I am very honored that Tara asked me to do a post for Pre-PiBoIdMo. I am the founder of Picture Book Month and it starts tomorrow, November 1. The website, PictureBookMonth.com, features essays from thought leaders in the children’s literature community. Each day in November, a new essay is posted. This year’s Picture Book Month Champions are: David Adler, Dianna Aston, Rick Anderson, Larry Dane Brimner, Julie Danielson, Carmen Agra Deedy, Tomie dePaola, Emma Walton Hamilton, Rebecca Emberly, Sue Fliess, Zarah Gagatiga, Candace Fleming, Lee Harper, Jannie Ho, Steve Jenkins, Daniel Kirk, Jesse Klausmeier, Mercer Mayer, Bobbi Miller, Wendell Minor, Hazel G. Mitchell, Jerry Pinkney, Robert Quackenbush, April Pulley Sayre, Rob Scotton, Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Michael Shoulders, Wendi Silvano, Heidi Stemple, and Rosemary Wells. Please join the celebration!
This post appears the day before PiBoIdMo starts, reminding me of end papers in a book. When most people open a picture book, they rush straight to the story, not realizing that there is so much more that might be happening just before the story begins…
I’ve always been in love with end papers. So many authors and illustrators make such clever use of them! The first thing I do when I get a new picture book is examine the end papers. For me, well-crafted end papers denote a love and attention to detail by the author, the illustrator, and the publisher. It’s a part of the book that is lost in digital translation. End papers can demonstrate how expertly a print picture book is crafted, from beginning to end. They can be bold and fun or subtle and quiet.
Dan Santat (a 2013 Picture Book Month Champion) makes such smart use of the end papers in CARNIVORES, written by Aaron Reynolds (a 2014 Picture Book Month Champion). The book is a funny story about the perils of being at the top of the food chain. Without giving away much, the brilliant end papers begin and end the story with humor.
My very first picture book, THE CAJUN CORNBREAD BOY, which debuted in 2009, had plain white end papers. It was my first picture book and I didn’t want to ask my publisher for too much. I now have twelve picture books and eleven of them have illustrated end papers. I advocated for end papers in my picture books even though I was not the illustrator. The end papers in a book are valuable real estate. They can help begin and end the story.
In my book, THERE’S A DRAGON IN THE LIBRARY, illustrated by Marita Gentry, the second set of end papers actually closes the story. Max is a little boy who discovers a dragon in the library. (Spoiler alert!) In the end, the dragon ends up eating all of the books and the library too. Max tames the dragon, teaches the dragon book care, and the dragon ends up building a brand new library. I live in New Orleans and Katrina was our “dragon.” We had to rebuild many libraries here and this end paper was symbolic and meaningful to me.
My picture book, THE LITTLE “READ” HEN, illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker, has end papers that illustrate important points in the story. The tale, a remix of “The Little Red Hen” teaches kids all the steps of writing: brainstorm, research, outline, draft, edit, and proof. Holly found a fun way to highlight those steps in the end papers on the Little “Read” Hen’s eggs.
The end papers in Oh, No! written by Candace Fleming (2013 Picture Book Month Champion) and illustrated by Eric Rohmann are so ingenious, I can’t stand it! The jacket flap actually merges into the end papers, creating a seamless illustration. WOW!
If you are the author and have an idea for the end papers for your story, don’t be afraid to convey them to your publisher or illustrator. Fully illustrated end papers can add such a depth to a picture book and can provide even more real estate for the author and illustrator to tell the story or highlight important elements in a story. Here are some great examples of end papers in recent picture books in no particular order:
- RETURN OF THE LIBRARY DRAGON by Carmen Agra Deedy and illustrated by Michael P. White
- THE FANTASTIC FLYING BOOKS OF MR. MORRIS LESSMORE by William Joyce
- SPOON by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Scott Magoon
- CRAFTY CHLOE by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by Heather Ross
- WUMBERS by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
- MR. TIGER GOES WILD by Peter Brown
So the next time you open a picture book, look at the end papers. In what ways could you use end papers to visually enhance your picture book? How can you use the beginning and the end to improve the overall design of your picture book?
As you celebrate PiBoIdMo and Picture Book Month, read LOTS of picture books. Comment below and share with us your favorite end papers from picture books. Here’s to Picture Books! Read * Share * Celebrate!
Dianne de Las Casas is an award-winning author, storyteller, and founder of Picture Book Month. Her performances, dubbed “revved-up storytelling” are full of energetic audience participation. The author of 22 books and the 2013 recipient of the Ann Martin Book Mark award, her children’s titles include The Cajun Cornbread Boy, There’s a Dragon in the Library, The House That Witchy Built, The Little “Read” Hen, and The House That Santa Built. Visit her website at diannedelascasas.com. Visit Picture Book Month at PictureBookMonth.com.
Dianne is generously offering a signed copy of THE HOUSE THAT SANTA BUILT to a lucky PiBoIdMo’er!
This prize will be given away at the conclusion of PiBoIdMo. You are eligible for this prize if:
- You have registered for PiBoIdMo.
- You have commented ONCE ONLY on today’s post.
- You have completed the PiBoIdMo challenge. (You will have to sign the PiBoIdMo Pledge at the end of the event.)
Good luck, everyone!
281 comments
Comments feed for this article
October 31, 2013 at 7:04 am
Sue Poduska
Very cool, Dianne. Thanks for this glimpse into an otherwise-mysterious aspect of publishing. I look forward to my first end papers.
November 1, 2013 at 5:52 am
storyconnection
You’re welcome! Glad I could offer some insight. 🙂
November 1, 2013 at 8:51 am
Judith Hans-Price
I love endpapers too!!—-
And titles in movies and I always stay to the very end of the movie because there can be a surprise!
November 1, 2013 at 1:48 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Judith, I do too! I also like reading the credits. The other day, my daughter and I watched ESCAPE PLAN. I found out that one of the production crews for the movie is the same crew that was in my house filming my daughter, Kid Chef Eliana, for a Nickelodeon special a few weeks ago. Love those kinds of surprises!
October 31, 2013 at 7:20 am
Manju Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Thanks for introducing me to a few PBs that I missed. CARNIVORES looks like a winner.
November 1, 2013 at 5:54 am
storyconnection
Manju, CARNIVORES rocks. Aaron Reynolds is such an awesome writer and Dan Santat is a brilliant illustrator. Check the back end papers! LOLOLOLOL
October 31, 2013 at 7:28 am
Pat Haapaniemi
Thanks so much, Dianne. I found this really interesting. I’ve looked at end papers before, but now will take a much closer look at them!
November 1, 2013 at 5:54 am
storyconnection
Pat, they’re so worth taking a closer look at!
October 31, 2013 at 7:36 am
Alexa
David Small’s books always have gorgeous end papers where part of the story is in them. Check out “The Friend” and “The Journey” written by his wife, Sarah Stewart.
October 31, 2013 at 9:16 am
Jill Lyttle Tadros
I immediately thought of these books as well. I absolutely love David Small’s illustrations. So inspiring!
