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Been snowed in this week and going stir crazy?
Yowie! I think you may have fractured something there, buddy.
Speaking of fractures, all along I’ve been calling LITTLE RED GLIDING HOOD a fractured fairytale, but I think I’ve been WRONG. Yes, folks, I’m admitting my mistake. Somebody turn up The Biebs!
LITTLE RED is actually a fairytale MASH-UP. (This is probably a sub-segment of a fracture, like a bone chip.)
I didn’t merely retell LITTLE RED, I inserted a flock of fairytale and nursery rhyme characters into a whole new story starring Red and The Big Bad Wolf.
During revisions, editor Heidi Kilgras asked me to create a chain reaction after the boy cried “Wolf!”. I immediately whipped this up, which Troy Cummings illustrated brilliantly:
I’m wondering if maybe I haven’t marketed this book correctly. Do people think it’s the same story as the original, just taking place on ice??? No, it’s so much more than that!
Again, self-doubt creeps into the creative’s mind. Self-doubt, which I talked about last week, happens not just when you’re writing, but through every part of the book-making process…even when the process is over! I still think self-doubt is healthy, as long as it’s not overwhelming or paralyzing. Those slices of doubt help you create a better book…and perhaps also help you market the title more effectively!
So now I’m doing the mashed potato.
Oh wait, not THAT mashed potato. I’ll leave that for an alien book.
OK, enough hijinks (which is a FABULOUS word for a picture book text)…onto the final winners of the PiBoIdMo daily prizes. I will be emailing the remaining winners (from this week) later today to arrange delivery!
Day 21: Nancy Tupper Ling Winner
LANE ARNOLD (Double Happiness)
Day 22: Anna Staniszewski Winner
CAROL GWIN NELSON (Power Down, Little Robot)
Day 23: Katy Duffield Winner
SELENA SPAIN (Loud Lula)
Day 24: Jesse Klausmeier Winner
ANNIE CRONIN ROMANO (Open This Little Book)
Day 25: AJ Smith Winner
ROBYN CAMPBELL (Even Monsters)
Day 26: Pat Zietlow Miller Winner
LISA CONNORS (Share the Bread)
Day 27: Kelly DiPucchio Winner
AMY BRADSHAW (Everyone Loves Bacon)
Day 28: Paula Yoo Winner
CHRISTINE RODENBOUR (Twenty-Two Cents…the book, not $0.22!)
Day 29: Arree Chung Winner
SARA WEINGARTNER (Ninja!)
Day 30: Kim Norman Winner
KIM PIDDINGTON (This Old Van)
Congratulations to all the winners…and that includes all those who completed the 30-ideas-in-30-days challenge. Remember you can honor your gumption (ooh, another great word!) with a prize at the PiBoIdMo CafePress Shop! Like this snazzy mug! Every purchase via our link makes $3.00 for RIF (all proceeds).
In 2015, PiBoIdMo donated $230.39 to Reading is Fundamental, helping to put new books into the hands of underprivileged children. A sincere thank you to those who snapped up PiBoIdMo goodies. You did a good thing.
Thanks to everyone for participating! That’s all, it’s OVAH!
Now I think I’ll go hibernate with this guy!
Let’s talk about text, baybee…
Let’s talk about you reading…
Let’s talk about all the word play & the rhyme schemes that could be…
Let’s talk about TEXT!
Photoshopping by Jason Kirschner
I was feelin’ very Salt-n-Pepa this morning as I salted and peppered my omelet. This little ditty would make an excellent segue into a discussion of picture book text, right?
OK, so you talked me into it! I’ll talk about text!
If you’re writing picture books, have some fun with the text, with the words you choose. Let them tumble over the tongue. Use alliteration, internal rhyme and challenging vocabulary. Yes, you can insert difficult words. Here is a list of surprising words that have appeared in my books and manuscripts:
- formidable
- highfalutin
- desolation
- flibbertigibbet
- mayhem
- exceptions
- exceedingly
- sluiced
- schmutz (yes, schmutz!)
