Local Author Finds Inspiration in Own Children

Every successful children’s author needs a panel of experts from which to glean perspective and constructive criticism. An age range of 2- to 8-year-olds should do, with male and female viewpoints represented.

Edina mother of three and newly minted children’s author Jen Dewing is lucky enough to have that at home, in children JJ (8 years), Lauren (6 years) and Jack (2 years).

When asked where she finds inspiration, Dewing quickly responds, "My kids." There apprently is plenty of inspiration to go around, considering she currently has six books in print, four in development and about 10 more in various stages of creation.

Dewing, who moved to Edina from Chicago with her family six years ago, has a background in marketing and development for children’s toys. Her previous career, partnered with the experience of becoming a mother made the transition into writing children’s books an easy one. 

“I’ve always enjoyed writing and I’ve always liked children’s products,” Dewing said. “Once I started having kids and I would read to them every night—and I was used to writing content for kids anyway because I was in the toy industry—it just seemed like a good fit.”

Dewing began taking classes at local literary center The Loft and traded Thomas the Tank Engine for children’s prose. 

"I’ve always liked children’s books more than toys anyway," she said. "I think they’re better for kids."

Not long after first exploring the world of children’s book writing, Dewing began working with Plymouth-based publisher, I See Me! Personalized Books. Founded by writer/designer couple Maia and Allan Haag, I See Me! publishes personalized children’s books, printed one at a time in Minnesota. 

So far, Dewing has published six titles with I See Me! and four more are in the works. 

"We are honored to be publishing personalized books written by Jennifer Dewing," said Maia Haag, CEO of I See Me!. "Jen develops very creative concepts for books and her lyrical rhymes are loved by children."

Dewing said her books with I See Me!—including A Christmas Bear for Me, God Loves Me and The Super, Incredible Big Sister—are focused on gift-giving occasions for toddlers and pre-schoolers with a goal of showing children they are loved and unique.  

“The end goal is to write books that make children feel special,” Dewing said. 

Looking forward, Dewing said she would eventually like to write more story-driven books for older children. Dewing will finish her program at The Loft this December. Through The Loft, Dewing is being mentored by Minneapolis children’s author Lisa Bullard, who commended Dewing’s willingness to be playful in her work. 

“Jen has a great sense of what kids really look for in books," Bullard said. "But my favorite aspect of her stories is her humor. She adds fun and whimsy to everything she writes. Jen understands that ‘word play’ is just as important as all other kinds of play.”

Right now, Dewing is working on a book she calls Trouble in Toothtropolis, a playful expose on the life and times of the Tooth Fairy. It was inspired by an argument among Dewing's at-home panel of experts. 

The Tooth Fairy’s getting a lot of talk time in the Dewing home lately, as Dewing’s son is in the middle of losing his teeth. The three children had a spirited discussion on just how big the Tooth Fairy is, how she gets into the house and why she even wants those teeth in the first place. Like any good children’s author, Dewing listened. 

Interested in picking up one of Jen's books? Edina Patch readers can enter coupon code "patch" when making a purchase at www.iseeme.com to receive 15 percent off any order. Offer expires 7/31/11.