Hello!
(Originally published 3 Oct 2024)
Welcome to the “Bookmark This” Blog by Moonlight Rainbow Books
The first post. Too much pressure. So keeping it simple by introducing myself. Likely in a rambling sort of way.
Moonlight Rainbow Books is a one woman show (with some help from loved ones - you know who you are!) I’m Sheila. I’ve recently entered the “middle age” phase of life. I turned 40 and gave birth to our second child a month later. A wee chill dude. That classes me as a mother of “advanced maternal age” which, let’s face it, doesn’t sound much better than the out of date “geriatric mother” terminology! My husband and I also have a daughter who is outrageously creative, curious and fiery. She and I share a love for picture books (and having the last word)
As mentioned on the website, I have a background in design (Glasgow School of Art Graduate) and have worked as a teacher since 2007. Briefly as an art teacher before finding a love for Support for Learning. I am now head of department.
I have always loved picture books, with a particular soft spot for quirky illustrations and dry humour. I’m not ashamed. My name is Sheila and I bought picture books without having children. I bought myself some of the late Ian Falconer’s Olivia series long before my daughter was even a twinkle in my eye. I very recently bought “Olivia Helps with Christmas” (2008) as one of our countdown to Christmas books (they’re in a box and only come out in December!) The book made me smile even more than it used to as I flicked through it before packing it away for another month or so. Maybe I can relate to Olivia’s parents more now…
Since having children, the number of picture books we have is bordering on a “we need an intervention” scenario. My mum has referred to it as “obscene”. We buy used, new and make good use of our local library (renew your library card. They’re amazing places). We have read to our daughter nearly every night since she was born. Sometimes we like books because the story makes you feel warm inside, maybe a little melancholic too (like “On a Magical Do Nothing Day” (2018) by Beatrice Alemagna or “In Time” (2024) by Marina Ruiz). Sometimes we use books to help find words to discuss a tricky topic (like “Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine” (2023) by Hannah Moushabeck or Elise Gravel’s “What is a Refugee?” (2021) or “A Kids Book About Racism” (2023) by Jelani Memory). Sometimes we read a book to help with (Our own? Our kids?) emotional literacy (like Andy J Pizza & Sophie Miller’s “Invisible Things” (2023) or “I am a Tornado” (2023) by Drew Beckmeyer) and sometimes we love a book because it’s silly, funny and has a dubious moral message (like Jess Hannigan’s neon-tastic “Spider in the Well” (2024)). If in doubt, read a book
I also know my own children are extremely lucky to have this book filled house as their normal. I know first hand this isn’t always the case. As a teacher especially, I feel saddened when I read recent Booktrust findings stating that while 33% of 7 year olds surveyed said they loved reading, this dropped to 29% by age 10 and fell again to just 25% by age 11. It’s especially disheartening when research tells us that being read to and reading for pleasure can have a significant impact on a child’s educational and social mobility. You wouldn’t believe the power a great English teacher has over a class of 30 teenagers if they have picked the right book to study. Don’t think a 15 year old doesn’t love having a good book read aloud to them. (Though they might never admit to that!) It’s magic. It’s escapism. It’s relaxation. I hope that, as I find my feet in this new role within the book world, I can figure out not just a way to get books to more young people, but get more young people to discover how much books can change their world.