Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

Hi,
I have just published the third book in the series 'Tales from the Bluebell Woods - The Tale of the Lonely Hedgehog. I am looking for anyone will to read the story (32 pages so not massive!) to help me with editing, I will send a copy to anyone willing to assist me and point out any errors, I am a story writer, illustrator but sadly a poor editor sometimes and would appreciate the help.
About the book:
Spring had definitely arrived in the woodland, thick beautiful carpets of Bluebell flowers stretch as far as you could see under the trees, baby animals were being born, including an over adventurous chick who tries to fly and lands himself in trouble. The little Hedgehog is always there to help (although no one can help him from feeling lonely) and finds a mystery to solve in the woodland as well.




If you are interested in my other books please find more at my author page on amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Ian-H...?

Ian, I am not a professional editor, however, I do have software that I can copy your story in to and check for errors, if that helps. If it is developmental editing for children's book specifically, you should continue looking as I don't have that expertise.

Have you tried autocrit?

no

Hello Ian! I come from an English teaching background, so I'm very used to copyediting others' work for grammatical/mechanical errors. I would be glad to help out if you'd like my expertise!

Thanks all, Bebo I would appreciate the check over, send a friend request then we can sent pm,

Ian wrote: "Hi,
I have just published the third book in the series 'Tales from the Bluebell Woods - The Tale of the Lonely Hedgehog. I am looking for anyone will to read the story (32 pages so not massive!) to..."

I'm loving the artwork. You did a fine job!!!

Donna
https://rb.gy/b7fwne

Not sure whether this comment is in the correct place but I would be interested in any response. I have written two series of children's story books and had quite a few reviews on various platforms, however one review I received made me pause and think. Background :- the story was about a baby shark washed into a rockpool, all the inhabitants were initially scared, the shark helped one creature who was put into danger and all became friends.
The Review :- Considering that the author is a marine biologist, I expected the book to be more realistic. I thought the book would teach us about ocean animals, and it does, but it also has wrong information. Sharks are not our friends, and they are definitely not friends with crabs. I looked it up and those types of sharks eat crabs. Other then having wrong information in a book meant to teach children about the ocean, its a cute book. My daughter enjoys it.

I am a marine biologist and yes sharks do eat crabs but in the context of a children's story does that actually matter? I was trying to point out (explained in more adult orientated text at back of book) that sharks generally get a bad deal and are vital to the health of the oceans. Can we educate but bend the rules of fact to do so, by having animals talk to each other for example and things that would generally eat one another not do so within the story. I personally think putting forward the message and getting the attention of young minds more important than sticking to the science as these are story books and not text books.

he still gave me four stars maybe because his daughter likes it!

Ian wrote: "Not sure whether this comment is in the correct place but I would be interested in any response. I have written two series of children's story books and had quite a few reviews on various platforms..."

Books for young children are a good place to use some fantasy and 'cheat' a bit about science and reality, as long as it is made with a positive purpose, like teaching love of other creatures. Like your reader said, the important thing was that his daughter like the story.

Thanks Michel, I agree with you as the purpose is always trying to be positive whilst writing something that is story for children to enjoy with the potential added benefit of lighting a spark of interest in the environment even if the facts are adjusted slightly. Wind in the Willows wouldn't be the same if Badger came to tea and promptly ate Mole, Ratty and Toad as he would if the story was accurate.