Yes, it's true, I have today received my first review that is less than favourable.
It feels a bit like getting a D grade when I'm used to getting A*
This all started because I wanted to offer our gorgeous storytime session in local libraries in my home county of Lancashire.
The libraries come under the jurisdiction of the North Lancashire Area Library Manager who told me that having seen my most recent book, (It's Stickinormous!") she would not be working with me, either to book me for library events, or to buy my books.
It took me some while to establish with this manager why this should be, and it seems her main reason is because I have published the books myself, so therefore (in her words) "They have not undergone with rigorous editing process" of a mainstream publisher. Neither are they deemed strong enough to withstand regular library use.
So, because they will not be buying my books because they are not of a "high enough standard" (quote) neither will they invite me to events as they only wish to invite authors whose works are available in the libraries. Oh yes, and my story sessions are not of a professional standard, so perhaps if I were to go along and see how other authors do it, I might learn something.
Now, I have been running storytimes in schools and various other venues for five years. I pride myself on maintaining the highest professional standards and give the kids a great time. The reaction I get from kids, parents and teachers tells me I am doing it absolutely right.
I am invited every year to read to children by Kendal's Sunday Library Service - but they are in a different county - Cumbria, and I recently had a great day out with the Blackpool Library Service for World Book Day, again a different authority.
So, ever up for a challenge, I asked my county councillor to find out for me how I might tackle this problem and how it might be resolved.
The review below is the result. Before you read that though, let me just tell you that whilst I was lining up to take part in Fleetwood carnival last week, the daughter and grandaughter of my county councillor rushed up to me to say how mad keen they were on Frog the Dog, what a thrill it was to meet me and could they buy a Frog Ted from me there and then because the grandaughter was so taken with him. She is nine years old.
This review by an Early Years advisor for Lancashire County Council written especially for me as feedback:
It’s Stickinormous by Helen McGlasson
Here is another adventure with Frog the Dog and his feline friend Ginger Jelly. Together they enjoy sticking shapes and playing snakes and ladders, until Ginger becomes far too sticky.
The concept of the book is good; using a dog as the main character has been successful with many picture books, old favourite Harry the Dirty Dog and Hairy MacClary are just two examples. However on this occasion the story does not fulfil the promise of this concept. It is hard to know the age group the book is aimed at, for while the illustrations are very simplistic and lacking in finer detail, the story is over long and drawn out. Small illustrations in the corner of the page, presumably of Obi–Sven-Knobi, the smart grey velvet cat, bear little relation to the story. Careful editing would probably have improved the language in the book.
A nice touch is a snakes and ladder game in the back, but the flimsy format of the book makes it more suited to personal, rather than library use. While applauding the author’s attempt to write a story “of friendship, patience and the everyday experience of small but favourite things being important”, these sentiments are not dealt with in sufficient detail to be significant. The idea behind the book is admirable, but sadly this is a story which doesn’t work.
I would like to invite any of you who wish to read the story to email me for a text copy - you can see some extract pics on our wagsite. Or buy the book yourself - £4.00 worth of fun and silliness!
Perhaps if you have already read it, you would like to express your views?
After I had the conversation with the Area Manager I was furious that she should be so dismissive purely on the grounds that I have published these books myself. These books have been carefully edited and scrutinised by teachers, head teachers, and parents. They have been thoroughly tested on children and small furry animals.
Now I am trying to be philosophical - realistically the library service would not have brought me in much business, even county wide, but I have always loved libraries, and it feels, despite my trying to be business like, that an old friend has slapped me in the face.
Bring on the supermarkets - and heaven save us from literary pretensions and snobbery!
