Sophie Feels Big - Teaching kids the names for their feelings through stories - Volumes 1&2

By Adam Millen

NZ $1,980 pledged


60 people pledged


Closed


NZ $12,000 minimum target


16 16% Complete

This campaign failed to reach its target by 08/10/2016 at 9:00 PM (NZDT) and is now closed.

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About

Sophie Feels Big - Teaching Kids The Names For Their Feelings Through Stories - Volumes 1&2

Project 2016-08-24 01:36:14 +1200

We didn't make it this time...

Sophie Feels Big closed without reaching funding. I would still like to make it happen, but I'm going to have to go away and have a good hard look at my plan, and spend some more time and effort reaching more people. If you'd like to be kept up-to-date about future developments, you can sign up at www.jackfeelsbig.nz/sophie or you can check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jackfeelsbig.

 

What's the book for?

It's one thing to teach your child the names for things you can point at, but what about the things you can't, like feelings and virtues? Sophie Feels Big Volumes 1 & 2 are a pair of children's books that uses a collection of small stories as a tool to help teach children the names for their feelings.

This project is for volumes 1 & 2, which will each contain five small stories. 

Each story is about six pages long:

  • Sophie is introduced (generally dressed up in costume)
  • Something happens
  • A particular feeling is clearly identified
  • There's some sort of resolution.

You can start reading the books to your child as soon as they're old enough to sit and listen. If they're old enough that the simple stories don't interest them, try tricking them into learning by having them read the book to a younger child. Even some adults could use some help figuring out what they're feeling. 

Volume 1

Jack recast as Sophie - Determined

Volume 1 will be a re-cast of Jack Feels Big Volume 1. The idea is to use the same great stories but replace the main character with a girl, to make the book more engaging for female readers. I want to make sure that all kinds of kids find all the stories as appealing as possible. I don't want to end up with "boys are brave but girls are anxious" just because that's what feelings happen to go with that character. But if you've already got Jack Feels Big Volume 1, you may want to just get a copy of...

Volume 2

Volume 2 will be made up of five new stories, each dedicated to teaching the name for a particular feeling. The five feelings will be selected by backers throughout the campaign. 

 

What will backers get?

 

Rewards

The Involvement of Votes, Input and Updates

Votes

Volume 2 of Sophie Feels Big will contain five new stories. Throughout the campaign, backers will have the opportunities to vote on which feelings will get illustrated and make it into the book. Votes will take place at particular milestones along the path to full funding, so the sooner you get involved, the more influence you'll have on the final product. 

Update: Backers have selected "Disappointed" as the first. Pledge today to have your vote on the remaining four.

Input

There's a lot of thought that goes into each story, to ensure that it clearly conveys what defines that particular feeling. I want to get your input. What emotions are important? How do we define them? What scenario would best illustrate it? My backers have a deep and broad pool of experience and while I have come up with stories for many of the emotions, I'm keen to get your ideas and to see if I can improve what I've got. If you have any questions or suggestions, head over to the facebook page.

Updates

Its going to be an exciting journey and I want to keep you informed as it all develops. During the campaign itself I'll keep you up to date with preparations for the book. As we select which stories will go into the book, I'll post the process of figuring out what defines that feeling and coming up with a story to illustrate it. Once we've got funding, you'll get to see the illustrations go from my stick figures to Matt's sketches, to coloured final drawings.

A copy of the book of your choice (for $25 and above) - Sophie vol 1 / Sophie vol 2 / Jack vol 1

All rewards above the $25 level (and $15 for the quick) will include a copy of one of the books, shipped free to any address in NZ. Shipping is expected in January 2017. You get to choose if it's Sophie Feels Big Volume 1, Volume 2 or even Jack Feels Big Volume 1. If you want to support it, but don't want the book, you're welcome to nominate a school or library or we can give a copy to Duff'y's Books In Schools on your behalf. If you're ordering a physical reward from outside of New Zealand you'll have to add $5 to your pledge to cover international shipping.

  • Paper back
  • Perfect bound
  • Full colour
  • 14.8cm high x 21cm wide 
  • 48 pages, 150gsm

Te Reo and NZSL Names for Feelings

NZSL and Te Reo Maori

As well as the English name for each feeling being shown at the start of each story, there will also be the closest Te Reo translation and the New Zealand Sign Language Sign for that feeling. There'll be some help in the front of the book for making the most of these added languages. 

Who's Involved?

The Author

Author

I'm Adam Millen, an engineer who is keen on seeing crazy ideas become reality. Taking the first book in this series, Jack Feels Big volume 1, from crazy idea to reality was a huge learning experience, a heap of work and incredibly rewarding. Adam enjoys exploring the outdoors and reading the internet. There's a short video introducing Adam here.

