Ten-Word Tiny Tales

Can you create a story with just ten-words? Indeed you can – and Joseph Coelho demonstrates this in this sparkling collection of ten word starters. Or are they the endings? Maybe they are the middle of a narrative? His aim is to encourage young readers – and adults – to be closely involved in the creative proves of storytelling; the creative process behind the production of a book. In this he wants to free young minds from the idea of The Book as something in which they have no agency. The Book will start with the words – the words spark ideas – the ideas string together, a plot emerges, characters step up, there is action, or maybe reflection …a story is born. And it will be yours. You are the author.

This is a compelling idea and Joseph carries it off with panache. The subjects of his ten-word tiny tales range from space, to demon hamsters and a sleeping house people with tiny robots to a bear crossing an ice field on a jet-ski and a skull being decorated. Each mini sentence flies off the page, the vocabulary both direct and rich. There is no talking down.  He challenges his audience to pick the idea that catches the attention, then to take up a pencil (or pen) and write for five minutes continuously. It is an intriguing notion – and one easy to launch whether at home or in a classroom. The key, however, the reader should find the words that speak to them. No straightjackets here, please; no pre-selection by an adult who should be as involved as the young. However, the challenge does not just rest on the words – providing a visual inspiration for each tiny tale there are images created by 21 extraordinary artists and illustrators. They are as fascinating as the sentences that inspire them and are a powerful addition to the imaginative impact of the ten-word stories giving children an alternative door to use in their creations. To help those feeling less confident, Joseph includes an introduction – and then advice. His enthusiasm is contagious. Truly inspirational.