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| ENC Graphic Services |
When I commenced
writing The Iron Horse Chronicles, I decided that each book had to contain a
map to help orient the reader to the terrain through which the characters act.
From an early age, I appreciated the inclusion of maps in the books I read. As
an adult reader, when given a choice, I select a book that contains a map over
one that does not.
Out of curiosity,
I went to my local library and “researched” all of the books available that day
for young readers to check out. Admittedly, my so-called research was not
scientific, but I am convinced that it is good enough to prove my point.
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| Henderson Libraries Logo |
The
Paseo Verde branch of the Henderson, Nevada, libraries flags the spine of their books
with a notation for “Historical Fiction.” I pulled each of the 114 historical
fiction books present in the stacks on the day of my "research" and checked for maps. Not to my surprise, I
found only 25 contained a map. That’s only 22%.
On the other
hand, virtually every fantasy novel I examined contained a map. The author of
fantasy fiction must create the landscape through which the characters will move. The resulting map aids the reader in not getting lost. For example, the Paseo Verde library on the day of my "research" displayed fifteen fantasy
novels written by Brian Jacques. Each included a magnificent map helping the
reader to visualize the locale of the action.
As a middle grade historical novelist, I do not believe it is right to assume my reader already knows
the geography involved, perhaps because of other school studies, or assume the
reader will have the initiative to find an atlas for self edification. I doubt that happens often. I owe it to my readers to help them.
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| Finished Map by Robert Lee Murphy and Phyllis Mignard |
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| Original Sketch Map by Robert Lee Murphy |
I was fortunate
in having the assistance of an outstanding illustrator who took my rough
sketches and turned them into works of art that the publisher has included in each
book as a two-page spread. Phyllis Mignard, my friend and fellow member of the
Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, prepared the maps for
both Eagle Talons and Bear Claws.
Soon, I hope to engage Phyllis in polishing the
map for Golden Spike, the concluding volume in my transcontinental railroad
trilogy. First, I must finish writing the book and draft the map.
I too appreciate maps in stories and often refer to them as I read to ground myself in the setting. Our young readers will certainly benefit from the inclusion of maps in the books they read.
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