Author’s Note: Are there any illustrators out there? Because all this one needs to become an elementary school classroom staple is a good illustrator to bring it to life. If you’re out there, hit me up.
Hi, my name’s Sally Rook. I’m six years old. Every night when I go to bed, my Daddy reads me a story.
I love stories–especially the ones that take up a whole book. It’s neat when Daddy reads a whole entire book to me at one time.
But I noticed that a lot of those books only have three or four or five words on each page. That’s not very much. I could write a book with just three or four or five words on a page. And just to prove it, I will.
First, I’ll need some paper and a pencil. Then I need to sit down at my table.
But first, I have to clean it off. You can’t write a book with toys in the way.
Now, I just need to think of an idea of what to write.
[two or three pages of Sally thinking in different poses–very concentrated, eyes squeezed shut, pencil in mouth, etc.]
Well, maybe I can write about something I like.
[looks at horses on shelf]
Hmmm, I like horses. Let’s see . . .
“Once upon a time, there was a horse. One day he woke up and . . .”
[casual thinking pose]
No, not horses. I can’t think of anything neat for horses to do.
[notices dolls on bed]
I know. I like dolls.
“Once upon a time, in a castle, the princess’ doll came to life and said . . .”
[somewhat casual thinking pose, a little frustrated]
Well, I don’t know what she said. I guess a doll won’t work, either.
[looks up at space ship mobile hanging from ceiling]
Oh, yeah, spaceships! I know I can write a book about a spaceship.
“Far away in outer space, a space girl was driving a rocket ship . . .”
[frustrated thinking pose]
But then what?
[father calling]
“Saaallllyyy!”
Yes, Daddy?
“ It’s time to get ready for bed. Get your pajamas on and I’ll come up and read you a story!”
Okay!
[changing into pajamas, talking around shirt, pulling on pants, etc.]
Well . . . I guess I won’t . . . write a book today . . .
[pauses, looks out at reader]
It’s a lot harder than I thought it would be . . .
[resumes dressing]
Book Writers must have lots of time . . . I guess I need more time, too . . . But that’s okay, ‘cause tomorrow’s Saturday!
[finished dressing, big smile on her face]
But before it’ll be Saturday, I have to go to sleep.
[getting into bed]
And before I go to sleep, Daddy has to read me a story.
[father walks in, hands father a book]
Here Daddy, read this one. It’s my favorite.
[aside to reader]
Even if it only has five words a page.
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