Hi, we’re Blockie Doyle…

  • Lockie (2): Loves books. You’re probably thinking you would say that – but it’s true. Hands you a book then pats the seat beside him, beckoning you to sit down. It never feels right to refuse. We call it “being served”.
  • Barra (5): Think Fantastic Mr. Fox’s son, Kristofferson, from the Wes Anderson movie. A brilliantly unique little man with a vivid imagination and a dry wit. Cracks us up all day long. Possibly starting to realise he can manipulate us with his wit.
  • David: Studied civil engineering, then television production, and now works as an air traffic controller. Likes to make music. Doesn’t particularly enjoy describing himself in the third person.
  • Susan: Former actress (Love/Hate, Hollyoaks) with a Masters in Creative Writing. Likes to write novels that she doesn’t let anyone read and make paintings that she doesn’t let anyone see. She more recently learned how to create digital art (painting on an iPad) and is finally making public use of her artistic side for our books.

So why are we making children’s books?

 

We believe that reading to children is important for their cognitive development.

Reading doesn’t overload your child’s sensory processing the way screens do, so it puts their brain into a better state for learning and developing.

For that reason, books remain an exceptionally effective way to help your child improve their:

  • Vocabulary & language
  • Attention span
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Memory
  • Creativity
  • Confidence
  • Empathy
  • Understanding of the world

The bonding experience of reading with is also wonderful for a child’s emotional wellbeing. And because of the detrimental effects of screen time, especially before bed, we believe that reading a book at bedtime is a vital practice for a modern childhood.

Reading to their child is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give.

That explains why reading is good, but not why you started making books yourself…

 

Yes good point, questioner. Well we believe that we have lots of worthwhile ideas. And we have an in-house audience to test them on!

 

Here’s the thinking behind some of what we’ve been doing so far…

 

…Subtle Messaging:

We believe on-the-nose messaging is less effective on children. So we try to design stories that first and foremost entertain them, and we embed our desired message into the story in a deliberately understated way.

The Slug Who Came to The Sleepover, for example, aims to teach empathy by modelling the considerate behaviour of the characters in the story.

The key is to first earn the child’s interest in the story by having an element of intrigue and by featuring things kids love (slime, sleepovers, popcorn, chasing, hide and seek, camping…)

The important lessons, values and behaviours can then more readily, and more memorably, be assimilated by the child.

…Honesty is the best policy:

Ever Wonder What Happens When We Die? might seem like a strange choice for a children’s book…

Some people feel that children should be protected from this topic, but the reality is that children are often exposed to it suddenly. And if their grownups have always been afraid to discuss it, it can make the concept even more scary and confusing.

Our book is designed as a safe and happy space to explore philosophy, spirituality and mortality in a playful way. To encourage children to think openly about nature’s life cycles, and to theorize answers to their own questions, rather than to quietly wonder about this sinister thing that adults won’t be drawn on.

Maybe it’s counterintuitive, but we believe this sort of exploration empowers a child to navigate life with more confidence.

Anywho… we are documenting our journey on Instagram & TikTok

…so please feel free to follow:

@blockiebooks

Thanks for stopping by.

Blockie now considers you a friend!