A children's picture book, 480 words in length, HIS EMINENCE SHAN’T ATTEND is a limerick tale as told from an outsider's pirate perspective. The story follows a young adventurer named Sissy Swashbuckle who desires to share her various tales of exploration with someone she greatly admires: His Eminence. Each of Sissy’s repeated invitations, however, is returned stating that “His Eminence Shan’t Attend”. Her perseverance pays off in the end, when differences are compromised for the sake of ultimately sharing stories of Sissy’s fanciful excursions.
This is a story of tolerance, persistence, understanding variances in "taste," and coming together across the table, while specifically encouraging the explorative nature of young girls.
I dedicate this to my own sister, whom I have witnessed first-hand as intuitively possessing such adventurous spirit. Now in her mid-40s, my sister continues to seek equal recognition, i.e. from establishments still often not allowing female inclusion as its members.
This story is geared toward children ages 4-8, yet inspirational for all generations. Certain vocabulary is used purposefully to encourage parent and child to discuss meanings of such words for further bridge-building, while playful illustrations provide movements and actions understandable all their own.
I envision this story as having the potential to expand into additional episodes to provide youth with even more Sissy Swashbuckle boundaryless moments.
As writer-illustrator of HIS EMINENCE SHAN’T ATTEND, I have a Masters Degree in Fine Art and have spent my life’s work questioning expected roles of individuals within society.
Each illustration was created in pencil and paint, ultimately creating layered collage effects in Photoshop.
