Please can you help me with a children's book idea?

[publishingstudent]

Hello,
I really hope that you might be able to help me?

I am a publishing student in Edinburgh and I'm interested in opinions on arts & crafts activity books.

I would like to publish an activity book that teaches children how to make a patchwork square. I am working with a local organisation who are willing to help me produce the instructions, and to give some classes.

The idea would hopefully culminate in lot of squares from individuals or groups all brought together and made into a quilt. The quilt and book would then be exhibited at a public space or event. I would like the proceeds from the book to go to a local charity and the quilt donated.

It would be extremely helpful to hear your opinion (and that of your child, if they'd like to share) on whether or not it would be something that would interest them?

I know this is a bit of an odd place to ask but I also know that mums and dads tend to be the ones that know their children's reading tastes and hobbies. I want to make this book as appropriate and engaging as possible.

If you think you could help, please could you respond with an answer to these questions?

1. Do you think your child would be interested in learning how to make a patchwork square?
   
2. If yes, would they prefer to work on it in
   

a) school
b) a local craft centre
c) from a book
d) a mixture of all 3

1. If they wouldn't, could you tell me why?
   
2. Could you tell me their age and gender?
   

If you have time then I would also be very keen to know some further things

1. Do you think they would be more or less interested if their artwork were to be exhibited/help with a good cause?
   
2. Would they like a fun character guiding them through the book?
   

The information you give me would remain completely anonymous. I am currently making a report which is designed to pitch my book idea with the hope of having it accepted. Please feel free to answer as much or as little as you like, and to offer more than 1 opinion.

Thank you very much for your time.

Catherine.

[madamehooch]

Hi. I'm a bookseller and I don't think I have ever been asked for a children's book on how to make a patchwork square. I feel that a practical activity such as this is best demonstrated to them in person.

[Witchend]

I agree with madamhooch. I have a dd who is probably target audience for your book, and loves sewing and crafts. However a practical demonstration with time to try themselves would be much better than a book. Perhaps if you had links to a site so the harder bits they could see a video?

[Ditsy4]

I am interested I work in a school with classes and small groups. I run a Nurture Group ( max 7 pupils) and we have art and crafts one day a week.
I think some children and their parents would be interested especially those parents that are keen on crafts themselves.
I think the children would be more interested in the book if their square was joined to make a quilt and then exhibited. Children in our school recently took part in making something for a charity and their contributions were exhibited when they knew this they were making them at home too.
I think the book could be a good idea but I also think it would sell better if the first part of the book was a story about a quilt and the second part showed you how to make your own. It could be a special cushion or it could be a doll's quilt although this restricts the audience.