Superpower: Imagination
Taking the step to move from reading picture books to books without pictures can be a daunting one for early readers. Many early reader chapter books incorporate images here and there to aid children in staying on topic and keep them engaged in the story. But the skill of using their imagination to make the pictures for them is one that must be honed and developed, much like a Superpower.
This week’s book of the week is all about honing that creative “superpower”.
The book “Superpower: Imagination” by Jacqui Shepherd is a book without illustrations, but certainly not a boring one. It is its own guided adventure, walking the reader through a series of mental images and allowing them to imagine the story any way they wish.
Superpower: Imagination uses guided visualizations and dynamic typography in place of standard illustrations.
Shepherd uses typography as a visual aid to keep wandering attentions at bay. The use of fun fonts and bold words adds excitement to the text. The text is very direct, telling the reader exactly what to imagine and using the typography to set a positive mood and keep the adventure on course. The fast paced adventure style story telling will keep reluctant readers interested and on course.
We highly recommend “Superpower: Imagination” for early readers and children who are reluctant to start reading books without pictures.
Overall, “Superpower : Imagination” is a great way to introduce the concept of books without pictures to your child. It eases them in to imagining images to accompany the text, while still keeping the reading experience interesting and engaging.
Author Q&A Jaqui Shepherd
Jacqui Shepherd, the author and publisher of “Superpower: Imagination” is no stranger to reading, or writing for that matter.
Jacqui has written several other books for children, including “Goo on My Shoe”, which she published herself as well as several books published by the Awareness Publishing Group. These include books in the Farm-tastic, Sea Stories, Animal Adventures, and Bug Stories series.
We had a chance to chat with Jacqui.
Here is what she had to say:
How did the idea for “Superpower Imagination” come about?
A love of reading, fond childhood memories and a heart for children are what birthed the idea and inspiration for this story.
As a child I loved to read. Armed with a good book and the power of my imagination the possibilities where endless. The story text was the outline but it was my imagination that coloured it all in and added the finer details.
I desperately want children all over the world to experience the wonderful gift that reading gave me. I want their imaginations to take flight and soar as they journey through the pages of one book after another. I want children today to know the joy of reading and to discover the power of their imaginations. I sincerely hope that my “Superpower:IMAGINATION” book will help in making this possible.
What is the first book you remember reading as a child that did not have pictures?
I went from fully illustrated picture books to reading the partially illustrated Enid Blyton books. I remember beginning with the ‘Naughty Amelia Jane’ and ‘The Wishing Chair’ books, then moving on to ‘The Famous Five’ series and ending with ‘The Secret Seven’ series. The first book I read without any pictures was “The Secret of the Old Clock”, which is the first volume in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series written under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene.
Screens are a big part of our children’s lives more than they ever were for past generations. Do you feel that technology is helpful in igniting our children’s imaginations, or does it hinder imagination?
My feeling is that technology can be of benefit to a child’s imagination provided there is a healthy balance. For the most part this is not the case. The sad truth is that if technology is allowed to replace books in children’s lives, they will not be able to fully discover or develop the power of their imaginations.
What advice do you have for parents who struggle to get their children to read books with no pictures?
Read out loud with your children. Take turns reading. Read a page or chapter and then let your child read a page or chapter. Use expression to bring the story to life.
Discuss how each of you imagined a scene/chapter and what feelings it evoked. Make reading time a fun, special time.
Children don’t need you to be the best reader, just a passionate and willing one. Never forget that children learn by example. You can’t expect your children to read if they don’t see you reading.
What is next for you?
I am working on a new picture book series for preschoolers. I aim to use unique, lovable characters to deliver simple yet fun stories that will both entertain and educate. I want to help children to fall in love with books and reading from an early age.
For more information about Jacqui Shepherd and her books, visit www.jacquishepherd.com
The Kindle Edition of “Superpower: Imagination” will be FREE on Jan 26th and 27th.
Buy your copy of Superpower: Imagination on Amazon Today!
