I’d like to share with you a little something I’m going to call “the sidle-up effect.” Here’s how it happens.
I’m outside having a picnic with my family, including two rambunctious little boys, E and O. Editor that I am, I’m excited to give them a “haven’t seen you guys in a while” present. It’s a book.
Now, this book happens to be a particular new favorite of mine: THE OBSTINATE PEN by Frank Dormer. However, it’s a beautiful day, we’re in the park, and I’m up against some formidable opponents: scooters, sticks, dirt, and peanut butter & jelly. As you can imagine, despite two extremely polite thank you’s, this gift does not receive the desired effect of elation and awe.
Well, fine. I should have anticipated this. But I still want to show this story a little love. So I sit down and begin to read the book aloud to myself. “Uncle Flood unwrapped his new pen and laid it on the desk…”
Barely perceptibly at first, the effect starts to take effect. First comes the quiet patter of sticks dropping to the ground. Then the faint squeak of scooter wheels coming to a halt. Next, two small figures edge into my peripheral vision. And then, all of the sudden, as I approach the part where the pen sticks to the wheel of Mrs. Norkham Pigeon-Smythe’s automobile, O is in my lap, and E is draped uncomfortably over my shoulders.
We proceed to read the book four more times.
I love enthusiastic young readers as much as the next editor/agent/writer/illustrator/reader/person (and for their mother’s sake, I should add that E and O are among that group—I just caught them on an afternoon ripe with distractions). But if a book promises to both captivate the eager crowd and achieve the sidle-up effect among the more stick-and-dirt-inclined, that book is an automatic winner to me.
THE OBSTINATE PEN is the perfect example of such a winner because it has something for everyone. It’s wildly creative and uproariously funny. It features dimwitted adults and a shrewd, worldly young hero. And it’s totally unique: it makes me think, “Now how in the world did he come up with that?”
The books that wow editors are the books that bring something new to the table—that wriggle their way into your head so you can’t stop thinking about them for days. You might grab my attention with a real and endearing character; striking, lyrical language; a hilariously honest voice.
Maybe it’s a creative, fiery little girl who brings the spark to a classic tale of friendship, like Kelly DiPucchio’s CRAFTY CHLOE. Or a text so simple, beautiful and poetic that it leaves room for a whole new world to unfold in the illustrations, like Mary Lyn Ray’s STARS (illustrated by Marla Frazee). Or a soft song about eggs filled with so much personality (“I do not like the way you slide, / I do not like your soft inside, / I do not like you lots of ways, / And I could do for many days / Without eggs”) that it sticks with you straight through from childhood to adulthood, like Russell Hoban’s BREAD AND JAM FOR FRANCES. Ok, maybe that last example is a little specific, but you get the gist (it’s one of my all-time favorites).
And maybe it’s because I work in children’s publishing, but in my opinion, there’s nothing in the world that sticks with you like a picture book. Think about your favorite book when you were little. Why do you still remember it? The most special of special characters, voices, stories—they all contribute to this warm little nugget of childhood that you’ll carry around with you forever. You can’t create that by hitching a ride on the big, flashy, commercial, book-selling train of the moment. You create that by pulling your inspiration directly from that spot, by reigniting that spark from your childhood and writing from your heart.
As an editor, I’m looking for a picture book that I want to sidle up to. One that, if you caught me playing with sticks in the park, would have me—well, maybe not in your lap, but at least draped uncomfortably over your shoulders.
Achieve that, and I promise you, those sticks won’t stand a chance.
Emma Ledbetter is an editorial assistant at Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. She sidles up to picture books, chapter books, and middle grade novels with fresh, sincere voices, humor and heart. Upcoming projects she has edited include THE BACKWARDS BIRTHDAY PARTY, a picture book by John Forster and legendary singer/songwriter Tom Chapin, and the fantastically wacky middle grade novel THE CONTAGIOUS COLORS OF MUMPLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL by Fowler DeWitt. Follow her on Twitter @brdnjamforemma.
Emma will be donating a picture book critique to a lucky PiBoIdMo participant who completes the 30-ideas-in-30-days challenge. A winner will be randomly selected in early December.