The Illustrator

Matt Haworth trained at Animation College NZ and has five years of experience as a freelance illustrator. He teaches illustration classes with McLeay Workshops, sells his art books and fanart at conventions like CHROMACON and even has past experience with crowdfunded projects (he illustrated for Imagistory, a wordless picture book app, to inspire your child to be the storyteller). He's a black belt in Taekwondo and enjoys B-Grade horror movies. There's a short video introducing Matt here.

Our Supporters

There's a whole crowd of family and friends who have got us this far and who are continuing to support us with encouragment, advice and hopefully some cake. We appreciate your part in this everyone!

Our Pledgeme Backers

That's you! Someone who sees how great this book can be and wants to be involved. 

When will it all happen?

The campaign will close on the 8th of October. Once we've cleared the campaign goal, I'll meet with Matt and discuss the changes for the re-casting. Matt will begin doing the illustrations for Volume 1 and I'll have the editor review the text. I'll start on the stories for Volume 2 and as each one is done those will go to the editor and to Matt. As each story progresses the pledgeme backers will be updated with sneak peeks. As the stories for each book are completed they will be typeset and go to the printers. Once printed, the books are delived to me and I pop them all into envelopes and send them out to you lovely people. Hooray! 

How will the money be spent?

The campaign's critical-mass goal is $12,000. This balances the fixed cost (illustrating five stories and re-illustrating five plus profesional text editing) with the per-book costs (printing and postage) and the campaign-size costs (the pledgeme fees).  

 

Comments

Updates 5

We didn't make it this time...

09/10/2016 at 9:26 PM

I really appreciate the support of everyone who pledged. As you know, we didn't get enough funding, so you won't be charged and I won't be making the book at this stage. I'm not going to quit, and I'd love for you to sign up at www.jackfeelsbig.nz/sophie to be kept up to date with future developments. You can also like the facebook page at www.facebook.com/jackfeelsbig.

 

If you don't already have a copy of the first book (Jack Feels Big) or you're interested in an extra copy (Christams is coming!) I've set up a special code for you wonderfuld pledgers. It gives you $8 off (so you'll get 1 book shipped for $17, and any after that will be just $12!). You just need to head to JackFeelsBig.Nz and use the code “SophieBackers”. I know some of you already have Jack Feels Big, but its about all I can offer (and Christmas isn't so far away). The discount code expires on Wednesday.

 

You can also get the PDF version of Sophie being Persistent, which came as a result of the last crowdfunding campaign.  

Thanks again for your pledge, and I'm really disappointed that I couldn't get enough funding to make the book for you. I hope to be back, in time, and make it happen!

Adam

First Feeling Selected!

25/09/2016 at 4:59 PM

It's been great to have so many people wanting to have their say on what feelings will go into Sophie Feels Big volume 2. Since you're the people making the book possible, that's only fair!

The first selected feeling is Disappointed. Most of the voters at least had it near the top of the list. I think it's a really important word for kids to have at their disposal. It's common for their imagination to get their expectations ahead of reality, and being able to name what their feeling helps! If you have some good suggestions of disappointment stories, I'd love to hear them on the Facebook page.

You'll get your next change to select a feeling once we get to 30% funding. But I'll need your help sharing the campaign with others to get there! If you know a parent or grandparent or teacher or carer who would be interested, please drop them a line today adn let them know why you pledged. I'd really appreciate it!

The next vote will be for a "positive feeling" or virtue. My candiates are Reliable, Resourceful, Cooperating, Honest, Alert, Loyal, Courteous, Thoughtful, Obedient, Sympathetic . If there's a virtue that you think should be on the list, let me know on  the Facebook Page.

 

Thanks again for your support!

Adam

You need to pledge to see this update.

10% - First Feeling Vote

21/09/2016 at 11:11 AM

Time to Choose

We've reached 10% and those who have backed the book are now able to vote to show which feelings are most important to them. 

This vote is for one "negative" feeling. When the campaign reaches 30% of funding I'll be asking what "positive feeling" or virtue is most popular. There'll be another "negative" feeling at 60%, another positive feeling at 100% and then one final vote once the campaign is closed to bring the total to 5 feelings. If you'd like to be part of choosing those feelings, please pledge today!

If you want to see how I define the feelings and what stories I plan to use for them, I've been posting about it at www.facebook.com/jackfeelsbig.

You need to pledge to see this update.

