by Ame Dyckman
Hi, guys! Need picture book ideas? Me, too. So, I’m not going to be a grown-up today.
Today, I’m going to be a kid.
Wanna play? Go grab a towel. Tie it around your shoulders like mine.
Got your cape on? It’s time to:
Open all the cereal boxes—search for hidden passageways—whisper secrets to a dog—attempt a world record—pick up pennies—make a newspaper hat—sit on top of the monkey bars—build a fort—get fooled by pyrite—try to fool someone else with pyrite—sneak up on pigeons—blow a kazoo—roll down a hill—split your pants—eat a crust-less sandwich—pop bubble wrap—taste paste—rescue worms from puddles—draw the sky as a stripe—pee-pee dance—forget to flush—break a geode—spell Mississippi—beg a cookie—give sticky kisses—staple things—juggle oranges—throw a tantrum—wiggle a tooth—catch a frog—fall down laughing—wear olives on your fingers—race a friend—declare Backwards Day—cross your heart—mix baking soda and vinegar—collect pebbles—spin in circles—lose a sock—thumb wrestle—demand a do-over—run from bees—spray the hose—wish for stilts—build another fort—slide down the stairs—beat pots and pans—dig for buried treasure—help a robot friend who accidentally turned himself off—deny being tired—
Whew! I’m tired. I’ve got some ideas, though. Hope you do, too. Feel free to borrow from the list above. (Except the second-to-the-last-one. I already used that one.)
You can take your cape off now.
No? You’re going to wear yours a little longer?
Me, too!
Ame Dyckman is represented by Super Agent Scott Treimel, Scott Treimel NY. Her debut picture book, BOY AND BOT (illustrated by Dan Yaccarino), will be released by Knopf in Spring, 2012. Ame loves cryptozoology, peanut butter, and screaming at Japanese game shows on TV. She lives in New Jersey (“Go, NJ SCBWI!”) with her husband, daughter, black cats, hermit crabs, fish, and obnoxious-yet-endearing pet squirrel.
As a prize, Ame is offering a chat about… ANYTHING! From getting an agent/book contract to advice on love, money, and your manuscript, Ame answers ALL! (For entertainment purposes only.)
35 comments
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November 26, 2010 at 12:01 pm
laura brown
I feel like I just empty my brain with all these CRAZY ideas!
November 26, 2010 at 12:05 pm
Lynne Marie
What a wonderful prize and not even a sort-of prize. A great prize, Ame! Thanks for offering it, as well as your insights!
November 26, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Dana Carey
Great advice, Ame.
Thanks for a trip down memory lane!
November 26, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Stephanie Shaw
I’m gonna make me a list…
As soon as I get out of the Time Out chair.
Thanks for a great post, Ame!
November 26, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Catherine Johnson
Cool idea! We make so many forts with the sofa cushions, I never thought to do a story about it hmm…
November 26, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Ishta Mercurio
Wow – super advice! Your liveliness and verve are just what one needs to write picture books, I think. Best of luck with your book!
November 26, 2010 at 1:43 pm
nina seven
Brilliant! I loved reading your list of things to do as a kid. Brought back a lotof fum memories and gave me some ideas, too! Thanks so much, Ame!
November 26, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Corey
Off to go play with some superlastic-bubbleplastic! Thanks, Ame!
November 26, 2010 at 4:34 pm
spider2387
I love being a kid again
November 26, 2010 at 7:02 pm
Beth MacKinney
Grown ups get wrapped up in so many things that sap their creative energy. Better to get wrapped up in a towel! Thanks for the ideas and chat prize, too.
November 26, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Rebecca Gomez
I love that list! There are a few of those things that I actually do on a regular basis. But it wouldn’t hurt to do more. Better go get my cape! Or my princess crown!
November 26, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Linda Dimmer
Thanks for the ideas and the chat prize, too! 🙂
November 26, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Sheri A. Larsen
Hah. Great post. And yes, I’m keeping my cape on….lol
November 26, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Catherine Denton
I’m leaving my cape on. THANK you for such a fun day (and post)! I’m inspired again!! (And your prize is awesome!)