Don’t be afraid to sprinkle in more difficult words. There’s context to help the child (and parent/caregiver) figure it out, in the form of words and pictures.
But please note I said SPRINKLE–like salt and pepper, use them sparingly. Let them enhance, not overpower.
Now let’s move onto more PiBoIdMo Winners!
Day 11: Joe McGee Winner
CHAD WONSIK (Peanut Butter & Brains)
Day 12: Denise Fleming Winner
VAL MCCAMMON (book)
Day 13: Sarvinder Naberhaus Winner
AMY HOUTS (Boom Boom)
Day 14: Julie Gribble Winner
LISA CHARLEBOIS (KidlitTV Prize Pack)
Day 15: Carter Higgins Winner
ANNA LEVIN (picture book critique)
Day 16: Katya Szewzcuk Winner
POLLY RENNER ( “Kat” mug)
Day 17: Ryan Hipp Winner
HEIDI YATES (original sketch)
Day 18: Liza Woodruff Winner
CAROL JONES (Twelve Days of Christmas in New England)
Day 19: Ame Dyckman & Adam Lehrhaupt Winner
PATRICIA ALCARO (books, critique and possibly lunch LOL)
Day 20: Carolyn Fisher Winner
DEBORAH ALLMAND (Skype session)
And bonus! I forgot to give away Tammi Sauer’s second prize, a picture book critique. That winner is:
MARY WORLEY
I’ll be emailing y’all shortly! Congratulations!
One part busy-ness, two parts Bat Mitzvah planning, three parts illness and thirty parts procrastination has brought us to this day. Yes, I’ve FINALLY gotten around to selecting winners for the rest of the PiBoIdMo Prizes! Hallelujah! You can take down your PiBoIdMo tree now!
Before I present the winners, which I will do in three batches of 10 each to save my sanity, I want to talk a little about the webinar I presented to Julie Hedlund’s 12 x 12 Challenge participants this week.
Julie made this gorgeous graphic of me with NO HAIR. (Yeah, thanks, Julie.)
Someone had asked how to wipe away self-doubt and/or not be paralyzed by it. My answer was pretty simple: don’t wipe it away completely. Every creative person should have a healthy dose of self-doubt. It comes with the territory. In fact, I’d be worried if you DIDN’T have any self-doubt. I mean, we all know THOSE TYPES who think EVERYTHING they create is liquid gold (including cheesy skillet dinners). Does anyone actually BELIEVE this person when they tout their newest manuscript? No, of course not. It could not be ALL THAT and a pouch of Velveeta. It probably, most certainly, needs work. And that’s the self-doubt you need to harbor: knowing when a story needs something else. Needs a word cut. Needs a new character. Needs more motivation. Better pacing. A surprising twist. A reason to turn the page. A reason to read again! And again!
So learn to live with that self-doubt. Don’t let it overtake you, but listen to your gut instinct, the nagging sensation that your writing can be improved…because it probably can.
OK, so now onto the prizes! Once again, winners were picked with the help of random.org. I will be contacting you via email shortly!
Day 1: Joan Holub Winner
REBECCA E. GUZINSKI (The Knights Before Christmas Book and Castle)
Day 2: Josh Funk Winners
PRIYA GOPAL (both receive a Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast SWAG set)
BETH GALLAGHER
Day 3: Grace Lin Winner
SUSAN LATTA (Ling & Ting Together in All Weather)
Day 4: Marcie Wessels Winner
TANJA BAUERLE (Pirate’s Lullaby)
Day 5: David Michael Slater Winner
ERIN O’BRIEN (Skype or PB Critique, her choice)
Day 6: Tammi Sauer Winner
HELEN MATTHEWS (Roar!)
Day 7: Jessixa Bagley Winner
LORI MOZDZIERZ (Boats for Papa book & 30 Boats poster)
Day 8: Samantha Berger Winner
CAROLYN ROHRBAUGH (book)
Day 9: Meredith Mundy Winner
MARIA BOSTIAN (PB critique)
Day 10: Janna Matthies Winner
KELLY VAVALA (Two is Enough)
Congratulations, everyone. Next 10 winners coming soon!
