I’m lucky to be good friends with several very important book reviewers.
Like my neighbor, Ashley.
At 3:47 PM each Monday through Friday, as we wait at the bus stop for the big kids to come home, six-year-old Ashley recounts the books read aloud in her first grade classroom that day.
Don’t let the pigtails fool you. You thought Kirkus was tough? You haven’t heard Ashley.
But last month, Ashley bestowed her first starred review:
“It-was-an-old-book-about-a-monkey-who-was-eating-spaghetti-and-the-monkey’s-friend-wanted-to-play-with-her-but-the-monkey-didn’t-wanna-play-because-she-was-eating-spaghetti!”
“And it was really, really good!”
My mouth hung open.
I knew that book.
I loved that book—back when I had pigtails.
Thumbs clumsy with excitement, I fumbled my way through an Alibris search on my phone.
“That’s it!” said Ashley. “Order it!”
I did. And the waiting (and whining) began.
For days, cries of “But why isn’t it here yet?” echoed around our neighborhood.
“Be patient,” said Ashley.
“No,” I pouted.
But finally, the package arrived.
I ran to the bus stop.
I tore open the padded mailer.
And there it was:
MORE SPAGHETTI, I SAY! by Rita Golden Gelman, illustrated by Jack Kent (Scholastic, 1977).
“Read!” commanded Ashley.
We plunked down on the curb. I opened the cover—and two wires in my brain connected.
It had been *mumble mumble mumble* years since I’d held a copy of this book, but suddenly, I remembered the words before I read them.
I remembered the pictures before I saw them.
And I remembered how they worked together.
Humor. Friendship. Rhythm. Repetition. Brevity. The power of the page turn. The fun satisfaction of a mirror story.
All the elements I try to use in my own writing.
And this was one of the places I’d learned it first.
“Wow,” I whispered.
I couldn’t wait to write that night.
Ashley smiled. “Told you it was good,” she said.
So, awesome writers, as you seek inspiration this month while creating the books of the future, don’t forget to revisit the books of your past, too!
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to get a little writing done before making dinner.
We’re having spaghetti.
Ame Dyckman LOVES picture books. Sometimes she’ll even put them down long enough to write one of her own: BOY + BOT, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino (Knopf; 2012); TEA PARTY RULES, illustrated by K.G. Campbell (Viking; Fall, 2013), WOLFIE AND DOT (working title), illustrator TBD (Little, Brown; TBD).
Ame lives in New Jersey with her family, pets (including a demanding-but-adorable squirrel named Willie) and book collection. Visit Ame at amedyckman.com, or on Twitter @AmeDyckman, where she Tweets “PB book reviews and random goofy thoughts.”
Ame is giving away a signed copy of BOY + BOT plus SWAG—bookmark, sticker, “Affirmative!” bracelet and mini Frisbee! Comment on this post AND complete the challenge to be entered (you’ll be asked to take the “PiBo Pledge” on December 1st to verify you have 30 ideas). A winner will be randomly selected in early December. Good luck!
179 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 8, 2012 at 12:20 am
Ashley N. Bohmer
I’m looking forward to having a “Blast from the Past.” in order to gain a new idea for today.
November 8, 2012 at 12:21 am
Linda Moore
Always love going back to my old favorites, the favorites from when I babysit, my nieces favorites, and even my children’s’ favorites! Great reminder! Hmmm…spaghetti tomorrow. Dinner solved.
November 8, 2012 at 12:37 am
The Backdoor Artist - Mary Livingston
Sounds like time to check in with my grandkids to review some of their “old” favorites. Nice post, thanks.
November 8, 2012 at 12:44 am
jessica shaw
Love this! Every PB writer needs their very own Ashley:) Thanks for the great post, Ame! 🙂
November 8, 2012 at 12:47 am
Susan Halko
Yes! I love that book. I recently revisited another book called Too Much Noise. I remembered listening to the record and looking at the pictures. Brought me right back to the magic.
November 8, 2012 at 6:32 am
Lori Mozdzierz
Thanks for the mention of TOO MUCH NOISE. Forgot all about that one.
November 8, 2012 at 12:48 am
kirabigwood
A “sticky” book is a good book!
November 8, 2012 at 12:52 am
Rebecca Colby
I’ve gone back to reading my ‘George and Martha’ books recently. This post has inspired me to revisit a few more of those childhood gems. Thanks, Ame!
November 8, 2012 at 1:05 am
Gary Masskin
This really resonated with me. Over the past few months, I’ve been sharing some picture books from my own childhood with my daughter. Books that had left my (conscious) memory long ago, came flooding back and I can clearly see how some of them have influenced my (natural?) voice.
November 8, 2012 at 1:09 am
tinamcho
I used this book when I was a teacher!! Very fun. Thanks for this post to revisit our beloved books.