November 26, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Marcy Pusey
Wonderful! I have four kids ALL ages and yet I can STILL forget those fun aspects of being a child. Thanks for the memory and THANKS for the kick start to other fun memories! Partnering up with my ‘lil inner girl 🙂
November 26, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Christie Wild
What a great list of kid things! So much fun… I “played” (I mean cleaned and sorted) with my kids’ toys all day today. One bag of trash and one bag of toys to donate. And now they’re all organized. Good thing I wore my cape today. But today’s idea didn’t come until I made a typo in an e-mail.
November 27, 2010 at 1:13 am
Judith
Great creative ideas, Ame. I think I’ll leave my rose colored glasses on for the rest of the month. Then I’ll climb into a box that is really a ship that will take me to India, where I’ll buy a lamp with a genie. You’ve inspired me.
Judith
November 27, 2010 at 6:27 am
Kjersten Hayes
What a fun post! Thanks.
November 27, 2010 at 8:33 am
Susanna
Great post! So inspiring! And now perhaps I shall dig a hole to China – escape from the orphanage – set up a lemonade stand – climb to the top of the apple tree (which is really the crow’s nest) – go on an expedition…. Thank you! Susanna
November 27, 2010 at 10:22 am
Heather Kephart
Great post, Ame! It’s amazing how our adult brains tend to get hijacked by worries and responsibility instead of our imaginations. It’s like we have to strain to do what once came so naturally. If I’m going to do this, I’ll need my red and white striped butt-flapped footie pj’s! Oh, and my Barbie Corvette. (What the heck ever happened to that?!?!?)
November 27, 2010 at 10:38 am
Tricia
Wonderful post! I just hope kids are not losing all those creative activities these days to electronic games and computers.
November 27, 2010 at 12:22 pm
jodi
I loved this post! You seem like a very fun person. I live like this most days, having six kids and one on the way, you can’t help but be a kid every day and I love it! I would not have it any other way. What better way to write for kids then to act like one. You hit the nail on the head!
November 27, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Diana Murray
LOL! Great post. That’s why I love writing for kids. It’s fun, fun, fun. Luckily, with two little kids, I get to do some of the things you mentioned on a regular basis. Thanks for reminding me to bring my writer’s hat to those moments. Or, my writer’s cape. 🙂
November 27, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Kristen Schwartz
Wow am I out of breath now. That was fun!
November 27, 2010 at 9:59 pm
ccgevry
Amazing post! Can’t help but be inspired after that. Good thing I practice being a kid often. I don’t think I could have kept up otherwise.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Cheryl
November 28, 2010 at 12:33 am
Lynn
That was a fun read, full of reminders and ideas. And I got two picture book ideas from reading this page. I will copy your list as a reminder for when I need it. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
November 28, 2010 at 2:12 am
Dorina Lazo Gilmore
I love your list & your challenge to be a kid. As a mama of two energetic girls, I’m challenged once again to get messy, get curious and get groovy in their world – and then get writing. Thanks!
November 28, 2010 at 9:49 am
Sue Heavenrich
This was so fun to read. Do I really have to take my cape off now?
November 28, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Megan K. Bickel
Wow, that list just inspired at least two ideas for me. You are brilliant!
November 28, 2010 at 5:02 pm
M. G. King
Ame, Thanks for declaring Cape-Wearing Day.
November 28, 2010 at 5:20 pm
laurasalas
Thanks, Ame–I’m going to a playground tomorrow–maybe with a cape on, even if people look at me funny.
November 29, 2010 at 12:13 am
Mary M C
Love your list of fun kid activities. What a great boost to the idea mill.
Thanks Super Picture Book Woman!
November 29, 2010 at 7:45 pm
cravevsworld
Love the enthusiasm.
One day we will rid the world of crust! Unless it has cheese inside.
November 29, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Renee Taprell
I love your energy and passion for all things fun and child like. Yesterday I decided to balance on the curb just like I did when I was a kid walking home from school. Even though obviously times have changed, kids are still kids and we have to look at photo’s and remember our favourite things from our own childhood.
It’s time for adults to have more fun! Can I come over and play?
November 30, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Hallee
Ame,
This post was AWEsOME!! I am trying to win the prize to chat with you because I love chatting with you, that’s why. 🙂
Sending hugs and tarrot cards,
H