There’s nothing like a field trip to break out of the routine and make some trouble. Today, a group of illustrator/writer friends of mine packed our lunches, got on the bus, and descended upon the best kids’ book store in LA. And by “the bus,” I mean our gumless, bully-free cars. And by “packed our [...]
1000 Books!!!
January 1, 2008 – 4:48 pm
Hooray! On the last day of 2007, I reached my goal of reading 1000 picture books in 100 days. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done for my writing. I have a new understanding of picture books that I’m already putting to good use and much fun. I kept track of all [...]
Mr. Willoughby’s Christmas Tree
December 25, 2007 – 5:51 pm
Haiku Review: Mr. Willoughby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry Christmas time machine, This book is just the right size. I am 5 again. Merry Everything, Everyone!
Books of the Week: Illustrators
December 17, 2007 – 10:15 am
I’m constantly delighted by the illustrations in the picture books I’ve been reading. Here are a few illustrators that have really captured my imagination. Dan Yaccarino (Every Friday, Trashy Town) Mark Teague (How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight, The Secret Shortcut) David Shannon (No, David, Duck on a Bike) Steve Jenkins (Move, Actual Size) David Wiesner [...]
Words VS Pictures
December 10, 2007 – 1:08 pm
My friend, Tonilyn, asked me the other day if I thought illustrations and text were a 50/50 partnership in picture books. Hmmm…. lets find out. Fight! Illustrations can make or break a picture book. You cannot have a great book without great pictures. Mediocre Text + Fantastic Pictures= Good Book Fantastic Text + Mediocre Pictures= [...]
Books of the Week: Did I mention…
December 7, 2007 – 12:52 pm
My Little Sister Ate One Hare written by Bill Grossman and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes Maggie and the Monster written by Elizabeth Winthrop and illustrated by Tomie dePaola The OK Book written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld Chickens to the Rescue by John Himmelman Bark, George by Jules Feiffer Click,Clack,Moo: Cows [...]
Books of the Week: Great books, Tough topics
November 30, 2007 – 1:45 pm
There 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 [...]
Mirror, Mirror, on the wall…
November 27, 2007 – 7:06 pm
I 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 [...]
Books of the Week: ‘Truck’ Books
November 25, 2007 – 1:49 pm
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 [...]
One for my baby and one more (page turn) for the road
November 20, 2007 – 6:04 pm
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 [...]
Books of the Week: For the old’uns
November 18, 2007 – 12:41 pm
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 [...]
Wiggle and Waggle
November 12, 2007 – 3:00 am
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 [...]
Books of the Week: Issue Books
November 9, 2007 – 3:00 am
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. [...]
Books of the Week:For the Young’uns
November 2, 2007 – 5:00 am
Amazingly, some books have really stuck in my mind even after reading over 400 picture books. They aren’t always the ones I’m immediately ‘wowed’ by, but often the stories that come sneaking out when I’m telling Tony about my day. Or make me laugh later when I’m driving or writing email, from the memory of [...]
Kapow!
October 29, 2007 – 3:42 am
Howdy folks. There’s been a dry spell for writing round these part. Ayep. Couldn’t find two syllables to rub together. No siree. Till tonight. We had ourselves a brainstorm. Kapow! I’ve had ideas roaming around my head for weeks and I finally got a stampede. Now it’s 3:30 in the morning. I’m feeling a little [...]
Books of the Week:Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad characters
October 26, 2007 – 1:19 pm
“The night Max wore his wolf suit and made mischief of one kind and another, his mother called him “WILD THING!” and Max said “I’LL EAT YOU UP!” so he was sent to bed without eating anything.” – Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are What is it that makes wild, stubborn, grumpy, characters so [...]
Books of the Week: Old Favorites
October 19, 2007 – 5:00 am
When I’m perusing the picture book shelves and come across a favorite book from my childhood, it’s like crawling under the blankets, snuggling up with a stuffed animal, and sipping a cup of cocoa. With mini marshmallows. Those tiny pillows of delight. Spongey icebergs in a sea of chocolate. Morsels of fluffy happiness. Ahem. Reading [...]
Max Dare and the fantabulific picture book
October 11, 2007 – 5:00 am
Adam Rex (aka Max Dare… if you like anagrams) gets a gold star and a gazillionbillion exclamation marks. And maybe, even, a couple of smiley faces. His picture book, Pssst!, is wonderful, fabulous, and so very, very funny. The style of his pictures, the hilarious details, the surprise of the story blow me away. It [...]
Books of the Week: Caldecott Books
October 5, 2007 – 4:30 am
It’s unusual for a book from the 40′s to still be on the bookstore shelves, but Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey is an exception. Not just because of its timeless story, but also because of its Caldecott Medal. The Caldecott is given each year “to the artist of the most distinguished American picture [...]
Books of the Week!
September 28, 2007 – 3:00 am
As I mentioned at the beginning of the week, I’m taking on the task of reading 1000 picture books in an attempt to crack the code and uncover the ancient secrets of this minimalist art form. As a result, I’ve read 70 picture books this week. Have I unveiled any secrets yet? I could tell [...]
