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ABOUT

A lot of love, commitment and yes... money goes into self-publishing a children's book.

 

I could not have done this without the help of my daughter Caitlin (The Director ;) and the very talented Monika Suska (Illustrator.)

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Thank you xx

Richard Parr; Author of Katie and the Giant Problem

Richard Parr

Writer & Designer

Monika Suska; Children's Book Illustrator

Monika Suska
The Illustrator

Katie and the Giant Problem

Caitlin Rose
The Director

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

Publishing this book is a dream I have shared with my little girl ever since her 5th birthday party.  That night before bed, she asked me to make up a story instead of reading one of hers.  All of 5 years old and looking at me with her big blue eyes, how could I refuse?

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I quickly drew on the events of that day as desperate inspiration to start my story.  To my surprise the rest just seem to flow, perhaps I can tell a tale or two :) 

 

After that night she would ask me to tell the story again and again, each night both of us adding a little something more.

Pirate Party Scene; Katie and the Giant Problem

Caitlin's 5th Birthday party was captured in this illustration.

Original Cover Sketch; Katie and the Giant Problem

I shared the story with my Mother, who at the time was the Head Teacher of a local Montessori School.  She loved it so much, she convinced me that I should turn it into a children's book. 

 

Anyone who's tried, knows that getting published is very difficult.  I decided to print and publish the book myself.  I'm a graphic designer, so it would have been difficult to let go of the creative side anyway. 

 

I sketched an idea for the cover and as you can see, being a graphic designer does not make you an illustrator ;)

It was time to take this to the next level and find an illustrator.  From the first sketch below, I knew Monika Suska was the perfect match for our story.

Original First Draft from Monika Suska

After approval of the first sketch, Monika would then paint the illustration, before scanning it and moving to Photoshop.  I have all the original painted illustrations she made, which are a bonus and a lovely keepsake.

Final Illustration from Monika Suska for; Katie and the Giant Problem

Once this was done, the next step was for me to turn it into a book cover and find a suitable font.  I wanted something hand-drawn, but not too busy.

FINAL COVER; Katie and the Giant Problem

Can you spot the 2 main differences between the first painting and the final cover, apart from the fonts?  Email me if you need the answer ;)

£10.00
FREE UK DELIVERY
Coming Soon

Click the BUY NOW button to order a book directly from myself, especially if you have a Discount Code.

I'm are taking INTEREST in my second book via the form on our contacts page.

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