Books of the Week: Great books, Tough topics
November 30th, 2007 by SaraThere are some topics that it’s impossible to imagine a great picture book about. Until someone does it. Here are a few books that are great stories first, important topics second. As I mentioned in my ‘issue books‘ review, it’s so important to have stories that reflect children’s experiences. But it takes a great writer to reflect them meaningfully, engagingly, and with such compassion.
Before You Were Mine written by Maribeth Boelts and illustrated by David Walker
This is a wonderful story about adopting a rescue dog. The child asks the inevitable questions about what the dog’s life was before the child adopted him. Maribeth Boelts doesn’t skirt away from hard thoughts about neglecting or abandoning animals. Instead, she deals with these ideas with compassion, looking to ignorance rather than meanness as the culprit.
As if that wasn’t enough to take on, the child also tells his adopted dog about his other dog, who grew old and had to be put to sleep. This is all done with such gentleness and tenderness that the book retains it’s focus on the friendship between a boy and his dog, without dwelling on the darker side of things. Amazingly well done.
Visiting Day written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by James Ransome
Jacqueline Woodson writes this lovely story about a girl visiting her dad in prison. It focuses on the excitement the girl and her grandma feel about the upcoming visit, about the preparations they make, and how good it feels for the girl to see her father.
This is all done in the context of normalcy, without any judgement or negativity about the girl’s father being in jail. The illustrations are also beautiful and bring out the emotion, softness, and joy in the story. This book brought this subject into a whole new light for me and I love that it is out there.
The Magic Beads written by Susin Nielsen-Fernlund and illustrated by Genevieve Cote
The Magic Beads starts off as a ‘new school’ book, but you quickly realize it is much more. Lillian is starting a new school because she and her mother are living at a shelter, escaping Lillian’s abusive father. Though this is a huge and difficult subject, it manifests itself in specific and very real problem for Lillian. Show and Tell.
Everyday, a different student brings in something cool to show the class. While other students show off their expensive toys and gadgets, the butterflies in Lillian’s stomach turn into grasshoppers and, eventually, buffaloes. Lillian had to leave all her toys, nice clothes, and comforts behind when they left her father. Now, she has nothing to show. She misses her stuff and her Dad a little, too. Triumphantly, Lillian finds her own way to wow the class in this well crafted and engaging story. What a great way to discuss a difficult subject.
Wanna see the what else I’ve been reading?
Posted in Books of the Week, The Great Picture Book Read, Picture books, I heart this book, Books, Writing
November 30th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
wow. i knew that i wanted to read ‘before you were mine’ when you told me about it, but you didn’t mention the other books you had read. these sound awesome, and i want to read them if you haven’t taken them back to the library already! :)
December 5th, 2007 at 11:20 am
I am super excited as well. It’s like being towed along in the wake of a super powerful boat. You plow through an ocean of picture books, unstoppable, and I end up reading . . . as many as you can post about in your wake!
I don’t understand my own metaphor, but that’s what it feels like, anyway. ;)
Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little
November 28th, 2007 by Sara
HaikuReview: Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little by Peggy Gifford
Moxy loves: To read.
Hates: Being told what to do.
Summer reading sucks?
Posted in I heart this book, Haiku review, Books
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Mirror, Mirror, on the wall…
November 27th, 2007 by SaraI was trying to express the other day why the children’s book community is such a warm and supportive place. I think it’s the same reason why I write for children and young adults in the first place. That is: writers and illustrators of children’s books are trying to achieve something greater than a fantastic story. We are also trying to hold up a mirror that reflects a different image than society is reflecting.
I felt this strongly in high school when I was reading Madeline L’Engle’s A Ring of Endless Light, which showed an awkward, scientifically-minded girl finding love, magic, and poetry in the world. Over the course of the book, Vicky learns how to be strong and I, in turn, integrated her strength into myself.
Before that, in middle school, the same thing happened with the Anastasia Krupnik books by Lois Lowry. Anastasia was always making dramatic and embarrassing mistakes. For example, while walking her dog to the corner mailbox, she accidentally mailed a bag of dog poop instead of her letter. Too mortified to tell anyone, she spends the rest of the book positive that the police were going to arrest her for tampering with the mail. Anastasia’s wild imagination and neuroses helped me find humor in my own.
