Romi Sharp on Getting Lost In The Pages
When it comes to kids and reading, it’s natural that we’d love for them to get lost in a good book on a regular basis. To get lost in the pages. To get lost in the words. To get lost in the moment and of course, in imagination.
Children’s books allow us to get lost in different worlds, in alternate realities, or even just a thought about a notion that hadn’t been considered before.
They are the pinnacle of where wonder, dreams, truths and make-believes can take us.
And picture books? They add that extra cherry on top with their ability to invite viewers to get lost in the art. But why is this
important?
The above
metaphors are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to expanding on
language knowledge and comprehension. Understanding and using a range of
literary conventions not only helps readers and writers to create visuals in
their minds and enjoy the art of word play and descriptive writing, but also facilitates
the development of critical thinking skills, enriched language and vocabulary,
and creativity and imagination.
In this instance,
the metaphor of ‘being lost’ has been woven into this narrative, and for the
reasons outlined above, this is what we’ve aimed to achieve in our latest
collaborative picture book, Somewhere Lost. The author-illustrators of the
Just Write For Kids Australia and Friends creative team took their imaginations
to new heights, incorporating the main characters into their own interpretations
of the metaphor ‘lost’, all the while including fun, considered language, experimenting
with perspective and mood, and exploring their artistic styles.
The ‘lost’ metaphor
can be interpreted with positive, negative, and even neutral connotations,
depending on the context and personal life associations. Artist, Daniela
Glyntzos, explains about her ‘lost in nature’ piece, “We often get lost
in the wrong things through the pressures of society… I want to create
conversations between the reader and listener, which can help tap into the
themes of getting lost in the discovery and beauty of nature.”
Illustrator, Carla
Hoffenberg, perceived ‘being lost’ with humour and whimsy: ‘I drew inspiration from
the everyday mystery of objects that always seem to vanish—like the socks that
disappear in the laundry, the Tupperware lids that never match, hair ties that
slip into the void, pens that vanish when you need them, and the TV remote that
seems to have its own secret hideout. I imagined the mythical land where lost
socks end up, creating ‘Lost Sockville’.’
From another perspective, author-illustrator, Jennifer
Horn, took on a more emotive approach: ‘I browsed the list of suggested “Lost Ins…” and saw “thought” and
“weeds” listed separately. Considering the idea that “thought-weeds” could be
quite a powerful mental health metaphor, I brainstormed exactly what kind of
worries and anxieties a little frog could be consumed by.’
We’ve all been
‘lost’ in something, metaphorically, or have literally lost something, one way
or another, often on a regular basis. Incorporating this relative and relatable
concept into a collaborative picture book – the perfect avenue to get lost in
words and art – opened the gateway to diverse expressions of thought, emotion
and style, which uncannily, reflects the benefits of understanding metaphors in
itself.
Somewhere Lost
contributors:
Carla Hoffenberg (cover
image)
Lorraine Miller and Jessica Miller
Title: Somewhere Lost
Authors and Illustrators: See above
Publisher: Daisy Lane Publishing JWFK, $26.99
Publication Date: 1 May 2025
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781763670051
For ages: 4 – 8
Type: Picture Book
Just Write For
Kids Australia (JWFK) was founded in 2014 as an online support group for
writers and illustrators of children’s books to focus on achieving goals and
connecting with others. It has now forged into a space where kidlit creatives
and their work are celebrated, actively promoted and provided opportunities for
creative and professional success.
Article by Romi Sharpe
More information
can be found at www.justkidslit.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/justwriteforkidsaustralia
www.facebook.com/groups/justwriteforkids
Instagram: www.instagram.com/booksontour_aus
