by Chana Stiefel
Hello, Storystormers! This post is about YOU and I. I know, grammarians, you want to say YOU and ME. But please bear with me. Today’s challenge is to play with Point of View (POV). As Mary Kole writes in her craft book WRITING IRRESISTIBLE KIDLIT, “POV is the lens through which a story is told….If you think of the story’s narrator as a camera, where is the camera?”
Our POV options are first, second, or third person: I, You, or He/She/They/It/.
(See? YOU and I!) Let’s start by brainstorming a story idea told in first person: Hand the camera over to a person, place, or thing and see things through their POV.
This can work for both fiction and nonfiction. My next picture book is an autobiography. But it’s not about me! It’s about my co-author Barrington Irving, who broke records as the youngest person and first Black man to fly solo around the world. I’ve worked on this story for about eight years. Initially, I subbed it in third person, but received a plane-load of rejections. Then I thought back to my children’s years in preschool and how their favorite thing was imaginary play. They loved to line up chairs and pretend they were flying an airplane. And I thought, why not tell Barrington’s story in first person, with the reader in the co-pilot seat? Thankfully, Barrington was on board! The first lines read:
“I’m a dream chaser. A solo flier. A world-record breaker.
I’m Barrington Irving.
People said I’d never make my dreams come true.
But I powered through! Want to know how?
Buckle up! Flight controls…check. Fuel…check. Electrical power on. Cockpit door locked. Start the engine. Ground control, ready for takeoff.
Let’s fly!”
See how a first-person narrator can draw in the reader? Stay tuned for LET’S FLY: BARRINGTON IRVING’S RECORD-BREAKING FLIGHT AROUND THE WORLD, illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice, coming from Dial/PRH on October 15, 2024. Enjoy this sneak peek!
Here are some other recent books told in first person:
A RIVER OF DUST: THE LIFE-GIVING LINK BETWEEN NORTH AFRICA AND THE AMAZON by Jilanne Hoffman, illustrated by Eugenia Mello (Chronicle Books, 2023). The first lines:
“I am dust, the dust of North Africa. I connect continents.”
This book takes readers on a journey of thousands of miles with dust from the Sahel and Sahara, crossing the Atlantic Ocean, bringing essential nutrients to the Amazon rainforest. It’s a story about global connectedness, the environment, and how tiny particles can have a major impact…all narrated by dust!
Jilanne says, “In my first draft of A RIVER OF DUST, third person omniscient felt distant, like a travelogue. To bring the reader in closer, I wrote the second draft from a child’s perspective, but it still felt too distant from ‘the real action’ of the story. When I finally tried to write from the perspective of dust (thank you, Miranda Paul for suggesting!), I wrote several openings: quirky dust, sassy dust, silly dust, etc. before finally landing on regal, yet vulnerable, a fitting voice for a phenomenon of global importance.”
I SHIP: A CONTAINER SHIP’S COLOSSAL JOURNEY by Kelly Rice Schmidt, illustrated by Jam Dong (Lerner 2023). The first line reads:
“Made of steel,
colossal,
strong,
I ship around the world.”
Another round-the-world adventure, kids will love this inside look at a container ship’s journey transporting toys, food, and medicine. Kelly says, “I chose first person POV (and present tense) to help better convey the emotions of this gigantic journey and to let readers feel like they were taking the journey with the crew and ship. It also allowed for succinct, sparse writing that works well for creating a poetic, rhythmic feel to the text—like being on a ship.” The second book in the series, I FUEL, (Fall 2024) is the story of where our energy (both old and new) comes from—narrated by oil himself!
A few more favorites: I AM HAVA: A SONG’S STORY OF LOVE, HOPE AND JOY by Freda Lewkowicz and Siona Benjamin. This is the story behind “Hava Nagila,” (“Let’s rejoice!”) the Hebrew song sung at weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and other Jewish celebrations. It’s told from the perspective of the song itself, depicted as a blue woman in a sari, reflecting the illustrator’s Indian-American Jewish heritage. (Now that I’ve searched “Hava Nagilla” on my computer, lots of renditions have been showing up on my feed. I love this one!)
In I AM SMOKE, by Henry Herz, illustrated by Mercè López, Smoke itself acts as narrator, telling us how it has served humankind since prehistoric times in signaling, beekeeping, curing and flavoring food, religious rites, fumigating insects, and myriad other ways. And a second book is coming soon: I AM GRAVITY! Now that’s heavy!
And remember, we can go plural too! Check out this stunning book: WE ARE STARLINGS: INSIDE THE MESMERIZING MAGIC OF MURMURMATION by Robert Furrow, Donna Jo Napoli, and Marc Martin.
As you journey through your day, consider taking on the first-person perspectives of the objects, people, or places in your path. Any story ideas come to mind?
HEY, YOU! SECOND PERSON
Now consider second person. Here the action is driven by a character known as YOU. It’s like handing the camera over to the reader and asking them to see themselves in the story (kind of like a selfie). YOU are here! My favorite mentor text for second person is THE IRIDESCENCE OF BIRDS: A BOOK ABOUT HENRI MATISSE, by Patricia MacLachlan and Hadley Hooper (Roaring Brook, 2014). The entire book is essentially two sentences, an incredible feat that begins:
“If you were a boy named Henri Matisse who lived in a dreary town in northern France where the skies were gray
And the days were cold
And you wanted color and light
And sun…”
With second-person, the reader is immediately immersed in the life and imagination of the artist Matisse. Simply sublime!
Several recent books that promote social-emotional growth use second-person to invite readers to connect with their feelings. One of my favorites is WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, illustrated by Mariona Cabassa (Barefoot Books, 2023), which empowers children to manage anxiety. It begins:
“Tomorrow may bring changes that are scary, strange or new.
Tomorrow may bring chances to embrace your truest you.”
Now it’s YOUR turn! What ideas come to mind that address the reader in second-person?
COMING HOME: THIRD PERSON
Most picture books are written in third person, with the camera hovering above the scene. And that’s fine. But consider flexing your creative muscles in terms of perspective. One great example is SCHOOL’S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson (Neal Porter, 2016). How does a new school perceive the students and all of the drama and learning that takes place inside its walls?
Another third-person creative flex: Try a dual narrative. Here’s what author Lydia Lukidis says about dual narrative in her upcoming book (April 4, 2024): “DANCING THROUGH SPACE: DR. MAE JEMISON SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS [illustrated by Sawyer Cloud] began as a simple narrative biography told in the 3rd person. Five years later, inspiration finally struck and I found my hook: the intersection of science and dance. I wrote several more drafts but was struggling to find a way to incorporate both Jemison’s love for science and dance. It felt like two separate stories. One day, inspiration struck and I realized it needed to be written as a dual narrative. The POV never changed, it’s still third person, but it was fun to chronicle two stories relating to one person. The dual narrative eventually merges together and illuminates how art and science are both essential parts of our world.”
So people, play with POV! I hope this sparks some fresh, new ideas for YOU (& ME)! Let me know how it goes in the comments.
Chana is offering a 30-minute AMA on Zoom and a signed copy of LET’S FLY! to one lucky winner.
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm 2024 participant and you have commented only once on today’s blog post.
Prizes will be distributed at the conclusion of Storystorm.
Chana Stiefel is the award-winning author of more than 30 books for children. Her picture book, THE TOWER OF LIFE: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs (Scholastic), has won many honors, including the 2023 Sydney Taylor Book Award, a Robert F. Sibert Honor, the Margaret Wise Brown Prize, and the Malka Penn Award for Human Rights in Children’s Literature. Chana’s other nonfiction titles include LET LIBERTY RISE: How America’s Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty (Scholastic) and the upcoming LET’S FLY (10-15-24, Dial/PRH) co-written with Barrington Irving, who broke the record as the youngest person and first Black man to fly solo around the world. Chana is a member of 12 x 12 and PBSpree 2024. Learn more at ChanaStiefel.com and follow @chanastiefel on Instagram.
528 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 26, 2024 at 8:37 am
thecrowsmap
Brilliant! Congratulations on your book and thank you for this great list of mentor texts.
Gail Hartman
January 28, 2024 at 10:36 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much!
January 26, 2024 at 8:39 am
sburdorf
Love this. THanks for sharing.
January 26, 2024 at 8:41 am
authorkatiemahood
This post definitely got my wheels turning! And what an amazing lineup of mentor texts!
January 28, 2024 at 10:37 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much!
January 26, 2024 at 8:43 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Ooh. So many beautiful examples here–some from books I already know and love and others from books I now can’t wait to read. Thanks, Chana–I’m going to look at some stalled mss and think about new pov possibilities!
January 26, 2024 at 8:45 am
laureannawrites
I am loving all of these non-fiction sparks! Thank you for sharing, and for the mentor texts.
January 28, 2024 at 10:37 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much!
January 26, 2024 at 8:45 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you, Chana for this great post! So much to think, and rethink about here. Congratulations on your many books.
January 26, 2024 at 8:45 am
amyhouts
Sometimes we need to find a way into a story. Thanks for showing us the way through POV! I’m definitely going to try it. Best wishes.
January 26, 2024 at 8:46 am
ccspizzirri
Thank you, Chana! I love playing around with POV! Great examples. Congratulations on your upcoming book.
January 26, 2024 at 8:51 am
M.R.
LOVE this! I recently published a book about the first two women to fly solo around the world, and the author is looking for a way to tell their story for younger readers. I’m going to suggest he use first person. Meanwhile, I’d love a copy of LET’S FLY! 🙂
January 28, 2024 at 10:37 pm
stiefelchana
So cool! Congrats!
January 26, 2024 at 8:51 am
Jill Purtee (P. J.)
Thank you for this reminder. I recently changed the POV of a new MS. Something wasn’t working, then voila! I need to try changing POV more often. The same holds true for tense (for me).
January 28, 2024 at 10:38 pm
stiefelchana
Awesome!
January 26, 2024 at 8:52 am
Kathy Watson
Thanks, Chana! Got me thinking about a POV shift in one of my stories.
January 26, 2024 at 8:52 am
Deborah Agranat Sullivan
Terrific reminder of the power of POV, Chana! Your examples highlighted the differences perfectly. Thanks for sharing!
