Does children’s literature thirst for new voices? After Justine Laberge-Vaugeois, Sarahmée and Stéphanie Boulay, it’s the turn of singer-songwriter Béatrice Martin — alias Coeur de pirate — to enter the literary world of toddlers.
It was the French publishing house Auzou that approached the artist in the hope that she would embark on the adventure. “We tried our luck with Béatrice for several reasons,” says the publisher by email. We feel each story she tells us with sensitivity through her songs. Whether it’s events experienced or not, we say to ourselves that there is always something authentic in his texts and in his music. It’s delicate, sometimes soft, melancholy, a little dreamy and to put it simply: always very beautiful. This is what we look for in our authors of children’s albums. »
Coeur de Pirate was inspired by her grown-up daughter Romy and her Australian Shepherd, Atreyu, to compose a story about anxiety and assertiveness. His very first illustrated album, which will appear in bookstores on August 25, is timely to accompany children and their parents for the start of the school year.
Nail. We are all different! tells the story of Clou, an Australian Shepherd terrified on the first day of school. All the other dogs already seem to know each other and have fun together. He has barely taken a few steps in the yard when Bisou, a Chihuahua, starts shouting at him and pointing out his differences. “You’re a funny puppy, your spots are weird! Bisou said with a grimace. No need to play in the mud, you’re already full of filth. »
At these ugly words, Clou feels the ground give way under his pads. In the hours that follow, his spots give him the effect of brambles, a prison on which terrifying little monsters climb. With the help of his parents and Mrs. Truffe, his teacher, the puppy will have to learn to have confidence in himself and to see his differences as strengths.
“I remember that the start of the school year was relatively stressful when I was a child, tells Coeur de pirate at To have to by interposed keyboards. I was bullied all through elementary school, so I don’t have very good memories of it. I hope that my book will be able to reassure young people and raise their awareness at times that could prove to be anxiety-provoking for them. »
For your viewing pleasure
The artist called on Jess Pauwels to bring his world to life. The Belgian illustrator had previously worked with children’s author Dominique Demers on the book Sceleratouille. The buttless witch. “I really liked his style. I think she did an exceptional job of giving humor and life to my text,” says Coeur de pirate.
Her colorful and expressive drawings fit perfectly with the author’s candid and rhythmic prose. Little readers will no doubt quickly become attached to characters with large, naive eyes, in addition to easily recognizing their dog or those in the neighborhood.
At the request of the publisher, Coeur de pirate has also composed Nail’s Song, a fun nursery rhyme that highlights the emotions and challenges faced by the puppy. The song, as well as a narrated version of the story by the artist, can be accessed via a downloadable link included at the end of the book.