I can’t believe it’s already November! PiBoIdMo, 12X12 and Picture Book Month are all in full swing, proving that the venerable picture book has merit and value. It is because of because of you, writers and lovers of picture books, that we have reason to celebrate! So I begin this post with a thank you. Thank you for your passion and commitment to picture books.
Now on to the subject of my post. The Space Between. It sounds like some ethereal place that might exist in a Lois Lowry book but it is a very real place that exists, especially in picture books. Joe Wos, a friend who is a cartoonist and curator of the Toonseum in Pittsburgh, Pennsyvania, once taught me about “the space between” in comic strips. It’s that blank space that exists in between each comic box. What is so important about The Space Between are not the words before and after it, but the words and actions that are left unsaid.
I thought about it. As writers, we all rely on The Space Between without even realizing it. In novels, you’ll see two passages divided by a set of asterisks. The moment you see it, you know moments, actions, and words have passed, all shrouded in The Space Between. The writer leaves it up to you to decipher what happens between one scene and the next. The device is also used in movies. Movement from scene to scene relies on The Space Between to create a smooth transition.
So how does this fit into writing picture books? For picture book writers, The Space Between is the page turn. It is the breath or the pause between pages. It can be dramatic and full of suspense, ushering the next bit of action in the book. Eric Litwin’s New York Times best-selling book, Pete the Cat does this so brilliantly that listening audiences automatically chime in the answer when the page is turned.
The Space Between can also be subtle and gentle. In the nearly wordless picture book, Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathman, the device is used ingeniously. The Space Betweeen becomes the thread that ties every scene together, creating a story so seamless, you don’t even notice what is not shown. On one page, the zookeeper’s wife wakes up. On the next page, she is on the lawn, walking the animals back to the zoo. What happens in between needs no explication.
The Space Between can also be intentional. Stories that are poems have a natural break between stanzas such as those in Dr. Seuss books. In the book, Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky, The Space Between is used to create deliberate tension. Moose vies for a spot in the alphabet and Zebra is the referee trying to corral Moose and keep him from ruining the procession of letters. At one point, Zebra says, “No! Now, move off the page.” The page turn reveals whether or not Moose moves and what his next antics might be.
The next time you are reading or writing a picture book, think about The Space Between. Think about the words and actions you commit to paper as well as the ones you don’t. Think about that pause, the breath that is the page turn. What does your “space between” say?
November is Picture Book Month!
Read * Share * Celebrate!
Dianne de Las Casas is an award-winning author, storyteller, and founder of Picture Book Month, who tours internationally presenting author visit/storytelling programs, educator/librarian training, and workshops. Her performances, dubbed “revved-up storytelling” are full of energetic audience participation. The author of twenty books, her children’s titles include The Cajun Cornbread Boy, Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach, Mama’s Bayou, The Gigantic Sweet Potato, There’s a Dragon in the Library, The House That Witchy Built, Blue Frog: The Legend of Chocolate, Dinosaur Mardi Gras, Beware, Beware of the Big Bad Bear, and The Little “Read” Hen. Visit her website at diannedelascasas.com. Visit Picture Book Month at picturebookmonth.com.
112 comments
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November 3, 2012 at 12:08 am
Elizabeth Rose Stanton
You’ve got me thinking 😉 🙂
Thank you!
November 3, 2012 at 11:34 pm
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
The Space Between can be very powerful. Glad it got you thinking and… you’re welcome! 🙂
November 3, 2012 at 12:09 am
tinamcho
I love this phrase, Diane…”the space between.” I’ll think about this when I read my next pb and write my next draft. Thanks for pointing this out!
November 3, 2012 at 11:34 pm
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
I had to come up with a name that described it. “The Empty Space” sounded so negative. LOL Thank you!
November 3, 2012 at 11:35 pm
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
And actually, the space is not empty at all… The Space Between can be quite full!