January 26, 2024 at 8:53 am
Jean Martin
Another great contribution; thank you! Trying different POV provides an abundance of ideas and provides a new kind of freedom to explore! I will be reading all your books.
January 28, 2024 at 10:38 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much!
January 26, 2024 at 8:54 am
tinamcho
Great post, Chana! Exactly what I need to do on a WiP is play with pov. Thanks!
January 26, 2024 at 8:54 am
zoodocwrites
Half-way through this post, I was hit by a great idea for a change in POV for one of my WIPs! Thank you for that light bulb moment!
January 28, 2024 at 10:39 pm
stiefelchana
Awesome!
January 26, 2024 at 8:55 am
lhofke
Love this post. And to be honest, I never considered first person for PB bio. But you’ve changed my mind. Great examples and I like the lyrical language of the beginning of Let’s Fly. I look forward to reading the rest
January 26, 2024 at 9:00 am
Erica
Thanks for this! I might just have to try first person!
January 26, 2024 at 9:02 am
mdk45
Love your post, Chana. Stories really change when you use a different POV. Thanks!
January 26, 2024 at 9:04 am
Melissa Rafson Friedman
This is was very informative and helpful! Thank you!
January 26, 2024 at 9:10 am
julianamjones728
Congrats on Let’s Fly! It looks wonderful! Thanks for the example mentor texts with different POVs; they really do make a difference.
January 26, 2024 at 9:12 am
mlyablonaolcom
I have a lot of stories in first person and third person. Now I think I’m really going to have to try second. What fun 🙂
January 26, 2024 at 9:13 am
rosecappelli
Thanks for the great examples!
January 26, 2024 at 9:13 am
ptnozell
I love playing with POV and I love the many mentor texts you’ve cited. Thank you, Chana!
January 26, 2024 at 9:20 am
Kristi Mahoney
Trying different POV’s is such a great exercise! Thanks so much, Chana!
January 26, 2024 at 9:22 am
eleanorannpeterson
I’ve been struggling with a PB MS that wants to become an early reader. I’ll try different POVs and see what I come up with. Thanks for sharing.
January 26, 2024 at 9:22 am
laurakbower
Thank you Chana! What powerful examples of authors finding a unique POV to make their books magical! I can’t wait to play around with this idea (for old and new book ideas!). Congratulations on all of your wonderful books!
January 26, 2024 at 9:24 am
maureenegan
Thanks for al the book recs! Can’t wait to fly!
January 28, 2024 at 10:40 pm
stiefelchana
Good luck!
January 26, 2024 at 9:25 am
Cathy Lentes
Thanks for all the great examples of books! And for getting me excited about playing with POV again.
January 26, 2024 at 9:27 am
Jane Dippold
Thanks for the great examples with your post on POV and congrats on your books!
January 26, 2024 at 9:27 am
Patti Richards, Children's Author
Thanks for this great reminder about what we can do with POV!
January 26, 2024 at 9:28 am
Lisa Thompson
Great post! Maybe a change of POV will unstick my stuck story. Thank you!
January 26, 2024 at 9:31 am
Jennifer
Thank you for this post and the great mentor text suggestions! I haven’t read many of them and have added them to my list. I love first and second person perspectives and am so glad to see more books from those POVs.
January 26, 2024 at 9:35 am
rnewman504
Great post, Chana!
January 26, 2024 at 9:37 am
Prairie Garden Girl
Thank you, Chana, for the excellent examples for telling a story through various POVs.
Suzy Leopold
January 26, 2024 at 9:38 am
Debra Wolf Goldstein
Thank you this extremely helpful post, Chana. I most appreciate the detailed examples and mentor texts.
Debra Wolf Goldstein
January 26, 2024 at 9:39 am
marty
What timing. Thank you SO much, Chana. I am so grateful for the POV content, your great picks to explore the PB POV masters, and your inspiring books. Love it! Happy Storystorming!
January 26, 2024 at 9:40 am
Kimberly Marcus
Hi Chana! Thank you for a great post. Loved reading about your process as well as the other authors. Those are some great book choices too. Thank you!!
January 28, 2024 at 10:40 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks Kimberly! Good luck!
January 26, 2024 at 9:40 am
Kathryn LeRoy
I’ve been struggling with a draft, and changing the POV may just be the magic it needs. Thank you for the tips and beautiful examples.
January 26, 2024 at 9:41 am
Diane McBee
Thanks for sharing.
January 26, 2024 at 9:42 am
Linda KulpTrout
Wonderful examples. I’ve been working on a manuscript that doesn’t feel quite right. You’ve inspired me to try changing the POV. Thank you, Chana!
January 26, 2024 at 9:43 am
aubreyalliethewriter
Lots of nonfiction mentors texts here. Thanks!
January 26, 2024 at 9:43 am
Jany Campana
Thanks Chana for inspiring me to try different point-of-views!
January 26, 2024 at 9:46 am
sheriradovich0384
Wow! new perspective for my writing to try another pov. This was eye-opening for me. I need to look deeper into my drafts and see what I can do differently. Thank you.
January 26, 2024 at 9:47 am
Melissa L Lettis
POV can change the feel of a story so much! Definitely worth playing with until it feels right. Great mentor texts for these!
January 26, 2024 at 9:48 am
taracho4
I didn’t even finish reading this post before ideas started flowing about reapproaching a manuscript I have been working on for years. Thank you for inspiring me to see from different angles!
January 26, 2024 at 9:48 am
migratingmoosegmailcom
Great hook & examples of the use of POV.
January 26, 2024 at 9:50 am
Cindy Montoya
Thank you for the great ideas and examples!
January 26, 2024 at 9:50 am
Lucretia Schafroth
Thank you, Chana, for sharing your approaches to modifying POV and the wonderful examples of mentor texts. Using a different POV to make a story “click” and engage its readers is a powerful tool! I can’t wait to play around with this idea.
January 26, 2024 at 9:50 am
anchance
This is one of my favorite ways to write! I love playing with point of view. Thank you for your tips!
January 26, 2024 at 9:52 am
millerritam
Thank you, Chana. I am definitely saving your blog post today to re-read as I write in 2024. Very inspiring!
January 28, 2024 at 10:41 pm
stiefelchana
Wonderful! Thanks!
January 26, 2024 at 9:53 am
Lindsey Aduskevich
Chana, thank you so much! I already have one idea to put in my journal which came to me as I read this. I can’t wait to play and “storm” more!!
January 28, 2024 at 10:41 pm
stiefelchana
Awesome! Good luck!
January 26, 2024 at 9:55 am
Sayurikuri
Thank you for this awesome post! So full of ideas and instruction and mentor texts! Adding all of them to my to-read / to-study list!
January 26, 2024 at 9:56 am
karenleewyoming
Awesome, awesome, awesome! This is so inspiration and motivational! Absolutely love the examples…soooo helpful. Thank you for your time, your energy, and sharing your insights!
January 26, 2024 at 9:57 am
bethsbiblio
Thank you for clarifying POV, point of view, Chana and thank you for Storystorm, Tara. Elizabeth
January 26, 2024 at 9:58 am
Eric Herrington
Thank you for all the examples on different points of view. Love the examples of personification too. I feel inspired!
January 26, 2024 at 9:58 am
Rebecca Colby
Thanks for the POV mentor texts, and the inspiration, Chana.
January 26, 2024 at 10:00 am
Janet Krauthamer
This is such an informative post! Thank you for all of these mentor text titles! Congratulations
January 26, 2024 at 10:01 am
Janet Krauthamer
This is such an informative post! Thanks for all of these wonderful mentor text titles. Congrats on LET’S FLY! I can’t wait to read it!
January 28, 2024 at 10:41 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much!
January 26, 2024 at 10:01 am
kcollazo
Thank you for this post, Chana! So many great mentor texts added to my list! It’s amazing how changing the POV can impact the entire reader experience!
January 26, 2024 at 10:02 am
Loralee Petersen
Great posts with some interesting examples. And my TBR list continues to grow. Thank you, Chana.
January 26, 2024 at 10:05 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Terrific post, Chana! Thank you for highlighting this important aspect of writing with many amazing examples. I’m excited to check out the books that haven’t come out yet, including yours!
January 26, 2024 at 10:05 am
Denise Gallagher
Thank you, Chana, for these wonderful examples of Points of View! I look forward to challenging myself to try a bit of writing in each one.
January 26, 2024 at 10:06 am
Daryl Gottier
Thanks for some wonderful examples and ways to play with our ideas!
January 26, 2024 at 10:08 am
1marth1
Thank you for the great suggestions. I got an idea for a book in the first person before I even finished reading them. I loved your examples for taking on writing from different perspectives. Congratulations on your upcoming book, LET’S FLY. It sounds inspirational.
January 26, 2024 at 10:08 am
reedandwritekids
Great mentor text suggestions!
January 26, 2024 at 10:09 am
Lauren Barbieri
Congratulations on your upcoming book, and thank you for the post!
January 26, 2024 at 10:11 am
kathalsey
LET’S FLY sounds amazing! Congrats to you and Barrington! Love, love all these amazing POV examples, especially since most of them are newer!
January 28, 2024 at 10:42 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much!
January 26, 2024 at 10:15 am
marshaelyn
Chana, Your playful approach to POV is a fun way to find the “magic” in a story. Thank you for the list of PB resources for us to read. I’ve thought of an old manuscript that I’ll “dust off” to experiment with its POV. Maybe I’ll find its magic, too. Sending you energy and inspiration for your continued success…
January 28, 2024 at 10:42 pm
stiefelchana
Terrific! Thanks so much!
January 26, 2024 at 10:15 am
susanahearn45
What a great way to look at writing stories, and wonderful examples of how POV can make all the difference.
January 26, 2024 at 10:19 am
claireflewis
Love this post! So many great examples and ideas for generating new ideas!
January 26, 2024 at 10:21 am
Janice Woods
Congratulations and thank you for sharing this approach!
