My Own Stories First Writing Adventures in Literacy
Author: Ruth Thomson
Publisher and Illustrator: Chrysalis Education, 2004
Ages: About 7 years and up
Theme: NonFiction, Language, Creative Writing, Art, Illustration
Opening Line: Once upon a time, an old man planted a little turnip.
Synopsis: The above is not the very first line in the book as the first page tells about what the book is about; learning the skills of story writing, and story telling. This is one of a series of “First Writing” books with ideas for creating all kinds of stories and introducing young children to the world of Literacy. This lively book features beautifully – illustrated versions of new and traditional tales for reading aloud. Using these as frameworks for writing, it encourages children to create their own stories. It provides guidance on how to plan a story and on using the language of story writing.
Why I Like it: Actually when I first glanced through the pages of this book my first thought was that if I hadn’t done an online course , joined a hub, or come upon such a wonderful source of online writers as I have done, this could have possibly have been the next best thing. It simply explains ways of bringing a story to life on a page. I liked that it referred to – before children can successfully write stories of their own they need to absorb the language, rhythm, pattern and shape of existing stories by listening to them and reading aloud.
The book is split into 6 double pages of retelling old stories, on the second double pages the young writers are guided in writing their own version with illustrated prompts. Pull out flap provides alphabetical list of common words to help them. There are also helpful suggestions and ways to use prompts as well as hints on the use of story-writing language and reminders about using punctuation, capital letters and connecting words. There is also at the back more writing ideas, how to use story maps and acting out stories and how to change and edit. The author, Ruth, makes this a very easy step, by step guide.
Resources: Here are some other books in the series and an online site to order from … http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/My-Own-Stories-First-Writing-Ruth-Thomson/9781844583294
This is a fantastic site of Ruth Thomson books, great for school, home schooling and education… http://www.mightyape.co.nz/search/0/Ruth+Thomson/?gclid=CJ-An5v12a4CFQYdpAod5ma8bw
A great site for kids learning to make their own stories into books, kids and you will love this…… http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/make-your-own/story-maker
An interview on a blog from the illusive author Ruth Thomson….. http://thewholemegillah.wordpress.com/2011/11/15/five-in-one-notebook-special-children%e2%80%99s-books-about-terezin-from-candlewick-%e2%80%93-editors-authors-publicist/
For more books with resources please visit the lovely author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with the books reviewed by many authors.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Diane, this sounds like a great book. My daughter is at the point where she is imagining stories and this may help her make a plan before writing them down. Thanks for the review!
Your welcome Eric. I think it would be a great idea. First they read a story out loud about a dog, or a princess, or a vegetable. then they turn the page and there are pictures – such as Monday the dog plays , Tuesday the dog guards etc…. and they are asked to make up a story by using these prompts and pictures. There are pages with hints on “What if’s” etc.. but very easy and basic guidelines…. excellent for beginners. Your daughter will enjoy.
What an original concept. It’s sometimes hard anyway to plug into the imagination of a child completely. This is a great idea to get them to join in with the story.
Yes it’s a great idea Catherine, gosh I wish it was around when I was a kid. Glad you liked the concept.
Very unique! This is a super resource for kids and teachers. Great choice, Diane.
To think Joanna, I hesitated in picking it up as it was not exactly what I was looking for, but I was curious. So pleased you liked it.
Love your choice Diane! It sounds like a great resource for kids to learn how to write down their story ideas. Such a great idea. I wish I had a book like this years ago. I really like it. Great review and resouces!
Yes I was mentioning earlier I wish it was around when I was a kid, maybe I would have got into writing earlier. Thankyou for your lovely comments Pat. Glad you enjoyed it.
I just had my boys “writing” (mostly drawing) their own books last week. I think writing the stories they imagine will be the next step. Thanks for this fantastic resource.
Whoa! Pity I didn’t come across this earlier for you, Kirsten. You will find it excellent and the author has delivered many other books similar to this that are excellent so check out the links. Glad to be of help and good luck with your boys… enjoy.
I’ll have to see if we can find this one here. I found a workbook for children to write their own picture books. I’ll be using it for a while before my son can read it.
Stacy you will find Ruth’s books excellent if you hope to encourage your son into the literacy world of reading and writing, especially when he is a little older and can grasp the concept of storytelling. Their imaginations will run across the page…… you’ll see….lol. So pleased you popped over, love seeing you here.
Well, of course I LOVE the sound of this book! I’m in favor of any book that helps kids express themselves creatively. I actually find that some of the best books on writing are the ones for kids. I love Spilling Ink, and Gail Carson Levine has one too, and Patricia Reilly Giff. Thanks so much for adding this excellent-sounding title to our list, Diane!
Thankyou Susanna for your lovely comment. Glad you love this, your right some of the best how tos’ in writing are the ones for kids.
This book sounds like a great resource for young writers! I may have to add it to my wish list. Thank you very much!
Your very welcome Heather, glad you liked the choice.
I can see my niece really liking this book… will have to look out for it.
Cool, Hope your niece likes it Tania. Glad you liked the post, drop back anytime.
This seems like a great book for beginning writers! I think I could really use it! I’ll check in my library for it! 🙂 Thanks for reviewing it!
Erik
It has good prompt pictures in it and some great ideas to help you build your story. Enjoy Erik.
This does sound unique and like a good resource for budding writers. Thanks for the recommendation!
Your very welcome Amy, yes it is and has good resources.
What a fantastic writing resource for kids. How did you ever find this gem? Wonderful addition to the PPBF list. I’ll definitely pick up a copy. You are thinking out of that box! 🙂
Robyn It was sitting on the shelf in the Library winking at me… 🙂 Not what I had actually gone in there for in the first place, but there you go!…. lol. Thankyou so much for your lovely comment…. It is indeed a great tool for teaching kids storywriting. In the links you will find many others.
This sounds like a need to read book. I added it to my library list just now. A very easy step, by step guide sounds right up my alley.
Yes its a very easy step by step……. great for kids (and big kids) hope you enjoy it to Penny.
Diane, my kids would love this book- I have to find it. A new writing program was implemented in school and they have such freedom to express thoughts without boundaries. I’d love to read this with them. Thanks for sharing!
A2ZMommy and What’s In Between
Hi Tracy, nice to see you here. This would be excellent for your kids Tracy, hope you find it. Enjoy. (love your blog btw)
I’m putting it on my list. What a great choice Diane 🙂
Cool! So pleased you liked it Jennifer.
Diane – my first visit to your blog. I love all the references and resources. It’s going to be great to get to know you. Blessings!
Thankyou Laura and welcome to my world, I hope you will stay and enjoy what I have to offer. It will be fun getting to know you to.