November 8, 2012 at 1:14 am
Elizabeth Stevens Omlor
Ah man. Ame cracks me UP! Loved the twist on the whining bit. =) That is the best sensation, to revisit the books from our childhood. I felt that way recently about Mercer Mayer’s THERE’S A NIGHTMARE IN MY CLOSET. It all clicked. Great post Ame! Thanks Tara!
November 8, 2012 at 1:26 am
Sheila Wipperman
Excellent post, Ame! Plan to revisit a few books of my own. 🙂
November 8, 2012 at 1:30 am
theitaliancob
Ah I must get a hold of the Dorrie books by Patricia Coombs, my blast from the past.
November 8, 2012 at 1:17 pm
S.H. Sherlock
Dorrie stories are some of my most beloved favorites! We were crushed when our local library discarded them. My mom has been collecting them from used booksellers for her “grandma library”
November 8, 2012 at 1:34 am
julietclarebell
I’ve loved revisiting ‘Millions of Cats’, ‘The Elephant and the Bad Baby’ and, really recently, ‘The King, the Mice and the Cheese#. Now I want to get hold of your spaghetti book: We’ve always loved ‘There’s No Such Thing as a Dragon’, also illustrated by Jack Kent. Thank you, and don’t you just love the feeling when you realise you know the words of something you’ve not seen for 35 plus years (that’s me, not you!). Magic.
November 8, 2012 at 1:46 am
growstudios
What a great idea! I have always loved reading, and I picked up a couple old favorites for my son when he was born. But I haven’t yet revisited my dearest favorites and not with an eye to studying for my own writing. Wonderful tip, thanks!!
November 8, 2012 at 4:09 am
Tammi Sauer
Forget Ferris Bueller. YOU’RE my hero. 🙂
November 8, 2012 at 6:00 am
mona
Great post-love the whining twist-that’s what writers do! (whine, and have that surprise factor!)
November 8, 2012 at 6:14 am
The Styling Librarian
Funny enough, I found this book on the shelf today, glad to now enjoy it tonight with my son! 🙂
November 8, 2012 at 6:24 am
Beth Gallagher
Oh yeah, this has always been one of my favorite books! Thanks for a great and inspirational post. My daughter and I LOVE Boy + Bot, and read it 7 times just last night! 😀
November 8, 2012 at 6:31 am
Deborah Cuneo
Great post Ame! I often “revisit” my old favorites in my mind but I recently started re-buying them as well.
November 8, 2012 at 6:31 am
Lori Mozdzierz
Ame, this was an uber good post! It’ll be fun to revisit some seasoned books.
November 8, 2012 at 6:34 am
shumticky
My kids adored _More Spaghetti I Say_ too! Thanks for the reminder to revisit our own “home library.”
November 8, 2012 at 6:38 am
laurasalas
I don’t really remember the picture books of my childhood, so I’m going to borrow yours:>) I’m off to look for this book, which I’d never heard of until today.
November 8, 2012 at 6:40 am
DaNeil Olson
I kept many of my favorite childhood books and have shared them with my children. Now that both are older, your post was an excellent reminder that I need to revisit my “old friend”. Inspiration like your post is always appreciated. Thank you.
November 8, 2012 at 6:57 am
The Ink Pond
I have this book from when I was a child! I love it. I love, love, love reading my favorites from childhood and I am lucky enough that my mom kept A LOT of them! Great ideas, great post. Thank you.
Tia Svardahl, The Ink Pond
November 8, 2012 at 6:57 am
Marcy P.
One of my favorites is “‘Stand Back,’ Said the Elephant, ‘I’m Going to Sneeze!'” My husband one day found my falling-apart copy in my collection and secretly ordered a new one for me. Well, I haven’t gotten rid of my original either. But WHAT FUN it is to take a gem from my childhood and watch my kids fall in love too! SO yes, thanks for this reminder that our childhood books speak to NOW also 🙂
November 8, 2012 at 6:59 am
Diane Kress Hower
Great post reminding us of the great books that stay on shelves and are passed down through the decades!
November 8, 2012 at 6:59 am
erin o'brien
Great post! Thanks for the inspiration, Ame!
November 8, 2012 at 7:01 am
lindamartinandersen
Kids can spot a winner! Thanks for that reminder! I enjoyed your post very much.
November 8, 2012 at 7:14 am
thiskidreviewsbooks
I want this! I still need my idea for today… Nope! Got it! 🙂 Now I need to get that Monkey!
November 8, 2012 at 7:14 am
Cheryl Mansfield
great post Ame! I don’t really remember having picture books as a kid, but I like the idea of going back to your roots. And I’ll look for the spaghetti book, too.
November 8, 2012 at 7:17 am
Yvonne Mes
I love reading my favourite picture book from my childhood, and I read them to my teenager and now again to my toddler, and baby, they always inspire!
November 8, 2012 at 7:22 am
janelle
Excellent! Thanks.
November 8, 2012 at 7:26 am
Debra Elliott
Great post! My grandson would love this one! Thank you for sharing.