November 3, 2012 at 1:27 am
Ian Robertson
With all the space between (my ears) hopefully I’m a natural? Thank you Dianne, I’ve always been a believer of ‘it’s not what you say that counts, but…’
November 3, 2012 at 11:36 pm
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
The Space Between your ears (the imagination) is the most powerful place of all. Thank goodness for that! Ian, I am sure you will do things that count! 🙂
November 3, 2012 at 1:38 am
Darshana
excellent post. thanks.
November 3, 2012 at 11:37 pm
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Darshana, thank you for reading. I appreciate it! 🙂
November 3, 2012 at 4:18 am
Marcy P.
Ah yes, this reminds me of a conference I attended where they encouraged attendees to have “white space” in your life.. that if every moment is filled to the max… it’s overwhelming and burdensome. But leave some white space, or “space between” in your books so they also aren’t overwhelming and burdensome… and then use that space strategically to add to the art of the craft! Fun to think about, thanks!
November 3, 2012 at 11:40 pm
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Yes, in promotional materials, “white space” is so important. Giving readers/viewers a place to rest is valuable. Without space, words can morph into “white noise,” like the valueless cacophony of the TV when it is off the air but still turned on. We all need The Space Between in our lives too!
November 3, 2012 at 5:36 am
Lori Mozdzierz
Hmm . . . the Space Between. An excellent tool to move a story forward, especiallly when you write in spare language!
November 3, 2012 at 11:41 pm
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Yes, in picture books, every spare word counts. And that’s why The Space Between is so valuable, you can pack so much punch into what’s not written. Space has infinite value for the writer. 🙂
November 3, 2012 at 6:26 am
Catherine Johnson
This is great to get us thinking, thanks Diane. Our family are huge Pete the Cat fans.
November 3, 2012 at 11:43 pm
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Eric Litwin and I have been friends for years. I have the original, self-published version of Pete the Cat and I am so happy for his phenomenal success. He is a great guy – a truly genuine man. His energy is boundless and contagious. He puts out good karma and it has returned to him a thousand-fold. 🙂 Thank you for your kind words!
November 4, 2012 at 1:51 pm
Catherine Johnson
Wow, I’ll have to tell my kids that. That’s wonderful, Dianne.
November 3, 2012 at 6:31 am
lindamartinandersen
“The space between” is a lovely description for transitions. I look forward to reading a few of these titles with this in mind. Great post! Thanks!
November 3, 2012 at 11:44 pm
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Linda, it was so difficult selecting examples because there are so many good picture books out there! I think you’ll enjoy the books I wrote about. 🙂
November 3, 2012 at 6:38 am
laurasalas
Thanks for highlighting this. I always struggle with this and it makes me wish I was an author/illustrator. Sometimes a pb ms comes out sounding a little hop-skippety without the physical page turn there to insert that space between…
November 3, 2012 at 11:47 pm
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Laura, make that physical page turn! Use your words and create a physical book dummy so that you can see how your story might fall. I highly recommend it. You don’t have to be an illustrator to create The Space Between. I’m not and I break up my MS’s all the time to see how the pages might fall. Try it and let me know how it works for you. Good luck!
November 3, 2012 at 7:03 am
Robyn Campbell
The Space Between. You’ve given me a lot to mull over here. I won’t forget it as I write my stories and read picture books. While reading them I will look for the space between. Thank you. 🙂
November 3, 2012 at 11:49 pm
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Robyn, it’s a powerful tool indeed. Humans tend to want to fill in every space. Ever notice that when there is a lull in conversation, people try very hard to fill in that gap with whatever? I think we sometimes don’t appreciate how powerful The Space Between can be in our lives as a whole! BTW, you’re welcome. 🙂 back atcha!