November 1, 2013 at 5:55 am
storyconnection
Alexa, great suggestions. I’ll check them out!
October 31, 2013 at 7:41 am
Juliana Lee
Great article! I have always been attracted to books with beautiful illustrations, and end papers really support the story.
November 1, 2013 at 5:57 am
storyconnection
End papers also show that the publisher is invested in the book too because they cost more. These details can make such a difference!
October 31, 2013 at 7:44 am
Andrea
So interesting! I always think of endpapers as mostly the domain of the illustrator, but your examples show there can be text involved too.
November 1, 2013 at 5:59 am
storyconnection
Andrea, always remember: you don’t have to think outside of the box because there is no box. We never receive what we don’t ask for. 🙂
October 31, 2013 at 7:45 am
Heather Trent Beers
I LOVE the end papers in David McPhail’s, “Mole Music.”
November 1, 2013 at 1:46 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Heather, I’ll have to check out that book! Thanks!
October 31, 2013 at 7:46 am
Dawnyelle Moore
End papers are my favorite part of Illustrating-it’s my secret to “add” my voice to the story! Thank you for such a terrific post to the End papers. And inspiration for tomorrow! All hail the End papers.
November 1, 2013 at 6:00 am
storyconnection
All hail the end papers! 🙂 LOVE!
October 31, 2013 at 7:48 am
Eileen
I also love what Ian Falconer did with OLIVIA. The kids loved discovering how the story really begins and how it continues, bringing her more to life. Thanks for your post. Treasures indeed!
November 1, 2013 at 6:01 am
storyconnection
OLIVIA!!! Yes. Soooo brilliant. Good example!
October 31, 2013 at 7:54 am
tinamcho
I enjoy looking at end papers, too, but I like how you call it real estate! I’m looking forward to picture book month!
November 1, 2013 at 6:02 am
storyconnection
There is so much “real estate” in a picture book! Even the colophon page can be used but that’s another blog post! 🙂
October 31, 2013 at 7:54 am
Heather Gale
Dianne, thank you for reminding us, I’ve just gone through my bag of library books and wow ! Over half of them are blank – you’re so right on with the real estate comment!
November 1, 2013 at 6:04 am
storyconnection
Heather, nothing wrong with colored or blank end papers. But it’s like business cards… Why leave the back of the biz card blank when you can use it for more info or design?!
October 31, 2013 at 7:54 am
Joanne Sher
Fascinating post – and I never knew the name of the end papers, but always pay attention to them. Will do so even more now! 🙂
Thanks – can’t wait for tomorrow!
November 1, 2013 at 6:06 am
storyconnection
Joanne, every day of PiBoIdMo is like brain food! 🙂 Happy Picture Book Month!
October 31, 2013 at 8:09 am
lindaschueler
I will definitely be taking a closer look at end papers now.
November 1, 2013 at 6:07 am
storyconnection
Linda, yay! Each picture book will provide you with that much more joy!
October 31, 2013 at 8:11 am
cat jones
What a good reminder… I’m gonna take a fresh new look at all my boxes of picture books. Thanks for an excellent tip 🙂
November 1, 2013 at 6:08 am
storyconnection
Boxes? Not bookshelves? 😉 LOL and you’re welcome!
October 31, 2013 at 8:18 am
Susan Cabael
I didn’t realize how much an author could advocate for the use of end papers. I like to point them out to my class as a way to set the mood. Even though the end papers of THE BUTTERFLY by Patricia Polacco are plain black, I love how they so powerfully reflect the menacing Nazi soldiers in the story.
November 1, 2013 at 6:08 am
storyconnection
Yes, Susan, end papers can be so powerful!
October 31, 2013 at 8:25 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
My favorite in 2013 for best use of end papers and cover (under the book jacket) was indeed MR TIGER GOES WILD by Peter Brown. Fabulous use of “real estate” as you have titled it Dianne!
November 1, 2013 at 6:12 am
storyconnection
Cathy, Peter is one of those rare “born to be” a picture book authors. His books are so seemingly simple and subtle in design but every detail is attended to. One may not “get” the end papers until the end of the book but they are so darn clever without being over the top. He’s going to get a lot of awards and accolades for MR. TIGER GOES WILD. I predict it!
October 31, 2013 at 8:28 am
Darshana
Thanks. I enjoy the endpapers too. I didn’t realize as authors we could say anything.
November 1, 2013 at 6:13 am
storyconnection
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE end papers. They can add so much to a book!
October 31, 2013 at 8:43 am
nicole snitselaar
Up to now, as an author, I never had my word about these pages…But I do have some fun ones, thanks to the illustrator ! 🙂
And Thank you for your post !
November 1, 2013 at 6:15 am
storyconnection
Nicole, I always appreciate the illustrators so much (I’m soooooo not an artist) and I love when they put such care and thought into the end papers!
October 31, 2013 at 8:44 am
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Dianne, for bringing my attention to end papers, a place I hadn’t realized a writer could contribute. I will be looking and thinking about books differently because of your post! I am also looking forward to looking closely at the books you recommended in your post.
November 1, 2013 at 6:16 am
storyconnection
Nancy, thank you! You made me smile. 🙂 Yay for end papers!
October 31, 2013 at 8:51 am
Kathy Moncrief
As a writer/illustrator, I love an opportunity for some more art!
Thanks for the insight!
November 1, 2013 at 6:18 am
storyconnection
Kathy, you’re one of those lucky rare breeds – the author/illustrator combo! I’m so jelly… I’m sure you can create some killer end papers for your books!
October 31, 2013 at 8:51 am
gpatmiller
Brian Pinkney’s end papers for his Caldecott Honor Book, *Noah’s Ark* are beautiful enough to frame. The front shows the flood from a whale’s perspective, the back shows the earth from space, with rainbows arcing over various parts of the world. I, too, didn’t know an author could have say about the endpapers. Thanks!
November 1, 2013 at 6:19 am
storyconnection
And Jerry Pinkney’s THE LION AND THE MOUSE end papers are the same way. GORGEOUS works of art!
October 31, 2013 at 8:53 am
Jane Clarke
Thanks for reminding us about end papers, Dianne. I was really happy to be able to use the fishy French word Fin that means The End on the end papers of my stories about a great white shark called Gilbert the Great.
November 1, 2013 at 6:20 am
storyconnection
Jane, what a great book! And you are so very clever. That is all. Fin.
October 31, 2013 at 9:14 am
Meline
Love your thinking on end papers. I can and will utilize this idea. You are so right!
November 1, 2013 at 6:21 am
storyconnection
Meline, I love being right. Lol Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it.
October 31, 2013 at 9:32 am
Janie Reinart
I also love endpapers! Some nonfiction PB make use of endpapers. I especially like A River of Words The Story of William Carlos William by Jen Bryant and Illustrated by Melissa Sweet. The end papers contain more poems of Williams.
Tillie the Terrible Swede How One Woman. A Sewing Needle, and a Bicycle Changed History has illustrations of the clothing of the time on the front endpapers and a list of Tillie’s bike race records on the back end papers. Thanks Dianne for the enjoyable post!
November 1, 2013 at 6:23 am
storyconnection
Janie, sometimes people overlook nonfiction picture books. Thank you for bringing them to light. Every Monday of Picture Book Month features nonfiction picture book authors/illustrators. I tried to make sure that we repped nonfiction as well! 🙂
October 31, 2013 at 9:35 am
Micki Ginsberg
Dianne, thanks for your significant, fascinating post. I printed it out!
November 1, 2013 at 6:24 am
storyconnection
Micki, wow! I’m honored that my post was “print-worthy!” You made my morning. 🙂
October 31, 2013 at 9:41 am
Sandy Perlic
I love the endpaper for Oh No! that you showed here. So fun! Makes we want to head to the bookstore to check all the endpapers out…
November 1, 2013 at 6:25 am
storyconnection
Sandy, you’ll be there for hours… Hours, I say! Be sure to get a comfy chair… 😀
October 31, 2013 at 9:47 am
cheryllovestoread
I have to agree with Alexa…David Small’s books do have great end papers! The Gardener (a Caldecott honor book) and The Library are my favorites. Theses were also written by his wife, Sarah Stewart.
November 1, 2013 at 6:32 am
storyconnection
Cheryl, Mark Teague does too in the HOW DO DINOSAURS…? books by Jane Yolen. End papers can make picture books so much more interesting!
October 31, 2013 at 9:55 am
Lori Alexander
I love endpapers, too! EARTH TO CLUNK has fun ones. It’s like two bonus spreads–an appetizer & dessert. Thanks for the great post, Dianne!
November 1, 2013 at 6:34 am
storyconnection
Lori, and the entrée is the story… End papers are the alpha and omega of a picture book. They should be memorable!
October 31, 2013 at 10:01 am
kirsticall
Thanks Dianne, for a great post. My kids and I really enjoy all the Mo Willems end papers…there’s always something interesting to find!
November 1, 2013 at 6:35 am
storyconnection
Kirsti, KNUFFLE BUNNY’s end papers crack me up. BTW, Mo is going to be a 2014 Picture Book Month Champion! 🙂
October 31, 2013 at 10:23 am
Ashley Bankhead
Thanks for the post. My kids and I love the end pages for all of Mo Willems books. It is fun to find the pigeon.
November 1, 2013 at 6:40 am
storyconnection
Ashley, his other books have great end papers too. Mo is another one of the great author/illustrators who pays so much attention to detail. The beauty of his work is his connection to the reader. There are really layers of depth in his “simple” books.
October 31, 2013 at 10:30 am
kathalsey
I love end papers, too, Dianne! Another pb w/great ones is Mo Willem’s Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs.
November 1, 2013 at 6:41 am
storyconnection
Seems we have a Mo Willems’ fan club! You’ll be happy to know he will be a 2014 Picture Book Month Champion. 😀
October 31, 2013 at 10:33 am
Meridth Gimbel
Wonderful advice! I will definitely keep this in mind with the dummies I’m working on!
November 1, 2013 at 6:41 am
storyconnection
Now your dummies will be “smarties” with cool end papers! 😉
October 31, 2013 at 10:33 am
danielledufayet
Thank you for a new perspective!
November 1, 2013 at 6:43 am
storyconnection
Danielle, that’s what we’re here for! Sometimes we all need to get our glasses adjusted so that we can “see” new perspectives. 😎
October 31, 2013 at 10:34 am
Teresa Daffern
I too, appreciate things like end papers, and I always check them out in picture books first, just in case there is a surprise waiting there. Very precious real estate, indeed! Thank you for this post, and I will check out the picture book month website.
-Teresa Daffern
November 1, 2013 at 6:44 am
storyconnection
Teresa, and sometimes the back end papers have spoilers. But I always have to peek!
October 31, 2013 at 10:43 am
abrianc
Being a person who binds books and has learned to read the copyright page for really valuable knowledge (and is also a super nerd, obviously), I’ve always loved endpapers! Great way to get excited about beginning tomorrow!
November 1, 2013 at 6:46 am
storyconnection
Thank you! I read the dedication, look at the Library of Congress info, cataloging data, and always read the bios… Yeah, I’m such a book nerd like that! Happy Picture Book Month! Woo hoo!
October 31, 2013 at 10:46 am
Stephanie Shaw
Great blog, Dianne. I love end papers, too. Bruce Kaplan’s MONSTER’S EAT WHINY CHILDREN has terrific end papers that show a map. The kids will not allow me to start the book until we read the entire end paper.
November 1, 2013 at 6:46 am
storyconnection
Stephanie, I will have to check that book out. Thank you for the tip!
October 31, 2013 at 10:48 am
Debra shumaker
Thanks for this post Dianne. November and picture books rock!
November 1, 2013 at 6:47 am
storyconnection
Debra, you are so 100% right. November and picture books do rock!
October 31, 2013 at 10:59 am
Patricia Tilton
Interesting discussion on endpapers. I love them, but I learned something new! Great post. Love the Christmas book.
November 1, 2013 at 6:48 am
storyconnection
Patricia, thank you! I’m so glad that you learned something new. My Christmas book is so much fun. The end papers are wrapping paper. 🙂
October 31, 2013 at 11:03 am
Rene Aube
Being a pre-published writer, I never gave end papers a thought. Thanks for bringing it to our attention, Dianne. 🙂
November 1, 2013 at 6:49 am
storyconnection
Rene, I love your attitude! A “pre-– published” writer. That’s so much better then wanna-be or aspiring… LOL
October 31, 2013 at 11:07 am
Catherine Johnson
I’m loveing this new trend to have fun end papers. Great post, Diane. I shall call by for all those wonderful guest bloggers you have. Thanks!
November 1, 2013 at 6:50 am
storyconnection
Catherine, and papers can be so much fun! We look forward to you stopping by and reading all the posts by our Picture Book Month Champions. 🙂
October 31, 2013 at 11:15 am
Linda Stanek
Thanks for the post and inspiration, Diane! Here’s to end papers!
November 1, 2013 at 6:51 am
storyconnection
Cheers! I’m glad you found inspiration in my post. Best wishes!
October 31, 2013 at 11:16 am
Mary Kate O'Keefe
Looking at end papers through a whole new lens now. Thank you Dianne!
November 1, 2013 at 6:52 am
storyconnection
Mary Kate, is that lens on a kaleidoscope? Because you know we picture book authors and illustrators don’t look at the world through regular lenses. LOL
October 31, 2013 at 11:24 am
Heather Greene
I love end papers! They remind me of wrapping paper on a present!
November 1, 2013 at 6:53 am
storyconnection
Heather, speaking of wrapping paper, the endpapers in my book, The House That Santa Built, is made to look like wrapping paper. Bright and colorful!
October 31, 2013 at 11:29 am
Jessie Oliveros
I’ve never thought much of end papers, although I know I’ve always noticed it when they do something special with the “extra” space. Thanks for sharing!