Before The Great Read of ‘07, I may not have extended this idea to picture books, but now I see that it’s definitely true. Though in a slightly different way. While middle grade and YA books are usually holding the 
mirror up to the individual (the reader and the main characters), I’ve found that picture books are often reflecting the world at large.
Picture books usually show the way the world should be, or maybe more accurately, the way it should behave. Imaginations are rewarded. Beauty and magic are found everywhere. 
Grumpy, wild behavior is be forgiven and answered with unconditional love. The lost parent is found, the mix-up is explained, the bully reasoned with. Most of all, kids find ways to fix their mistakes and are easily forgiven.
While so many of these things are not true of the real world, picture books reflect things that should be valued and treasured. They instill a world of creativity and love within a child, that can support and 
encourage them when the ‘real’ world fails them. This is an awesome and wonderful task. To, page by page, help build the inner world of a child. This is why I write picture books.
Posted in The Great Picture Book Read, Books, Writing
November 27th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
Beautifully stated. You know, I think I become a better writer just by reading your blog!!! I get so caught up in seeing how my stories work, whereas you make me see the forest for the trees. How can we help our readers along in this world? That’s the question you leave me with. Thanks for that!!!
November 28th, 2007 at 10:41 am
You have brought up such wonderful points about books!
I find, working for schools and with my little ones, that I often try to parallel their struggles with their challenges to books they know and love. They may not understand the chaos in the world around them, their struggles with disabilities, or even their simple day to day worries, but books help them separate their all too personal issues and put them on a character in a book who’s life is always a little more dramatic, a little more extreme or glamorous. When they are able to solve their problems through this removed character they are able to integrate those lessons into their day to day life in an easier context. These books become a way to explore even the most difficult issues in a less sensitive way. Books become part of who these students are and who they want to be. Lets hope that the children of the world continue to be encouraged to read and listen in this invaluable way!
Megan
November 28th, 2007 at 11:40 am
I’m so glad this resonated with you guys. Monique’s question, “How can we help our readers along in this world” and Megan’s real world experience has helped me focus this broad concept into a single objective. Without overthinking it, this idea clarifies my character’s arc in my YA novel I’ve been struggling with. Thanks back at you both!
November 28th, 2007 at 11:54 am
I am sitting with Jessica, a student and fellow reader and writer, who wants to know if you have read the book, “Elsewhere” by gabriel zevin?
Meg and Jessica
November 28th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
No, I haven’t, but I’m putting it on hold at the library right now:)
November 29th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Sara, beautifully said. And true, books are a huge way that a child’s inner world is constructed! (At least true for me as well…) I think about this all the time, with books for Gay Teenagers. When I was a teenager, there was no reflection of me in the worlds of books I adored - it was one of the reasons I had such a struggle with coming out. Books -even fantasy books - help us see ourselves - and give us hope that there’s a place for us in this world!
And I think you’re right, picture books also build a child’s inner world! Thanks for this post!
Lee
November 29th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Awesome post.
The Anastasia books are near and dear to my heart–one of my favorite series ever. I’ve read them all over and over!
(And Ring of Endless Light, too, of course!!)
:D
r
Books of the Week: ‘Truck’ Books
November 25th, 2007 by Sara
There’s probably a better name for this genre, but I call them Truck books. It includes any book that kids love because of the big machines, trains, or trucks that vroom and crunch through it. Though I started out a bit disdainful of this necessary, but often boring genre, I’m learning to respect a good Truck book. Here’s the one that changed my mind:
Trucks Roll written by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by Craig Frazier
The best part about this book is that it’s funny. Though the trucks are beautifully drawn and realistic, they drive across the country carrying loads of giant chocolate chip cookies, puzzle pieces, and dogs. The active rhyme makes this book great to read, as well as look at.
Easy Street written by Rita Gray and illustrated by Mary Bono
Easy Street is a simple, rhyming book about paving a street. What makes this book special is the pictures. Little clay, doozer-like people build the road page by page. Real dirt, gravel, and asphalt are used in the pictures, giving a detailed and exciting look to the process. I swear I could smell the hot tar.
The Three Little Rigs by David Gordon
A twist on the The Three Little Pigs. This book has wonderfully personified machines and enough technical details to really fascinate a child.
Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo written by Kevin Lewis and illustrated by Daniel Kirk
I already raved about this perfectly rhyming, colorful picture book. But this list wouldn’t be complete without it.
Special Mention: Up Above & Down Below by Sue Redding
This book really captures your imagination. Though not a typical ‘truck’ book, it has the same sort of detail and behind the scenes look that kids love. It shows, often humorously, what’s going on above and below in each scene. On the second floor and on the first floor. Bunnies in the garden and below the ground. Kids on the street and workers under it. Simple rhymes and great pictures make this a joy to read.
Posted in The Great Picture Book Read, Books of the Week, Picture books, I heart this book, Books
November 26th, 2007 at 1:29 am
Fab. I love the ones you introduced me to before, and I can’t wait to read these others now! :D
Mashed Potatoes!
November 22nd, 2007 by Sara
Mmmmm….
Mashed Potatoes.
And hot rolls.
And Turkey with Cornbread stuffing.
And Pumpkin Pie.
Hope everyone is having a delicious Thanksgiving.
Love and Mashed Potatoes to you all!
Posted in Nifty happenings
November 22nd, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Happy Thanksgiving my dears!! Enjoy your day my lovelies!!
Meg and Dan
One for my baby and one more (page turn) for the road
November 20th, 2007 by Sara
That last page can make or break a story. At the SCBWI Schmooze the other day, someone asked what I was learning from the Great Picture Book Read of ‘07. So here’s the biggest thing. It’s not enough to have a good story. You must have a great ending.
A ’sweet’ last page ends up feeling cheesy if it’s not combined with a giggle. The ‘quiet’ ending leaves you trying to turn one more page, sure that the story isn’t actually over. As a writer, it’s important to ask, is that final page going to deliver a laugh? A twist? A zing? At least a smile? If the reader is going to feel satisfied, it really needs to.
Marla Frazee and her editor, Allyn Johnston, talked a lot about this during the summer conference. Even for a simple book like Everywhere Babies, they sweated over the ending. The last page turn was originally super sweet. I think the picture was a parent hugging a baby and the text went something like this:
“Every day, everywhere, babies are loved…. for trying so hard, for all that they do, for being so wonderful…just like you!”
They wanted a zingier ending, so the text was changed to this and was paired with a baby taking her first steps.
“Every day, everywhere, babies are loved…. for trying so hard, for traveling so far, for being so wonderful…just as they are!”
This was definitely less sweet, but still didn’t give them that final zing they were looking for. So, they kept the new text, but changed the picture. Now, in the published version, the page spread before the final page is a kid’s first birthday party and the final page reads “Just as they are.” With a baby grinning proudly with cake all over her face. This change transformed the final page turn from an ‘ahhhhh….’ to a chuckle. And it makes for a much stronger book.
The perfect ending is definitely tricky to do. Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst brings us a laugh at the end by giving a twist to the repeated phase, “I think I’ll move to Australia.” The book ends with “Mom says some days are like that. Even in Australia.”
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs written by Judi Barrett and illustrated by Ron Barrett and Miss Nelson is Missing written by Harry Allard and illustrated by James Marshall both use pictures and text to give us a tantalizing hint that everything is not exactly as it seems.
Often, the final zing is completely in the pictures. Olivia by Ian Falconer is a classic example of the visual last page turn. On the final page of the books, you get to see what grand dreams she is imagining. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems is the same way. Mo Willems even uses the end papers to show the Pigeon imagining himself driving the big rig. Pssst! by Adam Rex uses a visual twist masterfully, though I won’t ruin the surprise. David Wiesner is also a master at this in Tuesday and Sector 7.
Though this may sound a bit obvious, the entire book is leading up to the ending. The final page turn often determines whether the book will make a lasting impression on the reader. It’s your last chance to win over the reader or get that final smile. So make it a good one.