96 comments
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November 4, 2012 at 12:46 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
I love that! “The Sidle-Up Effect.” I had that recently with my 12 year old daughter. I was reading aloud Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Adam Rex. There was the draping arm and pages later, raucous laughter. Yes, Emma, I agree. That’s when you know a picture book has done its job. I’m thinking I want to “sidle-up” to that book again…
BTW, I LOVE The Obstinate Pen. Such a brilliantly conceived book. It has something for everyone – for kids and kids at heart! 🙂
November 4, 2012 at 1:44 am
tinamcho
I love to sidle up with my son and his book on our couch. He half sits on me and half on the couch. (He’s 7) And he has some pb’s that have become quite special to him. I’ll have to find the Obstinate Pen. Thanks for sharing, Emma!
November 4, 2012 at 4:49 am
mona
Thanks for the post, Emma. I have a 2 year old niece to sidle up with almost every day. She has her favorite board books already. One being, in her words, “Balala”, with no hesitations! If you can’t guess, I’ll tell you.
Another great prize, Tara. Another great reason to stick with this.
November 4, 2012 at 6:00 am
maria johnson
I brought THE OBSTINATE PEN to an scbwi writer retreat last spring
to share. It brought tears we were all laughing so much reading it aloud to one another. Thank you for the reminder about what makes an enticing PB. Must say Contagious Colors is an enticing MG concept.
topangamaria
November 4, 2012 at 6:49 am
Lori Mozdzierz
Ah, to sidle-up with a good picture book and little loves make for timeless memories. I’ll always hold dear to my heart such a memory at a family party I was hosting. A little guest had come up to me with a book in hand and asked me to read to him. How could I resist. (Sorry, adults, but hold that convo, I’ll be back!) So we sidled-up on the couch in the family room and began to read. Before I knew it, all the little guests had joined us. One leaned over the side of the couch. Another crawled up into my lap. Yet another snuggled up to my initial sidle-up buddy while the others stood around stretching to see.
One of the books that sticks with me from childhood is CAPS FOR SALE by Esphyr Slobodkina.
Thanks for the mention of THE OBSTINATE PEN. I’ve added it to my to-read list. I feel it’s important to have “winks” for the adult in a story.
November 4, 2012 at 6:59 am
Janet Smart
Wonderful post. There is just something about picture books that make them special. Some kids just don’t want to slow down and read, but when you take the time to read out loud to them, you capture them!
November 4, 2012 at 6:59 am
Catherine Johnson
I often have to read aloud to capture the kid’s attention. The Obstinate Pen sounds a hoot and I am 100% inspired reading this post. Thanks!
November 4, 2012 at 7:02 am
laurasalas
What a lovely picnic story! I’m adding THE OBSTINATE PEN to my TBR list. And I love the idea of the “sidle-up effect.”
November 4, 2012 at 7:19 am
thiskidreviewsbooks
Cool! That is amazing! I did my fourth idea today!
November 4, 2012 at 7:32 am
Sue Poduska
Thanks for coaxing some of my weirdness out of the closet.
November 4, 2012 at 8:31 am
Becky Hall
Such a precious picnic memory! Thank you for sharing.
November 4, 2012 at 8:44 am
Jennifer Glahn Reck
The Story of Ferdinand always had that effect on my sibs and I growing up! All six of us would end up draped around my mom or dad when ever it was pulled out. I think I’ll bring it out at Thanksgiving and see what happens!
November 4, 2012 at 8:48 am
Diane Kress Hower
Thanks for the great post Emma. You nailed the effect. As the adult sitting there, I appreciate the closeness and energy of the little and larger people huddled on and around me. It can be magical.
November 4, 2012 at 9:05 am
Karen Kallis Cheesman
This one’s a keeper. I love what you said – “You create … by … reigniting that spark from your childhood and writing from your heart.” Perfect!
November 4, 2012 at 9:24 am
Anjali Amit
Ah the pleasure of reading. Thank you for this analysis, and thanks also to all the writers who succeed in writing from “this warm little nugget of childhood.”.
November 4, 2012 at 9:28 am
SevenAcreSky
Emma,
So That’s what it’s called. My granddaughter is my favorite sidler now days and it is the ultimate consummate reward for Poppis like me. I find myself longing to hug authors I’ve never met for giving me that wonderful moment thru their book.
Thanks for further defining our craft and the reasons we write and read.
November 4, 2012 at 9:36 am
Robyn Campbell
Okay! I’m totally inspired. Sticks be gone! THE OBSTINATE PEN is my kinda story. I shall make the purchase and besides enjoying a whoop of a story, I’ll learn some stuff too. 🙂
November 4, 2012 at 9:48 am
Sharon Putnam
I love the idea of the “sidle-up effect” and am adding THE OBSTINATE PEN to my Amazon Wish List. In my own writing I always try to reignite that spark from my childhood and write from my heart.
November 4, 2012 at 9:49 am
Audrey Vernick
What a great post. Thank you, Emma. (And Tara!) I especially loved how our favorite pictures books are the “warm little nugget of childhood that you’ll carry around with you forever.” I have to admit, though, that I was appalled, when I finally got my hands on my OWN childhoot nugget, to discover it was a pretty awful book with nothing to recommend it. I was sharing that disappointment with my sisters, and they figured it out. “It must have been the way our mother read it.” And that’s a delicious nugget of a whole other kind.
November 4, 2012 at 10:02 am
Angela De Groot
If you read it, they will come. As long as it’s sidle-up worthy. Thanks for the pointers. I’m off to connect with my childhood spark.
November 4, 2012 at 10:09 am
Pat Haapaniemi
Great post, Emma! Thanks for the inspiration!
November 4, 2012 at 10:11 am
Margy Lamere
As a teacher (who taught Emma long ago), I know full well that all I have to do to quiet even the most rambunctious class is to start reading. And the shush! factor usually comes from the jumpiest little boys. 🙂 Magic.
November 4, 2012 at 10:11 am
Debra Feldman
I took a children’s book writing class with a published PB author. She had us do exercises in the class to try to reconnect with our childhood memories and connect with how a child might think. Thank you for reinforcing this through your lovely and helpful post. I forget sometimes to travel through my mind this way when searching for ideas and when writing. Adult-ism is hard to shake sometimes 🙂
November 4, 2012 at 10:15 am
Beth Stilborn
Wonderful post, Emma! Thank you for the inspiration!
November 4, 2012 at 10:42 am
Melissa T. Li ban
My kids come a flocking once I start reading aloud! Great post!
November 4, 2012 at 11:01 am
Jennifer Noel Bower
Such a great way to remind the author/illustrator the effect their book should have. I’d heard about the Obstinate Pen at a recent SCBWI conference. I am now going to order it as one of the books to add to my reference collection of books done right.
November 4, 2012 at 11:40 am
viviankirkfield
Audrey Vernick made a great observation in the comments…and one that I think is interwoven in the ‘Sidle-up Effect’ of picture books…those shared moments of love and protectedness that we remember from snuggling on momma’s lap or draped over daddy’s shoulder as they read a picture book…now, as we read and write picture books today as adults, .we want to recreate that moment because it was so fine and precious.
Thank you so much, Emma…you added another ‘nugget of gold’ to my 2013 PiBoIdMo notebook…and your generous prize will be much appreciated by the lucky winner. 🙂
November 4, 2012 at 11:41 am
Bev Baird
This snuggle-up and read time was always my favourite time with my children. And I can always ensure quiet in my classroom when I bring out a good book. I just finished “Because of Winn Dixie” and my gr. 2/3 ‘s were captivated from the begining.
Loved your post!
November 4, 2012 at 12:04 pm
Elizabeth Rose Stanton
You make such a good point about how memorable these books can be for children. I look back at some of the pictures from my childhood books and it is the same feeling as being transported to another time and place by a beautiful fragrance. Thanks for a wonderful, inspiring post!
November 4, 2012 at 12:36 pm
Catherine Bailey
Wonderful post – I have two little ones and story time is our favorite time. And how cute is the term sidle? I love words like that – words that cause images to bubble up in your mind.
November 4, 2012 at 12:51 pm
Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards)
Thank you for a great post. I love the term “sidle-up effect”. I agree about some picture books sticking with you. I remember having to read and re-read books many times at bedtime for my little one. And even to this day, some of my favorite children’s books were ones from my childhood.
November 4, 2012 at 1:25 pm
Gail Handler
Emma:
This post really struck a chord with me. I have experiences the “Sidle-Up Effect” on many occasions during my 30 years of teaching elementary school. But I think there’s another aspect you forgot to mention; it’s not just the story, it’s the storytellers presentation as well. Speaking enthusiastically, changing voices for characters, facial expressions can all add to the enjoyment of a great story and often draws in the reluctant reader. This is especially potent and important with boys, I think. Here’s a quick example: For the past 3 years, my family goes to New Hampshire over the Christmas holiday. This includes my nephews, one being 15, 16, 17 during those years. I was reading The Maze Runner series by James Dashner and verbally expressed my enthusiasm for each book. My nephew (and an accompanying friend) asked me to tell them what was so good. This led to a daily “storytime” session over 3 days. Having two teenage boys sitting, listening, enraptured with the tale, amazed me. Each year, my nephew asked if there was another book. Even as a retired teacher, that one question thrilled my soul.
So bravo for great stories to capture children- of all ages- but a pat on the back to wonderful storytellers as well !!
November 4, 2012 at 1:28 pm
julie rowan zoch
Bread and Jam for Frances is book I STILL like to cuddle up with, and am always shocked when I meet someone who doesn’t know it. I agree a book resonates because you see yourself again, in a character or situation (I was such a stubborn eater too!) so it makes perfect sense to go back and recreate those memories.
November 4, 2012 at 1:55 pm
carterhiggins
Thank you, Emma! This post is one to sidle up to. And what a perfect book to share…love it!
November 4, 2012 at 2:23 pm
wendy greenley
I am inspired by your post AND the chance to win your critique, Emma! I will cuddle a cup of tea and get back to the challenge.
November 4, 2012 at 2:40 pm
Abi Cornwall
You have a lovely way with words, a lovely post indeed. So pleased to be part of this – and a possible critique too! You’re ace! x
November 4, 2012 at 3:02 pm
B.J. Lee
The power of the book is astonishing, drawing in active children to sit and listen. Thanks for your post, Emma! Very inspiring.
November 4, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Diana Murray
Thank you, Emma! “Sidle-up Effect”–I love that! You’re right. There’s something magical that happens when you share a story out loud.
November 4, 2012 at 3:26 pm
stephseclecticinterests
I’m 51 and still quote lines from picture books I read/my mother read to me. I provided daycare for five years. My very favourite part of the adventure was taking my charges to the library, signing out a huge stack of books, bringing them home, and reading them. What fun! When I told my hubby, I would like a picture book collection, he thought I was a little strange – not news to him actually. 😀
November 4, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Rena Traxel
I can still remember the illustrations from some of my favourite childhood picture books.
November 4, 2012 at 3:44 pm
M Sullivan
I work as a pediatric psych nurse and use the “sidle-up” technique all the time to help calm kids down. It’s amazing what you can get them to concentrate on if you fully commit to it. Cool thing.
November 4, 2012 at 5:02 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Wonderful post. I do love it when kids ‘sidle-up’. Also, I love it when I’m asked to ‘put it on pause’ while they rush to the bathroom so as not to miss a moment of the story.
November 4, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Romelle
Thank you for the inspiring post, Emma. I hope to write a PB that will get children climbing me like a jungle gym or a monkey bar!
November 4, 2012 at 6:12 pm
Pat
Simply trying to catch ideas each day–so freeing! As I write them down, I feel the story sidling up on me–let me jot down the ending, or the names of the characters, or the first sentence. Maybe a paragraph to remember the premise better…Hey, look! I just wrote a whole page! Sidle Up-Month, that’s for me! Thanks, Emma, for your inspiration.
November 4, 2012 at 6:14 pm
laurimeyers
What a wonderful image! Reading a picture book to wild children is like a snake charmer playing a song.
November 4, 2012 at 6:51 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
I love when editors share their personal experiences and what works for them in a picture book. One you can sidle up to – love it!
November 4, 2012 at 7:25 pm
Heather Newman
I still have my favorite books from when I was wee and I’ve shared them with my boys. It’s so much fun to see what they love (or don’t) about my favorites and what new books appeal to them. Thank you!
November 4, 2012 at 7:46 pm
Penny Klostermann
“The Sidle-up Effect”…excellent. I just love that. And I love the books that have that element. They do stay with me!
November 4, 2012 at 8:07 pm
Carrie Finison
That was a wonderful post, Emma. The thing I love is that whenever I read to my kids in a public place (the playground, library, beach) we end up surrounded by a whole crowd of kids. It always affirms to me the power of stories as something deeply appealing to kids, as much as sand and swings.
November 4, 2012 at 8:21 pm
erin
Thank you for this, Emma! I have books from my childhood that I’m now reading to my son, and the sidle-up effect is exactly why I saved them.
November 4, 2012 at 8:21 pm
Ashley Bankhead
This was a nice post. I enjoyed it. It makes one really think about the books that have that wow factor.
November 4, 2012 at 10:02 pm
C. C. Gevry
Superb post. Thanks for the advice and the inspiration.
November 4, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Sheri Dillard
Great post! Thanks, Emma! 🙂
November 5, 2012 at 12:10 am
Carol Nelson
Thank you Emma. You reminded me of all of the books my children loved to hear as we were all snuggled up together on the couch. It also made me think of those books where they would crawl over each other in order to get a better view of the book. That’s the type of book I want to write.
November 5, 2012 at 2:11 am
julietclarebell
Thank you for your post and I love your putting a name to that effect that we all try and achieve in our own books and look out for in others’.
November 5, 2012 at 7:06 am
Rick Starkey
Great post. I think this is the real test, when children will drop everything and enjoy the story.
November 5, 2012 at 8:21 am
Dawnyelle moore
I absolutely can relate to this most wonderful of posts. Funny, I got my sketch book and piboIdmo spiral out yesterday and my daughter sidled up to me to write/draw her story of the day with me!
November 5, 2012 at 9:53 am
angelapenadahle
Gosh gee, now I need to go grab The Obstinate Pen and read it to my kiddos! I love the images you placed in this post of your children dropping everything to listen to you reading, absolute loveliness! I love it when my children read or draw with me too–it makes my heart glow. 🙂
November 5, 2012 at 10:13 am
Maria Gianferrari
I still have my favorite “sidle up” books too, and my daughter enjoys them too even though she’s past the pb age–she reads them aloud to our dog! So sweet!
November 5, 2012 at 10:42 am
Brook Gideon
I love when kids do that, want absolutely nothing to do with something, but their curiosity and interest get the better of them and they actually enjoy themselves. Win! A wonderful story will do just that, and they are the stories I remember! They stick!
Thank you for a great post!
November 5, 2012 at 11:15 am
Laura Anne Miller
My two daughters and their families are over after church on Sundays. This includes 4 grandchildren. One of our favorite things to do after dinner dishes is to read aloud a story (or make one up-where each one adds a sentence). And this isn’t just for the kids. We read a story one week (Grandpa Doesn’t Like the Bird) where we laughed so hard (one of us-I won’t say who) shot coffee out of my nose–uh–I mean their nose. Thanks for your examples of those special books that draw us in….thank you too for your time of incite.
November 5, 2012 at 11:18 am
Caroline Starr Rose
We are huge Frances fans. My boys are now 9 and 11, but my husband and I still talk to them about BREAD AND JAM, when Frances makes her meal “come out even.”
I love the way picture books become a permanent part of family dialog.
November 5, 2012 at 1:52 pm
Marcy P.
What a great way of looking at the magnetism of a book. Makes me want to take my manuscripts and read them out loud around kids… just to see if they have that same appeal 🙂 Thanks for the thoughts 🙂
November 5, 2012 at 4:30 pm
michelleol
Thank you for a great, personal post. There is something very comforting about great picture books, something that you captured in your post. Children and adults alike not only sidle up to them but get wrapped up in them – call it a cozy effect. I hope stories I write keep lots of people cozy.
November 5, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Hannah Holt
Wonderful post. I have twin 22 month olds. So our saddling up is sometimes more like a mad grab for being most in the middle. However when I start reading poetry, they get closer and closer and clower… until we’re all reading peacefully together.
November 5, 2012 at 4:53 pm
Kim Pfennigwerth
Love this term. So spot on and the feeling is even better. Thanks Emma (and Tara) all this inspiration is definitely helping! I am ahead of schedule which alleviates that panicked frozen feeling.
November 5, 2012 at 8:36 pm
Jenny Boyd
The following quote made me laugh out loud: “As an editor, I’m looking for a picture book that I want to sidle up to. One that, if you caught me playing with sticks in the park, would have me—well, maybe not in your lap, but at least draped uncomfortably over your shoulders.” I’m really enjoying all the blog posts and am so glad I signed up for PiBoIdMo. Good luck with your ideas, everyone!
November 5, 2012 at 10:36 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Off to read about that pen! 🙂
November 5, 2012 at 10:58 pm
Deb Marshall
Wow…I like it. The sidle up effect. Between that and a think on some my own childhood favourites I know I can come up with some ideas. Thanks!
November 6, 2012 at 2:42 am
ray hunt
with editor advise, I can see things getting better. reminds me to open your eyes.!
November 6, 2012 at 6:13 am
Andrea
This is so true! I still remember some of the picture books my mom read to me as a child. And my daughters, though teens, still pick up the picture books I bring home from the library.
November 7, 2012 at 10:35 am
Erin Fennell
Great piece. I love the sidle up effect! And yes, picture books stick with you. I often think about the ones I loved as a child. Thanks!
November 7, 2012 at 11:45 am
Judy Cox
How inspiring!
November 7, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Beth MacKinney
Thank you for your post, Emma. My favorite childhood picture books take me right back to that happy time of holding them and hearing them read, and I love them for it. : )
November 8, 2012 at 12:48 am
Rebecca Colby
I’ve started sharing my own sidle up books from my childhood with my children. It’s so nice to see them enjoying the same books and asking to hear them over and over like I did.
November 8, 2012 at 8:51 am
Liz Miller
Thanks for the lovely post Emma and for the introduction to Frances who I can’t believe I’ve never met before!
November 8, 2012 at 11:17 am
Linda Graden
Wow! Thank you for a great lesson and advice for writing!
November 10, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Jarm Del Boccio
Thanks, Emma, for insight into what editors find engaging in picture books. I’ll be considering those points as I write!
November 11, 2012 at 10:48 pm
Marcie Colleen
As a nanny to a lively 2 year old, I can tell you that I witness the “sidle up” effect often. Same thing with a book that doesn’t grab his attention and he walks away while I’m reading. May we all embrace the magic to get those little sidlers. 😉
November 12, 2012 at 3:48 pm
heatherpreusser
I tried the sidle-up effect on my three nephews with J. Klassen’s I WANT MY HAT BACK and it worked! Great book and great post!
November 12, 2012 at 8:25 pm
colleen kosinski
Wonderful post. Now, to go read The Obstinate Pen!
November 12, 2012 at 10:11 pm
Carrie Ann Brown
Isn’t it funny how the books we grew up with continue to beckon us to read them over and over? I have never grown tired of Pickle Chiffon Pie, and am revisiting it again now to recapture the storybook moments. Thank you so much for helping me find more of the literary secrets that are kept in my heart.
November 14, 2012 at 10:08 pm
Roxanne
Nothing like a favorite old book and a much loved child to sidle up with.
November 16, 2012 at 10:44 am
Jill Proctor
Wish I could remember more of my childhood – it was a long time ago! You have encouraged me to REALLY think about the books I was attracted to. Thanks for your help!
November 16, 2012 at 8:31 pm
Debbie Mickelson
I love the “sidle-up effect.” There is something special about picture books that leave lasting impressions on children and the adults that read to the children.
November 18, 2012 at 11:15 am
Laura Hamor (@LauraHamor)
Yes! Sidle! I haven’t used that word in a long time.
I love that the word Obstinate is introduced to kids. Kids love learning big words and we shouldn’t be afraid to use a few. 🙂
November 19, 2012 at 3:53 pm
Christie Wright Wild
Yes! Sidle it is, then… Thanks.
November 20, 2012 at 1:54 am
Lisa Olson
I haven’t read the book yet, but I put it on my library hold list. 🙂
November 25, 2012 at 11:32 pm
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
Thank you for your good advice and book recommendations!
November 29, 2012 at 11:55 am
Michelle Barnes
Thank you for your wonderful post and for introducing me to The Obstinate Pen. I LOVE this book– for me it’s a classic on the order of The Giving Tree (and yes, that’s saying a lot)!
November 30, 2012 at 3:10 am
Kathryn Ault Noble
Being an ex-pat from the South, I totally known about sidlin’ up. Bread and Jam for Frances always got my sons to gather up, and I remember it, too.
November 30, 2012 at 11:56 pm
Brian Humek
“Uproariously funny” That’s what I need to shoot for. I’ve been stopping at just “funny.” Great inspiration. Thanks.
December 1, 2012 at 10:19 am
Ellen L. Ramsey
Emma, Just read The Obstinate Pen–I loved it and so did the two grandchildren and the two grandchildren’s friends who “sidled up” to listen in. Thanks for the recommendation!
November 7, 2013 at 2:27 pm
Holly Bliss
Thanks for the advice! 🙂
December 4, 2013 at 1:16 am
Marilyn Hilton
Hi Emma! I’m a year late reading your post, but it’s still inspiring. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your world here.
November 30, 2014 at 12:29 am
majanecka
Yes, I love books that make me think, How in the world did the author come up with that?