It takes two to make a story,
so remember, without you, there is no story.
The story of a collaborative children's book
This children's picture book, My Baby Monsters and I Went to the Park, is very special to me since the it comes from my daughter's imagination. And though the book was conceived in the midst of Florida's 2004 trifecta of hurricanes, it's not a parent's story about disaster, nor a child's fear of hurricanes, because despite the fact the hurricanes caused us to lose our home, my daughter Josie still wanted to share her playful imagination with the world. For this reason, the children's book is a playful story of a child and her imaginary friends conquering the big kids' playground.
Josie and I started writing this children's book right before the birth of her little sister. I was looking for a way to make sure she did not feel left out of the family, and decided to give her something she would truly value... more time with her daddy. This choice set us on a playful journey which led to the creation of this collaborative children's book. I provided the structure, and she provided the thoughts and characters. It was amazing to work with my daughter, and we both grew from the experience.
The story takes place on one day. A special day – sandwiched between hurricanes – when she and I decided to go to the park. The park was deserted and the trees were snapped like used toothpicks, but the big kids playground stood tall. And while I remember stumbling around due to the lack of solid ground beneath our feet, I also remember that she was unmoved by the reality of our situation. To her, it was just another fun day in the park with her daddy. And in the absence of other children, she invited her own friends, her baby monsters, to play with her.
The baby monsters have lived with us for as long as my daughter has been able to talk, and while their numbers and names have often changed, one thing has always remained constant, My Baby Monsters push our boundaries and challenge us to explore, while still enabling us to be nice boys and girls.
As a parent, I want to protect my daughter. As an educator, I want to nurture her. As an artist, I want to encourage her. And as a fun-loving adult, I want to play with her for she is still of the age that play (and life) is simple… so simple, that sometimes its hard for an adult to follow (or appreciate) since it does not conform to grown-up rules. Fortunately, I discovered that My Baby Monsters are everywhere.
The years of early development are a time when a child believes that anything is possible. And this is something that should be embraced, not only for the child's well-being, but for the adults as well, because by taking the time to listen and enter their world, anything becomes possible for you as well.
During the hurricanes, my daughter entrusted me with my own set of baby monsters. At first, they were a carbon copy of hers… but over time, mine have evolved into a unique set characters with their own magic. In addition to casting an explosive spell of smiles and insight, I have regained a creative freedom once lost.
Upon completing the My Baby Monsters and I Went to the Park children's book, parents started asking me how they could do a similar collaborative project with their child. Since Josie and I were looking for another fun project to do together, we decided to start this Web site, the My Baby Monsters children's story sharing community – a place where children (and their parents and teachers) now come together to create stories.
And while I love and treasure this book, and am glad that children and adults across the globe are enjoying our children's book, I will be even happier if it inspires you to read, hear, see, color, and share stories with us, because without you, there is no story. When was the last time you let yourself color outside the lines? It's liberating for the whole family.
Have fun, Michael Baumgarten, M.Ed.