January 26, 2024 at 10:22 am
bookclubhbhs
Thank you so much for this informative and fun post! It’s so helpful to see how the different POVs can change the way a story feels and how outside of the box POVs can go! I can’t wait to check out all those mentor texts and your work, and I can’t wait to keep adding to my ideas list! I got 1 new idea while reading your post, and I’m sure more will keep flowing throughout the day! Storystorm has really turned on the faucet for me this month and everything that I see and experience feels like it sparks an idea all day long this month! It’s the best!
January 26, 2024 at 10:24 am
Kari Lavelle
Not only was this inspiring to me as a writer, it also helped me with some fresh ideas for an author visit presentation. Thank you, thank you, Chana! (Love that Hava Nagila video! So fun!)
January 26, 2024 at 10:31 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Thanks so much for showing us how different POVs can make a story FLY, Chana! Congratulations on all your forthcoming books!
January 26, 2024 at 10:35 am
serendipityinstars
Thank you for the tips on POV and for the great mentor texts! I look forward to checking all of the books out.
January 26, 2024 at 10:37 am
allisonbeyergmailcom
Thank you! This post really helped me to step back from a few stories I have had in the works for years and reconsider if POV might be what’s holding them back. VERY helpful reminder!!
January 28, 2024 at 10:43 pm
stiefelchana
Terrific! Good luck!
January 26, 2024 at 10:37 am
lecon
Thanks for a great post! You’ve inspired me to rewrite a recent rough draft from a different perspective I hadn’t previously considered. I look forward to reading your book recommendations. Thank you!
January 26, 2024 at 10:38 am
macsheperd
First, Thank you for including ‘Dancing Through Space. Dr. Jemison is AMAZING! And SO MUCH MORE than an astronaut and a dancer. I drive for a local college where she came to speak a few years ago. And I got to drive her and her partner to and from the airport. Five hours total! If you ever get the chance to hear her speak — cancel whatever plans you have and go!
Look her up! Read some of her speeches and talks. Read her books. If you are ever wondering if you are doing what you are meant to do, her stories will help.
This is what I relay to people who are ever at the crossroads,
(respectfully paraphrased from her talk) When Mae Jemison was trying to decide whether to continue her education in dance or medicine, her mother told her, “Mae, if you become a doctor, you can still be a dancer. Becoming a dancer doesn’t mean you can still be a doctor.”
So, it’s all right to follow all your dreams and joys, sequentially and simultaneously. And, sometimes, even simple, ordinary bill paying jobs like driving for a college, can offer opportunities for creativity.
January 28, 2024 at 10:44 pm
stiefelchana
Yes! Definitely order Lydia’s book!
January 26, 2024 at 10:39 am
snor5bddfeabba4
love this little primer in POV, esp. the camera analogy
January 26, 2024 at 10:40 am
coachrochelle
Love this idea!
January 26, 2024 at 10:41 am
pathaap
I feel like I automatically go to third person in writing my stories. Thanks for pointing out the other points of view we can use to make our stories shine. Congratulations on yours, Chana!
January 26, 2024 at 10:42 am
shereenicole
Thank you for sharing!
January 26, 2024 at 10:45 am
saintamovin
Thank you Chana 📷
January 26, 2024 at 10:49 am
geigerlin
Such a wonderful approach to accelerate an otherwise flat story into an immersive story for our readers. Thank you, Chana!
January 26, 2024 at 10:49 am
gregoryfulgione
Playing with POV is definitely something that I intend to try. Thanks for your suggestions & thanks for all your mentor text examples!
January 26, 2024 at 10:50 am
Laurie Bouck
I appreciate this post so much. It’s amazing how POV can have such an impact on a story. Thank you for sharing.
January 26, 2024 at 10:52 am
Joyce P. Uglow
Chana, thank you for this list of beautiful books and congratulations on I SHIP!
January 26, 2024 at 10:54 am
Karin Larson
Wow! This was an incredible post. It will help shape edits on a PB I’ve been struggling with recently. Thank you so much for all the amazing info and the suggested texts, some of which I’ve seen and some I have not and will check out. Congratulations on LET’S FLY!
January 28, 2024 at 10:44 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much!
January 26, 2024 at 10:54 am
Suzanne Lewis
I love POV play! Thanks for your encouragement to explore it with all those fabulous examples of different POVs at work! Great post, Chana!
January 26, 2024 at 10:55 am
Marie Prins
Great post! Great ideas! Great mentor texts! I do try different POV as well as tenses to bring more life to a story. Your post is spurring me to play more with both. It also gave me another idea for a story that has sat in my computer for a year. So thank-you very much! I’m excited again to start revisions.
January 26, 2024 at 10:57 am
paulajbecker
Much thanks, Chana, for sharing your POV on POV! : D It was well-presented and informative. Congrats on your latest book!
January 26, 2024 at 10:58 am
Tanya Konerman
I love writing from 1st and 2nd POV to mix things up! Great book suggestions!
January 26, 2024 at 10:58 am
amybeth349
I think changing Point of View is a great suggestion. I think I mix my Point of Views. I think focusing on first, second or third person could really bring a new feeling to the character and story. Thank you for the great ideas.
January 26, 2024 at 11:02 am
readmybook2002
For some writers POV comes easily, for others it takes shape after a couple of rounds of drafts. Thank you for pointing it out.
January 26, 2024 at 11:04 am
Armineh Manookian
Such a helpful post and so many great examples. Thank you, Chana!
January 26, 2024 at 11:05 am
Janet AlJunaidi
Thank you Chana! And thanks for all these wonderful mentor text titles!
January 26, 2024 at 11:09 am
heatherstigall
Thank you for sharing these examples of how to play with POV!
January 28, 2024 at 10:45 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much, Heather! And thanks for sharing Tower of Life. Very meaningful to me.
January 26, 2024 at 11:09 am
Helen M. Waters
Oh, so many good ideas from this post! Thank you so much! So much expansion in my brain right now…
January 26, 2024 at 11:12 am
annette schottenfeld
Chana, You’ve inspired me to try changing the POV of a story I’m working on! Thank you and wishing you continued success! 🙂
January 26, 2024 at 11:15 am
Melissa Stoller
Thanks for so many excellent ideas about incorporating different POVs in our storytelling – and I love all the book references! I’m so excited to read LET’S FLY!
January 26, 2024 at 11:22 am
natashaffdfd87f06
So many texts to read and gain inspiration from. Thank you!
January 26, 2024 at 11:27 am
Jim Chaize
This was a very helpful post. And thanks for the book recommendations, Chana.
January 26, 2024 at 11:29 am
ellenramsey
Wonderful post. Love all the specific examples!
January 26, 2024 at 11:30 am
Kindness Kangaroo
We do seem to fall into the simpler 3rd person storyline so it is good to consider the other options!
January 26, 2024 at 11:31 am
gottawritenow
Thank you Chana for this great post and addressing the POV changing challenge- switching our drafts to tease out or hear a different perspective pulls the story in-or maybe out 😉 Today will include heading to the library to find your suggested books. Congrats on your latest book- look forward to reading it!
January 28, 2024 at 10:46 pm
stiefelchana
Terrific! Thanks so much!
January 26, 2024 at 11:32 am
Gretchen McLellan
This was a fantastic post, Chana! I’m looking forward to using all these books as mentor texts and waiting impatiently for the new releases to be available. I’ve been experimenting with changing the POV of many of my works-in-progress, and your post adds a new one to my bag of tricks to try–dual narrative structure. Thanks for all your contributions to readers young and old alike and congratulations on your coming titles! Go PTB 2017!
January 28, 2024 at 10:46 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks Gretchen! Good luck!
January 26, 2024 at 11:33 am
Christina
I enjoyed reading the article and the beautiful examples shared.
January 26, 2024 at 11:35 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Chana, for your wonderful post on POV. Your examples and explanations are so helpful and inspiring.
Hopefully, this is not a repeat reply. My first post seems lost in the internet’s netherworld.
January 26, 2024 at 11:38 am
Bedwards
Wow. As a newbie to this industry, I learned a lot from your post. I loved all the mentor texts and using the camera perspective when discussing POV. Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your new book. It’s sure to be another winner.
January 26, 2024 at 11:41 am
writeremmcbride
Oh my Goodness, Chana! What a wonderfully helpful post! I have requested every one of the books you mention from our library, so to study them myself! There is a manuscript on which I have been working/thinking for quite a while, and this has given me new inspiration. Thank you so very much!
January 26, 2024 at 11:44 am
Susie
thanks for sharing !
January 26, 2024 at 11:44 am
kwillette13
What an interesting idea! I already found a way to mix up a manuscript I’ve been working on by changing the POV from 3rd to 1st, and it’s really inspiring me to think about the story in a new way. I especially love the creative move to narrate the one book from dust’s perspective! I’ve actually been thinking of doing something similar with inanimate objects narrating their own story, so this is the support/encouragement I needed to know that that wasn’t a totally crazy idea! Thanks so much for sharing.
January 28, 2024 at 10:47 pm
stiefelchana
Not crazy at all! Good luck!
January 26, 2024 at 11:52 am
kristarantino
POV is always such an interesting topic. Loved your insight! Thank you for sharing.
January 26, 2024 at 11:52 am
kathleen moore
This was so incredibly helpful and informative. Thank you for the inspiration to shake up my perspective!!
January 26, 2024 at 11:55 am
sblotevogel
Such good advice! I can’t wait to read the mentor texts you suggested to help get some ideas rolling!
January 26, 2024 at 11:57 am
LaurenKerstein
Hi Chana! What a terrific post! I loved the image of handing a camera to the MC and looking through their eyes. As you know, I LOVE all of your books! Thank you!
January 28, 2024 at 10:47 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much, Lauren! Same! xo
January 26, 2024 at 11:57 am
bsenenman
Great post. Many of my manuscripts are in first person. A few years ago I was told how 1st is not generally used in PBs but now I see more and more. I do want to try 2nd person POV.
January 28, 2024 at 10:48 pm
stiefelchana
Yes, I agree! 1st person is becoming more common.
January 26, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Kimberly. Storyteller
I’ve actually never thought about choosing a point of view for a manuscript. The character’s voice has always determined that for me. LOL! For lack of a better description. Sounds like a super fun challenge, though. Your picture books look amazing, by the way. Thank you so much for sharing!