If you’re seeking to understand the significance of yesterday’s Newbery Medal being awarded to a picture book, grab a cuppa and settle in.
Photo courtesy of author Carter Higgins from AlltheWonders.
Five years ago, The New York Times published an article that caused consternation among picture book creators: “Picture Books No Longer a Staple for Children.” In fact, the words within plunged a dagger directly into our hearts.
Parents have begun pressing their kindergartners and first graders to leave the picture book behind and move on to more text-heavy chapter books. Publishers cite pressures from parents who are mindful of increasingly rigorous standardized testing in schools.
It felt as though No Child Left Behind was leaving we authors and illustrators behind. A children’s bookseller was even quoted as saying that picture books sat languishing on their shelves, dying sad little deaths.
OUCH.
As a parent of young kids, I saw it happening. I’d be at the library and witness tots being steered toward thicker books that didn’t have pictures, children being told they’re smarter than 32 pages. Parents suggesting, “You don’t want this,” while in the picture book section. The word “this” dripping with disdain. At the school, parents bragging about their 2nd graders finishing the entire Harry Potter series.
And I remembered being in 2nd grade myself and being told to abandon picture books…and being devastated.
What parents were missing, and some may still be missing, is that chapter books, while perhaps longer, aren’t necessarily more “difficult” than picture books. In fact, I just had a discussion with my agent this week about the pros and cons of revising a manuscript and turning it into an early chapter book series. Since these books are for newly independent readers, the language is far simpler to allow autonomy. I expressed my concern over having to simplify my sentences and vocabulary. I felt my word play and structure would be limited. That’s right, writing a chapter book would force me to be less complex in my storytelling. (I should emphasize I’m talking about early chapter books here, not middle-grade novels which are for older children and are the standard Newbery fare.)
Back in 2010, the economy also played a role in what some saw as the picture book’s demise. The recession lingered and families had less discretionary income. Some publishers reported signing fewer picture book projects. No one was quite sure what to make of ebooks and iPads competing for kiddie eyeballs in the coming years, either. Would everyone migrate to digital books and snub hard copies?
Fast forward five years. Juvenile ebook sales have actually declined (by 1.4m units in 2014, according to Nielsen). iPads did not replace a parent’s lap and a physical book. The economy bounced back and children’s books have emerged as the bright spot in publishing. “The Children’s/YA market in 2014 represented 36% of the overall print market…slightly bigger than the adult fiction market,” reports Nielsen. Moreover, the price of children’s books has remained unchanged for over a decade. In other words, picture books are a terrific financial value. Now let’s talk about their intellectual, artistic and just plain JOYFUL value.
With yesterday’s announcement of Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson’s LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET winning the Newbery Medal, an honor typically bestowed upon middle-grade novels, librarians are sending a clear message that debunks the NYT article of yore:
PICTURE BOOKS ARE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO CHILDREN’S LITERATURE.
They are not simple little books with cute drawings. They are art. They are motion and emotion. They introduce children to the complexities of the world around them in a charming, engaging manner. They teach life skills while they entertain. They relay a story both visually and contextually, challenging children to solve their playful puzzle. They introduce children to irony and satire, history and innovation, wit and wisdom. They expand the imagination and teach storytelling skills. And they do all this while amusing parents, grandparents and caregivers as well. How’s that for a nifty little package?
They’re for ANY AND ALL AGES. ANY TIME. ANYWHERE.
As Dr. Seuss once said, you can read them in a box. You can read them with a fox. (Or was that something to do with breakfast?)
So bravo to Matt de la Peña, Christian Robinson and the ALA. We all won yesterday, folks. WE ALL WON.
Historical notes: The Newbery Medal was awarded to a picture book once before in 1981, although A VISIT TO WILLIAM BLAKE’S INN can be categorized as an illustrated collection of poetry and, at 48 pages, not necessarily a traditional picture book. Other picture books have received Newbery Honor recognition: MILLIONS OF CATS (1929, prior to the Caldecott), FROG & TOAD TOGETHER (1973), DOCTOR DE SOTO (1983), SHOW WAY (2006) and DARK EMPEROR AND OTHER POEMS OF THE NIGHT (2011).