    Pledgers 60

    Wei-Lin Fan
    08/10/2016 at 8:49pm

    "Awesome work Adam!"

    Anonymous pledger
    05/10/2016 at 1:03pm
    Racquel Evans
    05/10/2016 at 12:29pm
    Jon-Michelle Landreth
    03/10/2016 at 4:18pm
    Anonymous pledger
    29/09/2016 at 10:35pm
    SunKee
    29/09/2016 at 1:31pm
    Hiria Te Rangi
    28/09/2016 at 7:25pm

    "Kids need these!!"

    Alison Pitt
    28/09/2016 at 3:09pm
    Anonymous pledger
    27/09/2016 at 10:39pm

    "All the best!"

    Lucy-Mary Mulholland
    27/09/2016 at 3:03pm
    Anonymous pledger
    27/09/2016 at 2:22pm
    Kylie
    27/09/2016 at 1:29pm

    "The first book is amazing! Can't wait to see the next! =]"

    Zita Horton
    27/09/2016 at 11:50am
    Josiah Ensing
    27/09/2016 at 8:23am
    Michael Gray
    26/09/2016 at 6:47pm
    Ian Millen
    23/09/2016 at 2:24pm

    "The books are going to be a valuable resource in families and schools around NZ. Happy to be a support."

    Anne-Marie Love
    22/09/2016 at 1:09pm
    Deborah Jones
    21/09/2016 at 7:58pm
    Anonymous pledger
    21/09/2016 at 4:52pm
    Anonymous pledger
    21/09/2016 at 4:51pm
    Anonymous pledger
    21/09/2016 at 10:40am
    Yin Huang
    21/09/2016 at 12:56am
    Yin Huang
    21/09/2016 at 12:54am

    "Please contact Yin buy via [email protected]"

    Yin Huang
    21/09/2016 at 12:49am

    "Please still contact me on [email protected]"

    Sean D'Souza
    20/09/2016 at 7:11pm
    Phil Botha
    19/09/2016 at 1:45pm

    "So awesome! Well done!"

    Yin Huang
    18/09/2016 at 8:00pm
    Shawna Wishart
    16/09/2016 at 8:24pm
    Carey Sergent
    16/09/2016 at 8:19pm
    Carey Sergent
    16/09/2016 at 8:18pm

    Followers 2

    Followers of Sophie Feels Big - Teaching kids the names for their feelings through stories - Volumes 1&2

    Sophie Feels Big - Teaching Kids The Names For Their Feelings Through Stories - Volumes 1&2

    Project 2016-08-24 01:36:14 +1200

    We didn't make it this time...

    Sophie Feels Big closed without reaching funding. I would still like to make it happen, but I'm going to have to go away and have a good hard look at my plan, and spend some more time and effort reaching more people. If you'd like to be kept up-to-date about future developments, you can sign up at www.jackfeelsbig.nz/sophie or you can check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jackfeelsbig.

     

    What's the book for?

    It's one thing to teach your child the names for things you can point at, but what about the things you can't, like feelings and virtues? Sophie Feels Big Volumes 1 & 2 are a pair of children's books that uses a collection of small stories as a tool to help teach children the names for their feelings.

    This project is for volumes 1 & 2, which will each contain five small stories. 

    Each story is about six pages long:

    • Sophie is introduced (generally dressed up in costume)
    • Something happens
    • A particular feeling is clearly identified
    • There's some sort of resolution.

    You can start reading the books to your child as soon as they're old enough to sit and listen. If they're old enough that the simple stories don't interest them, try tricking them into learning by having them read the book to a younger child. Even some adults could use some help figuring out what they're feeling. 

    Volume 1

    Jack recast as Sophie - Determined

    Volume 1 will be a re-cast of Jack Feels Big Volume 1. The idea is to use the same great stories but replace the main character with a girl, to make the book more engaging for female readers. I want to make sure that all kinds of kids find all the stories as appealing as possible. I don't want to end up with "boys are brave but girls are anxious" just because that's what feelings happen to go with that character. But if you've already got Jack Feels Big Volume 1, you may want to just get a copy of...

    Volume 2

    Volume 2 will be made up of five new stories, each dedicated to teaching the name for a particular feeling. The five feelings will be selected by backers throughout the campaign. 

     

    What will backers get?

     

    Rewards

    The Involvement of Votes, Input and Updates

    Votes

    Volume 2 of Sophie Feels Big will contain five new stories. Throughout the campaign, backers will have the opportunities to vote on which feelings will get illustrated and make it into the book. Votes will take place at particular milestones along the path to full funding, so the sooner you get involved, the more influence you'll have on the final product. 