January 26, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Tracey Kiff-Judson
Thank you, Chana! I revisited some of my ideas from earlier in Storystorm, and I think they could be improved by a change in POV. Thank you for the reminder to think from varying perspectives.
January 26, 2024 at 12:01 pm
bevbaird
Thanks so much for all these wonderful mentor texts to highlight the differences in ways to use POV. Loved it.
January 26, 2024 at 12:04 pm
abby mumford
What a playful approach to POV! Just how we should approach writing books for kids. Bravo!
January 26, 2024 at 12:06 pm
Sarah Hetu-Radny
Thank you this was a great post!
January 26, 2024 at 12:14 pm
Poupette
This is a great post. Thanks for the inspiration to try different POVs and for offering so many mentor texts. Love the camera angle, too!
January 26, 2024 at 12:16 pm
krharrellnw
This gives me an idea to revisit a little poem I wrote about a tree to see if I can expand it into a full length PB manuscript – thanks.
January 28, 2024 at 10:49 pm
stiefelchana
Fantastic! Good luck!
January 26, 2024 at 12:16 pm
lisakdaviswriting
Perfect timing! Last night I wrote a 1st draft in 1st person! It’s the first time I have tried.
January 26, 2024 at 12:18 pm
riverwoods21
Congratulations on your amazing accomplishments. This is a VERY Informative Posts to savor and reread. I jotted many of the titles. Thank you so much.
January 26, 2024 at 12:25 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Thank you for this. I read your post, hopped in the shower and had several different ideas of how I could try different POVs in stories that don’t yet feel quite right to me pour down on me. Thank you again.
January 26, 2024 at 12:27 pm
dlapmandi
Love the idea of playing around with POV. Thanks for the post.
January 26, 2024 at 12:33 pm
Karen
Thanks for so many excellent ideas about incorporating different POVs in our storytelling – and I love all the book references! I will be busy at the library this weekend.
January 26, 2024 at 12:34 pm
daydreambelievin
Thanks for the great idea. I feel like 2nd person often gets forgotten.
January 26, 2024 at 12:36 pm
heidikyates
This is an awesome post and I absolutely love all the examples! Thank you, Chana!
January 26, 2024 at 12:39 pm
shadikafi
I love 1st person and 2nd person .I was told that a story I wrote in 2nd person (which I love and believe in so much) needs to be changed to a different POV. How do I submit the story to editors the way that it is or can I ask to submit it in its current POV and another POV or do editors only want to see one version?
January 28, 2024 at 10:50 pm
stiefelchana
I would send your favorite version, the one that speaks to you most. You can also read the two versions to children and see which one they prefer. Good luck!
January 26, 2024 at 12:40 pm
emmelineforrestal
Ooh this comes at a perfect time! I was JUST struggling last night with a new manuscript, and was having debates about POV and present vs. past tense. This has given me some very timely insight! Thank you!
January 28, 2024 at 10:51 pm
stiefelchana
Great! Good luck!
January 26, 2024 at 12:44 pm
jumpbaby
Love the idea of a camera lens for POV and you’ve given me the push I needed to go ahead and write my first draft of a new story in 1st person ~ from an object’s perspective.
Cheryl Johnson
January 26, 2024 at 12:48 pm
sue macartney
Chana, thank you for this treasure trove of insight into POV and the exciting way it can be used to tell our stories. And congratulations on all your amazing books!
January 26, 2024 at 12:49 pm
Laura
I AM in love with the pov challenge!
January 26, 2024 at 12:51 pm
donnacangelosi
Another fantastic post, Chana! Thanks for all these wonderful ideas to make our stories soar! So excited that Let’s Fly will be in the world soon.
January 27, 2024 at 8:34 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you, pardner! xoxo
January 26, 2024 at 12:57 pm
joanswanson58
Thank you for changing it up in POV. I know I’m more comforatable doing my writing in third person, but I will try this and see where it leads me….
January 26, 2024 at 12:59 pm
lindakaychavezbooks
Thank you for this fresh look at POV! Honestly I stay a little bit confused about 2nd person and this helped. Great examples and mentor texts!
January 26, 2024 at 1:08 pm
karenrafeedie
Thanks for a fresh perspective on perspective. I appreciated all the examples.
January 28, 2024 at 10:52 pm
stiefelchana
LOL! Glad to help. Thanks!
January 26, 2024 at 1:09 pm
Joy Wieder
Your post has inspired me to try a PB bio in first person. Fingers crossed!
January 26, 2024 at 1:11 pm
Mona Pease
Thank you for reminding me I have choices I really hadn’t considered. From reading this and all the texts you gave, I’ve got a NF manuscript that I’m going to try writing in second person! Inspiring post.
January 26, 2024 at 1:13 pm
sallymcclure
I love your ideas for POV outside of human or animal characters!
January 26, 2024 at 1:15 pm
Angel Gantnier
Great ideas =)
January 26, 2024 at 1:16 pm
Christine Van Zandt, MILKWEED FOR MONARCHS (Beaming Books, 2024)
So glad to see this post because I think POV can make or break a story. I’ve had ones find their groove after a POV change.
January 26, 2024 at 1:18 pm
Katherine Pew
Chana, what a beautiful, dynamic, lyrical opening to LET’S FLY! I’m hooked! And what a great post—I’m fascinated by creative POV! I’m reading Kirsten Larson’s REIMAGINING NONFICTION—her nonfiction picture book revision guide, and it has excellent insights on POV too! Thanks!!
January 27, 2024 at 8:35 pm
stiefelchana
Wonderful! Kirsten’s THE FIRE OF STARS is a great example of 3rd person dual narrative!
January 26, 2024 at 1:18 pm
helenlysicatos
Great post! I like the visual of imaging the POV as a camera lens, it is very helpful.
January 28, 2024 at 10:54 pm
stiefelchana
Wonderful!
January 26, 2024 at 1:19 pm
kelpellico
An inspiring post! Thank you for the many examples that show variation and get the wheels turning!
January 26, 2024 at 1:19 pm
Annelouise
This is such a fun post, Chana. I love all the book references to dig into and study as I work through story ideas. It’s fascinating how POV changes a story and the possibilities. Thank you for sharing such great examples.
January 28, 2024 at 10:53 pm
stiefelchana
Great! Thanks!
January 30, 2024 at 11:00 am
Judy Sobanski
Hi Chana! Thanks for the POV post. Always good to think through the options. LET’S FLY! looks amazing! I can’t wait to read it!
January 26, 2024 at 1:20 pm
fleischmana6
I’m just in the beginning stages of a story and it will be fun to try drafting it from different points of view. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 26, 2024 at 1:24 pm
Aileen Stewart
Probably one of the best examples of the differences between first, second, and third person I’ve read. Thanks so much for sharing!
January 26, 2024 at 1:25 pm
mornagersho
I love the multiple perspectives from an author point of view but also what an important take away for the reader, as well. I.E., there are MULTIPLE perspectives to an event, or from individuals. . . .POWERFUL!!
January 26, 2024 at 1:25 pm
Raelene Van Horn
Oh cool, I’m writing a 3rd person dual narrative too!
January 28, 2024 at 10:54 pm
stiefelchana
Nice!
January 26, 2024 at 1:26 pm
TerriMichels
I love finding and learning mentor texts. You just made that process even better. Thank you so much for sharing.
January 26, 2024 at 1:30 pm
MichaelHenriksen
Thank you Chana for sharing this POV tip, along with all the helpful example mentor texts!
January 26, 2024 at 1:31 pm
Jennifer
Thanks so much for this! I generated so many ideas and thought of new ways to approach old/vague ideas I had using this lens. Thank you!
January 26, 2024 at 1:33 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thank you for your post Chana. Always great to read a breakdown of POV.
January 26, 2024 at 1:33 pm
goodreadswithronna
Chana, this is one terrific and motivating post. It’s a wonderful feeling to hit upon the right pov for a story. Until that moment it’s almost as if I, as a writer, have laryngitis! Thanks for the great examples too! 🙂
January 26, 2024 at 1:37 pm
elizabethwilcoxsaba
Very helpful post Chana – thank you.
January 26, 2024 at 1:53 pm
thehugbooks
Oooh, I have just the NF biography manuscript that needs a new look. Thank you so much for the suggestions.
January 26, 2024 at 1:54 pm
Diane O'Neill
Thanks so much for the inspiration! I can’t wait to read LET’S FLY!
January 26, 2024 at 1:57 pm
kamalani3
This is a wonderful reminder of how we can try different approaches to a story. Thanks so much, Chana, and for the excellent mentor texts!
January 26, 2024 at 1:58 pm
Claire A. B. Freeland
As a big fan of yours, I’m eagerly awaiting LET’S FLY: BARRINGTON IRVING’S RECORD-BREAKING FLIGHT AROUND THE WORLD. Thanks for this thoughtful post with wonderful mentor texts.
January 28, 2024 at 10:55 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much!!
January 26, 2024 at 2:01 pm
laurelneme
Very helpful post! Love all these examples of different mentor texts for different points of view.
January 26, 2024 at 2:06 pm
Tara Cerven
Such fabulous ways to play with POVs! Thank you.
January 26, 2024 at 2:10 pm
elisederstine
Thanks, Chana, especially for giving such helpful examples of each POV type.
January 26, 2024 at 2:12 pm
nancyakolb1
Thanks for reminding me that playing with POV can really make a story blossom.
One of the things I LOVE about all these posts are the books that each writer mentions – I now have a huge list of books to get from the library or buy. Thanks much.
January 26, 2024 at 2:12 pm
annettepimentel
Great mentor texts. Thanks so much!
January 26, 2024 at 2:25 pm
Vanessa Konoval
Phenomenal ideas – and it’s so helpful that you included mentor texts! Thank you for posting, Chana!!
January 26, 2024 at 2:30 pm
Deep Frees Studios
I love the first line of “Let’s Fly.” Thank you for the ideas and inspiration.
January 26, 2024 at 2:44 pm
Teresa Rodrigues
Thank you, Chana! This post already has my mind working!
January 26, 2024 at 2:45 pm
Cathy Stefanec Ogren
Great post, Chana! Thank you for all the examples of POV.
