Giovanna Gentile

I love being surrounded by children! This could be another person’s nightmare!! I enjoy watching children learn and achieve, grow in confidence, enjoy life and reach their full potential. I have been a registered childcare practitioner for over 30 years and cared for over 50 children. I have maintained the award ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. I have two lovely grown-up daughters and two grandchildren Mia and Luca.

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I also enjoy keeping up with traditional Italian cooking. I try to make it as good as my mother’s!!

I enjoy travelling, interest in visiting historical buildings, gardening, and plenty of nature walks.
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In my life, I have enjoyed reading to children. Helping them to create their own stories, which has enabled them to use their imagination and improve on their writing. This has inspired me to write my own children’s books. It has also given Mia, my granddaughter pleasure as she has enjoyed making a positive contribution to the books with her drawings and performs the role of critic.

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I have enjoyed reading many books and my favourite have been the Phillip Pullman books. Also, reading many children’s books to the children which have been a fun and enjoyable shared experience.

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Richard and I wrote from the perspective that we were writing for parents and carers who may have no knowledge of how to interact with young children.  To this end I developed a form of interplay between the reader and the child.  This takes the form of suggestions in how to engage with the child at certain points.   We then offered the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.   This guides parents and educators in relation to the progress of a child.  Richard added a little theory, (Piaget) as that is his thing as he lectures in pedagogy

My first experiences of writing, other than when I was a child and everyday writing, was when I published my first book – Bunny and Dog with Richard Malthouse. Included in the publication was my knowledge of child psychology, behaviour and cognitive ability. For example, it was necessary to consider subject matter, the length of the story, the characters within the book and the suitability for children considering their age and understanding.

In my opinion, the key ingredients for a good story or novel?

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• To make it interesting and fun
• Imagination
• Anticipation
• Relatedness

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Writing with the children in mind entailed consideration of keeping concentration, interest and keeping it fun.  The books appear simple; however, it is supported by consideration of interplay between the reader and the child and draw upon the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).  I Learnt that I could write children’s books and it can be an enjoyable experience.

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Events

I have been invited for readings to local schools and toddler groups. The children enjoyed story time and crafts relating to the story enabling them to enjoy, learn, interact with adults, promoting language and communication development.

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I have launched ‘Egg Robin’s Nest at the local Waterstones Bookstore. This was a successful event enjoyed by the parents and their young children.

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A reading and craft event at the Local library during the half term. The children enjoyed a snail hunt after the reading. The children listened attentively to the story and thoroughly enjoyed trying to find the hidden snails around the library. This kept them amused!!

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I am hoping for an upcoming story reading event in April for young children at the RHS Wisley.

As an aspiring writer the pitfalls I try to avoid is that no matter how negative people can be about success of writing, it is best to ignore criticism. Don’t let anyone stop you. Do what you need to reach your goal and potentially succeed. Never be afraid of failure. Failure is to give up.

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I learnt that I could write children’s books and that it can be an enjoyable experience

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Believe in yourself. Anything is possible!!