What has become of The Nanny Book Project? Where is it currently standing? This is what has become of the project, and what I have learned from it, over the past several months. Contributions from the IWG staff will follow in upcoming articles. This is where the project has landed, and why I have decided to bring it to an end – for now.
The learning about the favourite children’s books stemmed from the children’s British literature segment during London Opening Ceremonies. It featured volunteers and patients from GOSH, and a cameo from J.K. Rowling. If you’ve read this far, stop here, and watch the included video, and then continue reading. It will more than likely help you gain a better understanding of this project.
Mama W., along with several friends, encouraged me to continue on with the project and it then blossomed from there. I set goals for myself and have met nearly every single one. Once again, I will not be sharing why the people picked these books. All of the people who are mentioned in here have publicly stated their answers.
Since the last update, I have received several more answers, including ones from Wesley Taylor (Smash), who picked Everyone Poops, Julie Atherton (Westend Actress) who chose The BFG and The Magic Faraway Tree, and Jack Croxall (Author), who selected Northern Lights by Philip Pullman. There were also answers from Emilia di Girolamo (TV screenwriter, former exec producer of Law & Order: UK) who picked the Carbonel series by Barbara Sleigh.
One of the goals I set was to receive answers from people who had portrayed extremely famous literary characters. I have reached that goal. Several of the actors who responded have portrayed such characters on stage and TV. I received an answer from Kara Lindsay, who is currently portraying Glinda the Good in Wicked on Broadway. She selected Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. I have also received answers from actors who have portrayed Inspector Javert (Les Miserables), Raoul (The Phantom of the Opera) and more. The most recent biggest success, for myself, came from someone who has portrayed one of literature’s most famous villains. I’ll leave it up to the readers of this article to try to figure out who it is. The only hint I will give is that this villain has been portrayed within the last five years.
So, why have I decided to bring my not-so-little project to an end? Rest assured, it is only temporary. I’ve once again faced a lack of interest, and a bit of discouragement, and unfortunately, I have started to lose interest in the project and it is starting to feel like a chore. I want to remember what fun I have had while working on this, and want to cherish all the memories I’ve built. By pausing now, this will not turn into something I’ll grow to dislike, nor will it feel like I have to do it. It has been an absolute thrill to do, and work on. It will be started up again, guaranteed, and I’ll continue to post the answers from IWG staff, as there are some absolutely brilliant answers that need and deserve to be read.
To those who have contributed, encouraged me, helped me organize letters and tweets, I thank you. Your help, time, and encouragement are greatly appreciated. This is definitely NOT the end of The Nanny Book Project, just a small break. This nanny will not give up that easily.