January 26, 2024 at 2:49 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
I’ve done a whole presentation on POV in picture books, and I find it fascinating. Thanks for these examples!
January 26, 2024 at 2:50 pm
Lynne Marie
Thanks for all the hard work you have put into this post! From any point of view, it’s illuminating 🙂 Best, LM
January 26, 2024 at 2:53 pm
littleseedsread
Thank you for this reminder that POV can turn our writing around. I’m sitting here looking at all my stories and asking how things would look if I changed the point of view. Exciting possibilities!
January 26, 2024 at 3:04 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
Incredible post. Wow.
January 26, 2024 at 3:07 pm
Elayne
Love this post, Chana! So much great perspective (hardy har har) on an area that often gets overlooked during revision. Thank you for what you shared!
January 28, 2024 at 10:55 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks! 😉
January 26, 2024 at 3:11 pm
Lisa Billa
Thanks for these great examples! Your post sparked a fun idea and I’ll be using these mentor texts.
January 26, 2024 at 3:11 pm
Buffy Silverman
Playing with POV right now! Thanks for the inspirtation.
January 26, 2024 at 3:12 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
You explain the POVs so well, Chana. Thank you! And you are a #kidlit inspiration.
January 26, 2024 at 3:18 pm
Alison McGauley
Thanks, Chana! Your wonderful examples of POV spurred an idea for a first person POV story. 🙂
January 26, 2024 at 3:18 pm
staceygustafson
Thanks for the suggestions. I’m trying this right now!…Let’s start by brainstorming a story idea told in first person: Hand the camera over to a person, place, or thing and see things through their POV.
January 26, 2024 at 3:25 pm
jennaejo
I love playing with POV! Than you for all the examples!
January 26, 2024 at 3:33 pm
kiwijenny
Chana you are awesome. POV is amazing. I’m going to go back to the drawing board with my stories…wait…I could be the board…ooo that tickles. Lol
January 26, 2024 at 3:34 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
Wow! So many POV ideas percolating with THE book idea that keeps me up all night…and has been playing in my head and on paper…for 8 years now. Love all the mentor texts too! TU, bunches.
January 26, 2024 at 3:35 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thanks for clearing up POV for me. The mentor texts were useful.
January 26, 2024 at 3:36 pm
lauren
Thank you for this reminder and perspective! (Also, I’ve also been enjoying Mary Kole’s new book)
January 26, 2024 at 3:41 pm
kellietheridgeauthor
The tendency is to use third person. I’m looking forward to trying out more first person or even second person or dual POV. Thanks for sharing your tips.
January 26, 2024 at 3:50 pm
lorimkeatingyahoocom
I love writing in different POVs. Thanks, Chana!
January 26, 2024 at 3:55 pm
anaarchistories
POV sounds fun to try!
January 26, 2024 at 3:58 pm
kvavala
Thank you for such an informative post Chana and congratulations again on your wonderful book! I wish you continued success! The way you explained POV was so easy to understand!
January 28, 2024 at 10:56 pm
stiefelchana
Great! Thanks so much!
January 26, 2024 at 4:02 pm
ConstanceL
Its incredible how much I absolutely needed to read this post at this moment! So helpful and thank you so much!!
January 26, 2024 at 4:03 pm
kellybirdsong2019
Wow! great post. I have many ideas running through my head now.
January 26, 2024 at 4:04 pm
hamblinkris
I love how many ideas you have for first person writing.
Kris
January 26, 2024 at 4:14 pm
sarahpeacetobias
Great ideas.
January 26, 2024 at 4:23 pm
kathleengauer
So many interesting POV’s to tell a story! Looking forward to reading all of these fascinating books!
January 26, 2024 at 4:26 pm
cindyrivka
playing with POV is one of my favorite exercises – it helps me find out in whose voice I want to tell the story. Thanks for all the great examples of books that do this.
January 26, 2024 at 4:26 pm
Carmen Swick-Author
Something i believe all writers think about prior to writing their Childrens book. First or third person narrative.
Thank you!!
Carmen Swick
January 26, 2024 at 4:28 pm
Anne C. Bromley
Thank you so much for sharing your timely insights on POV and how to use it, especially first and second person, to make beautiful books. Wishing you all the best!
January 26, 2024 at 4:28 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Such great examples of working with POV! I got ideas of revamping old stories by altering POV! Thanks!
January 26, 2024 at 4:30 pm
JF Hall Writes
Thanks, Chana! These are fun tips. I’ve really only played with POV in a couple of my manuscripts, and that has been in the editing process, not in the brainstorming process. I’m curious to see what pops into my brain when I give myself permission to explore more POVs. Thank you!
January 26, 2024 at 4:32 pm
Christine Graham
Thanks for this reminder. I need to try this with several of my stories.
January 26, 2024 at 4:36 pm
kirstenbockblog
What a great perspective on writing perspective!
January 26, 2024 at 4:39 pm
Jenny Boyd
Congratulations on your upcoming book! And thank you so much for this insightful, thought-provoking post! I can’t wait to sit down with my idea list and play around with point of view to see how my stories might change.
January 26, 2024 at 4:42 pm
carmelamccainsimmons
Chaná, Thank you for sharing this clear overview of poV. The analogy of the selfie might just be what my story needs!
January 26, 2024 at 4:43 pm
Michelle S Kennedy
This is always a smart option, especially when you know you have a good story arc but just aren’t sure how to best present it. Thanks for sharing in your discovery with us and congrats on your new book!
January 26, 2024 at 4:48 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
So many inspiring texts here – thanks Chana!
January 26, 2024 at 5:01 pm
tinefg
Thank you Chana! A simple (or not so simple) change in POV can turn a story on it’s side in wonderful unexpected ways, thanks for the reminder; a great way to expand on a storystorm idea nugget. Congratulations on your upcoming release.
January 26, 2024 at 5:01 pm
Allison Green
I was just looking up more PBs in Second POV yesterday. Thanks for a few more!
January 26, 2024 at 5:02 pm
authordebradaugherty
Thanks, Chana, for your post on POV. I sometimes take the same PB manuscript and write it in different POVs to see which one works best.
January 26, 2024 at 5:05 pm
Ronni Diamondstein
Chana, I love this post so much! It speaks to me! Thank you so much!
January 26, 2024 at 5:10 pm
58chilihed13
Wow! So much to learn! Thanks Chana!
January 26, 2024 at 5:14 pm
Deborah Ishii
Thank you so much for sharing! I particularly like your suggestions about using an inanimate object as narrator. I have a couple of WIP that I can apply that idea!
January 28, 2024 at 10:57 pm
stiefelchana
Terrific!
January 26, 2024 at 5:15 pm
Leah Marks
Great idea to put the reader in the pilot seat. Using different point of view can definitely change the feel of a book. Thank you for your suggestions.
January 28, 2024 at 10:57 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much!
January 26, 2024 at 5:18 pm
Jane Baskwill
Thank you for your post Chana. It’s very important to choose the right one for your story. I struggle sometimes to make a choice, as I may like more than one.
January 26, 2024 at 5:19 pm
Angela De Groot
Thanks for sharing all these wonderful examples of POV. Writing our stories from different points of view can be helpful, fun and surprising.
January 26, 2024 at 5:22 pm
Virginia Rinkel
Thank you for this post – I am about to rewrite my 3rd person POV to 1st. You help give me the courage to do this.
January 26, 2024 at 5:25 pm
ssjaslove
Sometimes, a POV change is all a story needs to go from good to wonderful. Thanks for defining this powerful tool and giving such excellent mentor texts to support each type.
January 26, 2024 at 5:33 pm
Sara Weingartner
Thanks for your very thoughtful post and I appreciate all the beautiful examples. (More books to add to my reading list too!) I tend to brainstorm in 3rd person. Not anymore. 🙂 !!
January 26, 2024 at 5:38 pm
Tarja Helena Nevala
Your post Chana, is FULL of wonderful information and inspiration. Thank you.
January 26, 2024 at 5:43 pm
Lorraine
Wow, that is a powerful post, Chana. I feel all the feels when reading the post. Wonderful book selections. Thanks.
January 26, 2024 at 5:43 pm
Bettie Boswell
This is great. You have inspired me to work with different POVs.
January 26, 2024 at 5:46 pm
Kaye Baillie
I’ve printed this out, Chana as it’s perfect ‘food for thought’ for my current WIP. Thank you!
January 26, 2024 at 5:47 pm
redreadsandwrites
Firstly, I have to say that an idea popped into my head as soon as I read the words, “all narrated by dust”.
Secondly, I love Love LOVE that you mention so many books and authors! I can’t wait to read them all and learn from them.
Thirdly, I am VERY excited about your book, “Let’s Fly”.
Lastly, I thank you for such an AMAZING post about point of view!
January 26, 2024 at 5:51 pm
mattsthrockmorton
The POV game is good one, thanks Chana!
January 26, 2024 at 5:55 pm
jbbower
Thank you Chana! I so love books and stories that are written and told in first-person. It makes them so real! I have a story that I think may just benefit from a change in POV. Thanks again!
January 26, 2024 at 6:05 pm
robinswingeditorial
Thanks for all the wonderful examples in this post 🙂
January 26, 2024 at 6:05 pm
marty bellis
This is one of my favorite things to consider. Thanks for giving us some great examples to study of each type of POV.
January 26, 2024 at 6:16 pm
theliah1
This is fantastic. Thank you so much for this Chana!
January 26, 2024 at 6:26 pm
Gail Aherne
Thank you so much for this marvelous post, Chana! I gained a lot from it, and I’m excited to experiment with different points of view in my manuscript.
January 26, 2024 at 6:32 pm
haleypaige91
It’s amazing how just the suggestion of different POVs ignites new ideas. Thanks for this wonderful addition to my writing toolkit, Chana!
January 26, 2024 at 6:42 pm
debjohnson21
Thank you for the wonderful list of book examples for new POVs!
January 26, 2024 at 6:42 pm
authorlaurablog
These are great examples, thank you Chana and I would NEVER question your grammar.
January 27, 2024 at 8:38 pm
stiefelchana
LOL! Thanks Laura!