November 3, 2012 at 7:33 am
Kimberly Thompson Strickler
So well said! And Goodnight Gorilla is such a great example. =)
November 3, 2012 at 11:52 pm
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Kimberly, Peggy Rathman is a genius. Goodnight Gorilla is an amazing book. I LOVE the red balloon and the plucky little mouse! Thank you for your comment! 😀
November 3, 2012 at 8:28 am
Sue Poduska
Love this concept. Too often the space is ignored. Anyone who has spent any time with music is aware that rests are at least as important as the notes that surround them. Readers need space to form their own ideas.
November 3, 2012 at 11:57 pm
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Sue, music is such a good example of that. There are even several various symbols for The Space Between (rest, breath and Caesura) in music! Picture books are like music. There is a lilt and a lull to the story, both in the words and the illustrations. Thank you for reminding me of that, Sue!
November 3, 2012 at 9:00 am
Becky Hall
Taking a quiet breath is always a good idea, even in an action filled picture book. Thank you!
November 3, 2012 at 11:59 pm
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Becky, The Space Between can be the Zen in a picture book. You are right. We all need to take a quiet breath sometimes. I definitely need that this month! LOL
November 3, 2012 at 9:30 am
Heather Newman
The Space Between is a wonderful phrase for the page turn, a good way to think of how I’m using that space as a writer and illustrator. Thank you.
November 4, 2012 at 12:01 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Heather, lucky you that you are both the writer and the illustrator! It might be a little easier for you to create The Space Between in your books… right? 😉
November 3, 2012 at 10:17 am
viviankirkfield
Dianne…it seems I keep ‘running’ into you…rediscovering you through Picture Book Month…and now here you are again. 🙂 Synchronicity at work, perhaps. 🙂
Thank you for this simple way of visualizing the page turn…yes…the space between…brilliant! This will help me as I write to insure there is that ‘moment of anticipation’ before the next page spread is revealed.
November 4, 2012 at 12:05 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Vivian, I suppose it’s kismet that we “meet” here in the Kidlitosphere. 🙂 I am glad that you found your way to Picture Book Month too. Those moments of anticipation are like the days before Christmas for a child. The excitement and tension build… then POW! The good thing with a picture book is that we can start that anticipation all over again, immediately. With Christmas, once the moment is over, we have to wait a whole year for it to begin again! So I guess a picture book is like Christmas every time you read it. 🙂
November 5, 2012 at 12:28 am
viviankirkfield
So true…but add in a birthday celebration or two…with lighted candles on the cake. Blow out the candles and make a wish…for another story, please!!!!
November 3, 2012 at 10:29 am
Catherine Bailey
What a great reminder to focus on the page breaks – and so poetically explained!
November 4, 2012 at 12:06 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Catherine, thank you so much for your sweet words. I love that you think The Space Between is “poetically explained!” 🙂
November 3, 2012 at 10:58 am
Debra Feldman
I like that – “space between” This is a great post. Thank you.
November 4, 2012 at 12:07 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Debra, I am glad I could inspire you in some way. I am sure your books will reflect all of the great inspiration you receive on PiBoIdMo! 😀
November 3, 2012 at 11:11 am
Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards)
Hi Dianne, excellent post about the space between. Great book examples too. Thanks!
November 4, 2012 at 12:09 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Loni, thank you so much. Here’s another great book for you to check out if you haven’t… Herve Tullet’s picture book, Press Here. I wish I would have thought about this book while I was writing this post! It is a BRILLIANT example of The Space Between. If you have already read it, check it out again…
November 3, 2012 at 11:39 am
Lynn Anne Carol
I read this last night before falling asleep. I keep thinking about the quiet space between page turns. What a fundamental truth. Thanks for sharing . . .
and . . . thanks for the book examples. I love to go online and login in to the local library and take out the examples when you folks suggest them.
Keep up the good work.
Lynn~~
November 4, 2012 at 12:11 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Lynn (wait – you have three first names… LOL), I think there is a fundamental truth in The Space Between. It can be applied to life in general as well as picture books. Some of us (Dianne raises her hand) need to create MORE of The Space Between! 😉 Thank you!
