There was a time

There Was A Time

A children’s book series created for my son, in collaboration with my brother Dillon Howling. He’s doing the pictures, I'm doing the words. Like incest, gone right.

Here's the draft alongside examples of Dillon’s work.

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There was a time
when the world was flat
slip over the edge
and you’d never come back.

There was a time
when the moon was a man
looking down at us all
trying to see what he can.

There was a time
when a rainbow meant treasure
get to the end
and find gold beyond measure.

There was a time
when you’d turn to stone
if pulling a face
as the wind starts to blow.

There was a time
when all this was true
everyone knew it
people like me, him (!), and you.

But over the years
we’ve learnt so much
with scientists and explorers
and rockets and such 

That the world has changed
we no longer see
these fantastical things
except in our dreams.

So close your eyes tight
it’s time to explore
a world full of magic
that’s what sleeping is for.

-------

But if you’re still restless
and need to know
what it is we’ve discovered
before you go

Keep on reading
just turn the page
to find out how much
the world has changed.

Now we know
that the earth is a sphere
It’s not totally round
but it’s pretty near

Now we know
the moon is no man
Though men have set foot on it
maybe one day you can.

Now we know
rainbows don’t touch the ground
You can look forever
the end will never be found!

Now we know
you won’t turn to stone
unless standing nearby
when a volcano explodes .

Now you know how it is
and how it used to be
if you want to see the future
Go. To. Sleep!