Sometime in 1973 I began to make a book for Becky, then my youngest daughter. It was planned for her fourth birthday the following year. I used water-colour pencils on a pad of thick cartridge paper, leaving the spiralled spine in place and binding the boards with a William Morris furnishing fabric, sealed by a press-stud on a flap. Taking a little longer than anticipated, this labour of love was not finished until my little girl’s seventh birthday by which time she could read it for herself.
Here it is:
For Christmas 2020
among other gifts Becky gave me this book. She had amended the title with the 101 sticker, and inserted
in the appropriate place her analysis of her Book of Seasons in the style of the reviews in 100 Great Children’s Pictures Books. Her last paragraph, “Whilst reinforcing the cycle of nature with cleverly repetitive and charming sequences, the book has been viewed as the perfect vehicle to address issues of loss, change, and resilience” demonstrates a perfect understanding of the work.
This labour of love brings tears of awe to my eyes!
Thank you so much, Anne
You are some talent, Mr Knight even if your time keeping sucks…
Thanks a lot, I think, Geoff 🙂
Derrick, you have some serious talent, my friend, your drawings are absolutely beautiful! Beautiful and so sweet. ❤️
Thank you so much, John
I agree, you have serious talent, Derrick, and gave your daughter a very precious gift. You could still get it published! I think it would have a wide, appreciative audience, especially with its message. Becky’s review says it best. “Whilst reinforcing the cycle of nature with cleverly repetitive and charming sequences, the book has been viewed as the perfect vehicle to address issues of loss, change, and resilience”
I’m so pleased Becky got that. Thanks a lot, Lavinia
Undeniably stunning and heartwarming! Such lucky children to have you for a father. You are truly a man for all seasons 😉
Thank you so much, Donna
You put time and effort in this book and I am pleasantly surprised by your talent. Very well done. You should have it bind into a book for future children generations in your family.
Thanks very much, Bridget. We did look into the binding issue and were advised to leave it untouched.
That part I get because of the age, but can’t you make a copy and bind the copy and print a few times for all the future great-grandchildren and their kids?
We could. It is Becky’s call
What a precious gift for your little girl–and hers to you in return!!
Both so precious, Liz. Thank you very much
You’re welcome, Derrick.
That is an amazing gift from daddy to “Beccy.” You are so talented, Derrick.
Thank you so much, Luanne
Gorgeous illustrations. Wonderful gifts.
Thank you so much, Pat
Your labor of love comes back to you with such a beautiful tribute from Becky to Dad <3
Doesn’t it, just, Rosaliene. Thank you so much X
How wonderful! I bet it’s one of her most treasured possessions.
It is, actually, Sheree. Kept in a special place and read often – as her review suggests. Thanks very much.
This is such a beautiful book, Derrick, and such a precious gift. Becky’s review is perfect. This post brought both smiles and tears. ?
Thanks very much, Merril. It always gets to me, too. X
You’re welcome, Derrick.
A beautifully tender book, gorgeous illustrations, and just the perfect review.
Certainly something to treasure for many generations to come.
x
Thank you so much, Melanie
OH! the joy-tears are flowing! 🙂
Derrick, what a beautiful gift…a priceless treasure! Your love shines through in your illustrations, in every word, in the important messages (that all children have to deal with in life! Yes, to learn resilience in it all is a key)!
Becky’s review shares her love and appreciation of/for you! 🙂 You each have a book that “holds” your love for each other! 🙂
(((HUGS))) <3 🙂
thank you so much, Carolyn, especially for the joy-tears as expressive as your snort laughs X
Such a precious gift. I remember seeing the photos before but not Beccy’s ( 🙂 ) review. The whole is simply divine, and shows so much talent on both your parts. Isn’t it rewarding when a reader understands what you were trying to achieve with both the artwork and story line?
You have said it, Gwen – so very satisfying. Thank you very much.
How proud you must be.