January 26, 2024 at 6:48 pm
shirley301
It’s fun to try different POVs. I just changed one of my stories that wasn’t working for me.
January 26, 2024 at 6:52 pm
streetlynn
Thanks for so many great examples!
January 26, 2024 at 6:54 pm
Stephen S. Martin
I got so much from this post. You, the reader are sure to benefit. I am excited that my pages within will be read and shared by millions.
January 26, 2024 at 7:04 pm
Darla Christie
Thank you for the great post on POV! You’ve inspired me to take another look at a story I love, but just isn’t getting traction. Maybe there’s a different way to tell it. Thanks for sharing!
January 26, 2024 at 7:07 pm
greengirlblueplanet
I tend to begin with 1st person and then arrive at 3rd person. Thanks for sharing these book examples. Love to add to my tbr list!
January 26, 2024 at 7:19 pm
Bethanny Parker
Thanks for all the wonderful examples!
January 26, 2024 at 7:27 pm
TL Fales
Playing with POV can be so much fun. Thank you for the examples.
January 26, 2024 at 7:37 pm
peasecja
It’s such a challenge for me to try to write one story in three different points of view….the struggle is real! But the outcome is awesome!
January 26, 2024 at 7:48 pm
schellijo
Thanks for sharing. So many ideas! Thank you!
January 26, 2024 at 7:49 pm
nrompella
Ahhhh….This will be fun to try with a story that isn’t going anywhere…Thanks!
January 26, 2024 at 8:14 pm
rindabeach
I’ve done this – where I tried to do a story from one point of view, then another. It’s a great way to find what works. Thanks for the reminder!
January 26, 2024 at 8:15 pm
D. Kim
Great 📚 books!! 🫶
January 26, 2024 at 8:43 pm
lsheroan
Playing with POV could bring new life to some of my older ideas.
January 26, 2024 at 8:57 pm
Colleen Owen Murphy
Chana, I love the sound of your stories. Changing the POV from third to first person was a genius move. Second person seems a bit of a challenge, but I look forward to reading THE IRIDESCENCE OF BIRDS: A BOOK ABOUT HENRI MATISSE, by Patricia MacLachlan and Hadley Hooper to see how it plays out in an actual story.
Thanks for sharing your expertise!
January 26, 2024 at 8:58 pm
Trine Grillo
Thanks for pointing the camera lens on these! One of my all-time faves is THE IRIDESCENCE OF BIRDS.
January 26, 2024 at 8:59 pm
allyenz
Thank you Chana! This is very eye opening and perspective changing. So many ways to tell a story. I love the embodiment of the subject in the first person narratives, and of course kids naturally take this perspective through imaginative play. 🙂
January 26, 2024 at 9:17 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Great ideas. Thanks!
January 26, 2024 at 9:25 pm
kdgwrites
Chana, thanks, I will start thinking about a camera and who is filming the story.
January 26, 2024 at 9:29 pm
abethers
This article was insightful and inspiring. Thank you!
January 26, 2024 at 9:37 pm
brightwishbooks
Such a great idea to practice using different POVs thanks!
January 26, 2024 at 9:55 pm
blumsteinbooks
Thanks for all the great examples in your prompt today!
January 26, 2024 at 9:57 pm
Ryann Jones
Brilliant! Thank you for the ideas 🙂
January 26, 2024 at 10:00 pm
Sondra Zalewski
Thanks so much for all these great examples to use as reference—some really uniquely told stories.
January 26, 2024 at 10:01 pm
Peggy Dobbs
Thank you for bringing clarity to POV with great mentor texts.
January 26, 2024 at 10:15 pm
syorkeviney
Chana, you’ve made me consider so many of my PB manuscripts just by changing the POV. Thanks!
January 26, 2024 at 10:35 pm
beaumontsd2
A great angle to think about when we’re imagining stories –point of view! Thank you for this inspiration and for the wonderful examples!!
January 26, 2024 at 10:36 pm
Janet Smart
Good ideas. I love writing in first person.
January 26, 2024 at 10:48 pm
Matthew Lasley
Often before I finalize a story. I try to write my stories from other POVs to better identify the voice or see how things can be worded better. I find I can often eliminate a fair amount of text when I do.
January 26, 2024 at 10:55 pm
Monica Acker
Yes! So many ways to approach the idea. Thanks for sharing!
January 26, 2024 at 11:01 pm
mrbellasgmailcom
What an awesome post! Chana, thank you for the simplification of POV choices and how you see them working. As a visual learner, your examples were wonderful! Congratulations on all your books!
January 28, 2024 at 10:58 pm
stiefelchana
So happy! Thanks!
January 26, 2024 at 11:15 pm
Rachelle Burk
Chana, your books are amazing! Thank you for this post.
January 28, 2024 at 10:59 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks Rachelle! xo
January 26, 2024 at 11:26 pm
seahorsecoffeeelektra79018
POV has always been difficult for me. Sometimes I’ve even, unknowingly, changed POV’s mid-stream. What a disaster. Your examples of POV have really helped! Thanks!
January 26, 2024 at 11:39 pm
Artelle Lenthall
So original-making! Thanks heaps Chana👌🏽😊
January 26, 2024 at 11:39 pm
Patricia Holloway
I love this! My goodness, thank you for this detailed information! It explains in such great depth!!!
January 26, 2024 at 11:46 pm
Helen Taylor
Thank you for all of these wonderful examples of picture books with different POVs!
January 26, 2024 at 11:54 pm
seschipper
Chana, thanks for sharing! So many great examples! 😊
January 26, 2024 at 11:55 pm
Gaby L.
I will be happy to read the books and learn more. Thank you Chana for sharing your books with us. The second person is my favorite and I will use “THE IRIDISCENCE OF BIRDS: A BOOK ABOUT HENRI MATISSE” as inspiration. STORYSTORM 2024 will be in my heart thanks to all of you who make this feat possible!!
January 27, 2024 at 12:26 am
ldodson100
Great examples of POVs. Thank you!
January 27, 2024 at 12:32 am
Susan Wroble
This was fabulous! I SO appreciated all the examples. What a gift.
January 27, 2024 at 12:38 am
Steena Hernandez
Such a helpful post, Chana! I can’t wait to explore POV in my current story. Thank you for the great examples from some amazing books!
January 27, 2024 at 12:59 am
Adriana Gutierrez
Such great suggestions! It is fun to play with POV.
January 27, 2024 at 1:36 am
Kirsten Pendreigh
awesome post, Chana!
January 28, 2024 at 10:59 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks Kirsten!
January 27, 2024 at 2:01 am
Janet Frenck Sheets
I’m a strong fan of third-person POV, so this challenge is a stretch for me. But that’s good!
January 27, 2024 at 2:12 am
jenniferjschmidte207d3cec9
As a reader of picture books, I have always preferred 3rd-person POV, so I tend to default to it as a writer. It is always interesting to me when I step back and try to re-write a draft manuscipt in 1st-person. I find that I learn a lot more about my characters when I give them a chance to tell their story, even if just as an exercise. This post has inspired me to try something completely new: flipping my current manuscript to 2nd-person. Wish me luck!
January 27, 2024 at 2:24 am
wyszguy
Such a great post! Thank you!
January 27, 2024 at 2:26 am
KamillaM
I love these examples! thanks so much for breaking this down.
January 27, 2024 at 5:00 am
Natalie Lynn Tanner
CHANA: THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION to change our view through our own “camera lenses,” in order to tell the story that NEEDS to be told in the WAY it NEEDS to be told. The examples you provided are EXCELLENT roadmaps to guide our own writing journeys. THANK YOU!!!
January 28, 2024 at 11:00 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you! My pleasure!
January 27, 2024 at 5:56 am
Catherine Friess
This was absolutely fascinating to read. Thank you for including so many examples of different POVs 🙂
January 27, 2024 at 7:19 am
lynjekowsky
Thank you for the fabulous books used as examples of POVs. Your post is inspiring.
January 27, 2024 at 7:30 am
jilltatara
Thank you so much for this wonderful post! (and all the additions to my TBR list). I can’t wait to read your book about Barrington Irving!
January 27, 2024 at 7:54 am
catlady45
What a great post! Thank you, Chana for inspiring us to play around with POV.
January 27, 2024 at 8:21 am
msaraiva004
Thank you for this! I was thinking through my manuscripts and realized I have one in first person, one in second, and the rest are all in third. It’s time to play and shake it up a bit! Thanks for all the title recommendations too!
January 27, 2024 at 8:26 am
Andrea Mack
Thanks for the great list of books to explore! Plus two ideas I got after reading your post!
January 27, 2024 at 9:29 am
andreesantini
This is a great post and very helpful. A different POV and tense might just help my new project along. Thanks Chana!
January 27, 2024 at 9:45 am
yangmommy
Asides from the great tips on POV, I want to say “thanks” for sharing these books I hadn’t heard of–Smoke, Gravity, Murmuration, etc. Adding them to my reading list! 🙂
January 27, 2024 at 9:52 am
marywarth
Thank you for the fantastic examples of POVs that push creativity, Chana. My library list is growing!
January 27, 2024 at 10:19 am
8catpaws
First person, easy: “I AM CHOCOLATE!” What a panoply of titles you offered us to go with your theme. Thanks!
January 27, 2024 at 8:40 pm
stiefelchana
Oh yes! I would devour that book! 🙂
January 27, 2024 at 10:24 am
julicaveny
Love this post! It’s such a helpful reminder that the first draft may simply need a change of POV to make it shine! It’s a concept I’m working with and plan to try more as I navigate through revisions. Thanks for sharing with us today!
(Oh, and great recs too! I’m TBR pile is growing!) – Juliann (Juli) Caveny
January 27, 2024 at 10:40 am
Jane Heitman Healy
Wow, great post to show the power of POV, and great examples for us to learn from. Thanks, Chana!
January 27, 2024 at 11:23 am
Lori Williams Writing
POV really does make a difference! Thanks for the examples.
January 27, 2024 at 11:47 am
stefsenn77yahoocom
I really enjoyed this post, Chana! I took notes, even! And many congratulations on your latest book. ☺️
January 28, 2024 at 11:01 pm
stiefelchana
Wow! Notes! Hope this helps! 🙂
January 27, 2024 at 12:08 pm
Marilyn DeVries
I am bookmarking this blog post! It is so full of helpful information. Thank you.