November 1, 2013 at 6:54 am
storyconnection
Jessie, and papers can add such a special extra touch to a picture book!
October 31, 2013 at 11:42 am
Suzanne Kaufman
great post..end papers are another hidden gem of picture books yay!!
November 1, 2013 at 6:59 am
storyconnection
Suzanne, the jewel of a picture book! It’s like opening a treasure chest…
October 31, 2013 at 11:53 am
teresamis
I just pulled 40+ picture books off my shelves and was struck by how few actually take advantage of the end papers.Thanks Dianne for making such a great point about the utility of this precious space.
November 1, 2013 at 7:03 am
storyconnection
Can I sit on the floor and read those picture books with you? LOL
October 31, 2013 at 11:55 am
Laurie Young
As a librarian… that is the first thing I look for now when purchasing books for the students…. thanks for bringing that point up. A great use of space.. 🙂
November 1, 2013 at 7:06 am
storyconnection
Laurie, don’t you just love it when you find a cover picture book with awesome and papers?! It’s like hitting the jackpot. 😀
October 31, 2013 at 11:59 am
dee win
thanks for your post- i now realize i’ve missed a few good picture books!
November 1, 2013 at 7:07 am
storyconnection
Dee, me too! There are so many great picture books out there that we sometimes overlook. It’s our job to share with each other!
October 31, 2013 at 11:59 am
Lynn A. Davidson
Having read MANY picture books while my four children still wanted me to read to them, the books that stood out more to me were the ones illustrated before and after the wordy part of the stories. 🙂 There were few of those but they were fun to look at and discuss with my kiddos. I can’t think of those titles now, but one that hints at that description is Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni, with polka dots on all the end papers. (I love polka dots!)
My girls are grown now so I enjoy any opportunity to read to my grandson — or just myself! Personally, I am more drawn in by a picture book with well illustrated end pages.
This is such a great reminder to take everything into account; thanks, Diane.
October 31, 2013 at 12:34 pm
Lynn A. Davidson
Sorry … Dianne. Don’tcha hate when someone spells your name wrong?
November 1, 2013 at 5:42 am
storyconnection
I so appreciate that, Lynn, also with 2 Ns. 🙂
November 1, 2013 at 5:44 am
storyconnection
I so appreciate that, Lynn, with 2 Ns like me. 🙂
November 1, 2013 at 7:08 am
storyconnection
Lynn, Space is so precious and a picture book that we have to appreciate every part of it!
October 31, 2013 at 12:09 pm
saputnam
Great blog, Dianne! Thank you for posting about “end papers.” I must admit that I never thought that much about end papers… most of the children’s books that are in my collection have blank end pages as compared to the adult non-fiction books on the Manned Space Program as well as the Iditarod and Yukon Quest books, who always have interesting end papers.
I’m looking forward to PIBoIdMo as well as Picture Book Month!
November 1, 2013 at 7:11 am
storyconnection
Well you must update your picture book collection. This will just give you an excuse to buy more picture books so you can look at the end papers! LOL
October 31, 2013 at 12:10 pm
Michelle Church
I also love the end papers, so often they just wrap up the story so nicely! Thank you!
November 1, 2013 at 7:12 am
storyconnection
Michelle, yes they do! 🙂
October 31, 2013 at 12:12 pm
Jacki Morris
Thanks for a real education. I didn’t know what end papers were, but now I do.
November 1, 2013 at 7:14 am
storyconnection
Jacki, we learned something new every day, don’t we? I’m glad that you found something valuable in my post. Have a great day!
October 31, 2013 at 12:30 pm
viviankirkfield
Hurray for November! And PiBoIdMo and Picture Book Month. And Tara Lazar and Dianne de las Casas and this incredible kid lit community!
Thank you for a wonderfully inspiring post, Dianne. I love your view of the endpapers as prime real estate and it made me think of when I worked part-time in retail (for health insurance benefits for my family), the manager called the cue line, where customers would line up to make their purchases, the Boardwalk and Park Place of Monopoly.
November 1, 2013 at 7:16 am
storyconnection
Vivian, you crack me up. Here’s your “Get Out of Jail Free” card. You can go examine some end papers. LOL
November 1, 2013 at 7:45 pm
viviankirkfield
It’s always prudent to have a ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ card…thanks, Dianne! I have a copy of Peter Brown’s ‘Mr. Tiger Goes Wild’…those are ‘wild’ endpapers right there.:)
November 5, 2013 at 2:09 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Here’s to a wild PiBoIdMo and Picture Book Month. And thank YOU for all you do for kidlit too! XOXOXO
October 31, 2013 at 12:33 pm
schriscoe
Thanks for a great post Dianne!
November 1, 2013 at 7:16 am
storyconnection
It is my pleasure!
October 31, 2013 at 12:34 pm
Dawn Young
Thanks for sharing. End papers…even more to love about picture books!
November 1, 2013 at 7:17 am
storyconnection
Dawn, what’s not to love about picture books?! 😀
October 31, 2013 at 12:50 pm
Robyn Campbell
I say end papers are funtastical. Great post, Dianne. I have noticed them, but now every time I buy a picture book, I’ll check the end papers first! 🙂
November 1, 2013 at 7:18 am
storyconnection
Funtastical!!! I love it, you smart cookie! Now you’ve inspired me. 😉
October 31, 2013 at 1:26 pm
Bridey Mendoza-Moore
Thank you for your post Dianne and thank you for throwing out some picture book titles…I always love new titles to explore!
I too love the end pages of Mo Willems Elephant and Piggie books. They bring in characters and themes from the particular book as well as characters from other books (namely the pigeon) which kids love to identify and feel a sense of familiarity with this “family” of characters in his books …so great for development (recognition across context) and great marketing too, but it is not as endearing to think of that reason :). Another book that comes to mind is Pssst! by Adam Rex. The end pages punctuate the humor in the story quite nicely.
From a developmental perspective I think that end pages in general offer a great opportunity for children to develop a sense of mastery over the story in a way and to make it their own using their own imagination further… they figure out the clues to understand the story more fully and interpret it further for themselves.
November 1, 2013 at 7:24 am
storyconnection
Bridey, end papers can actually add more content to the story. They can also provide inference and give students context clues, including foreshadowing what’s to come in the story. They can also provide a nice tidy or funny or whimsical ending to a story.
Both Mo and Adam are so masterful at creating end papers. When Adam works with Mac Barnett, the results are out of this world!
October 31, 2013 at 1:29 pm
Linda Neptune
I love well designed end papers!!
November 1, 2013 at 7:25 am
storyconnection
Linda, you had me at “well – designed.” 😉
October 31, 2013 at 1:58 pm
Joanne Roberts
I have always loved end papers! Barbara McClintock’s essential info in Adele & Simon; Peter Brown’s unsettling Creepy Carrots, Jenny Williams’s playful This Little Baby; James Ransome’s Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt; P. J. Lynch’s sumptuous watercolor in Melisande and The Candlewick Book of Fairy Tales!!!!!!
November 1, 2013 at 7:27 am
storyconnection
Joanne, now I have to go look up some picture books! I do love Aaron Reynolds’ and Peter Brown’s CREEPY CARROTS. The film noir
look Peter uses in the book provides the perfect atmosphere for this darkly humorous tale. 🙂
October 31, 2013 at 2:02 pm
Janet Halfmann
I love endpapers, too. My book, Eggs 1, 2, 3: Who Will the Babies Be? by Blue Apple Books has such great endpapers, and I always point them out to the kids during story times. Thanks for sharing.
November 1, 2013 at 7:28 am
storyconnection
Janet, it’s another great element you can point out in a writing class. So many people don’t know what and papers are or what purpose they serve. It’s great when we can give our readers an “ah ha” moment.
October 31, 2013 at 2:05 pm
Amy
Thanks for a really interesting post Dianne! Amy M. Smith
November 1, 2013 at 7:29 am
storyconnection
Amy, the pleasure is all mine!
October 31, 2013 at 3:05 pm
joel cook
I have always considered the end pages a great area for the designer to have some fun!
November 1, 2013 at 7:30 am
storyconnection
Joel, I agree. The designer can have a ball with the end papers. But sometimes the author can provide inspiration. 😉
October 31, 2013 at 3:17 pm
colleen rowan kosinski
Great post. Love looking at endpapers.
November 1, 2013 at 7:30 am
storyconnection
Colleen, I second that! Happy Picture Book Month!
October 31, 2013 at 3:22 pm
Tracy Molitors
Thanks Dianne! Even more food for the picture book thought mill 🙂
November 1, 2013 at 7:31 am
storyconnection
Tracy, I hope you’re hungry because there are 30 days of brain food during PiBoIdMo! LOL
October 31, 2013 at 3:23 pm
laura516
I love endpapers, too. My boys get a kick out of Mo Willems Elephant and Piggie series since his Pigeon is always in the back set of endpapers. He is fun to look for!
November 1, 2013 at 7:32 am
storyconnection
Laura, that is what you call on “Easter egg.” When you have something hidden in a story that the reader has to find. Moe is a very clever guy!
November 1, 2013 at 7:34 am
storyconnection
Mo, not Moe! Thanks a lot, Siri…
October 31, 2013 at 3:28 pm
belindambrock
Thanks, Diane, for writing an interesting post. In Looking at Lincoln (a beautiful book) by Maira Kalman, the words of the Gettysburg Address are written on the endpapers.
November 1, 2013 at 7:35 am
storyconnection
Belinda, that is definitely a great use of the endpapers! Not only is it clever, but it is also a learning tool for students.
October 31, 2013 at 3:31 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
End papers. They’ve been off my radar till now. I’ll open and close every book differently starting today! Thanks, Dianne!
November 1, 2013 at 7:36 am
storyconnection
Genevieve, I’m so glad that you could find a different perspective here. Start opening some picture books…
October 31, 2013 at 4:02 pm
DianeKHower
End papers, yes! No space wasted. Thanks for you interesting post and I always enjoy your bloggers, Diane. It is great to see my critique buddy and friend, Wendi Silvano among them. I am not sure if I can sleep tonight because tomorrow is the start of a very fun month thanks to you and Tara!
November 1, 2013 at 7:38 am
storyconnection
Diane, Wendi is awesome! I love her books. She’s a great writer. We’re very honored to have her as a 2013 Picture Book Month Champion. I hope you did eventually get some sleep. You’re going to need it. Your brain is going to be on overdrive this month. LOL
October 31, 2013 at 4:45 pm
Michelle Proper
End papers: what a nice way to start PiBoIdMo!
November 1, 2013 at 7:38 am
storyconnection
Michelle, thank you! I so love and papers. 🙂
October 31, 2013 at 5:16 pm
yettee girard
I am such a newbie. I have never heard of end pages before. I like the pages before and after the story but never really gave them much thought. Now I will, thanks to you.
November 1, 2013 at 7:39 am
storyconnection
I am so glad that you learned something new from this blog post. I hope it will inspire you as you pursue your picture book ideas this month. Happy writing!
October 31, 2013 at 7:08 pm
ammwrite
I just signed up for emails from your website and I am eagerly waiting to learn, learn, learn. Thanks for your post.
November 1, 2013 at 7:40 am
storyconnection
Thank you! You made my day. I am so glad that you are so willing to learn, learn, learn. It makes it a joy for those of us who love to share, share, share. 🙂
October 31, 2013 at 7:31 pm
kelmcdonald
I too am a sucker for end pages. lovely work
kelly mcdonald (artist)
November 1, 2013 at 7:41 am
storyconnection
Kelly, many thanks! I appreciate it. Have a great PiBoIdMo!
October 31, 2013 at 7:32 pm
Patrick Waldron
What a great ending to PiBoIDmo…I mean beginning. lol
November 1, 2013 at 7:43 am
storyconnection
Patrick, end papers are like Book Ends. They flank each side of the story. I wonder who’s going to be on the other side of PiBoIdMo? LOL
October 31, 2013 at 7:45 pm
erin
I absolutely love the end papers in Mr. Tiger Goes Wild. Thanks for sharing!
November 1, 2013 at 7:44 am
storyconnection
Erin, ROAR! 😀
October 31, 2013 at 7:50 pm
kpbock
One of my favorites is Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems. The end papers are littered with different ideas he had for the book (the three wombats, the three naked mole rats, etc.). I had a lot of fun reading through them.
November 1, 2013 at 7:45 am
storyconnection
Mo is quite a funny guy! He has a lot of clever and papers in his books. 🙂
October 31, 2013 at 7:57 pm
Ramona
Love endpapers and like to think about them iwithin my own manuscripts. I have to thank you for this post Diane as it gave me my inspiration for Day 1’s PiBoIdMo idea!
November 1, 2013 at 7:46 am
storyconnection
Ramona, woo hoo! I’m so glad that you were inspired for your very first PiBoIdMo idea! Congrats!
October 31, 2013 at 7:58 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
I’m an end paper junky, too. Thanks for a great post!
November 1, 2013 at 7:46 am
storyconnection
Penny, yes, I am a junkie. I can’t stop the habit. It’s an addiction… LOL
October 31, 2013 at 8:21 pm
Laura Purdie Salas
Huh. I never pay all that much attention to endpapers. My first trade picture book, STAMPEDE, had patterned ones, which I did love. My other two trade picture books have just had solid colors. Kinda boring. Thanks for making me think more about this!
November 1, 2013 at 7:48 am
storyconnection
Lori, I’m glad that you are thinking about the end papers more. Perhaps in future books, you will employ that space to create thought-provoking and papers to flank your tale.
October 31, 2013 at 8:33 pm
Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards)
Yup, end paper junkie here as well 😀 Love them! Thanks for the great pre-PiBo post, Dianne!
