Creating a Children’s Picture Book: An Introduction

Initial sketch of an Ipu-Whenua

Kaupapa

I have challenged myself to write, illustrate and publish a children’s picture book about the burial of whenua, the placenta. 

The story will help my daughter, who is growing up in the UK, maintain her connection to her whaanau and whakapapa. Additionally, the book will introduce an aspect of te ao Māori that has not yet been explored in children's literature.

I believe that I am well-suited to write and illustrate this story, based on my knowledge, understanding and lived experiences.

Mihi

Kia ora. Ko Terence Hikawai taku ingoa. He uri au ki Ngaati Kahungunu ki Wairoa me Ngaati Paahauwera, o Aotearoa Nu Tiirani.

Hi, my name is Terence Hikawai. I am a descendant of the Kahungunu and Paahauwera peoples, from Aotearoa New Zealand.

I have relocated to the United Kingdom with my English wife and our four-year-old daughter. We made this move to connect our daughter with her British and Irish family and heritage. 

Maintaining our connection with Aotaeroa New Zealand

An essential aspect of our kaupapa is ensuring our daughter stays connected to her whaanau and whakapapa in Aotearoa New Zealand. We have a collection of photo albums and children's picture books created by Maaori authors and illustrators, along with a comprehensive playlist of Waiata on Spotify and YouTube. However, these resources lacked certain elements specific to her whaanau and whakapapa. 

I began doodling and brainstorming short story ideas with her, developing characters and storylines. Some stories captured her interest, and she wanted me to keep telling them. Others didn't hold her attention, and she would tell me to ‘shhhh Dadda’. The short attention span of a four-year-old is an excellent way to prepare for any harsh critic. 

Getting the bug to creating a children's picture book

Ideas emerged: What if I could share these stories with other tamariki in our whaanau? How could I create children's books for my daughter to share with her tamariki or her mokopuna?

I began brainstorming a series of picture books to help our daughter adjust to the big move to England. However, she has been incredibly resilient and has adapted easily to English life. This led me to think about stories that would help her maintain a connection with Aotearoa New Zealand.

I have set a challenge for myself to write, illustrate, and publish a series of children's books that reflect different aspects of my whaanau, our whakapapa, and our tikanga. The first will be a children's picture book on how my whaanau manage and process the burial of whenua, the placenta.

Weighing up or Measuring up

This shouldn't be too challenging, right!? I have several advantages working in my favour:

1. Personal experience with the themes and ideas I plan to incorporate in my writing and illustrations. 

2. Years of advocating and promoting te ao Maaori.

3. I quickly grasp general principles before honing in on the necessary details.

4. Experience in children's literacy throughout my teaching career.

5. Experience crafting humorous yet meaningful stories for children.

6. A talent for sketching and drawing. 

7. Business acumen, motivation, and drive to succeed. 

8. The support of friends and whaanau, providing me with the time and space to be creative. 

   
   

What I plan to do with this blog

I will recount my experiences with the challenging processes of writing, illustrating, and publishing. By reflecting on both my mistakes and (hopefully) my successes, this will serve as a guide to assist others on their own paths.

• I will reveal my creative process as it evolves. 

• I will share any writing or illustrating tips I have learned along the way. 

• I aim to explore how te ao Maaori can influence this field. 

• I also wish to connect with others interested in sharing their experiences. 

What I will cover

I will chronicle my journey, starting with reflections on my process as it develops:

• planning and strategy,

• tips on writing, illustrating, and publishing,

• behind the scenes insights,

• and creative perspectives from te ao Maaori.

Eventually, I will branch out into other areas:

• book reviews,

• and interviews.

Next Post

'Crafting a Children's Storybook: Designing a Captivating Tale'.  This article will guide you in bringing clarity to confusion.

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