Irma Moekestorm-Vreugdenhil writes ‘books with a message’

A message
Irma Moekestorm-Vreugdenhil from Maasland writes books for children. She has written twelve picture books and one poetry collection for adults, all published by Buddy Books in Almere. She believes it’s important for her stories to have humor and a lesson: there must be something recognizable that children can relate to and benefit from. In other words, her books have a message.

Books with illustrations
All her stories are written in rhyme, which involves a lot of puzzle work to ensure the poems are not predictable or just rhyming for the sake of it. The language needs to be accessible and engaging for children, and a good punchline is essential.

Her favorite assignment was writing a Bible for babies. Ten biblically accurate stories in rhyme for the very young, with beautiful illustrations, resulting in the “Happy Baby Bible.” This was followed by a series of five separate Bible stories based on the “Happy Baby Bible.”

Being unique
“I think it’s important to convey to a child that you are more than good enough just the way you are,” says Irma, “that you don’t have to do anything to be unique and loved. That’s what I wrote about in my book ‘Dear Lief.’ Lief is a ladybug without spots, and she thinks it’s a big problem. All ladybugs have spots, except her. Fortunately, her friends teach her that what’s on the outside isn’t important, but what’s on the inside is much more important.

Everyone is equally valuable!

Due to an illness at a young age, I have to miss a leg, and because of that, I often felt different, just like Lief. But now I have learned that I am just as valuable as anyone else. There is no more essential message than this. I hope to keep writing for a long time and passing on this message.”

Feel free to take a look at Irma’s website: www.knipoog.nu

In the webshop you can order her books, but you will also find beautiful poems and short stories there.

Happy Monday

Dance a circle dance today, start a new beginning today,

string a flower wreath today, make today a meaningful day.

Give a compliment today, make a small difference today,

give a sweet present today, wear rose-colored glasses today.

Laugh a loud laugh today, feel free to act a little weird today,

make the happiest Monday of the whole year today.