November 3, 2012 at 11:44 am
C. C. Gevry
I never thought of this before. I’ll be considering this more in the future.
November 4, 2012 at 12:12 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
C.C., I am glad that I could give you something to think about. That’s the incredible thing about PiBoIdMo, Tara Lazar (who is ALWAYS giving), and this kidlit community. You will always learn something new! I do, all the time! 🙂
November 3, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Ashley Bankhead
This is the first time I have thought about this. It was interesting to read and think about.
November 4, 2012 at 12:15 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Ashley, when I first had the epiphany of The Space Between, it was like I did a face palm. It was soooo obvious to me. But The Space Between is like the air we breathe. It is something we don’t really think about but need; something we take for granted but should be thankful for. I am glad that my post gave you something new to think about. I bet the page turns in a picture book will have so much more meaning for you now! 🙂
November 3, 2012 at 12:00 pm
sspratt2010
Wonderful reminder about the space in between. I’m going to check out the books you mentioned.
November 4, 2012 at 12:17 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
I’m so glad that you value The Space Between. It’s a powerful, real place we should all be aware of when we are writing. I hope you enjoy the books! Happy PiBoIdMo and Happy Picture Book Month!
November 3, 2012 at 1:25 pm
Talynn Lynn
I’ve already heard things during PiBoldMo I have never thought about before during my writing. Very interesting and thought provoking. Still working on today’s idea, but hopefully it will come to me soon.
November 3, 2012 at 4:16 pm
Carol Nelson
Thanks for the reminder. As I work on my revisions, I’ll be spending more time thinking about how the page turns could impact the story.
November 4, 2012 at 12:37 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Carol, the The Space Between in the page turn of a picture book can be a writer’s best asset. We wield the power to create a sensation, an experience, a moment for the reader. I look forward to seeing how The Space Between impacts your future picture books!
November 4, 2012 at 12:20 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Talynn (what a pretty name!), thank you for taking the time to comment. I love that about this forum Tara Lazar has given to us – we learn something new all the time. We are all teachers and students in this life, are we not? 😉
November 3, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Diana Murray
Well said! Thanks, Dianne.
November 4, 2012 at 12:20 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Diana, oh Goddess of the Moon, Hunt, Fertility, and Nature… thank YOU! 😀
November 3, 2012 at 4:40 pm
Lori Grusin Degman
Terrific post, Dianne – thanks so much!
November 4, 2012 at 12:21 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Lori, thank you for taking the time to thank me. 😉 I appreciate how this community of kidlit writers comes together, especially around picture books!
November 3, 2012 at 6:26 pm
Julie Hedlund
Brilliant post and excellent advice on how to use those page turns for full effect!
November 4, 2012 at 12:24 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
OMG. The AMAZING, TALENTED, PHENOMENAL Julie Hedlund said my post was “brilliant and excellent!” Okay, you made my day!!! Thank you and hugs! 😀
November 3, 2012 at 6:41 pm
B.J. Lee
Excellent point, Dianne!
November 4, 2012 at 12:25 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Dear B.J., thank you so much! I am glad that you enjoyed my post!
November 3, 2012 at 6:55 pm
Beth Stilborn
This resonates with me so much. I use those asterisked “space in betweens” naturally in my novels. Thank you for giving a name to them, and for awaking my mind to the way they enhance picture books, as well. Much appreciated, Dianne!
November 4, 2012 at 12:27 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Beth, I am so glad this post resonated with you and that you feel awakened! I feel like that too when I learn something new or realize something new about something I already knew. Who knew?!!
November 3, 2012 at 8:20 pm
JoanneRFritz
Love this post, Dianne! Thanks so much.
November 4, 2012 at 12:28 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Joanne, thank you for the “love!” I sooo appreciate it and am glad there was a “take-away” for you. 🙂
November 3, 2012 at 8:35 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Thank you Dianne – some thing very new to think about and appreciate in picture books!