November 8, 2012 at 7:27 am
Janet Smart
Great post. I hate to say it, but I’ve never read or heard of that book. I need to ask my kids what books were a favorite of theirs when they were young.
November 8, 2012 at 7:31 am
Jody Jensen Shaffer
Love “Boy + Bot.” Now I’m off to request “More Spaghetti, I Say!” from the library!
November 8, 2012 at 7:33 am
Ellen L. Ramsey
Thanks, Ame, for an inspirational post. I’m off in search of More Spaghetti, I Say! I’m a Millions of Cats fan too, Juliet. And I also love Clare Turlay Newberry’s Pandora.
November 8, 2012 at 7:44 am
Terri
I read Million and Million of Cats before bed last night! I read PBs before bed every night!
November 8, 2012 at 8:27 am
julietclarebell
yay!
November 8, 2012 at 7:54 am
Alexa
My book of the past is A Birthday for Frances. That Chompo bar always gets me.
November 8, 2012 at 7:59 am
literaryfriendships
Thanks for this post, Ame and Tara. A strange truth of my life is that when I have gone back to the books of my childhood, I can’t find the magic anymore. I had terrible taste. But I do love the books of my children’s childhoods–George and Martha NEVER disappoints and I will always adore Roxaboxen.
November 8, 2012 at 8:01 am
Laura Thieman
Hooray for neighbors!!!
November 8, 2012 at 8:02 am
Jenny Boyd
Feeling nostalgic now . . . Some of my childhood favorites are: Caps for Sale, Ira Sleeps Over, Amelia Bedelia, and Russell Hoban’s Frances books.
November 8, 2012 at 8:03 am
Sue Poduska
Sometimes, you have to go with the classics. Great story!
November 8, 2012 at 8:04 am
Gail Kamer
I remember this too. I’m off to the library to check it out again!
November 8, 2012 at 8:06 am
Therese Nagi
Sharing a love of classic books with our children is a good thing! I kept and shared the book “Ten Apples Up on Top” with my two kids.
November 8, 2012 at 8:08 am
Diana Murray
Oh my gosh! I LOVE “More Spaghetti, I Say!”! It’s one of my seven-year-old’s favorite books of all time. A nice, easy read for beginners and so funny. We must have read it 50 times last year. Good idea to revisit old favorites! Thanks, Ame!
November 8, 2012 at 8:11 am
Diana Murray
Awesome swag, btw!
November 8, 2012 at 8:08 am
Sharon Putnam
I’ve kept many of my favorite childhood books and am still looking for others that have been lost over the years. I’m adding this one to my list
November 8, 2012 at 8:12 am
Jacqueline
Thanks for the great advice and for making me laugh! My mother kept all of my old picture books, and I read them to my kids (who are now teenagers), so now I’m going to browse through them again.
November 8, 2012 at 8:17 am
Maria
Ame, I’m always amused by your stories (both personal and published ) Thank you for sharing, this was too cute! Favorite moment? Being told by a 6yo to be patient 😉
November 8, 2012 at 8:18 am
Julie Falatko
I don’t know More Spaghetti! I’ve got to go find it. Jack Kent is such a favorite of mine. His Dooly and the Snortsnoot was a favorite when I was a kid, and also The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Burroway Lord. That one’s a masterpiece.
Ame Dyckman is one of my favorite people to follow on Twitter!
November 8, 2012 at 8:24 am
aneducationinbooks
Oh, I’ll have to dig up “The Nose Book.”
November 8, 2012 at 8:25 am
Ann Ingalls
My kindergarten students loved this book so much. I read it over and over again to them. None of us tired of the read.
November 8, 2012 at 8:29 am
michelleol
I don’t know More Spaghetti but it is not on my search list. This halloween, I enjoyed sharing POPCORN by frank ash (http://www.amazon.com/Popcorn-Frank-Asch/dp/1563832798/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352380994&sr=1-3&keywords=popcorn) with my little boy. It was a childhood favorite of mine!
November 8, 2012 at 8:46 am
Pat Haapaniemi
I’m loving all these great posts! Plan to pick up some of my old favorites!
November 8, 2012 at 8:48 am
Natasha
How great for Ame to have a connoisseur of the genre as close as the neighborhood bus stop. Old book? 1977. Sigh.
November 8, 2012 at 8:53 am
Jenn Bower
Thanks, Ame! This is great advice. I am driven by nostalgia and recently found my PiBoIdMo and SkADaMo thoughts and ideas gravitating towards a cast of characters that are drawn from my Dad’s family and the stories of his youth he is now telling my daughter. There are specific picture books that I too remember so keenly – as a visual artist, I remember the details of the pictures more so than the words, but I guess that stands to reason.
November 8, 2012 at 8:56 am
laurimeyers
Great post (thumbs clumsy with excitement! Ha!). Can’t wait for your session Saturday!
November 8, 2012 at 8:58 am
Elisa Robinson (@elisaitw)
I’m going to order it, too!