January 27, 2024 at 12:13 pm
Mari Richards
You’ve just added so many books to my reading list, some I’ve been meaning to find for awhile, but now I have a bigger reason to find them – to study POV!!
January 27, 2024 at 12:20 pm
Angie
Oh, I do so love to play with POV! I’ve actually switched the POV of several of my manuscripts. Fun times. Thanks, Chana!
Angie Quantrell
January 28, 2024 at 11:01 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks, Angie!
January 27, 2024 at 12:31 pm
writerdi2020
Love, love, love this post! Great examples –> great motivation to try new perspectives on a story.
January 28, 2024 at 11:02 pm
stiefelchana
Wonderful! Thank you!
January 27, 2024 at 12:56 pm
meganewhitaker21
I read another post about the journey the author took with I AM Dust and it was so interesting! POVs are fun to play with!
January 27, 2024 at 1:25 pm
Janet Halfmann
Need to play with different POV’s more often. Thanks for the inspiration and mentor texts.
January 27, 2024 at 1:44 pm
Darcee A Freier
Thanks for an encouraging and resource filled post on POV. I’ve requested many from the library.
Wishing you the best on LET’S FLY. I’ll be watching for that one.
January 28, 2024 at 11:03 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you!
January 27, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Jessica Iwanski
Wow, this is amazing! Changing the POV is sometimes like magic – taking a good idea and making it sing! I’m excited to revisit some of my manuscripts that feel “stuck” with this technique. Thank you!
January 28, 2024 at 11:02 pm
stiefelchana
Great! Good luck!
January 27, 2024 at 2:01 pm
AngelaLucilleLongo
Yes, playing with POV is fun! I think I naturally gravitate towards first person and then third person. I have yet to try first person plural and second person…but I will keep them in my pocket.
January 27, 2024 at 2:18 pm
mnlfam
Thank you so much for your insights! I love that your provided so many mentor texts. I had considered one of the 3rd person flexes you described but hadn’t seen it done before so I wasn’t sure… Thanks for that encouragement.
January 27, 2024 at 2:50 pm
Claudia Sloan
Thank you for these great mentor texts! …and congratulations on LET’S FLY!
January 27, 2024 at 3:32 pm
Joyce Frank
You’ve included some of my favorite books here and a bunch of new books I can’t wait to read, including yours, Chana! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 27, 2024 at 3:47 pm
Dawn M.
I will be switching up my POV’s. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your new book!
January 27, 2024 at 3:50 pm
Maria Bursey
Now I want to go and RE-write all my drafts in 1st person! Thank you!
January 27, 2024 at 4:12 pm
Sarah Skolfield
Great list of mentor texts to learn from!
January 27, 2024 at 4:13 pm
daisymay
Thank you for all the book recommendations for pov. I just reserved all of them at my local library including one of yours, The Tower of Life!
January 27, 2024 at 4:19 pm
Lyn Miller-Lachmann
An excellent breakdown of different POVs in picture books! Congratulations on YOUR new book!
January 27, 2024 at 4:23 pm
Jane F.
I have always had a little trouble with POV. Thank you for your post and mentor texts to study.
January 27, 2024 at 4:24 pm
jenabenton
Yes! This post highlights so many of my recent favorite picture books. Thank you for the reminder to keep playing with that vital point of view!
January 27, 2024 at 4:40 pm
Christina Dankert
Thank you for the book recommendations for us to look at regarding POV.
January 27, 2024 at 4:42 pm
chaunceyelephant
This is the best explanation of POV I’ve ever read – thanks for the clarity and the inspiration!
January 27, 2024 at 4:49 pm
effiekoliopoulos
Wonderful breakdown of each POV. I’m looking forward to checking out some of these mentor texts. Thanks for sharing!
January 27, 2024 at 5:08 pm
melissajmiles1
I can vividly remember being in fourth grade and realizing my favorite books were all written in first person. I think it made me feel like I was a friend of the narrator and I was along for the ride.
January 27, 2024 at 5:16 pm
Janette Johnson Melson
I have never considered writing in second person, but now I’ve got an idea churning. Thanks so much!!
January 27, 2024 at 5:28 pm
swollis
Thank you for this post- very helpful.
January 27, 2024 at 5:32 pm
carolynleillustrations
Your post is so helpful. I’m working on a picture book with two POVSs right now, so very timely. Thank you.
January 27, 2024 at 5:36 pm
Donna Rossman
Thank you, Chana, an informative and inspiring post filled with amazing mentor texts! Can’t wait to read LET’S FLY: BARRINGTON IRVING’S RECORD-BREAKING FLIGHT AROUND THE WORLD—Congratulations! 🎉
January 28, 2024 at 11:03 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks Donna!
January 27, 2024 at 5:45 pm
M. Fuller-Morris
Thank you for highlighting these awesome mentor texts!
January 27, 2024 at 6:04 pm
rosihollinbeck
Wonderful post. I love the mentor texts and examples.
January 27, 2024 at 6:26 pm
Tina Hoggatt
Chana! this as wonderful and so rich with example. Thank you!
January 27, 2024 at 6:34 pm
Jan Milusich
I appreciated your points on point of view. Thank you, Chana!
January 27, 2024 at 7:17 pm
Deena Viviani
This may have been just the spark I needed to work on my PB Bio again….!!!
January 27, 2024 at 8:02 pm
Maria Marshall
Great post Chana! Love all the examples and ideas for playing with POV. Congrats on the newest book. Thanks.
January 28, 2024 at 11:04 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you, Maria!
January 27, 2024 at 8:19 pm
jenwritespbs
Thank you for sharing all of this very helpful information on POV, plus the mentor texts! And congratulations on your upcoming book!
January 27, 2024 at 8:20 pm
Fiona Bannatyne
What a great blog. I think changing POV can be magic for a story – it can breath life where there was none before. So simple but often forgotten about. I have changed POV in a couple of stories that weren’t quite working and it made such a difference. You inspired me to try my hand at a 2nd-person idea, I am excited to work on it. Thank you.
January 27, 2024 at 8:35 pm
Ali V. (they/them)
A really fresh perspective – and such wonderful book recommendations!
January 27, 2024 at 8:45 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks everyone for your wonderful comments! They filled my heart. I’ll try to respond over the next few days. When I started writing PBs, my first manuscript was in first person and I was told that it’s hard for children to process 1st person coming from a reader. (ie, When I reader says, “I am dust” what does that mean?) But that perspective has clearly changed…so give 1st person a try. You can always go back to your original.
January 27, 2024 at 8:54 pm
Christine Letizia
What a rich article! Thank you for all of the examples and suggestions for exploring through POV.
January 27, 2024 at 9:47 pm
leahmoserwrites
This is a great, informative post! Thank you for these excellent examples.
January 27, 2024 at 9:52 pm
Jenn
Thank you for the POV suggestions and the helpful, interesting book recommendations!
January 27, 2024 at 10:01 pm
Natasha Garnett
Thanks, Chana. Playing around with POV could turn Storystorm ideas into more Storystorm stories…
January 27, 2024 at 10:15 pm
jindreame
Thank you for all the POV examples.
January 27, 2024 at 11:11 pm
TonyaAnn Pember
Changing the POV totally changed my story about a historical figure, can’t wait to rewrite. (You don’t hear that very often!)
January 27, 2024 at 11:18 pm
nlcardenas
Thanks for reminding me about POV and inspiring stories!
January 28, 2024 at 12:36 am
A Brewer
Wow! This is a master class excerpt and list of PB and POV! Thanks for sharing. I love first person, but somewhere I heard it is not always the best fit. I will pull out my MG and get it finished. And I could be endless on PB with it but will pick out my most favorite topics.
January 28, 2024 at 12:47 am
Ellie Langford
I need to evaluate each story I’ve written to see which voice, POV, would be most effective. Thanks, Chana.
January 28, 2024 at 12:49 am
steveheron
I love how changing POV can bring a story to life. I will definitely play with POV more.
January 28, 2024 at 1:13 am
Tonnye Fletcher
Love these examples of various POV, and how you can even use POV as an idea-gathering strategy. Thank you for sharing and getting our brains churning!
January 28, 2024 at 3:03 am
sharongiltrowauthor
Love this. I have written and published several books written in second POV. It was fun. Next I would love to try dual narrative. Thanks for a great blog post.
January 28, 2024 at 4:01 am
cassiazaven
Thank you for the inspiring post regarding using different points of view. I want to use these ideas in a story I have been stuck on for a while. It is a good reminder that there is much to learn and explore.
January 28, 2024 at 4:50 am
tinagraham103
I hadn’t considered all of those POVs! Very thought provoking. Congratulations on the new book also. Thank you
January 28, 2024 at 5:29 am
Aly Kenna
Thanks Chana, always a good exercise to change POV’s to see which works better. You have given us some great examples of 1st, 2nd and of course School’s First Day of School – third person POV’s as well. Thanks again.
January 28, 2024 at 10:10 am
Laura Wippell
Thanks for giving us food for thought and some great mentor texts to enjoy, Chana! Congrats on your latest book, it looks wonderful.
January 28, 2024 at 10:31 am
Jessica Coupé
Thanks for the ideas!
January 28, 2024 at 10:54 am
Cindy Greene
Chana, I loved this exercise and your examples. Got my brain fluids going. Thanks!
January 28, 2024 at 11:05 pm
stiefelchana
Nice! 🙂
January 28, 2024 at 11:28 am
ralucasirbu
Hi Chana, you hit the spot with your blog. I am struggling right now with a story that does not sound right. Great mentor texts. I own and have read your book, THE TOWER OF LIFE. It was highly recommended, and it matched the expectation. It was a fantastic idea to bring that story to life; now, it has become a world story, not only of a town. Congratulations on all your wonderful books. Thanks for sharing stories of advocacy.
January 28, 2024 at 11:06 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much! Truly appreciated!
January 28, 2024 at 11:35 am
Writer on the run
This post is so timely- I just changed the voice and point of view on a nonfiction story yes, the first person does make it more informational fiction, but oooh! It works so much better!