November 4, 2012 at 12:29 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Cathy, thank you for being a part of PiBoIdMo. The world definitely needs MORE picture books and I am glad we have a community like this from which to derive inspiration!
November 3, 2012 at 9:07 pm
Penny Klostermann
I love the way you described the “space in between”. Thanks for the examples!
November 4, 2012 at 12:30 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Penny, thank you so much for your kind words. I am grateful to you for being a part of this incredible community Tara Lazar created!
November 3, 2012 at 10:20 pm
Joe Wos
The most important thing I teach in my drawing classes is when not to draw. Glad you remembered the lesson!
November 5, 2012 at 8:45 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Joe, I remember very clearly when you were showing me a blank comic strip and talking about what to draw and when to let The Space Between tell the story. It was a very profound lesson, one I try to apply to all of my life. You, my friend, have inspired me in SO many ways! Congratulations on your efforts to create “The World’s Largest Hand-Drawn Maze!” I am working on a maze story and came across all of the articles about you. Perhaps it is kismet that we bump into each other in this Space! Congrats on your many successes. You deserve it! 😀
November 3, 2012 at 11:29 pm
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Thank you all so much for your kind words. Write on!
November is Picture Book Month. Read * Share * Celebrate!
November 4, 2012 at 7:11 am
Janet Smart
Wonderful post. I just re-did one of my PB manuscripts recently and it moved up quite a few steps from ho hum by putting in those ‘space betweens’ that make children want to turn the page to see what comes next. Congratulations on all you success in writing.
November 5, 2012 at 8:47 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Janet, that was a Smart move! hardeeharhar. Like you haven’t heard that one before. Seriously, The Space Between is often overlooked but it is a very powerful tool, especially in a picture book. Congratulations on taking your manuscript to the next level! And thank you.
November 4, 2012 at 7:23 am
thiskidreviewsbooks
I never thought of the “space between”! This was very interesting! 🙂
November 5, 2012 at 8:49 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Thank you very much! I am glad this post got you thinking! 🙂
November 4, 2012 at 8:42 am
Diane Kress Hower
Diane I really enjoyed the post and thank you for picking such a great and overlooked topic. Bravo. 🙂
November 5, 2012 at 8:53 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Diane, it is often the subtleties in life that get overlooked, isn’t it? When a husband takes out the trash every week like clockwork without being nagged, when a child hugs you every day, when you wake up every morning, and The Space Between in our real lives… We all overlook the things that are always in place. But noticing these things can change your day, your week, your year, your life. It can be the difference between a manuscript in a drawer and a book on the shelf. 🙂
November 4, 2012 at 9:32 am
Donna Martin
Thank you, Dianne, for a lovely post. I enjoyed it so much that it actually prompted a picture book for my PiBoIdMo challenge so I guess a double thanks is in order…;~)
Donna L Martin
http://www.donnalmartin.com
http://www.donasdays.blogspot.com
November 5, 2012 at 8:55 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Donna, really? My post prompted a picture book idea? AWESOME. Doing a happy dance for you! Thank you for sharing that. Makes my day! Here’s to many more PiBoIds! Woo hoo!
November 4, 2012 at 1:53 pm
carterhiggins
I’m crazy about you, duh. But I’m crazy about this post! This is why you are a genius. XO!!
November 5, 2012 at 8:57 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Carter, well I guess we are part of the SMA (Society of Mutual Admiration) because I simply adore YOU! Anyone reading this comment… Carter makes the most genius book trailers. Hire her. Seriously. She is Picture Book Month’s official motion graphics designer and does all of our wonderful videos! Carter RAWKS!
November 4, 2012 at 6:20 pm
laurimeyers
I love the idea of leaving things unsaid, but why is it so hard to do? Like the other day when I had the bright idea to write down my current complaints for my husband rather than yelling…yeah I still told him all the complaints later. Though I will say I didn’t yell. Maybe if I can’t leave things unsaid, I can say them very quietly instead.
