It’s a scenario many of us have experienced in our lives.
A young child in bed, restless and not at all keen on this falling asleep lark! Being awake is so much more exciting!
Over a couple of years, when my son had difficulty letting go of his awake self, I started to make up stories to help him drift asleep.
One of these was Oskar’s Quest, which was created and developed over many weeks. It became a firm favourite at home.
As my boy grew up, oh, so quickly, the regular bedtime story of Oskar’s Quest was no longer requested nor required. Before I forgot any part of his adventures my mother advised me to write it all down. Who knew when it would be needed in the future; where it could lead?
Mothers are always right! Last year I revisited my children’s story and I was smitten once again. Anew I found myself captivated by Oskar and his Quest. Maybe others would feel the same, I wondered. I even dared to hope!
Yet, with many years of writing experience, I realised the story needed work. I set at redrafting and editing this lengthy tale to one more suitable for publication. Finally, with the aid of a talented illustrator, the book was ready!
I’m so thrilled and elated to present Oskar to you all and for you to have an opportunity to take part in his adventures. I will be posting much more about Oskar’s Quest, its cover, blurb and release date in the near future!
May Oskar soon make many new friends with children and adults alike, all keen to follow him on his exciting quest and in the process find a bit more of themselves.
Annika Perry 
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Sounds great! I love the drawing, too.
Thank you so much … the illustrations are magical and match the story wonderfully. More will be revealed soon! I loved your post and wrote on Clare’s blog … it’s lovely to meet you here on WP. 😀🌺
Thanks for following my witterings, I always check out people who follow who seem to be normal rather than offering ‘services’. 😉
I like the idea of sounding normal!! 😀😀 My only services are friendship, encouragement and a sense of humour! 😀
Sounds good to me. 🙂
So happy for you, Annika! Cannot wait to learn more about Oscar and his Quest.
Ahh … thank you so much, Inese! 😀 That means a lot to me and more to be revealed soon!
Very exciting Annika, I’ll look forward to getting to know Oskar better 🙂
Thank you so much, Andrea! 😀 I’m so excited about the upcoming release and happy you are keen to learn more about dear Oskar! Not long to wait!
Great news, Annika! And I like the way you introduce Oskar to all of us, alluring us to hear more. Fantastic.
Thank you so much, Pam … I always love learning about the backstory to books and hoped others would feel the same! Glad this seems to be the case!😀 I’m so looking forward to sharing more … as you know so exciting to release a children’s book!
How exciting! Congratulations!
Luannae, thank you! 😀 I’m giddy with excitement and can’t wait to share more about Oskar soon!
I can imagine you are!!!
How great that you’re giving a fuller life to dear Oskar! 🙂
Betsy, absolutely!😀 It’s as if I can sense Oskar’s excitement about his imminent release into the world!
Love it!
This sounds so fun and like a good idea to develop it – and seriously thanks to mom that you wrote it down
My stepdaughter and I had stories – and our really special thing was a bedtime song – and maybe we can get that song developed one day–
Anyhow – congrats on the latest project
Yvette, how wonderful that your daughter and you shared a special bedtime song and it would be amazing if you could develop this! Maybe some of your stories too! 😀😀
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, it has been an absolute joy to prepare Oskar’s Quest for publication and yes, I’m so grateful to my mother for insisting I wrote down the original story!
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How wonderful, Annika! And great advice your mother gave you to write down those stories. I wonder, does your son remember any of them? So exciting!
Julie, a good question and yes, my son remembers this one and another very well … I showed him both of these written down a couple of years ago and he went all quiet and emotional … reminiscing about his early childhood! 😀 Oh yes, as always fantastic advice from my mother to save Oskar’s Quest. At the time I thought I’d remember every word but realise this would not have been the case! I am so excited with my latest book and can’t wait to share more! 😀
What a lovely Mum you must be, and how fabulous for him to have his very own, personal bedtime story published. 🙂 🙂
Thank you so much, Jo … he’s promised to buy a copy! 😀😀 I hope it will become a favourite bedtime story for many others too! Exciting days!
Annika what a delight.. and I am sure Oskar will soon be making lots of new friends to fly around with. Congratulations upon this book… Well done… ❤
Bless you, Sue for your sweet comment and I love the thought of Oskar making many new friends! May it be just so!😀 Thank you for your congratulations and I can’t wait to release the book soon! Hugs xx❤️
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How absolutely wonderful Annika. What a treasure to keep and be reminded of those very special times forever. Those childhood stories are so special, especially when we’ve created them ourselves. Congratulations my friend xx
Miriam, thank you so much! 😀 It’s been a treat to rewrite and prepare Oskar’s Quest for publication … a delight to share with others! When I told this story so many times each night I never imagined many other children enjoying it as well!
I think it’s absolutely wonderful. You must be thrilled!
Congratulations, Annika! I am so pleased that Oskar didn’t stay forgotten 🙂 ❤
Ahh … thank you for your sweet comment, Clare! 😀 Oskar is too much of a character to stay hidden! 😀
This is incredible! I’m so excited for you! I still have your first book so the fact that I’ll soon be able to add your second to my collection is VERY exciting indeed! Hope you’re well!! Xx
Charley, bless you for your wondeful enthusiasm to Oskar’s Quest to your collection of my books (I do like the sound of plural here too! Unbelievable!) 😀 All well here, thank you just very busy with publication preparation … off to read about your amazing trip! Just saw the notification pop up!
Please do keep me posted. I’ll have to get me a signed addition I think 😉 but I’m genuinely so so pleased for you. You’ve worked SO hard and I’m SO pleased it’s paying off for you. You deserve it. Xx
Ahh…thank you so much! 😀😀 I’m sure I can arrange a signed copy for you. Maybe even a chance to meet up in the New Year?
That would be awesome!! X
Welcome, Oskar! I love the backstory, Annika. This is so exciting!
Jennie … thank you for your lovely welcome to dear Oskar! 😀 Backstory is so important and always fascinating – I’m glad you enjoyed this as part of the introduction to my book. Much more soon. BTW, whilst working on rewriting & editing the story and during long discussions with the illustrator I tried to imagine you, in your classroom with eager young readers and what would appeal to them! 😀 Hope I got the mix just right! 😀
Awww… glad an image of me reading in my classroom was a help. 🙂 Looking forward to more of Oskar!
Congratulations, Annika! Look at you, branching out in all creative directions. I look forward to hearing more about your lovely book. The art work is gorgeous! xx
Thank you, Jennifer! 😀 It’s exciting to be Publishing again and particularly in this very different genre of a children’s book! I thought I’d try for a hat trick with my novel next!
Ahh … I’m so happy you’ve enjoyed this little introduction to Oskar … he is adorable, isn’t he?! I’m so lucky to be working with such a great illustrator who captured his spirit perfectly! The artwork throughout the book is stunning and compliments the story wonderfully! I can’t wait to show more! 😀. Happy Weekend, may it be one filled with joy and peace! ❤️
Just lovely, Annika. When do you expect to have your novel out in the world? Happy weekend to you too! ❤️
Oh my goodness Annika, such wonderful news! Congrats my friend. Love the illustration, and I can’t wait for the cover reveal and the blurb. What a lovely time to release a book; holidays are just few weeks away and gift buying is already underway…All the best with the release. ❤
Khaya, it’s a joy to read you wonderful and enthusiastic comment … thank you so much! 😀 I love how you like the illustration and are eager to see and read more! I can’t wait to share all about Oskar’s Quest!
Haha! Yes, I’ve wanted to have the book out for sale before Christmas and I hope many are tempted to buy as a gift! It is a very special book and one I’m sure readers and young ones will love alike!
Happy Weekend, my dear friend! ❤️
How wonderful! Very exciting. So glad you took your mom’s advice. Congratulations and best wishes.
P.S. I like the title and lovely illustration.
Lori, thank you for your lovely bubbly comment. It is a joy to share this exciting news. Oh, I’m so glad I took her advice as well … although I’m sure she had to remind me a few times. 😀 I’m so happy you like the title and illustrations – lots more to share soon!
This sounds delightful, Annika. I can’t wait to read more about it.
Jacqui, I can’t wait to share more … it’s heartening to see the positive response to dearest Oskar! Thank you!
Great stuff, Annika!
Thank you, Mick! 😀 It feels amazing to be releasing this book soon!
I know what you mean!
Many congratulations Annika. I am really excited for you and so looking forward to reading more about Oskar.
Brigid, thank you and I can’t wait to share more about Oskar! 😀 It’s so exciting!
Children with storytelling parents are the luckiest. Thanks for the quick intro to Oskar. I love the illustration! Congratulations
Ahh … Dorothea, thank you for your wonderful comment!😀 For me it was a joy to entertain my son with my stories … an appreciative audience from an early age! Oskar is the cutest, I feel, even if I’m a bit biased! 😀
Annika: This touches my heart and I haven’t even read it, yet!
Congrats on another published book – your Ma and baby boy should be proud!
Laura, I’m so happy Oskar has already touched your heart … when you see more he will start pulling those heartstrings to be read! 😀 Your last sentence is so sweet and thoughtful, they are indeed so happy and proud for me; my mother has always been my staunchiest supporter, encouraging my writing from an early age! Thank you so much, my friend!
OMG this isn’t so exciting, Annika! Congratulations. Can’t wait to read Oskar’s story!
Barbara, wow! 😀 Your enthusiasm and eagerness to read all about Oskar’s Quest has me beaming away! Thank you so much!
Looking forward to meeting Oscar! ❤ 🙂
Carol, that’s wonderful … thank you!😀
Love Oskar’s backstory, Annika! Kudos –thanks for giving me a sneak peek into your wonderful book! ❤
Bette, I’m always intrigued by the story behind the book so thought I’d start off with an enticing introduction to Oskar. 😀 I’m glad you peaked and can’t wait to share your review. Warmest thanks!❤️
I’m looking forward to this. Also, the illustrator seems really good!
Thank you, Kathy. It’s been an exciting year leading up to the release and can’t quite believe I’m soon there! My illustrator ‘got’ Oskar beautifully in this her first illustrations for a children’s book.
Oh Annika, what a beautiful story. And the illustration is beautiful. Congratulations on this wonderful idea to repurpose a classic children’s story from long ago, which proves to be timeless for all children. ❤
Debby, as you well know, there is always a story behind a book and I wanted to introduce Oskar through this tale! It is one that came to me spontaneously one evening and built up over the nights and weeks! The illustrations are a fantastic and it was a joy to with my illustrator on each page!😀
Beautiful 🙂 x
Our mother’s are always right, aren’t they? This is such exciting news, Annika! Oskar is adorable and what a wonderful gift for your son. Maybe one day he’ll read it to his children. Congratulations!
Jill, I hadn’t thought about that until today – imagine my son reading these to his children, or even better, me reading it to them! No pressure on the lad, he’s just started uni! 😀 I honestly feel this is a special story that will captivate so many children and adult readers. Thank you so much for your lovely comment and I’m so glad you find Oskar adorable! The instant the illustrator sent me this version he flew straight into my heart – Oskar of my imagination in on paper/screen. Truly amazing experience!
LOL! Yes, no pressure indeed! I hope he doesn’t read this, we might scare the poor thing!
😀😀 Not much chance of that, I think with going out to concerts, course work, friends … and whatever else students do! Although, I value his opinion and emailed him a copy of this post for feedback on the positioning of Oskar!
I think I’ll have to read this one before I give it to my grandchildren… jc
JC, how lovely that you want to buy Oskar’s Quest – thank you! 😀 I’m sure you and your grandchildren will love the book and enjoy joining Oskar on his quest!
Wonderful, Annika. Look forward to hearing more about Oskar’s Quest. Will it be out for Christmas? I always read to my son at bedtime but sometimes he would insist I told him a story from your mouth”. Wish I’d written them down!
Mary, thank you … I will be posting much more about the book! Yes, it will be out before Christmas – making it a perfect gift for all little ones! 😀 It should be available for preorder soon! Bless your son and his sweet description of your own stories – a delightful way to describe them. I bet they were all wonderful … it is frightening how quickly one forgets them since at the time they seem instilled in the memory for a lifetime! Can you remember any? Maybe if you start sketching them out, more will come back?
Sounds really interesting and for real as you have told the stories before. A great idea.
Thank you, Georgina … I’m nearly stunned by disbelief that Oskar’s Quest is soon ready to reach a wider audience. So exciting and it’s been a joy to bring the book together.
Congratulations and look forward to buying it for my granddaughter.
