A Picture Book Review-"Dear Miss Tickle"
"Poetry and Art for the Young at Heart" by Marcia N. Lynch
Dear Miss Tickle-Poetry and Art for the Young at Heart and my small part in bringing this book to the world
“Marcia N. Lynch's debut poetry picture book is positively stunning. Original artwork featuring both watercolors and photos of crafted creatures accompany these whimsical, rhyming verses.
Children will enjoy the illustrations and the sound of rhyme and meter as they read to themselves or a parent or grandparent reads to them, but don't be surprised if said grandparent or parent is moved, too.
Many of the poems are inspired by scripture, and particularly creative in parsing out creation in an imaginative way. Can a giraffe wear a bowtie? What would a seahorse say to a horse? And how is a hen like God?
I purchased three copies of Dear Miss Tickle, one for myself, one for my granddaughter and one for a young friend. You will want to add this to your bookshelf, too.” (From the Amazon review I will post as soon as I finish writing this.)
“Your advice to narrow my audience led me to start with a children's book.”
-Marcia N. Lynch in an email, May 2025
Almost exactly one year ago, I received an email from a reader named Marcia who had been following my work on Substack. She had a question about self-publishing her work in progress, a small book of poems. “What did I know about self-publishing? and did I have any advice?”
Well. My first two books were self-published (the third book was published with a small press) and I had learned a lot in the process. Because of those two experiences, since 2017 I’ve been freelancing as a cheerleader, consultant and coach for folks navigating not only the self-publishing process but everything in between, from finessing a Substack or website to brainstorming a book proposal and book launch.
I love being a cheerleader for other people’s work.
So—I responded to Marcia’s query by suggesting we set up client call on Zoom. When the time came, we brainstormed together and Marcia shared some of her work, the vision for her project and so on. She had forwarded me some sample poems that had been published elsewhere and I was able to get a small sense of her style and sensibilities.
Marcia is very gifted. In a previous life she was a children’s film editor, crafting live-action fairy tales for PBS. Oh, and she’s a mean knitter/crocheter. She chose ‘Incogknito Press” as her publishing imprint. So clever.
My sense of her work was that it leant itself to a children’s book — whimsical and wise both— and I suggested she choose to craft a book of poetry that reflected that.
We finished the hour call and she thanked me. And that was that.
I wondered often what became of Marcia’s picture book brainstorm. I knew she was following my work on Substack and she commented from time to time but that was all. Then lo and behold, about two weeks ago there was an email in my Inbox from Marcia. The first line: “Remember me?”
Of course I did.
Marcia proudly announced, “Oh I’ve published that picture book we talked about….” and then finished with the line I cited above, “Your advice to narrow my audience led me to start with a children's book.”
My cheerleader heart did a little double flip. There's nothing more rewarding than knowing how your questions have guided someone to find their own answers.
I immediately ordered a copy of “Dear Miss Tickle.” When it arrived in my mailbox I was overjoyed to find a top notch children’s book with wonderful, creative rhyming poetry, delightful illustrations and an undercurrent of Scripture woven throughout.
Also, readers would never know the title was independently published— the book is beautifully done and professional inside and out. And delightful. I was overjoyed and felt incredibly proud for the small part I'd had in seeing this book come to life.
All I can say is go buy a copy of Dear Miss Tickle-Poetry and Art for the Young at Heart. Goodness, buy two! And find out if Marcia thinks there will be art in heaven. And find the poem about the red hen. And the oyster. And then there’s the one…. Never mind; go find the book wherever books are sold.
Tell me, do you have a favorite picture book, one that’s not just for kids? Please share with us in the Comments.
-Jody
Sounds great! Excited for you! And everyone who'll be impacted by it!
This is perfect for you, Jody!!! I’m so excited to see where this new venture takes you.