November 5, 2012 at 8:59 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Lauri, try this. Write a picture book about conflict resolution. Read it to your hubby. Or write down the things that you LOVE about him. Read those to him instead of the complaints. I bet he’ll appreciate that so much more and respond to you much more lovingly. Then The Space Between you two at night in bed will be filled with love and admiration as you both dream… 🙂
November 5, 2012 at 2:08 pm
laurimeyers
You are a wonderful author AND marriage counselor! And I think you just gave me picture book idea #5! (You are right, there are some things you don’t want any space between…)
November 7, 2012 at 3:51 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Yay, Lauri! To ❤ in your Space Between!
November 4, 2012 at 6:40 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
I love this post and “The Space Between.” I’ve never heard if called this, but now I don’t think I will ever forget it, but that’s a good thing! 🙂
November 5, 2012 at 9:06 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Jennifer, I needed a name to describe more than just a page turn because, especially in a picture book, The Space Between is so much more than just a page turn. It’s a metaphysical action that takes place whether you notice it or not. But when you do notice it, you’ll see picture books in a different light! Best wishes for a fabulous PiBoIdMo and Happy Picture Book Month!
November 5, 2012 at 2:07 am
julietclarebell
It’s a great description and it’s one of my favourite parts of picture books. Thank you for your post. And slightly off topic, you’ve got me wanting to revisit an old pb manuscript of mine that talks about ‘the space between’ things! All the best, Clare.
November 5, 2012 at 9:08 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Clare, good for you for dusting off an old PB manuscript! I hope that you’ve been inspired to make the changes that will greatly improve your manuscript and get it published! Yay you! 😀
November 5, 2012 at 10:35 am
Brook Gideon
What an excellent post on a most important part of the picture book story! The anticipation in a page turn is wondrous and wants to impel us forward into the story. Thank you for explaining it with such clarity!
November 6, 2012 at 5:30 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Brook, thank you very much for your kind words. The page turn is such a powerful partner to a picture book author and illustrator! You want that Space Between to propel readers forth, to want to take the next step. The other day James Burks talked about running in his post. The Space Between is like the momentary pause the runner takes to relax his body, to rejuvenate his spirit, and to reinvigorate his motivation to run more. It’s not empty or passive. It’s intentional and purpose-filled. I hope your Space Between tells your story as well as your words do! 🙂
November 5, 2012 at 11:37 am
Laura Anne Miller
Dianne – sorry I’m late reading this (I think I was in the space between all weekend)…..what a very wise observation you have made…dramatic tension, surprise, gasps…if there were music playing….duh..duh…daaaah!! and release after the space between….Funny thing….I learned additional things too, by reading all your kind responses to the commenters, as well as encouragement and book references! My library list keeps getting longer ….I think I’ll borrow my husband’s card too. Thank you for taking the time to motivate and cultivate!!
November 6, 2012 at 5:40 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Laura, in Cyberspace, you are never late! You’ve arrived just in time! 😉 Here’s another book to add to your ever-growing list. Check out The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce. It’s a brilliant use of The Space Between. What is interesting is that Bill Joyce created a 2012 Academy Award-winning animated short of this story first. You see, Bill is a film-maker. You MUST watch the film too and then read the book. You’ll notice The Space Between in both but, in the book, it is adjusted to fit the tempo of the static medium of the book.
There is a page where Morris “began to wander. And wander.” It shows him walking into the horizon (which also serves as The Space Between). The reader is left to wonder where he wanders! It’s brilliant. Then there’s The Space Between. The reader turns the page and… the next page is full of colorful surprises. You will notice, almost immediately, the ode to Wizard of Oz in this delightful picture book.
It’s definitely one of my favorite books of 2012. I can’t believe I forgot to include it in my post! But back to you… I am glad that you are motivated and hope you cultivate many ideas this PiBoIdMo and Picture Book Month! Happy Wanderings! 😀
November 6, 2012 at 10:30 am
Laura Anne Miller
Thanks, Dianne…I’m off to see the Morris….after I vote…Blessings on your day!!