I’ve done several dozen classroom Skype visits and I keep refining my techniques. (Yes, I have actual techniques!) I found that many author friends were nervous about doing Skype visits and I’m here to tell you—they’re the best thing since sliced smoked-meat knishes from Caplansky’s! (What can I say, I’m hungry and I just saw them on Food Network.)
Skype visits allow you to stay at home while spreading the joy of reading all over the world! I’ve visited Sicily, Brazil, Kuala Lumpur, and yes—even Canada—from the comfort of my laptop.
Here are my best tips for planning a fun and memorable author Skype visit…
FOR AUTHORS
Create anticipation.
I love Skype visits because I don’t have to get dressed up. I can stay in my jammies all day! I tell the kids as a children’s book author, pajamas are my “office uniform.” No suit and tie or fancy-schmancy pearl necklace for me!
I have several pairs of cute themed jammies and I let the class predict which ones I’ll be wearing for their visit. Some teachers use this as a math exercise, plotting the results on a chart, like this Kindergarten:
And I wore purple owls that day!
Other classes have even worn jammies to school on the day of my visit!
Sometimes a teacher will read one of my other books prior to the Skype. Suggest something the class can do in advance to create anticipation! Goodie, goodie gumdrops!
Add magic and secrets.
Besides reading my book, I perform a magic trick during the visit, but I won’t tell you what that is. A magician never reveals her secrets.
But, I promise to tell the children a secret about the book once we’ve read it. Every book has at least one. Mine typically have to do with the book’s creation. For instance, I let the illustrator choose what kind of animal NORMAL NORMAN should be. I was giddy with glee when S.britt made Norman a purple orangutan! And the character “Mr. Scruffles” is named after my daughter’s favorite stuffed animal. Speaking of stuffed animals…
Sterling Children’s Art Director Merideth Harte and Executive Editor Meredith Mundy with NORMAL NORMAN. He’ll be joining me for Skypes soon.
Be spontaneous.
When I visited a school in Florida, it was snowing here and most of those children had never seen the fluffy white stuff. So guess what? I took my laptop outside! I threw a few snowballs at my husband’s car. They loved it! (Husband, not so much.)
I’ve showed the kids my bookshelves, made popcorn and even interviewed my own children. There are a ton of fun things to do—you’re only limited by your imagination. And if I know you, you have one outrageous imagination!
Ensure the teacher/class has the book you’re reading.
It’s difficult to hold up your book for the webcam. And if you display an electronic copy from your screen share, the kids aren’t seeing YOU. (I make tons of funny faces while I read dramatically.)
It’s preferable for the teacher to have a copy (or two or three for a large group) to show to the kids as you read aloud. Do character voices! Comment on the illustrations!
Back in the 70’s when we viewed slide shows at school, the recording beeped, signaling the teacher to forward the slide. Now I beep for the teacher when it’s time to turn the page! (Because sometimes I comment A LOT on the illustrations.) Plus, the kids get a kick out of it.
How could I NOT comment on this page?
Have the kids participate.
I prompt the kids to knock when reading THE MONSTORE at the “knock five times fast” part, which happens twice. I also ask them to read the repetitive refrain with me. With LITTLE RED GLIDING HOOD, I ask students to listen for the other nursery rhymes and fairy tales and count how many there are. Other authors have kids act out character parts. Create some way for the kids to interact with your story.
Have the class develop author questions prior to the visit.
I used to open the floor to questions at the end of the visit, but then I might have kids asking repetitive questions, or, with the preschool and Kinder-crowd, just making statements. (My favorite: “My grandpa has hair in his ears!”) It works best for the class to arrange questions ahead of time. I ask them to come up with about 4-5. The teacher can pick students to ask the questions.