    Update: Backers have selected "Disappointed" as the first. Pledge today to have your vote on the remaining four.

    Input

    There's a lot of thought that goes into each story, to ensure that it clearly conveys what defines that particular feeling. I want to get your input. What emotions are important? How do we define them? What scenario would best illustrate it? My backers have a deep and broad pool of experience and while I have come up with stories for many of the emotions, I'm keen to get your ideas and to see if I can improve what I've got. If you have any questions or suggestions, head over to the facebook page.

    Updates

    Its going to be an exciting journey and I want to keep you informed as it all develops. During the campaign itself I'll keep you up to date with preparations for the book. As we select which stories will go into the book, I'll post the process of figuring out what defines that feeling and coming up with a story to illustrate it. Once we've got funding, you'll get to see the illustrations go from my stick figures to Matt's sketches, to coloured final drawings.

    A copy of the book of your choice (for $25 and above) - Sophie vol 1 / Sophie vol 2 / Jack vol 1

    All rewards above the $25 level (and $15 for the quick) will include a copy of one of the books, shipped free to any address in NZ. Shipping is expected in January 2017. You get to choose if it's Sophie Feels Big Volume 1, Volume 2 or even Jack Feels Big Volume 1. If you want to support it, but don't want the book, you're welcome to nominate a school or library or we can give a copy to Duff'y's Books In Schools on your behalf. If you're ordering a physical reward from outside of New Zealand you'll have to add $5 to your pledge to cover international shipping.

    • Paper back
    • Perfect bound
    • Full colour
    • 14.8cm high x 21cm wide 
    • 48 pages, 150gsm

    Te Reo and NZSL Names for Feelings

    NZSL and Te Reo Maori

    As well as the English name for each feeling being shown at the start of each story, there will also be the closest Te Reo translation and the New Zealand Sign Language Sign for that feeling. There'll be some help in the front of the book for making the most of these added languages. 

    Who's Involved?

    The Author

    Author

    I'm Adam Millen, an engineer who is keen on seeing crazy ideas become reality. Taking the first book in this series, Jack Feels Big volume 1, from crazy idea to reality was a huge learning experience, a heap of work and incredibly rewarding. Adam enjoys exploring the outdoors and reading the internet. There's a short video introducing Adam here.

    The Illustrator

    Matt Haworth trained at Animation College NZ and has five years of experience as a freelance illustrator. He teaches illustration classes with McLeay Workshops, sells his art books and fanart at conventions like CHROMACON and even has past experience with crowdfunded projects (he illustrated for Imagistory, a wordless picture book app, to inspire your child to be the storyteller). He's a black belt in Taekwondo and enjoys B-Grade horror movies. There's a short video introducing Matt here.

    Our Supporters

    There's a whole crowd of family and friends who have got us this far and who are continuing to support us with encouragment, advice and hopefully some cake. We appreciate your part in this everyone!

    Our Pledgeme Backers

    That's you! Someone who sees how great this book can be and wants to be involved. 

    When will it all happen?

    The campaign will close on the 8th of October. Once we've cleared the campaign goal, I'll meet with Matt and discuss the changes for the re-casting. Matt will begin doing the illustrations for Volume 1 and I'll have the editor review the text. I'll start on the stories for Volume 2 and as each one is done those will go to the editor and to Matt. As each story progresses the pledgeme backers will be updated with sneak peeks. As the stories for each book are completed they will be typeset and go to the printers. Once printed, the books are delived to me and I pop them all into envelopes and send them out to you lovely people. Hooray! 

    How will the money be spent?

    The campaign's critical-mass goal is $12,000. This balances the fixed cost (illustrating five stories and re-illustrating five plus profesional text editing) with the per-book costs (printing and postage) and the campaign-size costs (the pledgeme fees).  

     

    Comments

    We didn't make it this time...

    09/10/2016 at 9:26 PM

    I really appreciate the support of everyone who pledged. As you know, we didn't get enough funding, so you won't be charged and I won't be making the book at this stage. I'm not going to quit, and I'd love for you to sign up at www.jackfeelsbig.nz/sophie to be kept up to date with future developments. You can also like the facebook page at www.facebook.com/jackfeelsbig.

     

    If you don't already have a copy of the first book (Jack Feels Big) or you're interested in an extra copy (Christams is coming!) I've set up a special code for you wonderfuld pledgers. It gives you $8 off (so you'll get 1 book shipped for $17, and any after that will be just $12!). You just need to head to JackFeelsBig.Nz and use the code “SophieBackers”. I know some of you already have Jack Feels Big, but its about all I can offer (and Christmas isn't so far away). The discount code expires on Wednesday.

