TWH – Author Jennifer Hartman is well on her way to getting her latest children’s book project off the ground and published. The new project, entitled Who Is That in the Sky? is a board book designed for the youngest readers.
Image courtesy of J. Hartman
Jennifer Hartman’s first published children’s book, Old Mother Frost, debuted in October of 2020. It tells the story of Frau Holle—Old Mother Frost—who shakes her featherbed, causing snow to fall.
Who Is That in the Sky? is part of a Kickstarter campaign that will create the funding for its publication. With beautiful illustrations and simple storytelling, Jennifer Hartman introduces the youngest readers to the lesser-known Norse gods and their roles. The writing encourages children to engage and ask questions about deities such as Sol and Dellingr. There are 14 pages of dialogue and illustrations to captivate and educate readers.
Based in part on the Poetic Edda, Who Is That in the Sky? uses a Waldorf-style educational approach to introduce children to the solar cycle in Norse theology. The story progresses from day to night and is cyclical, intentionally written with no beginning or end.
The author, Jennifer Hartman, found inspiration for this newest project in the Völuspá. Contained within the Poetic Edda, the Völuspá is a prophetic work. A völva or seeress speaking to Odin recounts the origins of the world and its eventual demise.
Hartman explains, “I read the stanzas explaining the solar cycle and what gods were responsible for it and thought, why isn’t this a book for kids?”
Although Who Is That in the Sky? is completely written and illustrated, it is not yet available for distribution and purchase. Initially rebuffed by traditional publishers, Hartman created the Kickstarter to bring in the funds to make the initial run of bulk printing and shipping possible. If she can raise the money to meet the printing goal, then Who Is That in the Sky? will soon become a reality. Jennifer Hartman hopes to fully fund Who Is That in the Sky? to provide the board book at an affordable price to customers.
“This board-book is created for the historical Norse community,” says Hartman. “Many publishers don’t want to take a chance on such a niche topic, so I work to create and publish them myself.”
Families hoping to introduce Norse stories and deities to children have very few options when it comes to children’s books currently. As a parent to a toddler, Jennifer Hartman has encountered this difficulty first-hand—and this has motivated her to create stories that appeal directly to a younger audience.
Although Hartman created Old Mother Frost with a target age range of 4-12, many adults have expressed appreciation for the accessible yet engaging story. But when Hartman looked for board-style, Norse-themed books for her own little one, she found very little on the market.
The cover to Jennifer Hartmann’s “Old Mother Frost” [Mousam Banerjee]
Board books are a much more durable book style that can withstand rougher treatment from babies and toddlers. In addition to telling a story, board books also allow small children to practice motor skills by holding the book and turning the pages. The heavy and thick cardboard can hold up to little hands that like to rip thinner pages and curious baby mouths that like to bite.
Supporters who contribute to the Kickstarter campaign can opt to receive several rewards. So far, the most popular choice is the Pagan Kids Bundle, which offers a hardcover copy of Old Mother Frost as well as a copy of Who Is That in the Sky? if it goes to printing. This bundle is available with a pledge of CAN $40 or more, or about US$32. Supporters have several options when it comes to how to contribute to the Kickstarter campaign.
If the current Kickstarter for Who Is That in the Sky? is successful, Hartman estimates that the board book will go to print in September and that Who Is That in the Sky? would then ship out in November of 2021.
However, her Kickstarter is an all-or-nothing campaign. If Hartman had not met the goal by the end of the campaign on August 10, 2021, Kickstarter would return all of the funds to contributors.
The deadline for the Kickstarter campaign is fast approaching. As of today, it appears Hartman has hit her funding goal.
Hartman is committed to creating more Norse stories for children. A German translation of Old Mother Frost is slated to launch once the current Kickstarter has ended. Fans can also look forward to Midsommar Sól, which will publish in the Spring of 2022. Midsommar Sól is the second in the Celebration Series, following Old Mother Frost.
Hartman is also the author behind the website Pagan Kids. She created Pagan Kids to be a resource for parents and caregivers who want to introduce and connect children to Norse stories, deities, and festivals. She has included several free printable PDF files to accompany Who Is That in the Sky? on the Pagan Kids website, which also has many other free activities available.
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