November 8, 2012 at 8:59 am
Becky Hall
Thank you for introducing me to this book! I look forward stepping back in time for a bit.
November 8, 2012 at 9:02 am
h1jackson
LOVE More Spaghetti I Say! An all time favorite in my house as a little girl! My mom read and reread it to us and now I’m the proud owner of it and read it to my kiddos!
November 8, 2012 at 9:11 am
Patricia Tilton
Fun post Amy. Love that it took a child to inspire you to review the books of your childhood. Never read More Spaghetti. What fun!
November 8, 2012 at 9:12 am
sharann
Tougher than Kirkus….wow! Lol! Great post.
November 8, 2012 at 9:14 am
Cheryl
That’s so wonderful the way the book came back around in your life!
Cheryl
November 8, 2012 at 9:24 am
C. C. Gevry
What a great post. One of the nicest things about having a 14 year difference between our oldest and our middle child is that we get to revisit some of the books from his childhood, many of which were books from my childhood, and hopefully will be part of my future granchildren’s reading experience.
November 8, 2012 at 9:34 am
Desiree Batson
What a great idea. I don’t really remember any from my own childhood, but I’m pulling out my little one’s favorites.
November 8, 2012 at 9:35 am
Judy Cox
I love the feeling of reconnecting with a book from my childhood! I haunt library used booksales looking for treasures (and deals). It’s nice to have the internet to search for rare books as well. I recommend Better World Books.com as the proceeds go to support literacy.
November 8, 2012 at 9:35 am
Sally Matheny
Thanks Ame! I love picture books and I’m drawn to some of the older ones too. I still have some books from my childhood packed away in the attic. I think I’ll go dig some of those out and read them today!
November 8, 2012 at 9:41 am
Hilary Leung
Inspirational post! Rediscovering my childhood favourites now!
November 8, 2012 at 9:49 am
Rosalind Adam
I’ve only just discovered your blog (via Picture Book Den) There’s nothing like the love of an old picture book to stir up nostalgia. I’m going to read your earlier posts now. They look to be inspiring. Wish I’d come along before the month began. Is it too late to join?
November 8, 2012 at 9:51 am
Lori Ann
What a great suggestion to dig into our past. Thanks for another book on the reading list!
November 8, 2012 at 9:52 am
LA
Thanks for another book on the must read reading list!
November 8, 2012 at 9:56 am
Lori Alexander
One of my kid faves was “Christina Katerina & the Box” by Patricia Lee Gauch. Need to track it down. Thanks for the fun post, Ame!
November 8, 2012 at 10:06 am
Sheri
I’ll have to check out the book to read about mirror structure, I thought she was referring to a Curious George book. Thanks for your insight.
November 8, 2012 at 10:15 am
viviankirkfield
Ame…thank you so much for validating what I do ALL the time…I’m a fan of classic picture books and I treasure their magical quality. I’m so happy to hear you recommend picture book writers return to the books THEY enjoyed when they were young…for instruction and inspiration. Thanks for adding yet another golden nugget to my 2012 PiBoIdMo treasure chest. 🙂
November 8, 2012 at 10:21 am
Maria Gianferrari
I love those magical moments, re-reading those books that touched and tickled and inspired us as children. And the most fun thing is sharing that with our own children, too!
Thanks for the great post, Ame! And I LOVE Boy + Bot–it’s so sweet!
November 8, 2012 at 10:23 am
Jarm Del Boccio
I’ll have to do just that, Ame…read books from my childhood again. Thanks for the nudge!
November 8, 2012 at 10:33 am
Lynn Anne Carol
I love this paragraph —
“It had been *mumble mumble mumble* years since I’d held a copy of this book, but suddenly, I remembered the words before I read them.”
Now excluding the *mumble mumble mumble* part, isn’t this really what’s it’s all about?
Great post. I can empathize.
Lynn~~
November 8, 2012 at 10:55 am
Melanie Ellsworth
Now I’m really looking forward to reading *More Spaghetti, I Say* and *Boy + Bot*. Thanks for the post – it helps to be reminded of what we absolutely loved in our own childhood books; *The Fourteen Bears in Summer and Winter* was one of my favorites.
November 8, 2012 at 10:56 am
Laura Renauld
Yes, the classics from our childhood touched us for a reason. We need to examine them with a writer’s eye now and figure out why! I can’t wait to read Boy + Bot. It’s been on my library request list! Thanks for posting.
November 8, 2012 at 10:57 am
Caroline Starr Rose
Oh, Ame, this is beautiful the way you captured the words coming to you before you knew you remembered them. This is what makes a picture book sing.
November 8, 2012 at 10:59 am
rlkurstedt
Thanks for sharing Ame and for the reminder revisit old favorites which will often inspire new treasures.
November 8, 2012 at 10:59 am
Quinn Cole
At the start of the year, my resolution was to check out at least 5-7 picture books every week and read them. It has been terrific, helpful to my writing, and not difficult to keep up. Boy + Bot was one of the weekly reads last summer.
