6 Freelancing Tips from Children’s Lit

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Freelancing tips are all around just waiting to be discovered.

I recently uncovered some buried in the pages of some of our favorite children’s stories.

As a homeschooling mama with a master’s degree in elementary reading and literacy, children’s lit is my forte. I read it. A lot.

Though there may not be many words or pages, children’s lit isn’t always simple. Here’s some lessons I learned about freelancing from six books.

6. Skippyjon Jones in the Doghouse by Judy Schachner

I was introduced to Skippyjon Jones in college. He’s a Siamese cat who thinks he’s a Chihuahua. And he’s pretty darn hilarious.

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We were reading this book  the other night, and I realized that we often let our fears get away from us.

Skippyjon has an active imagination. He plays out full scenes in his closet with his toys that look and feel real. His enemies seem real, and scary.

I know I often blow my fears out of proportion. I take what could be a molehill sized problem, and turn it into a huge mountain.

Imagination and fear aren’t a good combination. Instead of burying ourselves in “What-if’s?” let’s move forward. Even if we get rejected. Even if we succeed. Don’t let fear stop you!

5. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

These books are adorable, and predictable. They end right where they started–back at the beginning.

How often do we get stuck in a freelancing rut? Where we keep doing the same thing over and over again.

Did you know that’s the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result.

If we want things to change in our freelancing, we need to change up our routines. Don’t be afraid to try new things. You never know what will happen.

4. What Pet Should I Get by Dr. Seuss

My dad bought this one for the kids recently, so it’s a new addition to our extensive children’s lit library. My oldest daughter was shocked by it–isn’t he dead? she asked. So it opened up to a great conversation of how sometimes manuscripts are found, and published after death.

This made me think–what do I have written down somewhere, just waiting to be discovered. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get your ideas out there.

Write down your thoughts. Start a blog. Create a course.

You have a unique perspective to offer the world. If you’re not as famous as Dr. Seuss, chances are no one will go digging through your scraps of paper once you’re gone. Take time to do it now.

3. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

Mo Willems books are terrific. If you haven’t read this one with your kids yet, pick it up and read it together. Though very simple, it’s a very good read.

Basically, the pigeon wants to drive the bus. He presents all sorts of reasons why you should let him. He’s very persuasive.

My freelancing tip from the pigeon is also simple. Don’t listen to the doubters and haters. Most people complain instead of taking action.

They’d rather tell you why you can’t find success as a writer then to put the effort into actually doing something with their own lives. Don’t listen to them.

Tell them no–just like you told the pigeon. (It’s nearly impossible to read this book without saying no!)

2. Tuesday by David Wiesner

My early readers love reading this book. It’s nearly wordless. As a Caldecott winner, the pictures are stunning.

One Tuesday, a bunch of frogs take off on flying lily pads.  They have an adventure.

This book reminds freelancers that images are essential. I’ve been working hard trying to get better images up for my course this past week.

If you aren’t including at least a featured image on your blog posts, you’re probably missing out. Take the time to do it–images are vital!

1. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

Chrysanthemum loves her name until she goes to school and the other mouse children make fun of it. She wishes her parents had named her something different.

But by the end of the story, Chrysanthemum realizes that her name is the perfect name for her.

Likewise, you are unique. There is no one else quite like you. As a freelancer, you can’t try and copy someone else’s style. You have to let your voice come out.

You are special–remember that.

Have YOU learned any good freelancing tips from children’s lit lately?

What’s your favorite children’s book? I’d love for you to share in the comments section below.