I've been busy ordering a couple of large monkey puppets and putting together a proposal for my local kindergarten. The aim is to introduce one of the puppets to the children via a short ventriloquist act (yes, by me!) and then leave him with the class so they can each take him home and teach him something new based on the teacher's chosen theme. This might be healthy eating and exercise, helping others, or multi-cultural experiences, etc. At the end of it I will take the book that they've been filling with words and pictures from their experiences and will create a story book in the puppet's voice. Each child will receive a copy of the book. 

I'll be doing the first one for free so I can iron out any wrinkles in the process and receive some valuable feedback from the teacher. This will never be a big money spinner as kindergartens can't afford to pay a suitable fee to cover freelance writing rates, design fees for the book and the printing costs. It is to allow me to continue working with the children, learning what they get excited about and what makes them laugh, so I can produce outstanding picture book stories.

Children are the hardest critics, but their delight when you get it right is the most rewarding. 

Here is a picture of Benson, the first to arrive, ready for ventriloquist practice. Please excuse his nakedness, he's still deciding what his preferred wardbrobe will be.