January 28, 2024 at 11:06 pm
stiefelchana
Fantastic!
January 28, 2024 at 12:18 pm
hansenjc13
Thank you for this great list of books with different POVs! Your book on Barrington Irving looks amazing. Congratulations!
January 28, 2024 at 12:44 pm
Srividhya Venkat
Thank you for sharing inspiration, Chana! I’m excited to study these mentor texts and try out the possibilities. Congratulations on your new book! I look forward to reading it.
January 28, 2024 at 1:31 pm
kathleenplucker
I love the idea of changing POV because I know doing so can only strengthen my writing (and even me as a person). Thank you!
January 28, 2024 at 1:32 pm
Annie Guerra
These picture books all look amazing!
January 28, 2024 at 2:08 pm
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
Fascinating approach. I’ll have to remember playing with POV when I review my ideas.
January 28, 2024 at 2:23 pm
Jess Hedaria
I loved all the examples I can’t wait to check out those I have not read. Thank you.
It’s funny as a teacher I make my students play with POV all the time but I myself get stuck in one and don’t break out. Oh irony!
January 28, 2024 at 3:39 pm
susaninez0905
I really enjoyed the reminder to switch it up. I have tried it in the past and am going to revisit it; after checking out those great books you selected.
January 28, 2024 at 4:45 pm
Robin M Keeler
Very helpful post on POV! Will be checking out al the books in this post!
January 28, 2024 at 5:10 pm
Carren
I love the specific examples you gave on your list and those opening lines are wonderful for “Let’s Fly” 🙂
January 28, 2024 at 5:13 pm
pescadita98
Nice to know we can choose 1st person , 2nd or third (POV) We have options! Thank you
January 28, 2024 at 7:18 pm
tracyschuldthelixon
Thank you for the inspiration! I just added two ideas to my list.
January 28, 2024 at 7:38 pm
Virginia Rinkel
Thank you for all this great inspiration. I’m working on it.
January 28, 2024 at 8:03 pm
Aimee Larke
The power of POV! Thank you for the inspiration and congrats !
January 28, 2024 at 8:27 pm
Laurie Seaford
I’m so happy for you that LET’S FLY has made a successful landing! Thank you for your POV ideas and mentor text suggestions.
January 28, 2024 at 8:29 pm
cnparch
This sounds like a challenge I’d like to try. Thank you, Chana!
January 28, 2024 at 8:49 pm
MDalphin Williams Creative.Com
Thanks so much for your post Chana. It’s great to be reminded about voice and point of view. And it’s always a challenge to figure out whether first, or third person or others will work best.
January 28, 2024 at 8:49 pm
MDalphin Williams Creative.Com
Thanks so much for your post Chana. It’s great to be reminded about voice and point of view. And it’s always a challenge to figure out whether first, or third person or others will work best.
January 28, 2024 at 9:28 pm
lzgodfrey
Your post inspires me to revisit my list of ideas with a new lens – POV! Brilliant! Congrats on your successes – your books hit my soul. Thank you!
January 28, 2024 at 11:07 pm
stiefelchana
So kind! Thank you!
January 28, 2024 at 9:38 pm
karammitchell
Thanks so much, Chana! This is so full of great resources!
January 28, 2024 at 10:06 pm
Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez
This is such a powerful post, Chana! Thank you so much for these ideas and examples!
January 28, 2024 at 11:07 pm
stiefelchana
My pleasure! Good luck!
January 28, 2024 at 11:07 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you! My pleasure!
January 29, 2024 at 12:36 am
claireannette1
Such a great post, Chana. I’m struggling with a story and I think a change of pov is just what it needs. Thanks!
January 29, 2024 at 7:40 am
Lauri Meyers
Great perspective on perspective! Love all those examples, too.
January 29, 2024 at 7:40 am
Kiran Nair
I need to try writing in first person POV. Written one story. Need to re-visit and see how I can change things. Thank you for sharing. So much to learn. : )
January 29, 2024 at 8:40 am
ransonpatti
Going to revisit some drafts for POV!
January 29, 2024 at 9:19 am
jessaroux
Thank you for suggesting so many great titles as examples! I will definitely be trying some of my manuscripts from different POVs now.
January 29, 2024 at 9:24 am
Sarah Meade
Great post, Chana! Playing around with POV can be a lot of fun. Thanks for these stellar examples and congrats on your new book!
January 29, 2024 at 12:42 pm
erozmus
I seldom think about using “you.” It is a great way to switch perspectives, though!
January 29, 2024 at 12:56 pm
robincurrie1
I just had a 1st person nonfiction accepted – it is fun to play with POV. Love “I am Smoke” and just won a copy of River of Dust in another blog! I’m a fan!
January 29, 2024 at 1:12 pm
mariautumn7c81b37a0a
I love the idea of playing with POV. I find myself writing in first person quite a bit. Thanks for the great post!
January 29, 2024 at 2:05 pm
Bridgitte Rodguez
This was great! I love first person pov! And thanks for the fabulous examples!
January 29, 2024 at 2:17 pm
jlehson
This was really interesting and not something I play around with enough- thank you!
January 29, 2024 at 2:38 pm
Mary A Zychowicz
I love your opening to this post, being the grammarian that I am! These are wonderful thoughts. I have seen picture book manuscripts, both my own and critique partners, completely transformed just by changing the POV. Good reminder to try this. I love so many of the books you mentioned here. Thanks for your thoughts on this.
January 29, 2024 at 4:24 pm
lauranclement
Beautifully collected information, susinctintly put and presented. Thank you so much for this post!
January 29, 2024 at 4:45 pm
Linda B
Thanks for providing all the fabulous examples!
January 29, 2024 at 5:03 pm
Stephanie D Jones
What a mind-expanding idea! I generally write in whatever form comes to me for a story start, but I’m challenged to play with POV!
January 29, 2024 at 6:25 pm
cathystenquist
What an awesome post, Chana. Thank you for all the great ideas. I love anthropomorphizing elements and telling their story. You got me thinking…. hmmmm.
January 29, 2024 at 6:27 pm
Susan Contreras
Thank you.
January 29, 2024 at 7:15 pm
cathyrose54
Gret tip on changing the POV of a story.
January 29, 2024 at 7:49 pm
juliereich
I love playing with POV. Thanks for the terrific suggestions and mentor texts!
January 29, 2024 at 9:13 pm
Abby Wooldridge
I have a picture book I’ve been working on for years, told through one character’s POV. Recently, I’ve started playing around with another character’s POV instead. Now, after reading your post, I’m wondering if I maybe I need to experiment with first person instead of third. Thank you for the challenge, Chana, and congratulations on your books!
January 29, 2024 at 9:19 pm
Debbie Merlo Arnn
I have some WIPs that might need a new POV. Thanks for the examples and the explanations! 🙂
January 29, 2024 at 11:18 pm
joseyetta3dd08a42d6
Wow! Such a wealth of good info. Thanks for posting Chana.
January 29, 2024 at 11:25 pm
Eileen Saunders
I have a NF PB narrated by the subject. The only comp I could find (and my librarian, too) is “Sun!” and the companion book “Earth!’ Now I have a handful of comps. Thank you
January 29, 2024 at 11:28 pm
Sally Hoch
This is a great post, thank you! I put so many of these titles on hold at my library! Thanks!
January 29, 2024 at 11:33 pm
brilawyer
It’s so fun to see how a story changes with a different POV! Thanks for sharing!
January 30, 2024 at 2:07 am
Maria Johnson
Omg! What a fun post! You totally read my mind as a grammarian at the beginning. Haha! Love the inclusion of these examples, especially A RIVER OF DUST. Thank you!
January 30, 2024 at 8:04 am
Lindsay Moretti
So much fun playing with POV! Thank you for a great post 😃
January 30, 2024 at 9:23 am
naturewalkwithgod
Thank you, Chana, for your insights on POV in children’s books. Most helpful! –Kim Peterson
January 30, 2024 at 9:49 am
Heidi Chupp
Thank you, Chana! What a great exercise, and a great reminder, to keep playing and experimenting as we write. 🙂
January 30, 2024 at 11:02 am
Judy Sobanski
Hi Chana! Thanks for the POV post. It’s always good to consider the options. LET’S FLY! looks amazing! I can’t wait to read it!
January 30, 2024 at 12:34 pm
Mary Ann Blair
Thank you for this post. I am excited to go through some current manuscripts and tweak the POV!
January 30, 2024 at 12:39 pm
Melissa Escobar
Excellent post here! I’ll have to save this and experiment with it!
January 30, 2024 at 1:27 pm
Suhasini Gupta
Great post, Chana! Thanks, for sharing.
January 30, 2024 at 2:59 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Chana, What excellent examples of how changing point of view can revive a manuscript.
January 30, 2024 at 5:35 pm
colleenrkosinski
I love writing in 1st person. Never tried 2nd. Might give it a go.
January 30, 2024 at 5:52 pm
brintonculp
I just added these great reads to my TBR list–thank you! And thank you for the perspective shift for some story ideas!
January 30, 2024 at 5:55 pm
Sasha
Thank you, Chana, for sharing the beginning of your next picture book–very powerful!
January 30, 2024 at 6:46 pm
michelerietz
Thanks, Chana, for the encouragement to write in different POVs. I tend to always write in 3rd. Your new book sounds wonderful!
January 30, 2024 at 6:58 pm
jessicafgwrites
I need to play more with POV! Thanks for the encouragement!
January 30, 2024 at 7:02 pm
Santiago Casares
I love what YOU did there to clearly explain POVs!
January 30, 2024 at 7:23 pm
Carrie Tillotson
Thank you, Chana. Love these suggestions for playing with POV.
January 30, 2024 at 8:58 pm
srkckass
Really great suggestions on POV. Thanks!
January 30, 2024 at 9:04 pm
Kelly A.
This is such a great list of mentor texts, and such great inspiration to play around with POV!
January 30, 2024 at 9:37 pm
Judith Snyder
This will be a great way to look at my idea list when I try to choose where to start.
January 30, 2024 at 10:09 pm
Jennifer Lu
So many great book examples. