Beastie Books
Beastie Books is a workshop inspired by my book A Little World of Ants, in which, participants can create their own little interactive book prototype, inspired by something outside in nature.
Followed by a reading of the book, participants go on an inspiration walk to find a creature, character or setting to form the basis of their book idea.
After looking at examples of some small zine book formats, they create their own little book, deciding on a non-fiction or fiction format, including interactive elements and using collage to make fun and bold compositions for their story.
Feedback
“We have had the pleasure of welcoming Cara to many of our school holiday garden clubs. She brings with her her wonderful world of inspiration to create. Cara very much shares our ethos in the Maxwell garden of appreciating all the beauty that lives there just waiting to be enjoyed.
The world of imagination, creativity and spotting all the little bugs that make our garden so precious. Cara is wonderfully patient and inspiring. She gave all our children the confidence to create their own little worlds and stories using their imaginations along with the nature in our garden. We very much look forward to welcoming Cara back to hold workshops in the near future.”
Structure
Part One - Interactive Reading
An interactive reading of A Little World of Ants, followed by a discussion about making the book, with sketches and prototypes for the interactivity in the book.
Part Three - Imaginative Plans
The drawings and notes are used as a starting point, and combined them with their imagination to create a little story or playful non-fiction book.
Part Two - Inspiration Walk
Inspiration walk outside, with paper and clipboards, to draw from life and find bugs and settings to take inspiration from.
Part Four - Beastie Book Creation
Working in a format of beginning, middle and end, the participants create a small book prototype inspired by their outside adventures.
