I Literally Finished My Children’s Book Pro Book!!!

[Sarah VanDam]

About a year ago, I took Children’s Book Pro, and I liked my idea for Hansel and Gretel enough that I decided it would be worth it to learn how to finish a whole book with it. I know this wouldn’t be for everyone, but I’m glad I stuck it out and can say I have a finished product on Amazon!!

https://www.amazon.com/Hansel-Gretel-Sarah-VanDam/dp/B0C2SG4NS7/ref=sr_1_66?crid=13NYJIHOUERH6&keywords=hansel+and+gretel+book+for+kids&qid=1682531094&s=books&sprefix=Hansel+and+Gretel%2Cstripbooks%2C153&sr=1-66

I’m already on to another book, and I’m happy to say it’s going so much smoother and quicker than the first time. I feel like I have a much better idea of what I’m doing, and it’ll just keep getting better. I literally bought a pack of ISBN numbers, so I’m betting on doing multiple books!

Anyways, this was crazy. I made the book dedication out to the School of Visual Storytelling and to Jake, Lee, Will and David, ‘cause who else?

[Pamela Fraley]

@Sarah-VanDam thats amazing!! Congratulations!!

[ajillustrates]

Congratulations!

[ksfabian]

That's amazing!! Hurray!

[Lee White]

Nice work Sarah! Love seeing this!!!! : )

I just placed my order! Can't wait to see it

[Kim Rosenlof]

Wow! It looks great! That is great that you finished it and doing others.

[Sarah VanDam]

@Pamela-Fraley @ajillustrates @ksfabian @Lee-White @Kim-Rosenlof Thank you so, so much everyone!!!

[NickyDrew]

@Sarah-VanDam That's awesome- Congratulations!! It looks really good, and that note at the end cracked me up! Good luck with your next books!

[GabeRobinson]

Congratulations!! It looks so good!

[Sarah VanDam]

@NickyDrew Thank you!

[Adam Thornton 0]

@Sarah-VanDam
Sarah, this is a wonderful book! Thanks for sharing it. I love your work, but most of all, for me, it is very reassuring and motivating to see a fellow SVSer producing a book. I'm in the process too.
Did you compose that 'Dear reader' note? It's very good!
Very best wishes for your next book.
Adam
(UK)

[KevinTreaccar]

[Sarah VanDam]

@Adam-Thornton-0 Thank you!!! Yes, I rewrote everything to fit my retelling of the story. Excited to see what you’re working on, too! Keep me posted.

[Sara Therese Art]

How exciting! I just finished the CBPro class and in our final Zoom session the instructors mentioned your book. Of course, I had to check it out. I love it! What an accomplishment! You've motivated me to keep working on my manuscript and illustrations.

[Chantal Goetheer]

@Sarah-VanDam congratulations!! It looks awesome. Too bad my kids can't read English. The end note is indeed hilarious.

[Sarah VanDam]

@sarandipity Really?? Wow. How’d your session of CBP go, by the way??

[Sarah VanDam]

@Chantal-Goetheer Thank you so much!!

[Jeremy Ross]

Congratulations @Sarah-VanDam!!! Looks amazing!

[skeletortoise]

@Sarah-VanDam Wow wow wow! Congratulations!!

This looks amazing - well done!!

[LauraA]

@Sarah-VanDam I love how you took liberties with the text! And the witch wearing a Black Forest hat is a nice touch too. I did a lot of Black Forest research for mine too, and so I recognize many of your visual elements. I really like your take on the story, and I agree that going through the whole process is a confidence builder that teaches about ideation, page turns, pacing, character consistency, and scheduling one's time.

...and good luck with your next book!