Local author brings children into world of make believe

Children can step into a world of make believe with local author Erin Hernden’s new collection of stories.

Wish To Believe (Volume 2) includes stories, plays and poetry in audio and e-book formats with sounds and illustrations that are meant to introduce children to the wonderful art of storytelling.

In fact, most of the stories are meant to be performed to create the opportunity for children to really tap into their imaginations.

“My goal is to teach the children how to read stories and at the end of the day I hope they’ll become storytellers themselves,” said Hernden.

Hernden refers to her stories as multi-purpose, suitable for reading, listening and performing. 

Although designed for formal production by school classes and drama programs, children can also read them and act them out on their own, she said.

There are four books in this volume, all written, illustrated and narrated by Hernden. 

Toad Omniopotent is a story about animals from Northern Ontario and includes 10 different tales. This Glorious Girl is based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables and offers many speaking roles. There’s also a puppet tale starring a human Rapunzel and a cast of puppets, and a selection of poetry.

The audio versions use music throughout and include over 30 voices all performed by Hernden. The e-books use lush, bright backgrounds based on Hernden’s own photos of plants, animals, and lakes of Northern Ontario. 

Recordings are done at home with the help of friends and family who provide music and sound effects.

Hernden plans to release print versions in the Spring of 2022, but like her other books, she produces digital versions because they enhance the storytelling experience. 

Hernden, who also writes and produces drama for children aged 5 to 17 at St. Luke’s Cathedral, has seen first-hand how performing stories can bring kids out of their shells. 

“It really gives them a sense of self-worth. It allows children to try things they may not normally do because of shyness or other circumstances,” she said.

“Often some will say they’re too shy and then about two weeks later they’ll say is there a part for me because they see it’s fun.”

 The books can be purchased individually or as the set at Hernden’s website weewidevoice.ca.