Reading my book, performing my schtick and answering five questions usually takes up the entire 20-minute time slot. (I’ve been known to go over!)
Provide a follow-up activity.
Email the teacher afterwards with a thank you and an activity sheet for the class to do following the visit. (Or you can email the activity in advance.) Some authors also send bookplates, bookmarks or other SWAG to the class.
Coordinate your visit with special days.
Is your book about doughnuts? Well, promote Skype visits on National Doughnut Day! Ninjas? International Ninja Day! Of course, there’s also World Read Aloud Day and International Literacy Day for non-doughnut-and-ninja books. (“The Doughnut Ninja” should be my next project.)
Don’t limit yourself to an age group or group size.
I write picture books but I’ve done Skype visits for middle schools and high schools. With older students, I share writing tips and talk about life as a children’s book author. I adjust my presentation for the age group.
Many schools display the Skype session on a large screen or Smartboard, so you’re really not limited to the size of group you can accommodate. All the kids can see you well. I’ve Skyped with over a hundred students at once and it’s been no different from a class of 18.
Ask the teacher to share your info with parents and other teachers.
You’d like the parents to know that you visited, right? Ask the teacher to provide that info in their class newsletter or other missive. Some teachers will even send home a book flyer so the parents can purchase your books. Create one to have ready should they request it.
FOR TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS
I’m not the only author who will do Skype visits for free. Check out Kate Messner’s list and education.microsoft.com for the Skype Education site. Subject matter experts are also available.
Have the book ready the day of the Skype visit.
Ask the author if you should read the book with the class in advance or not. I often have the teacher read one of my other books prior to the visit.
Test out your Skype connection in advance.
Many authors will visit via alternative services, like Facetime or Google Hangout. Just ask.
Create an activity the students can do prior to the visit and/or afterwards.
Ask the author if they have ready-made activities or suggestions.
If you enjoyed the visit, let others know.
Tell teacher friends, suggest that author for an in-person visit or a paid Skype seminar, write a testimonial or tell the parents about the visit. Do whatever feels right. Authors are taking time out of their day to do these visits and they appreciate the support.
So, do you want to Skype with me for free on World Read Aloud Day on February 24th? I’m available for any grade or preschool and can adjust my content to meet your needs.
Just email me at tarakidlit at gmail dot com to schedule it! Should I run out of slots on the 24th, I’ll gladly do a Skype visit another day that week.
I also do more in-depth Skype sessions to teach writing concepts, for a nominal fee.
If you have questions, suggestions or knish recommendations to add, please leave them in the comments.
SKYPE ON!
Every year I promise that PiBoIdMo prize selection will not linger into January. And every year I FAIL. I get a cold or I have some deadline looming over me like the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. This year I had both problems, plus the lovely bonus of organizing a Bat Mitzvah. Do you know what this entails? They’re like mini-weddings now! I just want to shove all the kids into a pool and call it a day, but the daughter has more grandiose (and dryer) plans.
All excuses aside, here are your winners from Post-PiBoIdMo! Then I will get to regular PiBoIdMo winners. There’s so much great stuff to give away, I have to thank everyone who donated a prize!
Post-PiBo Day 1 Carrie Charlie Brown Winner:
KYLIE BURNS (picture book critique)
Post-PiBo Day 2 Margo Sorenson Winners:
CHRISTINE CONNOLLY (Spaghetti Smiles)
CHRISTIE ALLRED (Aloha for Carol Ann)
Post-PiBo Day 3 Josh Alves Winners:
GABI SNYDER (all winners receive Surprise! by Josh)
JENNIFER MCNAMARA
SHELLY HAWLEY-YAN
SUZY LEOPOLD
BETHANY ROBERTS
Post-PiBo Day 4 Heidi Kilgras Winner:
ANN KELLEY (Little Red Gliding Hood)
Congratulations! I will be emailing you shortly to arrange delivery of your prizes.
More winners to be announced soon, I promise! In the meantime, does anyone know where to get glow-in-the-dark wide fabric headbands? This seems to be a 13-year-old thing.
Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) 