November 8, 2012 at 11:09 am
Laura Anne Miller
Gerald McBoing Boing! It was at my Grandma’s when I was growing up and still there when we took our daughters! Shared experiences always draw us closer. May we all create books that unite hearts and lives. Thanks, Ame
November 8, 2012 at 11:09 am
Sue Heavenrich
Thanks for reminding me that those old books we love – we love them for a reason: they’re GOOD! And yes, I’m positive the books I read wa-a-ay back when are responsible for me even wanting to write.
November 8, 2012 at 11:12 am
wendy greenley
Thanks, Ame. This wasn’t a book I was familiar with, so I’m off to see if the library carries it.
November 8, 2012 at 11:19 am
Debbie Austin
What a fun post! I’ve been gleaning picture book titles everywhere I can these days and now More Spaghetti, I Say is going to the top of the list. Thanks for the recommendation and the suggestion to seek inspiration in the books of the past.
November 8, 2012 at 11:34 am
Diandra Mae
Yes, yes, YES! I just spoke at an SCBWI meeting about the importance of your childhood history of reading. I mentioned that as an artist and writer, I could trace the elements of my own style back to very specific titles. I think rereading childhood favorites is an exercise everyone should practice! Great post, Ame.
November 8, 2012 at 11:43 am
Kelly Parker
I love this post, and I frequently think of books from my childhood that I loved. I can only hope one day I will have something that will stand the test of time.
November 8, 2012 at 11:50 am
B.J. Lee
Fabulous post! You had me laughing to remember the wonder of my childhood picture books. I haven’t read More Speghetti before but I will now. thanks again. BTW, I believe we recently connected on Twitter. @bjsweet
November 8, 2012 at 11:58 am
Lynn Alpert (@RedStepchild)
Love it! You’re lucky to have a neighborhood critic!
November 8, 2012 at 11:59 am
Lisa Anchin
I loved that book! Such a good post about childhood and remembering who you were as a kid. Those first books are some of the most important. Thanks!
November 8, 2012 at 12:01 pm
Elizabeth Rose Stanton
I really enjoyed this post. One of my favorite things to do is rummage through children’s book sections of used bookstores. In addition to finding new treasures, I very often run across long forgotten but loved books and, boy!, does it ever make all the senses light up! This is such great advice! Thank you!
November 8, 2012 at 12:02 pm
Tracy
Awesome post! I wish I remembered more of the books I loved as a small child with pigtails.
November 8, 2012 at 12:04 pm
evelynchristensen
I love reading picture books I delighted in as a child. Very special memories. And what a great reviewer you know. I hope if one of my picture books ever gets published, there’ll be a kid who feels that way about it. Thanks for the post.
November 8, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Sharon Calle
Great post! My favorite books were The Frog and Toad series. I loved the contrast of those two memorable characters!
November 8, 2012 at 1:03 pm
cravevsworld
Looks like I need to add this my literary bucket list. I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative of your post!
November 8, 2012 at 1:14 pm
Deb B
I have to go find that one for my kids. You are so right, nothing makes you want to write more than reading a good book!
November 8, 2012 at 1:25 pm
deborah freedman
Love BOY & BOT, and can’t wait to see your next books, Ame!
November 8, 2012 at 1:31 pm
ray hunt
Who Will Tend Charlie was my favorite!
November 8, 2012 at 1:52 pm
Rebecca Walton Evans
Isn’t that funny how your brain sees that stuff and stores it away and YEARS later you re-discover what your brain already knew!
November 8, 2012 at 1:59 pm
Jean Hall
I LOVE prizes – and obviously, so does everyone else!
One of my all time fave PBs is /The Wee Moose/. I read it to my children and they loved it, too.
Jean
November 8, 2012 at 2:14 pm
Ashley Bankhead
I don’t think I have read this book before. I guess I am off to the library. It is always great to find new books to delight and inspire.
November 8, 2012 at 2:29 pm
bucherwurm65
“Harry, The Dirty Dog” that’s the first picture book I remember reading independently and loving as a child. One of my second graders found it in our school library and read it to me last week. I loved it as much as ever 40 years later. Thank you for the great post.
November 8, 2012 at 2:46 pm
LeslieG
More posts, I say! (They’re all so good!) Many thanks for this one, Ame.
November 8, 2012 at 3:16 pm
Mary Flynn
Yeah Dr. Seuss here I come, and if I can find those little Golden Books. By the way we’re having spaghetti too.
November 8, 2012 at 3:21 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
My favorites then are still favorites today: every book written and illustrated by Don Freeman!
November 8, 2012 at 3:23 pm
Jennifer Hawes
That was refreshing! Thanks:)
November 8, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Andrea Wang
Wonderful post! Thanks so much, Ame. One of my fave childhood PBs was The Five Chinese Brothers — it was the first book I ever read that featured Chinese protagonists!
