the right people. I’ve gotten to know many teachers during the past few years, so when I have a new book project (or in this case with Mary being a therapy dog) I let them know I have a new presentation put together, and I’ve been invited to speak. Librarians around have seen me on TV and/or in the newspaper, and sometimes they’ve contacted me; but in the beginning, I visited libraries and spoke with the children’s librarian. So, my best advice is to put together a one-sheet summary of yourself and your book(s) and take those to the libraries nearby and see if you can also get it into the hands of teachers (sometimes you have to go through the district office). Good luck!
Thank You. Cher’ley
I’m older than you are, Gayle. The first book I ever owned was LASSIE COME HOME. Despite moving 14 times in 12 years, I have it still. I remember that mother took me to see the movie made from it with Elizabeth Taylor. I was incensed that they had changed some things. I understand better why they change things today, but it annoys me enough that I won’t go to see a movie made from a beloved book.
I shared earlier this am, but wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the post. As a compulsive reader and one who read early and even earlier made her parents read to her continually.
Thanks, everyone, for your comments and compliments. I enjoyed writing this post as it brought back so many special memories…. and I’m making new ones with my own books being read by children (and adults)!
Great post, Gayle. My daughter devoured Laura I W’s books and took herself off to those prairies in her imagination. It’s good to touch base with young readers in a local basis like that. Regarding films and books for me the book wins hands down any time but some adaptations have been good.
A while back I read a book/cookbook about Laura, it was incredibly interesting.
Great post Gayle with memories rising to the surface as I read. I too liked Laura Ingalls Wilder books and the TV series later, even though I knew that was probably changed etc. But Little Women, The Five LIttle Peppers and How They Grew, Billy Goats Gruff books–all were good reads for a young mind. I know yours are too. Keep up the good work.