Constructing Tina Freeth - Children's Book Projects

I acted as narrative consultant and editor for two BCU/BIAD illustration students working on children's concept books - Spring 2008

Blythie's Really Rubbish Adventure -

Illustrations By Clare McKenna.

Text by Clare McKenna with assistance from Tina Freeth

This is Peter Blythe, Or Blythie as he is so affectionately called.

Now if you knew what he really got up to, you'd be very appalled.

Just last Thursday he put his head in the washing machine and got stuck, the fact he didn't fall down the pipes is just plain luck.

And then the other day, he decided to take a sneaky peak in the bin...and surprise, surprise, Blythie fell in!

Down the Brillo pad box he slid right to the bottom of the bin. He was not quite certain where or what land he was in...

It was very dark and Blythie was scared. He'd never fallen in the bin before and was really quite unprepared.

High and low he looked around...using his hands to feel the ground.

This alien place contained many things - all of a sudden a voice started to sing!

Now, I already told you Blythie was BAD! Only last week he made his sister very sad.

He stole her favourite singing doll and pulled off it's arm - then threw her away to ensure maximum harm.

It was the sound of Mika, his sister's favourite toy. Perhaps this was payback for being a BAD, BAD boy?

"You've come to save me!" she sang with a smile. Blythie swayed nervously and look at the bin lid sky.

"I see some light," said Blythie, "we can climb our way up from there." Remember all, that Mika only had one arm...but with Blythie's bravery this was no cause for alarm.

They hiked up cotton buds, then onto Dad's old socks. An adventure that started out slimey, became fun like pretending to climbing rocks!

Then suddenly, one-armed Mika's smile turned to a frown. Oh no, thought Blythie...I've got to go all the way back down.

We all know Blythie was a naughty boy, it's true! But somewhere, somehow, a lightbulb came on and he knew what to do!

Despite all the odds and with a lack of good light. Blythie climbed back down rescuing Mika's arm with all his might.

Up and up with Mika on his back. His one main wish was to get out of this stinky bin sack!

Success finally came with one last heave. Reaching for the top of the bin, Blythie and Mika were happy to leave.

"Thank you!" said Mika, "you really are a good little boy."

"BLYTHIE!!!!" shouted his mother, "why are you talking to your sister's favourite toy?"

"No reason Mom, she's now my new friend. I rescued her from the bin and her arm I will mend."

Looking through the rubbish to find Mika's missing arm. Blythey felt some plastic fingers tickle his sweaty little palm.

"I've found it! I've found it!" he told his mother with glee.

How it got in the bin in the first place is a SECRET for Blythie...

Mika...

you...and me!!!

_____________________________________________________

The Whale That Swallowed the Anchor

By James Lloyd.

Edited by Tina Freeth

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