November 8, 2012 at 4:11 pm
Stacy Couch
My first was a Read-a-Long Sleeping Beauty…Disney style…danced with the book while Tchaikovsky played
November 8, 2012 at 4:26 pm
laurieajacobs
Enjoyed the post and am craving spaghetti!
November 8, 2012 at 4:26 pm
Ame Dyckman
WOW, you guys! I’m having a BLAST reading the blasts from YOUR past! YOU ROCK! (And Tammi, your comment made me laugh and blow tea out my nose! HA!) THANKS, EVERYBODY! 🙂
November 8, 2012 at 4:42 pm
Julie Dietzel-Glair
I wish I had any of my picture books from when I was little. I do still have my first copy of Charlotte’s Web. It has my name and the year I received it written on the inside cover. It is one of my most prized posessions.
November 8, 2012 at 5:30 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
They don’t call them oldies-but-goodies for nuthin’. Look back, but move forward.
November 8, 2012 at 5:39 pm
Rachel Hamby
Just picked up Boy + Bot at my library yesterday to study Tammi’s examples of different structures. Great book and great post. thx.
November 8, 2012 at 5:43 pm
Larissa
Some of my best inspiration comes while reading favorite children’s books from my past!
November 8, 2012 at 6:46 pm
Gail Handler
I love book nostalgia moments!!! I’m a bunch older than you so my nostalgia book comes from the 50s…The Bundle Book by Ruth Krauss (I think they re-titled it something like Just What I Need) After the first read, I had it memorized and insisted on playing the game many times a week. You can imagine how thrilled my mom was when she had finished making the beds and I scurried under the covers shouting out the words to gain her participation. Bless Mom and her patience!
November 9, 2012 at 4:18 pm
Joanne Roberts
I LOVE that book!
November 8, 2012 at 7:46 pm
Lois Sepahban
I love that story! Thanks for a great post!
November 8, 2012 at 7:55 pm
Lauri
I can’t believe I’ve never read this one. I have to look for it now. Thanks for the post.
November 8, 2012 at 7:59 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Ame, great post! Thank you. And pleeeeeeeze let my name be drawn for the awesome give-away! I love Boy + Bot!
November 8, 2012 at 8:15 pm
Tim Canny
Great advice! I’m going to re-read Chicken Soup With Rice and To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street – two of my all-time favorites.
November 8, 2012 at 8:25 pm
Deb
The prize opportunities are amazing, the advice and inspiration is awesome.. A ++ I SAY! Thanks!
November 8, 2012 at 8:56 pm
Dawnyelle moore
I think I will have to take a day off of work to do some research at the local library on all these great books! I can not believe hoe consistently awesome these posts are! I am continually inspired!
November 8, 2012 at 8:58 pm
Rick Starkey
The first PB I remember was about a kid flying on a horse to sleepytown. Or something like that. I wish I could find a copy. I don’t even remember the title.
Thanks for the great post.
November 8, 2012 at 9:42 pm
martidl
Ame,
Your lovely post took me back in time forty years or more…thank you!
Donna L Martin
November 8, 2012 at 9:51 pm
Jennifer Glahn Reck
This is such a great post! I love “More Spaghetti I Say!” I love child critics…They are the best!Tonight I’ll look to In the Forest by Marie Hall Ets for inspiration.
November 8, 2012 at 9:58 pm
JoanneRFritz
Adored this post, Ame! I still have some of my old, falling-apart picture books, so it’s easy for me to get a blast from the past. Oh, and I would love to win a copy of your book. Thanks for the opportunity.
November 8, 2012 at 10:22 pm
Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards)
I remember that book! I love finding books at the library that I read when I was little. It is so fun to revisit them. That is a great idea to use them as a resource to inspire. Great post Ame!
November 8, 2012 at 10:44 pm
Linda Graden
Since I had to leave my little girl at college two months ago, I almost cry every time I see or hear about a picture book! But we still have most of her children’s books, which I will be revisiting! Thanks, Ame!
November 8, 2012 at 10:58 pm
Sheri Dillard
Great post! Thanks, Ame! 🙂
November 8, 2012 at 11:04 pm
PPBF: The Little Red Caboose…Building Self-Esteem in Children « Positive Parental Participation
[…] PiBoIdMo: Picture Book Idea Month is the brain-child of children’s author,Tara Lazar. If you signed up, you are already immersed in the world of picture books…trying to come up with 30 fresh ideas for picture book manuscripts during this month. But, even if you have not joined the challenge, please run over there…don’t walk… to read an AMAZING guest post EVERY DAY this month…these posts will instruct and educate you…as well as motivate you to write the picture book that every child will want to read over and over again. For example, today’s post, by author Ame Dyckman, encourages us to revisit the picture books of our youth to recapture the magic we felt back then as each page turned and we eagerly anticipated the next one. […]
November 8, 2012 at 11:34 pm
C
I remember reading this to my first graders years ago…and it wasn’t a new book then either. Thanks for the memory. Now I need to dig into all of those books I read to my children and my students–yes, I still have them!