The End
Posted in Picture books, The Great Picture Book Read, Illustration, SCBWI, Books, Writing
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Books of the Week: For the old’uns
November 18th, 2007 by Sara
It’s Day 56 in my journey to 100 Days, 1000 Books. I’ve read 574 books so far and I’m loving it. Mostly. Here are some of the books that are making this adventure a joy.
Part II of the best of reads brings my favorite picture books for the sophisticated, jet-setting, caviar munching, seen-it-all 4 to 8 age group. These books usually have more story, more humor, and more layers. When this added complexity manages to hang on to its clear focus and simplicity, magic happens.
Nini Here and There by Anita Lobel
When the suitcases come out, your pet’s heart fills with dread. This wonderful story turns the traumas of having to travel with your pet into a imaginative adventure.
Zuzu’s Wishing Cake written by
Zuzu is a fantastically creative, eccentric, and active main character. The distinctive style of the illustrations and fun story draw you in and make you fall in love.
Great Big Guinea Pigs by
The collage style pictures really work with this unusual guinea pig tale of natural history that brings you straight into prehistoric times.
Chicks and Salsa written by
The chickens are tired of their plain old feed. And who can blame them? They want salsa! Keep your eyes out for the enterprising and very funny rats.
Rainstorm by
A wordless picture book that spins a quietly magical tale of secret passageways on a rainy day.
Peanut by Linas Alsenas
The ridiculous pictures play counterpoint to the understated illustrations, making this one of the funniestpicture books I’ve read.
That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown written by
Emily Brown and her rabbit, Stanley, are unstoppable. A great stuffed animal story with hilarious 
pictures and outspoken main characters.
Special Mention: Pssst…
I’ve already exclaimed about this imaginative book, but I just couldn’t leave it out!
Posted in The Great Picture Book Read, Books of the Week, Picture books, I heart this book, Books
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Flirting with inspiration
November 14th, 2007 by Sara
The Westside Schmooze, part of the LA SCBWI, is going to be talking about genres today. What is the difference between board books and picture books? Middle grade and YA? Is it smart to switch between these age groups?
This topic is especially relevent to my life right now. After being completely devoted to my young adult novel for several years, I’ve started cheating. At first, it was just a picture book idea scribbled down here or there. Then, at the bookstore, I would slow down as I passed by the picture book section on my way to young adult. Now I’m shamelessly reading picture books as a passionate obsession. I’ll admit it, I’m a two-timer and I really like playing around.
The advantage of dating around the genres is that when you get stuck on one thing, you can move on for a while. I love the angsty complexity of my YA story, but I’m relieved to indulge in the colorful, poetic world of the picture book. I’ve got a crush on the simplicity, the humor, the interactive nature of repetition and reading out loud.
So am I a picture book writer now? No. I still want to finish revising my novel. I still want to create graphic novels with Tony and try my hand at chapter books. This may not be the easiest or most traditional way to work in children’s books. But what can I say? I’m a flirt!
Posted in Genres, Picture books, SCBWI, Books, Writing
November 15th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
I feel the same way. Sometimes, as much as you love the first genre you’ve chosen, your needs change. Sometimes it’s nice to say anything’s possible. What matters is that I’m still reading and writing. That’s my passion.
November 15th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
You’ll have to forgive me — I am new at commenting on blogs. What I really wanted to say was thanks for articulating what I feel about flirting with other genres. You do that so well; you almost always say what’s on my mind.
:D
November 15th, 2007 at 9:15 pm
Thanks. I know what you mean. It’s always great when someone expresses the same thoughts or feelings you have. That’s what I love about reading so much. It’s magical when a character’s emotions reflect my own. It always makes me feel less alone in the world.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:19 am
Hey Sara! You did a great job delineating the various kid genres at the Schmooze on Wed nite! Sparked some interesting questions. What’s on the agenda for the next one?
November 16th, 2007 at 11:19 am
Thanks! The next schmooze is about openings. Here’s the blurb: Are You Hooked Yet? First pages, opening hooks, and editor-grabbing synopses.
How can you use your first pages, first lines, and queries to hook readers and editors. Join us as we try to define the indefinable something that glues readers to the page. Learn from other schmoozer’s openings and share your own.
