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...As a written work, Noodle is a bit deceptive. It aims for adult hearts and minds via childrens' language. It is an answer to "Peace--How hard can it be?" and may be read as a simple tale, an introduction to cultures and religions, or as the basis for vigorous political, economic and spiritual debate. I consider The Giving Tree and Harold and the Purple Crayon to be highly relevant comparisons in that both engage toddlers, teens, parents, educators, world leaders and everyone in between. Harold was my favorite as a child, and when I re-discovered it several years ago, I was astounded to discern a thoroughly adult messages: Resourcefullness, self-sufficiency and peserverance.
My BHAGS? The Nobel Prize for Lilterature...or Peace. Both? A photograph of the President of the US reading Noodle to his daughters. Impossible things are happening every day.
I hope you'll join me on the journey that will be Noodle. Got your purple crayon? Let's go!
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I have recently completed a 3200-word book on peace for children and young adults entitled Noodle, and I hope you consider me for your list. My first completed work, Noodle is a fresh and fun children’s introduction to world religions and a primer for finding the path through current events to peace. And like The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, Noodle also serves as an adult read of layered depth.
Why? Noodle is frustrated. Noodle’s favorite creation, people, can’t seem to create peace! In fact, people have even started using Noodle as an excuse for creating fights. Peace is the one thing that matters more than every other matter that Noodle knows. What’s a maker to do? Noodle decides to send a special message to a special messenger in a special way, so that all of Noodle’s people can hear what Noodle has to say. Will it work? Or will Noodle have to try, try again to help people understand over centuries of seconds and limitless lands?
Noodle is a rhythmic read that gently compels children and young adults, as well as those that influence them, to hear the central themes of world religions and peace in the context of a single spiritual entity. Noodle, our central character, also happens to have a very caring heart, a great sense of humor, and common sense to spare.
As my first complete authored work, Noodle is a bit of a surprise to me given that my creative talents have been applied to popular fiction, plays and screenplays…almost everything but children’s prose. Still, Noodle, more than anything else I have written, has a will to be my first published work, and a clear departure from my careers-to-date in marketing, IT, consulting and (of all things!) baking.
Perhaps that is due to the number of times I pored over that huge Time Life book on world religions as a child. Or because I grew up a few miles from the Baha’i Temple, and secretly wondered if they had it right. Or could it be the time I spent in my father’s Belfast, learning how to navigate religious questions and political barricades. Regardless, the outcome is clear. My informal research reveals that the multi-cultural, omnitheistic edge to Noodle can open discussions and minds and, bring some to tears, and for others raise questions on unquestioned beliefs.
The first few pages of Noodle are attached, along with my initial thoughts on marketing. While I did apply format to support structure, I have not touched illustration as I believe that to be the domain of editors and publishers.
I truly hope you are the vital link that will bring Noodle to life and to the world.
With deep gratitude for your time, expertise and reply,
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