November 9, 2012 at 12:11 am
Dorina Lazo Gilmore
This post was a great reminder to return to my roots. You got me thinking about all the books that lured me for re-reads as a child. Most of them had language that danced. And now I’ve got to be-bop off to my idea journal because I have a few ideas waltzing through my mind.
November 9, 2012 at 12:23 am
Christy Peterson
Thanks! I bet all kids wish they lived in your neighborhood. 😉
November 9, 2012 at 12:51 am
Angie Breault
I’ve never read the monkey and spaghetti book, but I definitely get inspired by some of my favorites (Dr. Suess). I’ve been having so much fun coming up with new ideas and characters. Hopefully I’ll get a new children’s book or two out of them. Question… If I started the challengeon November 3rd, that gives me two less days to come up with 30 ideas by December first. Do I need to double up a couple days, or can I take the pledge on December third after my thirty days are up? Please let me know. Thanks and God Bless, Angie
November 9, 2012 at 1:22 am
wendymyersart
Now I want to read the monkey and spaghetti book..and eat spaghetti! What a great, very fun post. All kinds of memories from childhood are running loose in my brain now. Gotta go doodle & write….
November 9, 2012 at 1:32 am
Talynn Lynn
I love finding old friends at the book store or rummage sales. My kids always look at really funny because of the way I swoon when I find one:) but then the shoe is on the other foot when one of my teens find an old favorite! hehe!
November 9, 2012 at 2:25 am
Kristiane Pedersen
You’ve got me thinking about all the books that have touched me. How so much of who I am is connected to what I have read throughout my life. Thank you for your encouragement and insight.
November 9, 2012 at 5:44 am
pennymorrison
Ame, you so got me with the ‘be patient’ bit! I loved this post and I will take your advice with getting out some old favourites. Right now my 5 year old will only listen to books with crocodiles or … guess what … monkeys! It might be an excuse to buy this spaghetti book.
Actually, Boy + Bot is one of his favourites too. We already have it, but I wanted to comment because I loved your post.
November 9, 2012 at 2:01 pm
wendymyersart
Crocodiles? Oh yes!
How about “The House on East 88th Street”, “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile”, “There’s an Alligator Under My Bed”, and “Counting Crocodiles” ?
My daughter (and I ) loved these!
Wendy
November 9, 2012 at 8:54 am
Emily Lim-Leh
Love your Boy + Bot cover and story! It’s so clever! Hope the book makes it to sunny Singapore! Better still, hope I win it!
November 9, 2012 at 9:14 am
Angela De Groot
The oldies are goodies – so glad to hear that a youngster thinks so too.
November 9, 2012 at 10:44 am
Catherine Johnson
Great idea. I often look back to Little Red Riding Hoosld, my old favorite.
November 9, 2012 at 10:54 am
Holly
Heh! Yes, kids are the best critics.
Now I have to go find that monkey-spaghetti book too! Thanks for the recommendation.
November 9, 2012 at 12:30 pm
Rena Traxel
Sounds like a fun book.
November 9, 2012 at 4:27 pm
Joanne Roberts
I LOVE Boy + Bot! I laughed out loud at Ashley’s description, because we’ve borrowed “More Spaghetti” out of the library a gazillion times! I’ve gotta go to go read Dr. Seuss’s “Come Over To My House” now.
November 9, 2012 at 10:41 pm
Jennifer Ali
One of the first picture books I remember being captivated by was Weeny Witch. I was in kindergarten and it was kind of spooky and fairy-tale-ish. I wasn’t sure if I had the title right after so many years, but I found a copy online years ago and it’s just as I remembered. Picture books stay with you.
November 9, 2012 at 11:28 pm
Hannah Holt
Wait. Is Willie a pet-pet or a backyard pet? I just watched Rat Race (from 2001?) last night. I love the part where the lady is trying to sell Whoopi Goldberg a squirrel. Squirrels aside, great post, Amie.
November 10, 2012 at 9:53 am
Penny Klostermann
I actually fell in love with picture books as an adult! I loved reading as a child, but we didn’t have a lot of books at our house. Yes, we had a few picture books that Mom would read us over and over.,..and as we grew up, we would read them over and over ourselves. But, I never have read MORE SPAGHETTI, I SAY! I have it on hold at the library 🙂 I’m really looking forward to it. Thanks for the post Ame. You are inspiring!
November 10, 2012 at 10:30 am
Sharon Calle
It’s always great to have a child critique your manuscript/book. That’s who we’re writing for, right?
November 10, 2012 at 10:36 am
Caroline
As I learn more and more about picture book writing, I love going back to old favorites and seeing those same tactics used. There’s reasons why we love those favorite books! Thanks for this post.