November 7, 2012 at 3:52 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Let me know what you think of the book, Laura. Glad you rocked the vote. I did too and stood an hour in high heel boots to do. Not complaining, just saying I was fashionable while rocking my vote. LOL
November 5, 2012 at 5:10 pm
michelleol
The space between is also the space for the illustrator to add to the story!
November 6, 2012 at 5:51 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Michelle, there is so much room in a picture book for the illustrator to add to the story. There is the subtext (yet, another post for another day), possible “Easter eggs” (hidden gems left for the reader to find), and even encrypted messages (Like in Laura Vaccaro Seeger’s Green). But I do feel that The Space Between is a place for the author and the illustrator to take a break and let the reader fill in the “blanks,” so to speak. It can be a scene transition, a dialogue transition, and even a mood transition. Read a bunch of different picture books – some humorous (like It’s A Book by Lane Smith), some poignant (like The Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson), and some full of action (like Big Chickens Go to Town by Leslie Helakoski). Even within the different types of picture books, you will see that purposeful Space Between. Good luck and here’s to many PiBoIds this month! 🙂
November 6, 2012 at 3:03 am
ray hunt
some people say that I have too much space Between… but I don’t have space disease…
November 6, 2012 at 5:58 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Ray, perhaps you need to work with a picture book critique group. A good mentor or critique buddy can help you iron out any issues you may have in your picture book manuscript. Yes, there can be too much of The Space Between or even, not enough of it. A good picture book has purposeful pacing, intentional writing, and deliberate illustrating. Everything must work together to tell a good story. Without all of the pieces in place, a car might work but it doesn’t run smoothly. The good news is that there are many ways to tell a story whereas there might only be a couple ways for a car to work properly. 😉 Good luck with your picture books, Ray!
November 6, 2012 at 6:14 am
Andrea
Thanks for this great tip!
November 7, 2012 at 3:47 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Andrea, you are welcome! Thank you for taking the time to comment. 🙂
November 6, 2012 at 9:40 am
Sharon Putnam
Great post!! I really like the idea of thinking about the “space between” as I write.
November 7, 2012 at 3:49 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Sharon, thank you so much! I hope that you will notice what your Space Between in your picture book says… Good luck with your writing! 😀
November 8, 2012 at 8:47 am
Liz Miller
I’m way behind with my reading here but had to say there are so many lovely things in this post Dianne but ‘the breath that is the page turn’ will stay with me for always now. Thank you 🙂
November 9, 2012 at 3:03 am
Kristiane Pedersen
Thank you. I have a lot of thinking to do! Thank you for your post. What a wonderful concept to have floating in my brain. I needed this!
November 10, 2012 at 12:53 am
Jenny Boyd
Well said. Definitely something to think about as I turn some of these ideas into stories. Thanks!
November 10, 2012 at 11:59 am
Jarm Del Boccio
Good thoughts, Dianne! I never took notice of the spaces before…but now I will. Appreciate your insightful post.
November 11, 2012 at 10:41 pm
Marcie Colleen
I love this idea of the page turn as the space between. Wonderful post, Dianne!
November 16, 2012 at 10:36 am
Jill Proctor
So true and so important to remember. And fun! Thank you so much for your post.
November 16, 2012 at 8:39 pm
Debbie Mickelson
The Space Between…. Definitely makes me think as I write. Thanks.
November 20, 2012 at 1:54 am
Lisa Olson
Great post!
November 20, 2012 at 8:33 pm
SevenAcreSky
What a great insight! The unseen but absolutely real place…in the writers’ hopes and the readers’ minds. Thanks, Damon Dean
November 30, 2012 at 3:16 am
Kathryn Ault Noble
Dianne, I came back to say I’ve been thinking about the space between, realizing that I was trying to tell very linear stories, with too much information inbetween. Thanks!