This recently published children's book may be at the foot of your tree

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Christmas is approaching and it will be time to buy your presents. If you are looking for an idea for your children, here is “The lynx who saw nothing” and “The Parasol who wanted to see the sea”, a book by Melanie Potauauthor living not far from Orléans (Loiret).

A writing enthusiast

Mélanie was born on April 27, 1978. Originally from Gien, she is a pure product of the Department. In the early 2000s, she carried out scientific studies before reorienting towards journalism and communication in a dedicated school in Marseille.

“I started working in communications in 2003 for different employers in Loiret and I am still working now,” she adds. Outside of his profession, writing is a passion.

It was my grandmother who gave me my first typewriter. I still remember it, a little orange and white machine on which I wrote my first stories. So obviously, when I was little, it was stories about princesses or time machines

This desire accompanied Mélanie for several years. She tells stories to the children in her family and to her own children. Her husband – with whom she has been in a relationship for 8 years – also works in communications and likes to write on his own.

A day, they both decide to share their works more widely.

The Céleste and Lulu magazine

“In 2018, we created the free children’s magazine, Céleste et Lulu. It was distributed in 10,000 copies throughout the Orléans Metropolis and distributed every month to more than thirty drop-off points (swimming pools, gymnasiums, performance halls, bookstores, cinemas).”

Unfortunately, everything stops in 2020 because of Covid. The economic model – which is based on advertising – is no longer viable, Mélanie and Fabien were forced to stop production of the magazine which still spanned 19 issues..

A first book

Strengthened by the enthusiasm of the inhabitants of Orléans Métropole for the latter, the couple does not admit defeat and begins, from 2023, working on a joint book project.

“We started writing our stories and got in touch with our illustrator who immediately agreed to follow us on the adventure,” continues Mélanie.

Also aware of the attachment individuals have towards the magazine, they also include the name and identity of Céleste and Lulu to create their publishing house. After a year of work (writing stories, illustrations, design, etc.), their first book is finally coming out.

It contains two stories: The Little Lynx who saw nothing et The Parasol that wanted to see the sea. They were illustrated by Gigi Bigoudi, an illustrator from Orléans.

Mélanie explains to us that she has no particular inspiration but that she enjoys “imagining and inventing the life that objects could have”.

“You have to keep your child's soul to write stories. They can be funny, moving but behind it, there must also be a message to convey to them,” she insists. Mélanie and Fabien therefore advocate solidarity, respect for others and kindness in their stories.

What’s next?

This book is available for pre-order on this site until December 9as well as at the Chantelivre bookstore in Orléans, subsequently. Three points will be defined in the center, south and north of the Metropolis in order to recover them. Other orders will be received by Christmas.

Mélanie and Fabien’s objective? Reach the mark of 250 copies sold. They also hope to be able to distribute it to bookstores. Contacts have already been made in this direction.

Ultimately, Mélanie wants to be able to release a book every year so “not to stop there”.

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