     

    You can also get the PDF version of Sophie being Persistent, which came as a result of the last crowdfunding campaign.  

    Thanks again for your pledge, and I'm really disappointed that I couldn't get enough funding to make the book for you. I hope to be back, in time, and make it happen!

    Adam

    First Feeling Selected!

    25/09/2016 at 4:59 PM

    It's been great to have so many people wanting to have their say on what feelings will go into Sophie Feels Big volume 2. Since you're the people making the book possible, that's only fair!

    The first selected feeling is Disappointed. Most of the voters at least had it near the top of the list. I think it's a really important word for kids to have at their disposal. It's common for their imagination to get their expectations ahead of reality, and being able to name what their feeling helps! If you have some good suggestions of disappointment stories, I'd love to hear them on the Facebook page.

    You'll get your next change to select a feeling once we get to 30% funding. But I'll need your help sharing the campaign with others to get there! If you know a parent or grandparent or teacher or carer who would be interested, please drop them a line today adn let them know why you pledged. I'd really appreciate it!

    The next vote will be for a "positive feeling" or virtue. My candiates are Reliable, Resourceful, Cooperating, Honest, Alert, Loyal, Courteous, Thoughtful, Obedient, Sympathetic . If there's a virtue that you think should be on the list, let me know on  the Facebook Page.

     

    Thanks again for your support!

    Adam

    You need to pledge to see this update.

    10% - First Feeling Vote

    21/09/2016 at 11:11 AM

    Time to Choose

    We've reached 10% and those who have backed the book are now able to vote to show which feelings are most important to them. 

    This vote is for one "negative" feeling. When the campaign reaches 30% of funding I'll be asking what "positive feeling" or virtue is most popular. There'll be another "negative" feeling at 60%, another positive feeling at 100% and then one final vote once the campaign is closed to bring the total to 5 feelings. If you'd like to be part of choosing those feelings, please pledge today!

    If you want to see how I define the feelings and what stories I plan to use for them, I've been posting about it at www.facebook.com/jackfeelsbig.

    You need to pledge to see this update.

      Wei-Lin Fan
      08/10/2016 at 8:49pm

      "Awesome work Adam!"

      Anonymous pledger
      05/10/2016 at 1:03pm
      Racquel Evans
      05/10/2016 at 12:29pm
      Jon-Michelle Landreth
      03/10/2016 at 4:18pm
      Anonymous pledger
      29/09/2016 at 10:35pm
      SunKee
      29/09/2016 at 1:31pm
      Hiria Te Rangi
      28/09/2016 at 7:25pm

      "Kids need these!!"

      Alison Pitt
      28/09/2016 at 3:09pm
      Anonymous pledger
      27/09/2016 at 10:39pm

      "All the best!"

      Lucy-Mary Mulholland
      27/09/2016 at 3:03pm
      Anonymous pledger
      27/09/2016 at 2:22pm
      Kylie
      27/09/2016 at 1:29pm

      "The first book is amazing! Can't wait to see the next! =]"

      Zita Horton
      27/09/2016 at 11:50am
      Josiah Ensing
      27/09/2016 at 8:23am
      Michael Gray
      26/09/2016 at 6:47pm
      Ian Millen
      23/09/2016 at 2:24pm

      "The books are going to be a valuable resource in families and schools around NZ. Happy to be a support."

      Anne-Marie Love
      22/09/2016 at 1:09pm
      Deborah Jones
      21/09/2016 at 7:58pm
      Anonymous pledger
      21/09/2016 at 4:52pm
      Anonymous pledger
      21/09/2016 at 4:51pm
      Anonymous pledger
      21/09/2016 at 10:40am
      Yin Huang
      21/09/2016 at 12:56am
      Yin Huang
      21/09/2016 at 12:54am

      "Please contact Yin buy via [email protected]"

      Yin Huang
      21/09/2016 at 12:49am

      "Please still contact me on [email protected]"

      Sean D'Souza
      20/09/2016 at 7:11pm
      Phil Botha
      19/09/2016 at 1:45pm

      "So awesome! Well done!"

      Yin Huang
      18/09/2016 at 8:00pm
      Shawna Wishart
      16/09/2016 at 8:24pm
      Carey Sergent
      16/09/2016 at 8:19pm
      Carey Sergent
      16/09/2016 at 8:18pm

      Followers of Sophie Feels Big - Teaching kids the names for their feelings through stories - Volumes 1&2

      This campaign was unsuccessful and finished on 08/10/2016 at 9:00 PM.