I was taken aback this week when a girl posted a comment on my blog in regards to the 365+ Things Kids Like post:
what the hell im i kid i dont like most the things on that list [sic]
OK, so we’ve got one unusual and outspoken kid out there. I mean, nearly 365 things is a lot NOT to like. Although I assume that this kid does like #21 Being Independent, #175 Ignoring Adults and #201: Knowing More than Everyone Else. And this kid may not be of picture-book age (less than 8 years old), given the language.
I add to this list periodically, to keep track of subjects that may work in a future picture book manuscript. But one thing I forgot is that kids like to be unique individuals. Not every child loves riding skateboards and roller coasters. Some are scared of clowns or think they’re stupid. And licorice? Blech. I know I hate it.
This leads me to ask–how do you know the subject of your story will appeal to a broad range of children?
Because at its heart, a picture book isn’t about a dragon or a robot. It’s about an emotional truth–friendship, family, fitting in. Carving out your place in the world. Accomplishing your goals.
So I have to add two things to the list of 365+ Things That Kids Like:
- Being loved and appreciated.
- Having their voice heard.
11 comments
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May 21, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Corey Schwartz
Oh, good ones to add!
May 21, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Corey Schwartz
Based on my own son, I’d also say they like “being older” than someone. Anyone! Even a dog 🙂
Ha! Now there’s a picture book idea in there somewhere!
May 21, 2010 at 5:05 pm
tara
Yeah, as kids we want to be older. Funny how that soon morphs into wanting to be younger.
May 21, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Jacqui
3. Getting to be the one who’s right and maybe not so nice about it. For a change.
I’m not being flip, I promise — darned internet no-inflection business 🙂
May 21, 2010 at 5:05 pm
tara
Oooh, that’s definitely a good one.
May 21, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Myrna Foster
LOL! It sounds like the kid was having one of those days. My kids have days where they don’t like much of anything, but not very often (thank goodness). I like your additions.
May 21, 2010 at 4:37 pm
giovanna
In my entire 35 years I have met one person who liked licorice. The red ones. And she’s a little off : )
May 21, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Lisa and Laura
OK, we are two card carrying members of the Twizzler fan club. Loud and proud, people. LOUD and proud.
P.S.
And yeah, we’re also a little off. Don’t judge.
May 23, 2010 at 8:16 am
Heather Kephart
Love it!
Don’t forget #416: Not liking things! lol
Great list, by the way. Going to bookmark it. (Do people still say bookmark?)
May 25, 2010 at 9:59 am
Susanne Drazic
Good ones to add to the list. Thanks for sharing it.
Black licorice is my favorite. : )
Susanne Drazic
http://susannedrazic.blogspot.com/
May 27, 2010 at 10:46 am
rahmama
Great list. I also loved your comment “Yeah, as kids we want to be older. Funny how that soon morphs into wanting to be younger.”
It got me to wondering, what age does that happen?