November 10, 2012 at 2:27 pm
Catherine
I loved this story, it is amazing where inspiration comes from sometimes. I have googled several childhood favourites recently so that I can revisit them, often they’re much better this time around :o)
November 11, 2012 at 8:00 am
Lynne Marie
I always enjoy hearing Ame and her thoughts!
November 12, 2012 at 11:11 am
Marcie Colleen
Oh my goodness! MORE SPAGHETTI, I SAY was one of my very very favorite books when I was a kid! I need to get my hands on a copy asap! (you gotta love the monkey with the totally 70’s hat, books and necklace!)
Thanks for the flash from the past.
This past weekend, while at the NJ SCBWI Craft Weekend, I started getting interested in finding old Golden Books from my past. Let the search begin!
November 12, 2012 at 12:32 pm
stephseclecticinterests
Love this post! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to check out the price of “Are You My Mother?” It was one of my faves as a little girl. My mom read it to me and I read it to my three when they were little.
November 12, 2012 at 2:29 pm
Cath Jones
Lovely post 🙂 Totally relate to it.
Year after year, when I was a teacher, I read books to my pupils. The ones that never failed were the ones I cherished from my own childhood. It’s great when a whole new generation discovers an old favourite. If you ever stumble across Timothy and Two Witches by Margaret Storey, snap it up. It’s timeless.
November 12, 2012 at 5:31 pm
Brook Gideon
I just picked up one of my old favorites, Little Toot, just yesterday. Had forgotten all about it. It’s wonderful to revisit the old stories and all that comes with it! Thank you for the great post!
November 12, 2012 at 6:41 pm
angelapenadahle
I love going back and reading familiar books of my childhood past. Thanks for this ever important reminder. 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 7:03 pm
Kathryn Ault Noble
Isn’t it fun to find a book from childhood?! Mine goes back much, much further to a little book called “Cry Baby Calf”. It was fun to find it again. And thank you for the reminder to pull out our picture books each day!
November 13, 2012 at 2:39 am
Anjali Amit
If we’re going down memory lane I’d go also to Beatrix Potter’s books. How I loved the illustrations! Now we have rabbits who gambol through our yards, and create enough drama for a PB idea or two!
Anjali
November 13, 2012 at 9:57 am
still a dreamer
This makes me wonder what books of my own childhood may have to offer. You’ve made me want to take a trip down (little-girl) memory lane. 🙂
Jeanne
November 13, 2012 at 3:51 pm
daniela weil
i love it!! love your post. so inspiring. im afraid though, if i go to search to buy this book (its not available at the library), it’s going to be backordered by a few dozen people that read this posting before me!
btw, my main childhood book was Struwwelpeter (i come from germanic descent)… which i may NOT want to be a strong influence in my writing lest I want to traumatize little kids… 😉
November 13, 2012 at 7:06 pm
Claudia Broglio
Loved this post and your presentation at the NJSCBWI this past weekend.
November 13, 2012 at 7:38 pm
SevenAcreSky
Ame, I know this feeling! Lately my granddaughter pulled a book off the shelf that I had last heard 50+ years ago on Captain Kangaroo! It was read aloud to me, and I loved the story…PING, a duck that found himself lost from his forty-two cousins on the Yangtze river. What memories rise out of an experience like that! Loved your post, thanks for sharing. – Damon Dean
November 13, 2012 at 10:17 pm
Lori Grusin Degman
Great idea to pull out some of my favorite childhood books! Thanks, Ame!!
November 14, 2012 at 10:01 pm
Roxanne
Aren’t kids the best? Fresh and honest. Love it.
November 15, 2012 at 9:14 am
Veronica Bartles (@vbartles)
What a great idea! Now, I want to go check out ebay to see if I can find one of my favorite childhood books that went out of print many, many years ago…
November 16, 2012 at 11:50 am
Jill Proctor
I will have to think about what pic books stood out for me – it was so long ago. But it’s a good exercise. Can’t wait to see what I come up with. Grand kids are helpful as well. Thanks so much!
November 16, 2012 at 8:19 pm
Debbie Mickelson
Loved this story. Wonderful that a child helped you remember a special book from your childhood. I enjoy reading all of the books that people mention too.
November 16, 2012 at 8:31 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
I remember that book! What a fun memory!
November 16, 2012 at 8:37 pm
Priscilla Mizell
BOY + BOT SWAG? Oh man, how can you resist that?
Thanks for the reminder to return to my favorite PBs from childhood. 🙂
November 18, 2012 at 10:41 am
Laura Hamor (@LauraHamor)
Great advice! It’s fun to revisit the old book friends!
November 19, 2012 at 4:55 pm
Christie Wright Wild
Thanks for the chance to win your book. I hope I complete the challenge!
November 20, 2012 at 1:52 am
Lisa Olson
Great post!
November 25, 2012 at 11:36 pm
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
I loved MORE SPAGHETTI, I SAY! as a kid – thanks for the reminder!
December 2, 2013 at 3:15 pm
Lena Podesta
Thanks for the advice. Boy + Bot is becoming a classic in our household btw.