Written by As a kid, I absolutely loved reading books and would devour nearly every one in sight! I loved that anything was possible in those stories. In Charlotte’s Web, a little pig named Wilbur buddied up with a spider who could do miraculous things. This quickly sketched and rather unplanned doodlewash is an ode to that book. If you haven’t read this wonderful story, please stop reading this drivel and look it up at once! Actually, I still really love children’s books. The main thing that makes something a book for kids rather than adults is the lack of “adult themes.” This simply means these books contain all the story and heart, but lack things like conversations around sex, extreme violence, or problems with taxes. To me, that simply means it’s a fabulous read. I don’t like stories that are tweaked with too many adult sensibilities. They’re too heavy and to be honest, much of the time, I simply can’t understand them. I prefer stories that have a childlike sense of wonder and possibility. Ones that make you feel like there still might be magic waiting for you, just around the corner.
There is another thing about children’s books that sets them apart and that’s word choice. You have fewer words to work with so as to be understood by a particular reading level. On the one and only time I published a children’s book, or any book for that matter, I’m pretty sure I didn’t follow this rule. It was a just a project from a college course that I got a bit over-indulgent on and ended up writing an entire book. I actually reread it for the first time in years and realized it wasn’t particularly bad, but I can definitely do better. I hadn’t picked up a pen to sketch at the time, so I wasn’t able to illustrate it myself. Part of me hopes that one day I might give it another go with my own artwork this time. Another part of me realizes that I may never find the time. But, the kid in me, who usually wins out, is still certain it will happen. Either way, I’m still enjoying reading the stories of others that take me to a special place were amazing things can happen. Not fantasy exactly, just a place where there’s always a sense of optimism and hope.
Those stories of my youth were so incredible. Each one a little treasure that could transport me to another place and time. I would have stacks of books from the library that I would go through, especially during the summer months when I had a bit more time. I’ve, of course, read wonderful novels written for adults, but all of them share a common theme. There’s a happy ending. I know it sounds a bit silly, but if I wanted to experience “real life,” I simply wouldn’t bother with reading a book in the first place and just continue living it. I want to be taken someplace special that’s like where I live, but somehow just a bit more incredible. A place where everything that really happens still does, but unlike real life, things have a way of always working themselves out. Those are the stories that I read as a child. The ones that shaped me into the man that I became. So, today, when this grown man reaches for a book, he doesn’t need everything to be idealistic. But, whenever possible, he sincerely hopes that the author has built a world where there’s at least the possibility that a pig and a spider can be friends.
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About the DoodlewashSennelier L’Aquarelle: Opera Rose, Phthalocyanine Blue, Phthalo. Green Light, Burnt Sienna and Ultramarine Deep. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon with black ink in a little red cloth hardbound l’aquarelle journal I found in a Paris shop. |
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So cute Charlie, love the pig and spider in the book….what a pig! What a spider! Who would have thought that such a combination would work so well. Adore this ❤️
Awww thanks so much, Rebecca! 😃💕 Glad you liked this one! That’s definitely one of my favorite books of all time!
adorbs!
hehe….Thanks so much, Jodi! 😃💕
I like books like this too, Charlie! ❤ I love Charlette’s Web! I can remember my mom reading it to me as a child. 😍 Your Doodlewash is perfect! I’d love to see you create more art from stories you like!
This is so cute, Charlie – yes, what a team they are! And you’re so right, the wonder and value in fantasy, escapist worlds is certainly to be ever embraced. Here’s hoping you get to illustrating the book, or indeed penning a whole new one!
Thanks, Jacob! 😃💕 Oh it would definitely have to be a new book. Just not sure what it would be about yet. Should include a zonkey though, don’t you think? hehe
You josh, but I think it could genuinely work! You just know that everyone would fall in love with a doodlewash zonkey. The zany adventures of Zoe the Zonkey, I can see it now! 😉 Certainly such jollies seem more acceptable than those of Duncan Dik-Dik, which, haha, sounds a rather different story altogether.
Ohhhhh… but Duncan Dik-Dik should be the best friend of Zoe! 😉Lol
*some pig*, charlie!
Awww thanks so much, Lynne! 😃💕
Charlotte’s Web is a fantastic read. The characters, while mostly animal, are loveable. It is a book I can still look back and read again and again.
Love this delightful sketch which brings back memories of a great book!
Thanks, Annie! 😃💕 I’m so happy you liked it!
That piglet is adorable!
Awww thanks, Pradita! 😃💕 I think piglets are so cute!! hehe
😊😊
So cute! Love this pic😋☺
You painted Charlotte and Wilbur with wonderful affection, Charlie, and brought back the charm of the story. Well done work on the book with flying pages. Kids’ stories are often terrific, with kids and animals as the main characters. No brooding, heavy handed adults to muck up the place, or if they appear, they get the Roald Dahl or Lemony Snicket treatment. I can see how your love of wonder and magic have made you a man who is always upbeat and positive.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 Yeah… I definitely prefer a good kid’s story. But, actually, Dahl is one of my all-time faves. It got a little darker, but always from a kid’s perspective. Loved that!
I like books like this too
Thanks, Pabrik! 😃💕 Glad you’re a fan of these as well!
One of your best doodlewashes – capturing so much about Charlotte’s Web! And your thoughts about stories are wonderful, just what I needed today. (In between everything else you are doing, really, you should write and illustrate another book.)
Thanks so much, Ellie! 😃💕 I can’t thank you enough for the encouragment! Life seems so busy these days, but I really would love to try to write another book!
So cute!😘
Thanks so much! 😃💕
i love it!!!
Thanks so much, Catty! 😃💕
Lovely illustration! I fondly remember Charlotte’s Web, wonderful story. Thanks for sharing and bringing back good memories.
Aww thanks so much! 😃💕 I’m so thrilled you liked this!
I love all pigs, but Wilbur is special. Lovely painting.
Wilbur is the best! So happy you liked this one, Sharon! 😃💕
One of my all time favorite books – right up there with T.H.White’s ‘Once and Future King’ tetralogy. How much happier can you get than when the dragon and the knight become fast friends (though the rest of the story isn’t quite so amusing). After the first read, I always quit reading before the end.
So true!! Love that one too! Such wonderful and brilliant stories! 😃💕
Love!
Thanks, Teri!! 😃💕