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

    Marcia Millen
    16/09/2016 at 5:42pm

    "Having Sophie there will make it even more relatable for the kids. Great idea"

    Kevin Taylor
    16/09/2016 at 1:49pm

    " would love to see Sophie volume 2 when it is available!! Keep up the good work! Kevin and Rose"

    Anonymous pledger
    15/09/2016 at 2:06pm

    "Awesome stuff you're doing Adam!"

    Grace Ram
    12/09/2016 at 2:07pm
    Jordan Hartley-Smith
    12/09/2016 at 2:07pm
    Jordan Hartley-Smith
    12/09/2016 at 2:04pm
    Karen
    12/09/2016 at 12:16pm
    Annegrid Price
    12/09/2016 at 8:14am
    Annegrid Price
    12/09/2016 at 8:13am
    Tricia Gillbanks
    11/09/2016 at 10:52pm

    "Great job, Adam"

    Kirsty Wood
    11/09/2016 at 10:27pm

    "As for your first book - it is a delight to be able to contribute to this project - I am looking forward to meeting Sophie. "

    Barry Grehan
    11/09/2016 at 8:00pm

    "So happy to be part of the crowd behind you and your crazy idea, Adam!"

    Craig
    11/09/2016 at 5:54pm

    "Great empowerment for girls and boys!"

    Jan Arnold
    11/09/2016 at 5:44pm
    Jan Arnold
    11/09/2016 at 5:41pm
    Jan Arnold
    11/09/2016 at 5:38pm
    Jan Arnold
    11/09/2016 at 5:36pm
    Elaine Sinton
    11/09/2016 at 5:16pm

    "Thrilled to be supporting such a worthwhile campaign!"

    Leith Robertson
    11/09/2016 at 11:02am
    Rosa Slack
    11/09/2016 at 8:10am
    Evelyn Kennedy
    10/09/2016 at 9:24pm
    danica
    10/09/2016 at 7:39pm
    Brooke Paterson
    10/09/2016 at 7:28pm

    "Can I please have one copy of Sophie Feels Big Vol 1 and Vol 2! Think I might donate a copy to the Children's Hopsital where I work! :)"

    Shirlene Paterson
    10/09/2016 at 6:05pm
    Kate wilson
    10/09/2016 at 1:34pm
    Theresa Buller
    10/09/2016 at 12:43pm
    Theresa Buller
    10/09/2016 at 12:43pm
    Anonymous pledger
    10/09/2016 at 11:38am
    Christina
    10/09/2016 at 11:37am
    Fraser Adams
    09/09/2016 at 5:29pm

    "You really proved yourself with your first book, can't wait to see what you deliver next."

    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.

      Marcia Millen
      16/09/2016 at 5:42pm

      "Having Sophie there will make it even more relatable for the kids. Great idea"

      Kevin Taylor
      16/09/2016 at 1:49pm

      " would love to see Sophie volume 2 when it is available!! Keep up the good work! Kevin and Rose"

      Anonymous pledger
      15/09/2016 at 2:06pm

      "Awesome stuff you're doing Adam!"

      Grace Ram
      12/09/2016 at 2:07pm
      Jordan Hartley-Smith
      12/09/2016 at 2:07pm
      Jordan Hartley-Smith
      12/09/2016 at 2:04pm
      Karen
      12/09/2016 at 12:16pm
      Annegrid Price
      12/09/2016 at 8:14am
      Annegrid Price
      12/09/2016 at 8:13am
      Tricia Gillbanks
      11/09/2016 at 10:52pm

      "Great job, Adam"

      Kirsty Wood
      11/09/2016 at 10:27pm

      "As for your first book - it is a delight to be able to contribute to this project - I am looking forward to meeting Sophie. "

      Barry Grehan
      11/09/2016 at 8:00pm

      "So happy to be part of the crowd behind you and your crazy idea, Adam!"

      Craig
      11/09/2016 at 5:54pm

      "Great empowerment for girls and boys!"

      Jan Arnold
      11/09/2016 at 5:44pm
      Jan Arnold
      11/09/2016 at 5:41pm
      Jan Arnold
      11/09/2016 at 5:38pm
      Jan Arnold
      11/09/2016 at 5:36pm
      Elaine Sinton
      11/09/2016 at 5:16pm

      "Thrilled to be supporting such a worthwhile campaign!"

      Leith Robertson
      11/09/2016 at 11:02am
      Rosa Slack
      11/09/2016 at 8:10am
      Evelyn Kennedy
      10/09/2016 at 9:24pm
      danica
      10/09/2016 at 7:39pm
      Brooke Paterson
      10/09/2016 at 7:28pm

      "Can I please have one copy of Sophie Feels Big Vol 1 and Vol 2! Think I might donate a copy to the Children's Hopsital where I work! :)"

      Shirlene Paterson
      10/09/2016 at 6:05pm
      Kate wilson
      10/09/2016 at 1:34pm
      Theresa Buller
      10/09/2016 at 12:43pm
      Theresa Buller
      10/09/2016 at 12:43pm
      Anonymous pledger
      10/09/2016 at 11:38am
      Christina
      10/09/2016 at 11:37am
      Fraser Adams
      09/09/2016 at 5:29pm

      "You really proved yourself with your first book, can't wait to see what you deliver next."

      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.