November 28th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Sara, I worked with Tony at GDC and PAX this last year. I’d be so stoked to see a graphic novel produced by the 2 of you!
Wiggle and Waggle
November 12th, 2007 by Sara
I was at Children’s Book World the other day, and let me take this opportunity to say that Children’s Book World is an awesome bookstore. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and generous with their time and attention. It’s by far the best place to find a good read in Los Angeles.
Anyway, I was at Children’s Book World and the manager was showing me her favorite new picture books. She pulled Wiggle and Waggle written by Caroline Arnold and illustrated by Mary Peterson for me to read. I was so excited because Mary Peterson is a friend of mine. It’s thrilling to look around and see my illustrator and writer friends succeeding. Bookstore favorites, novels under contract, interested editors, magazines. So many of the wonderful stories and pictures we’re creating are finally finding their way out into the world. Hooray!
Posted in Picture books, The Great Picture Book Read, I heart this book, Nifty happenings, Books, Writing
November 13th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
This is just the awesomest.
I love Wiggle and Waggle! Yay, Mary!!
:D
r
Books of the Week: Issue Books
November 9th, 2007 by Sara
Stories are, above all, a way for us to understand the world. When we see a character having the same feelings as us, going through the same experiences, reacting in the same way, we discover we are not alone. Lying, teasing, being frustrated, being jealous of a friend, does not make us a bad person. It simply makes us human.
Picture books are essential in this respect. Children need to see their own situations, actions, and feelings reflected back at them. It helps them to understand and accept what is happening around and inside them. Here are a few stories that do this wonderfully.
The Show and Tell Lion written by Barbara Abercrombie and illustrated by Lynne Avril Cravath is an excellent and funny book about lying. The lovely part of this story is that the motive and imagination behind Matthew’s lie is as important as what he decides to do about it. Matthew manages to find a creative way to explain his ’show and tell lion’ to his classmates and though he still faces the repercussions, 
he is quickly understood and forgiven.
You’ll Be Sorry by Josh Schneider and If I Had a Dragon by Tom and Amanda Ellery are both excellent books about being annoyed with your younger sibling. These exaggerated, silly stories take sibling irratation to the extreme, helping kids identify, accept, and laugh off their feelings of frustration.
Fred stays with Me written by Nancy Coffelt and illustrated by Tricia Tusa is a book about moving back and forth between divorced parents. The genius of this book is its focus on the child’s dog, rather than the child herself.
Recess Queen written by Alexis O’Neill and illustrated by Laura Huliska Deith is a colorful, fun book about bullies. The characters are strong, the rhyme is great, and the solution is believable.
Little Donkey and the Birthday Present written by Rindert Kromhout, illustrated by Annemarie van Haeringen, and translated by Marianne Martens, and That’s mine, Horace by Holly Keller are books about wanting someone else’s toys. They both 
show the true yearning the characters have for the coveted toy, the details they love about the objects. Each deals in a loving manner with the feelings, never down-playing them or berating the characters.
*Special Mention: Max by Rachel Isadora is about a baseball playing boy that discovers he also loves ballet. This is a great story and a great character that tiptoes into the realm of being different without being bogged down by deeper issues.
Good issue books are extremely difficult to write, but these stories succeed by creating wonderful characters that we can love. By focusing on the stories, by using the issues as a catalyst instead of the focus, the subject matter sneaks up on you. These books entertain and comfort us as we see our own misbehaviors, problems, and fears laid open on the page.
Don’t forget to check out what else I’ve come across on my quest for 1000 picture books!
Posted in Books of the Week, The Great Picture Book Read, Picture books, Characters, Books, I heart this book, Writing
November 13th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Mmm. I am intensely interested in this topic. Thanks, Sara!!
November 13th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
It’s funny that there is a whole category of picture books that are called “issue” books because I like to think EVERY good book is going to be dealing with SOMETHING, SOME ISSUE that readers can relate to - like Max being ANGRY in Where the Wild Things Are - but is that an “issue” PB? Though I supposed some PBs, like “Pssst!” are just fun adventures and not very “issue” oriented (though throughout it there’s the whole idea of animals wanting to escape captivity…) or am I reading too much into it?
Thanks for this fun post!
Lee