November 1, 2013 at 7:50 am
storyconnection
Loni, I’m so glad that I have a comrade in end papers. Perhaps we are end paper aficionados. 😉
October 31, 2013 at 8:45 pm
Amy Cohas
Thank you for reminding us to appreciate this subtle but powerful design element. I love the endpapers for “Melrose and Croc – Friends for Life” by Emma Chichester Clark. They feature a repeating pattern of the two main characters doing a happy dance with flowers, reflecting the sunny optimism of the story.
November 1, 2013 at 7:52 am
storyconnection
Amy, in my book, Dinosaur Mardi Gras, the illustrator and I collaborated, creating dinosaur “doubloons.” Each the doubloon had the dinosaur and its name on it. not only was it fun, it was also educational.
October 31, 2013 at 8:54 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
End papers an be a true treat!
Mary Peterson did a wonderful job with the end pages in Wooby & Peep by Cynthea Liu.
November 1, 2013 at 7:53 am
storyconnection
I love Cynthia Liu. She is so smart and sweet. I’ll have to check her book out. I have never seen it yet. Thank you!
October 31, 2013 at 9:02 pm
Rick Starkey
Thanks. It’s interesting to know the author has this input on them.
November 1, 2013 at 7:54 am
storyconnection
Rick, thank you very much for your comment. I appreciate you taking the time to leave one. Happy Picture Book Month!
October 31, 2013 at 9:13 pm
robinghoward
Great confirmation on what I’ve been thinking for one of my stories. Thank you for this post!
November 1, 2013 at 7:55 am
storyconnection
Robin, I’m so glad that you found what you needed in this blog post. I hope you have a very successful PiBoIdmo.
October 31, 2013 at 9:24 pm
Beverly Snedecor
I am really looking forward to the essays on your website! Thanks in advance!
November 1, 2013 at 7:56 am
storyconnection
Beverly, I’m so glad. I do hope that you’ll find inspiration in the Picture Book Month essays as well. Good luck!
November 1, 2013 at 9:42 am
Beverly Snedecor
I just got a PB for PiBoIdMo idea from exploring Tomie’s blog today… what fun!
October 31, 2013 at 9:55 pm
Beth Stilborn
Thanks for this fantastic post, Dianne — I find endpapers delightful, and I’m always grateful when there’s something special about them. I like the endpapers in Susan Verde’s and Peter H. Reynolds’ THE MUSEUM, particularly the ones at the back of the book, that give room for the child’s creativity.
November 1, 2013 at 7:58 am
storyconnection
Best, I’m very grateful that you took the time to leave a comment. End papers are so wonderful because, as you said, they showcase creativity.
November 1, 2013 at 7:59 am
storyconnection
I often think that end papers can make a book go from good to great!
November 1, 2013 at 1:58 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Oops, BETH not “Best.” Although being the best is not bad either… LOL
October 31, 2013 at 10:02 pm
lauraparkhurstillustrator
This is such a great bit of information. I love to illustrate and now I can add so much more to my stories by using those end papers to enrich the contents of the book. Thanks for pointing the end papers out as not just filler pictures but integral parts of the story within.
November 1, 2013 at 3:55 pm
storyconnection
Laura, my pleasure! I’m at a bookstore right now ogling end papers!
October 31, 2013 at 10:08 pm
Pat Holloway
Dianne, thank you for focusing on this detail. Now I see why some end pages are so interesting, it gives the author another chance to get the message across. In the book, I’m Bored, the end pages are filled with different ways to write the word, Boring or Bored. Very cute.
November 1, 2013 at 1:31 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
I love Debbie Ohi! She is so NOT boring! 🙂
October 31, 2013 at 10:49 pm
Lynn Ann Carol
Very interesting post, Dianne. You’re right, the story begins the moment the cover is looked at and imagination starts when you first open the book. I remember as a child intently staring at illustrations on the endpapers. There was Pooh, and The Shirley Temple Storybook, and Beatrix Potter books. It’s good to see that publishers have again used the talents of writer and illustrator to bring this back for children (and adults) to enjoy.
Onward,
Lynn
November 1, 2013 at 1:32 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Lynn, didn’t Pooh books have Hundred Acre Woods as the end papers? I seem to remember that… I believe every part of the picture book should be celebrated!
November 1, 2013 at 12:09 am
SevenAcreSky
Dianne, how true, how obviously wonderful, but I’ve never stopped to think about it. End papers ARE wonderful introductions and expansions of the story, and you’ve made points about them I’ll never ever forget. I want to go through my library and look for examples. Thanks…the learning has already begun, not to mention the ideas beginning to flow.
– Damon Dean
November 1, 2013 at 1:33 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Damon, I am so glad that you will “never ever forget.” You totally made me smile!
November 1, 2013 at 12:43 am
klmcmorranmaus
I had never thought about end papers before. Thank you for sharing.
November 1, 2013 at 1:33 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Glad I could make you think! 😉
November 1, 2013 at 1:45 am
Catherine Constance
Good idea using end papers. It is such a wasted space when they are left blank… 🙂
November 1, 2013 at 1:35 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Catherine, perhaps not “wasted” but definitely under-utilized! Happy Picture Book Month!
November 1, 2013 at 1:48 am
Laurie L. Young
Sometimes endpapers are the best part!
November 1, 2013 at 1:35 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Laurie, so true, so true! 😀
November 1, 2013 at 6:49 am
Janet Smart
Great article. You can bet I’ll be checking out ‘end papers’ from now on.
November 1, 2013 at 1:36 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Janet, you’ll be hooked on ’em! I know it!
November 1, 2013 at 7:17 am
Noel Csermak
I have been “seeing” the endpapers of my manuscript and now I will have the courage to add my request to my submissions. Thanks for the inspiration.
November 1, 2013 at 1:37 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Noel, it’s so great when you have that visual inspiration and even better when it comes to fruition in a picture book!
November 1, 2013 at 7:41 am
Sue Heavenrich
I LOVE endpapers! to me, they are an essential part of a story – and even as I am writing, I can visualize what the endpapers might be. “beginning papers” too – as they often provide an opening…
November 1, 2013 at 1:38 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Sue, yes! Beginnings and Ends. End papers can offer such a richness an depth to a picture book…
November 1, 2013 at 8:33 am
Jenifer Heidorn
I recently attended a presentation by one of the 2014 Caldecott Medal Committee members and he was just wild about the exceptional use of end papers. Definitely something to keep in mind.
November 1, 2013 at 1:39 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Jenifer, he and I must both be members of the “End Papers Nerd Club.” LOL I just LOVE them!
November 1, 2013 at 9:40 am
melaniebellsworth3
Dianne, I’m so glad to learn about your Picture Book Month website, and I’m heading right over there to read today’s essay. I too love end papers – it feels like the reader is getting something extra special from the writer and illustrator. My daughter loves finding the pigeon in Mo Willems’ books.
November 1, 2013 at 1:40 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Melanie, yay! You’ll love all the essays, I promise! Stop by every day or subscribe to the blog posts to have them delivered to your in-box. Happy Picture Book Month!
November 1, 2013 at 9:56 am
Debbie Austin
Thank you, Dianne, for opening my eyes to a whole new element of picture books that I never gave a second thought about. I have a stack of picture books on my table ready to take back to the library, so I took a look through. About half of them have illustrated end papers. I particularly love Susanna Leonard Hill’s Can’t Sleep Without Sheep. The floating sheep just make me smile.
November 1, 2013 at 1:41 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Debbie, such hidden treasures, right?! Now there’s more than just the story in a picture book for you…
November 1, 2013 at 10:16 am
Heather Hatch
I noticed endpapers as a visual kid. They were an important gateway into the storyworld .My favorite books had lovely ones. Craftsmanship, detail and extra care in beginnings and endings. Whether or not anyone pays attention, they are there. and it starts with ideas. 30,+?
November 1, 2013 at 1:42 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Heather, I’ve always love them too but since becoming a picture book author, I love them even more. They speak volumes about the author and/or illustrator!
November 1, 2013 at 11:12 am
Jennifer Kaap
Dianne, I’ve been to one of your storytelling workshops at a library conference. You were awesome… and I’ve definitely used some of your material at storytime 🙂 Never really thought much about end papers before (though I’ve certainly enjoyed them)… thanks for bringing attention to them!
November 1, 2013 at 1:43 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Jenifer, awww! Thank you for making my day. That is so nice of you to say! Glad you are going to look at picture books with a different eye from now on… 🙂
November 1, 2013 at 11:59 am
Cathy John Biggerstaff
This is an aspect of publishing I never even thought about. Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m putting it in my file of things to remember when I get to the illustrating stage.
November 1, 2013 at 1:43 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Cathy, so glad you could “draw” some inspiration from my post. 😀
November 1, 2013 at 12:18 pm
danacarey1
I love endpapers and I love that you gave them their due in this post, Dianne. A great explanation and lovely examples!
November 1, 2013 at 1:44 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Dana, gotta give props to the end papers. They deserve lots of love!
November 1, 2013 at 12:42 pm
naturewalkwithgod
Thank you for teaching me something new! –Kim
November 1, 2013 at 1:45 pm
Dianne De Las Casas
Kim, it is my pleasure. You’ll learn LOTS of new stuff here at PiBoIdMo!
November 1, 2013 at 2:53 pm
lindamartinandersen
End papers can provide a lesson in themselves. I love to see what the writer/illustrator/publisher team came up with.
November 5, 2013 at 1:41 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Me too! 🙂
November 1, 2013 at 5:00 pm
Lori Dubbin
Thank you, Dianne, for making us pay attention to the end papers. It is so true they can be overlooked, but they really are a vital part of the story.
November 5, 2013 at 1:41 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Yes, they are, Lori!
November 1, 2013 at 5:30 pm
Melanie Vickers
Your observation is so important to adding to why children pick books. They look enticing from cover to cover. Great idea
November 5, 2013 at 1:42 am
Dianne De Las Casas
And within the covers, literally! 🙂
November 1, 2013 at 7:05 pm
Sarah Maynard
Thank you for this post! I am an end-paper lover too! Prime real estate that is all to often over looked.
November 5, 2013 at 1:43 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Optimus Prime! Autobooks, roll out… 😉
November 1, 2013 at 8:18 pm
Brenda Harris
Wow, what food for thought for me, as an illustrator. Since my books are my art, I definitely see using end pages to help complete my work. Thanks. 🙂
November 5, 2013 at 1:44 am
Dianne De Las Casas
It’s like the bow on a present or the garnish on a dish. The details matter!
November 1, 2013 at 9:08 pm
Cindy Schumerth
I’m going to pay more attention to these end pages.
November 5, 2013 at 1:44 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Yay! You’ll be astounded at what you discover!
November 1, 2013 at 10:49 pm
Jane R Cooper
Enlightening! I appreciate learning something new and gaining a different perspective!
November 5, 2013 at 1:44 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Thank you, Jane. I appreciate that!
November 2, 2013 at 5:26 am
Betsy Devany
I love all the artwork! Thanks for a great post, Dianne!
November 5, 2013 at 1:45 am
Dianne De Las Casas
My pleasure! 😀
November 2, 2013 at 5:50 am
patientdreamer
I have read Oh no, and I love the ends. I noticed how the ends of a book really make the story more interesting. I love the artwork. Thanks for this lovely post.
Diane Tulloch
November 5, 2013 at 1:46 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Eric Rohman’s end papers in Oh No! are Genius Level! Only we Picture Book Nerds would appreciate that. LOL
November 2, 2013 at 5:53 am
dzipeto
Thank you for spending time and sharing your experience on an often unmentioned part of a picture book. I will look with new eyes!
Diana Zipeto
November 5, 2013 at 1:47 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Feast your eyes on the buffet of end papers out there… Yummy! (I must be hungry…)
November 2, 2013 at 1:14 pm
throughtheprairiegardengate
Such wonderful advice to remember the importance of end papers. Thank you for the inspiration. ~Suzy Leopold
November 5, 2013 at 1:47 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Suzy, you are most welcome!
November 2, 2013 at 2:49 pm
Marcy P.
Love it! One of my favorite books with great end sheets is The Great Fuzz Frenzy by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel.
November 5, 2013 at 1:47 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Oh those sisters. They make a great team but it’s so funny to hear them talk about one another! LOL
November 2, 2013 at 8:03 pm
jackiewellington21
Thanks for retweeting my tweet. This post is awesome. Thanks for sharing your experience with me. I will be checking out the books you mentioned above.
November 5, 2013 at 1:48 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Jackie, my pleasure. All for the love of picture books!
November 5, 2013 at 8:06 am
jackiewellington21
“All for the love of picture books,” singing in my Oprah voice!!
November 2, 2013 at 11:32 pm
writersideup
Dianne, after 230 comments, I don’t even know if you’ll get to mine, but since I, too, am in love with end papers, I wanted to list a few. Of course, with the thousands of PBs I’ve read over the years, my foggy brain can’t recall them, so I went upstairs to my own collection and picked a bunch to mention here, just for the fun of it. I also came across a beauty today, at Barnes: SNOWFLAKES FALL by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Steven Kellogg. They are “prelude” and “conclusion” end papers, just beautiful 🙂
I thought I’d just name these couple since they are by friends and I own the books:
TEA PARTY RULES by our very own Ame Dyckman, illust. by K.G. Campbell. the end papers are gorgeous with the beautiful white-trunk woods, which happen to be my favorite spreads in the book. They actually made me go “Ooooo” the first time I saw them 🙂
EAT YOUR MATH HOMEWORK by An McCallum and illustrated by our very own Leeza Hernandez. Now, since I didn’t actually watch while she was signing my book, I don’t know if this is die-cut or if she cuts it when she signs (I wouldn’t put her past her! lol), but the bottom corner in the front is “bitten” 🙂 Love it!
I know that when I make dummies, I include my end papers in color and finished. One agent said he “loved” my end papers, and I know he meant it ’cause he said it again when I’d seen him again a few weeks later. He said you can often tell what the book’s about by them, then we went on to talk about how many are like gift wrapping paper (mine are often that way), and then oooed and aaahed over how we love decorative wrapping and paper lol Anyway, his compliment comes to me every time I see those end papers 🙂 They ARE important, though I don’t think they ALways have to be valuable “real estate” (love your term 🙂 ) Some books simply have to be “framed” by them in a way that compliments the aesthetic of the book.
Thanks for a great post!
November 5, 2013 at 1:55 am
Dianne De Las Casas
I am overwhelmed with Picture Book Month but I have been trying to answer each and every comment. You, of course, took so much time to post such a thoughtful comment, I HAD to respond! You’ll be happy to know that Ame Dyckman is going to be a 2014 Picture Book Month Champion!
I will have to check out your book recommendations and now I’m curious. Does the bite come before or after the signing?! That’s so cool!
End papers can really complement a book and even tell a story on its own. I’m just crazy in love with them and will ALWAYS ask for them in my picture books! So much more space for ART! Love.
Thank you for making my morning (it’s 12:54am on 11/5/13)! Best wishes and see you on Twitter!
November 5, 2013 at 1:27 pm
writersideup
Dianne, I’m so happy I made your day! See? You just never know what is capable of doing that 🙂 Initially I had a pile here of over a dozen books from my shelf, and then realized it would make a good post when I finally launch my blog. It’ll be a little while yet before that happens, but I hope you follow. Then we can talk more about end papers! lol
I love that Ame’s a PBM Champion! I actually consider her a “champion” in many ways 🙂 Also, I’m hoping I remember to ask Leeza about the “bite” when I see her this weekend at our NJ SCBWI Annual Craft Day 🙂
Nice “chatting,” Dianne! 😀
November 5, 2013 at 1:28 pm
writersideup
btw, I forgot to mention: http://www.writersideup.com Don’t know when I’ll go “LIVE” : /
November 11, 2013 at 2:52 am
Dianne De Las Casas
And thank you so much for always commenting on all the Picture Book Month Champion essays. They really are so full of wisdom! Have a great week!
November 3, 2013 at 7:46 am
thiskidreviewsbooks
Wow. I am really behind. Great post! 🙂
November 5, 2013 at 1:55 am
Dianne De Las Casas
You are only behind if you didn’t catch up… hahaha Thank you!
November 3, 2013 at 8:53 am
Angela De Groot
I love clever use of end papers – when done well they are a bonus and a delight.
November 5, 2013 at 1:56 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Me too. I’m always ready for a bonus! 🙂
November 3, 2013 at 8:23 pm
Quinn Cole
I have asked my publisher to use end papers in non-fiction books but hadn’t asked for picture books. Great post!
November 5, 2013 at 1:56 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Quinn, now think of all the possibilities… Oooooh!
November 4, 2013 at 12:28 am
Jen Carroll
hello! hello! has some fun end pages. I love finding them … like a secret ending or hidden song!
November 5, 2013 at 1:57 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Hello right back atcha, Jen. Yes, a special secret ending… and beginning!
November 4, 2013 at 2:36 am
Kathy Cornell Berman
Thanks Dianne! I love end papers too.End papers complete a great story–with exception to the cover. Some vintage children’s books, which I collect always created wonderful illustrations on the end papers.
November 5, 2013 at 1:58 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Kathy, I think good end papers give a book a “classic” feel. You are welcomed the moment you open the cover!
November 4, 2013 at 9:41 am
Jennifer Ali
I love Adam Rex’s humor and he uses the endpapers and the back cover (which you won’t see unless you look carefully under a library processed dust jacket) of “Frankenstein Takes the Cake” to extend the jokes. Check out “Pssst!” too.
November 5, 2013 at 1:59 am
Dianne De Las Casas
I NEED to read that book. I love Adam Rex’s sense of humor. He was a 2012 Picture Book Month Champion. You should read his post!
November 4, 2013 at 5:50 pm
Dani Duck
I love the end pages too. Especially the ones that give added value to the book itself! Even if it’s just a collage of all the characters in the book.White pages are boring.
November 5, 2013 at 2:00 am
Dianne De Las Casas
I love that “added value” too. It’s like a “buy one, get one free” deal. 🙂
November 4, 2013 at 8:47 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Not only did I always check out the end papers, but my kids would go there first. More power to the end papers! 🙂
November 5, 2013 at 2:01 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Your kids are soooo smart! 🙂 Here’s to end papers!
November 8, 2013 at 11:17 pm
wendymyersart
I love illustrated end papers, and feel let down if they are not part of the story. Thanks for a delightful post, and book examples.
November 11, 2013 at 2:49 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Thank you so much, Wendy! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
November 11, 2013 at 12:13 pm
NiñoCactus
I’m in love with end papers too. Some of them are brillants, like a lot of movie’s credits
November 12, 2013 at 5:54 pm
Bridey Mendoza-Moore
Hi Dianne, I wanted to let you know that I checked out your book The Cajun Cornbread Boy from the library and my (6 year old) son has wanted to read it everyday for several days now 🙂 He enjoyed Oh No! a lot as well which I know you did not write, but recommended. I am waiting for more books to come in. So fun to find new gems.
November 16, 2013 at 12:03 pm
MummyTheFunny (@EmiHowe)
I like Ed Vere’s Mr Big: “Like… er… wow!”
November 24, 2013 at 3:48 pm
Debbie Faith Mickelson
Thanks for enlightening us to the benefits of end papers. I plan to spend more time looking at those in books too.
November 24, 2013 at 6:17 pm
Kathryn Ault Noble
Dianne, I’ve been going back through my books, checking out the end papers. Some of them are so wonderful I’ve left them open to enjoy.
November 24, 2013 at 6:46 pm
carolmunrojww
So true! I’ve read nearly 500 PBs this year, and I’ve really come to appreciate how the end papers add to the stories. They’re so often overlooked, though. Thanks for directing attention to them.
November 30, 2013 at 9:28 am
Jeanette
Endpapers… I love them. How do you convince publishers?
November 30, 2013 at 10:25 am
Kelly Vavala
Thank you for bringing this to our attention! I really do enjoy a book with “endpapers” but never realized that we could request it…what a wonderful idea and will keep it in mind when and if someday I am published!
December 2, 2013 at 11:15 pm
Laurie J. Edwards
Thanks, Dianne! It’s a great way to extend the story.
December 4, 2013 at 2:52 pm
Sherry Walz
I, too, love the endpapers of picture books. I would add BILLY TWITTERS AND HIS BLUE WHALE PROBLEM, by Mac Barnett, to a list of books with interesting endpapers.
October 31, 2014 at 9:38 am
Lois Peterson
Tx. I must admit that after all the years of reading picture books, end papers have not been something I’ve consciously been aware of. Tx. for the wake up call. I’m headed to work at the library today, and will check out the endpapers of every pb that passes through my hands.
October 31, 2014 at 10:00 am
yetteejo
I love end papers. When I open a book the story begins right then and there!
November 3, 2014 at 3:22 pm
Sandra Lawson
Great post! I love the end papers, too! I think it definitely shows a little extra attention to detail.