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A friend and I were visiting an independent bookstore in Grand Haven, Michigan.  As usual, I gravitated to the children’s books.  I snatched one book because the illustrations intrigued me.  Looked inside.  Kept turning pages and…giggling.  It was hilarious.  The language, the witty illustrations. I knew immediately that this book would accompany me home.

What was it?  Frogs and the Ballet by Donald Elliot.

For some inexplicable reason, now out of print.

I have given this book as a wedding gift on more than one occasion.  It speaks to the pas de duex that all couples must navigate.

You see, the best children’s books aren’t just for children…

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And then you panic.  Who, me?  What can I say?  That doesn’t sound stupid?

Writing a review doesn’t have to be a big deal.  Some of the best reviews are only a word or two.  A few short sentences.  Did you like the book?  Why?

Doesn’t have to be a 3-paragraph re-telling of the story.  Using every 25-cent word that you know. 

Just tell people why you liked it.  Or not.  Or whether your kids liked it.

No one is going to grade your grammar.  Or spelling.  Or even notice it.

Just be real.

Why is a review important to an author?  Because it gives credibility.  Shows that someone else has actually read the book and enjoyed it.  And you might, too. 

So give your favorite author a few words of your own.

Most writers are procrastinators.  Their top skill.  They sit down to write, squiggling to get comfortable, adjusting the light level and relaxing their shoulders.  All set?  Oh no, I need to check the laundry…feed the cat…put the bills out in the mailbox.

O.K., done.  Now are we ready?  Hmmm…maybe I need a snack.  You get the idea.  Their overactive imagination focuses on the Dove treat instead of the words on the page.  Until their characters call out to them and demand, “Take me somewhere!”

I squirreled out of writing for most of my life for the same reason.  Friends kept telling me, “Nan, you need to write.”  Except for reports, grants, business ideas for friends and letters, I ignored them.  Like most writers, I’m an expert procrastinator.  Not just a nap, mind you.  I fiddled for decades before I wrote for myself. 

And the children who might laugh and imagine and dream with my stories.