Pretty much everyone has a beloved book from their childhood, one that made a lasting impression and to this day, can still bring a smile to their face. From “Goodnight, Moon,” to “Where the Wild Things Are,” these children’s books have made their mark. But did you ever wonder about the process of creating these wonderful childhood tales?
It’s a process
It’s easy to read the finished product of a children’s book and think how smooth and seamless the story was, but that doesn’t take into account how the author got there. Joelle Bearstail, who wrote “Bear’s Braid,” is a citizen of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation from the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. She said that the process for her “took years and years. It actually started when my son was in third grade.” When asked how long it took for her to actually write “Bear’s Braid,” Bearstail responded, “Writing the story took three years.”
Find your inspiration
You might think that you don’t really have anything to say that a child would want to hear. When it came to finding inspiration for her book, Bearstail said that what her son was going through—the teasing about his long hair, the bullying—was what inspired her to write the book. So many children just want to be heard. By taking inspiration from the things that a child experiences on a daily basis, you can have something to say that may inspire or encourage a child.
Be persistent
When it came to obstacles in writing her book, Bearstail said, “It was the not knowing; I had no idea how to do it or how to choose a publisher, I just had to do so much research.” It’s important to remember that any endeavor you undertake is going to come with obstacles. It takes perseverance but if it’s something you believe in you can navigate the obstacles.
Some Advice
When asked if she had one piece of advice to give to hopeful children’s book authors or illustrators, Bearstail said, “Go for it! There are not a lot of Indigenous authors out there. So there’s room for more!” If you are thinking of writing or illustrating a children’s book, take Joelle Bearstail’s advice, and go for it! You just might be the next Indigenous author!
