The above metaphors are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to expanding on language knowledge and comprehension. Understanding and using a range of literary conventions not only helps readers and writers to create visuals in their minds and enjoy the art of word play and descriptive writing, but also facilitates the development of critical thinking skills, enriched language and vocabulary, and creativity and imagination.
In this instance,
the metaphor of ‘being lost’ has been woven into this narrative, and for the
reasons outlined above, this is what we’ve aimed to achieve in our latest
collaborative picture book, Somewhere Lost. The author-illustrators of the
Just Write For Kids Australia and Friends creative team took their imaginations
to new heights, incorporating the main characters into their own interpretations
of the metaphor ‘lost’, all the while including fun, considered language, experimenting
with perspective and mood, and exploring their artistic styles.
The ‘lost’ metaphor can be interpreted with positive, negative, and even neutral connotations, depending on the context and personal life associations. Artist, Daniela Glyntzos, explains about her ‘lost in nature’ piece, “We often get lost in the wrong things through the pressures of society… I want to create conversations between the reader and listener, which can help tap into the themes of getting lost in the discovery and beauty of nature.”
Illustrator, Carla Hoffenberg, perceived ‘being lost’ with humour and whimsy: ‘I drew inspiration from the everyday mystery of objects that always seem to vanish—like the socks that disappear in the laundry, the Tupperware lids that never match, hair ties that slip into the void, pens that vanish when you need them, and the TV remote that seems to have its own secret hideout. I imagined the mythical land where lost socks end up, creating ‘Lost Sockville’.’
From another perspective, author-illustrator, Jennifer Horn, took on a more emotive approach: ‘I browsed the list of suggested “Lost Ins...” and saw “thought” and “weeds” listed separately. Considering the idea that “thought-weeds” could be quite a powerful mental health metaphor, I brainstormed exactly what kind of worries and anxieties a little frog could be consumed by.’
We’ve all been ‘lost’ in something, metaphorically, or have literally lost something, one way or another, often on a regular basis. Incorporating this relative and relatable concept into a collaborative picture book – the perfect avenue to get lost in words and art – opened the gateway to diverse expressions of thought, emotion and style, which uncannily, reflects the benefits of understanding metaphors in itself.
Somewhere Lost
contributors:
Carla Hoffenberg (cover
image)
Lorraine Miller and Jessica Miller
Authors and Illustrators: See above
Publisher: Daisy Lane Publishing JWFK, $26.99
Publication Date: 1 May 2025
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781763670051
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book
Just Write For Kids Australia (JWFK) was founded in 2014 as an online support group for writers and illustrators of children’s books to focus on achieving goals and connecting with others. It has now forged into a space where kidlit creatives and their work are celebrated, actively promoted and provided opportunities for creative and professional success.
Article by Romi Sharpe
More information
can be found at www.justkidslit.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/justwriteforkidsaustralia
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