As highlighted in our About Us page, Giggles and Chisels aims to elevate the uniqueness of young children while grounding us — “not-so-young children” anymore — in the magical world of early childhood.
How?
Through the creation of an imaginary world that initially came from Rosie, my oldest, when she was younger, and the giggles from her drawings met the chisels of my workshop to add a new dimension to her imaginative world.
Rosie’s imagination was a delightful blend of American words and French culture, all built upon her French-American roots. While Rosie’s early childhood years have passed, my heart is still deeply rooted in that world. Many of the French words from Rosie’s imagination have stuck with me — I provide translations and audio for pronunciation, so you can fully immerse yourself in our world : )
It all started with The four Lands of Rosie's Imaginary World, and their inhabitants
The Land of Smooths and Mellows and the Doudou-Tout-Doux
The “Doudou Tout Doux” are dreamers. Their Land is full of fluffy clouds, in a color theme of blues and purples. “Doudou”, is a lovey, in French, and “tout doux” means very soft. They love tomato ice cream and candy-from-the-yellow-bag juice but are not so keen on white chocolate milk. Dreamers, they can spend hours reading, coloring and drawing, and hence, love visiting the Land of the Rainbows. Sometimes, they become paler when people around them get upset.
The Doudou-Tout-Doux may tag along as we dream about a world deeply caring for all young children.
How to pronounce Doudou-Tout-Doux
The Land of Bumps and Lumps and the Tout-Triste
The “Tout-Triste” (quite sad) live in the grey Land of Bumps and Lumps, surrounded by rocks. They enjoy chicken carrot soup, and strawberry juice, but usually stay away from red apples and salad juice. Hugs can make them feel less morose, but nobody should know.
The Tout Triste may pop out on posts, as morosity is a state sometimes embraced by the author. They may also tag along as we reflect on deeper topics such as death or poverty that can deeply affect a child’s development or be naturally raised by young children as they explore the world.
How to pronounce Tout-Triste
The Land of Seven Colors and the Rigolos
“Rigolos” is a common word used by young children in France to talk about anything that is funny (Oh! C’est trop rigolo! That’s so funny!). The Rigolos live under books in the Land of Seven Colors. They love broccoli with a drop of chocolate milk and green apple juice but refuse to drink pea soup and potato juice. Their favorite activity is to make people laugh, but they also enjoy visiting the Land of Leaves and Bushes and watching streams after a storm. They are intimidated by princesses, wondering how to make them laugh.
The Rigolos may tag along as we explore lighter topics, such as learning through play.
How to pronounce Rigolo
The Land of Leaves and Bushes, and the Mousse-Mousse
The “Mousse-Mousse” (Moss-moss) lives in the greeny Land of Leaves & Bushes, in mushroom-shape house. Bacon and carrot sandwich with a glass of watermelon milk is their favorite meal, much more appreciated then a plate of potatoes with cream cheese on the top. But if they had to choose, they could eat candies all day.
The Mousse-Mousse may tag along as we go outside and explore outdoor learning. They also remind us to stay connected to Mother Earth, and to hug a tree from time to time : )
How to pronounce Mousse-Mousse
and ten years later, came four Wooden Fellows!
I have been taking all kinds of carving classes over the past 10+ years, including courses with Puppet In Prague and the Academy of Wooden Puppet, and I have been delighted to put those carving skills in use to advocate for young children. Four Fellows from Rosie’s Lands are now part of our journey! Meet them below, and spot them regularly in our posts : )
How to pronounce Petite Clothilde
How to pronounce Maurice
How to pronounce Madame Rigolotte
How to pronounce Pierre-Qui-Roule
How to pronounce Boule de Poil
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