For the past few Friday writing prompts, I’ve had suggestions for memoir, fiction, and poetry, but today I thought it would be fun to consider something that could be used for a children’s book.
There is one member of our household who is truly loving the stay at home order, our cat, Pixel. He has been taking the opportunity to get extra pets, though he isn’t so crazy that I’m spending a lot of my time in his favorite desk chair. For me and my son, who is homeschooling, this is a dramatic change from our daily routine, but for Pixel the house is his whole world. The staircase railing is his balance beam, a fly is in an invading enemy who must be destroyed, our bow window is where he watches live musical performances by song birds.
Think about your own furry, feathered, or finned pet; what might their daily life look like in your imagination? What funny antics could be transformed into a story? Which of their distinctive behaviors make you smile? Would your anthropomorphized pet have a signature look such as a beret or a paisley tie? Would your polydactyl kitty be the world’s best baseball player? Could your canary win a singing competition? Let your imagination run wild. If you have your own children, then have them come up with ideas with you. Those artistically inclined might want to sketch out some illustrations. If you don’t have a pet, instead consider the wildlife out your window such as pigeons or squirrels.
Maybe your fur baby can join Splat, Mittens, or the legendary Pete in the pantheon of critters who have captured kid’s hearts!
Written by:
Aimee Harris
Head of Reference
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 
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