Thank you so much, Andrew. I’m certainly very pleased
Aww a beautiful gift
Thank you very much, More
You’re welcome Derrick
Awesome, Derrick! Such a lucky daughter, to have such a book to cherish. ?
Thank you very much, AnneMarie
What a wonderful gift for your little girl: clever, appealing, and able to grow with her as the years passed. That’s the best kind of child’s book: understandable at seven, but still appreciated at twenty-seven, or seventy.
I really appreciate this, Linda. Thank you very much
This book is a treasure! The drawings are beautiful and the colors so vibrant. I love that the ant was a friend protected by the leaves.
Thank you so much, JoAnna.
That was a brilliant picture book you produced for Becky. It was an immaculate piece of artistry, and as clever in its theme as it was pretty. The analysis is bang on.
Thank you so much, Uma
So sweet, charming, and poignant. Becky’s book definitely belongs on that list!
Thank you so much, Laurie
I am gobsmacked, Derrick. We all knew you are clever and creative, but this had my jaw dropping in admiration. You are a humble man, but I hope you feel a lot of pride in the many things you have done in your lifetime.
Thank you so much, Yvonne. I really appreciate this. Pride is a strange feeling. My pleasure at my achievements is always tempered with gratitude for being granted opportunities, abilities, and talents.
Not everyone grabs those opportunities, for one reason or another.
X
Wow! You are an artist as well! This is lovely!
Thank you so much, Mrs N
What a thoughtful father you are.
The book is beautifully illustrated and obviously written with much love.
Thank you so much, Sue
Well done, Dad! That was a better present than anything mere money could buy.
Thank you so much, John
Ah, I remember this book! What a wonderful gift for your daughter – and what a wonderful gift right back at you ! a talented family!
Thank you so much, Jodie. And Becky is a better artist
WOW! That’s impressive, indeed!
A wonderfully charming book and an excellent review, coming from an objective critic.
Thank you very much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick.
Spectacular drawings and colour. One ant is OK. It’s the army that marches through everything and takes over the garden that’s frustrating. You are very talented – and multi talented at that. 🙂
Thank you so much, Chrissy
❤ People saying such lovely things.
I do plan to get it reproduced some day. I need to do some research so it’s done properly.
That is really good news, Beck XXX
I love it that you still cherish this book. I would too. <3
X
Except that you are a photographer, you are also an artist! Beautiful project!
Thank you so much, Alexander
Hi Derrick, this is one of the nicest books I’ve ever read. Your illustrations are wonderful and the story is delightful. You deserve that place in the best 101 children’s picture stories.
Thank you so very much, Robbie
Gosh Derrick that is beautiful.
Thank you so much, Lindsey
Wow! Really talented! What a wonderful book!
Thank you so much, Ribana
I enjoyed this so much, and the exclamation point on the end, with Beccy’s gift back to you! I got tears in my eyes there, or maybe it’s raining
Thank you so much, Rose.
So you did the illustrations yourself! That is amazing, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Helen. Under different life circumstances I would have wished to be a book illustrator – not that I have any regrets
I’m glad you feel this way ?
What a very creative Dad you are and very wonderful of Becky to keep that book alive. Very poignant in a good way.
Thank you so much, Suzanne. Becky is exploring the possibility of getting it published.
I hope she does get it published. I have copies of old letters from relations in the UK to a relation that immigrated to NZ in the late 1800’s. One day I will sit down and go through them.
That is fascinating, too, Suzanne
This is a beautiful book, Derrick. And you did a great job with the likenesses of the kids (and yourself). I can’t say how well you did with the ant, as I haven’t seen photos of it.
Ants all look alike to me, Crystal. Thank you very much
Me too. I was trying to make a joke. Ha ha!
Of course 🙂 So was I 🙂
I do not generally comment while catching up on A Knight’s Tale posts, but this is so beautiful, Derrick. What a precious gift you each gave to the other ?
Thank you so much for the catch up and for making this one an exception, Sandra