That’s wonderful! Thank you and I hope you both enjoy the book very much! 😀😀
Congratulations, Annika! Oskar is so cute! I love the illustration and can’t wait to see the book cover and read the blurb. All the best! ❤
Vashti, thank you so much for your wonderful commet and excitement about my latest book. Ahh … I’m so glad find Oskar so cute and the illustrations are magical and capture the story beautifully. Oh, I can’t wait to share more either … promise it won’t be long! hugs xx
That’s wonderful, my friend! 😀 xo
How wonderful! To think that others will get to enjoy this story as well. I can see other moms, grandparents etc. reading it to children before bed. Congratulations!
Darlene, bless you for painting this beautiful picture of Oskar’s Quest being read to children by others … it will be amazing and I’m giddy with excitement. Thank you for your lovely comment and sharing my joy!😀
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The best part is that now your son will have this story to look back on and maybe share with his son, one day.
Congrats, Annika!
Jacquie, exactly! 😀 Warmest thanks for your sweet comment, it means a lot to me. The book is dedicated to my son and when I mentioned this to him I heard he was very touched (voice gruff with emotion). Emotion I feel when thinking he might read it to his children one day! This hadn’t actually occured to me until you mentioned it.
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Hearty congratulations Annika and such a lovely read. Good of your mother to motivate you.
Kamal, thank you so much! 😀 Indeed, I’m lucky to have such a wise mother who realised this was a treause I’d want to share with many others!😀
Yes I totally agree with you, Annika and it has come so handy today and you can share your lovely work with each and every reader. Welcome dear.
Wow Annika this is brilliant news.. Congratulations upon its publication I am thrilled for you.. ❤
Sue, thank you! 😀 I’m so excited and can’t quite believe this will soon be out as a book for everyone to read! It’s been a busy few months! Hope all is well with you, my friend! hugs ❤️
Thank you all is well here Annika and delighted for you. 💚😊
I’m so glad that your mother reminded you to write the story! Oral traditions can easily be lost in the fast pace of growing up!!!! Congratulations my dear friend!
Rebecca, I am so grateful to my mother for insisting I wrote it down. At the time I thought I would recall every word forever, not appreciating how easily certain details would be forgotten in the busyness of life!
Your announcement sparkles, and I’m sure your book is even more exciting. Congratulations!
Bless you, Anne … I am elated to finally announce a little about Oskar and the book is very special (even if I’m biased!!) 😀 Thank you so much for your lovley comment.
This is so precious, Annika. Such wonderful news to celebrate this morning. With my coffee in hand, many cheers to you! xo
Thank you so much, Natalie … I’m cheering back with a hot cup of tea! 😀 Dear Oskar is so precious … ever since I first thought of him, as I’ve been revising the text and then from the beautiful drawings by my illustrator! A delight to welcome him to a wider audience. So much more to follow soon! Wishing you a wonderful day, my friend! xx
Congratulations! Looking forward to it’s release.
Thank you so much!
How wonderful, Annika. Didn’t Harry Potter start out as a bedtime narration? (I think I heard that somewhere). I wish you the same luck with this tale and for giving me a peek into what you’ve been working on. I’m looking forward to learning more. Congratulations!
Diana, it wouldn’t surprise me at all about Harry Potter starting out as a bedtime story. Her daughter was very young at the time she wrote it. So many famous children’s stories started out just this way … it’s a time when you are free within, letting the creative spirit have total freedom! I’m just glad I wrote it down at the time!
I can’t wait to reveal more about the book and it’s been so exciting (& nerve-racking) to share news about Oskar today! 😀
Hi Annika, I think it is extra special to make up stories for your children when they are growing up. I find thirty years later the children surprise me with a quote from parts of these stories. They are a special bond and memories you have together.
Your Mom was totally right. Mom’s are always right!
Congratulations on “Oscar’s Quest!” All of your effort and imbued with all of your love. 🙂 The illustration is beautiful! I look forward to reading more.🙂
Erica, where would we be without our mother’s eh?! 😀😀
You are so right about the bond of those early childhood books & stories – I still recall my favourites from when I was young in Sweden. My son had so many books he loved (as did I) … but just before nodding off time only my stories would do!
Thank you so muc for your lovely words about the book and illustrations … so much more yet to read & see! I’m over the moon you are looking forward to reading it. hugs xx
Congratulations, Annika. This is exciting news.
Thank you, Robbie! 😀 I am so excited … and can’t quite believe my second book will soon be released!
The excitement never gets old, Annika.