A tale of Two Stories
Amanda has recently completed her second venture into storytelling in glass.
Both are joint storytelling projects with local children's writer and fellow Slad Valley resident Christine O'Neill.
“Don’t Bother Martha!” is a charming springtime story for young children which Amanda used as the inspiration for a striking series of glass sculptures. Samuel is fascinated by his grandmother's broody hen, which is sitting on eggs in her garden. He knows he isn't allowed to disturb the hen but each day he creeps nearer to her nest under the hedge and on the way finds various wildlife 'treasures' - one speckled egg on day one, two curly caterpillars on day two... and so on. Then on day seven he finds seven empty eggshells.... Will he finally get to see Martha and her chicks?
“The Wrong Sort of Dark!” was inspired by a real incident from Slad Valley’s history. Christine’s story concerns Rosie, a little girl who comes to stay with her grandmother in the country. She finds it hard to sleep without all the lights she is used to in the town. Will Granny be able to convince her that country darkness is more exciting than scary? In her illustrations for the “The Wrong Sort of Dark” Amanda explores different sorts of darkness as well as the creatures that come out at night.
“Dont Bother Martha!” and “The Wrong Sort of Dark!” are now published as short books, suitable for 3-7 year olds, illustrated with photos of the glass, and are available from Amazon.
Christine O'Neill is a children's writer and storyteller. She visits schools, pre-schools and libraries, sharing her stories and helping children to develop their confidence as storytellers.. Read more at www.christineoneillstories.wordpress.com
