Stuff the Story
#stuffthestory
In this section, learn more about the story, the characters, the author and the story's growing relevance in addressing a number of key issues facing us in today's world.
Stuff is a visually rich, fun adventure, set to rhyme and in a Scottish castle, that revolves around the lives of Lord and Lady McStash and their daughter, Flora, each with a very different attitude towards accumulating stuff. Like a rollercoaster, the story has plenty of unexpected twists and turns while it explores multiple themes - the ups and downs of hoarding clutter, the resourcefulness of children, entrepreneurship, the value of experiences over materialism, the natural environment and, not least, the power of love!
Jonathan Findlay is a published writer (of cultural and travel articles), a former editor of a bilingual, cultural magazine and a keen poet. Some of his poetry has been set to film and presented to festival audiences. Jonathan is Scottish and his capacity for original thought enables him to create stories with plenty of unexpected yet intriguing twists and turns when challenged over the years with requests for spontaneous, imaginary bedtime stories.
Jonathan has spent most of his career promoting Scottish tourism and culture internationally and it is from these experiences that he draws much of his inspiration.
Enhanced by a strong environmental awareness, Jonathan’s work is rarely without eco-friendly messages, whether obvious or subliminal, and his penchant for wordplay will often add another layer of enjoyment for his readers.
Stuff is Jonathan’s first adventure into the world of children’s story-writing and the text is entirely of his own creation without any AI involved. He hopes you enjoy it and is planning more Stuff to follow soon!
Stuff is a delightful Spring Clean for the mind, that will appeal to children (6+) and adults alike!
With Stuff, Jonathan has turned clutterly into utterly endearing. His delightful characters and original storyline will appeal to a diverse audience, including the Celtic diaspora, stargazers, beachgoers, birdwatchers and lovers of the great outdoors!
Stuff will feel as at home on the shelves for children’s bedtime picture books as on those for adult light entertainment!
Stuff contains over 150 images, all of which have been crafted using AI software provided by Canva, Artistly and Microsoft Designer.
In order to achieve a high level of continuity, especially in the portrayal of the characters, the quality of the AI prompts has been essential. Jonathan had initially sought illustrators to provide the work, and it remains his wish to create an entirely organic edition. He invites illustrators to put themselves forward for consideration (see Share Stuff section).
Stuff offers heaps of humour, piles of progressive vocabulary, stacks of mental stimulation and layers of lovely intrigue!.
The story will help readers to prioritise what is important in life and provide parents and teachers with a collection of activities and thought-provoking themes for discussion.
This is developed further in the DISCOVER STUFF section.
If you represent a school, a bookstore, a festival, a children's hospital, a retirement home, an organisation closely linked to the themes of the story or even a private client hosting a children's birthday party, you are welcome to request a special reading, talk and/or signing event in the presence of the author. Please use the contact form to make the request. Thank you.
In this section, learn more about the story, the characters, the author and the story's growing relevance in addressing a number of key issues facing us in today's world.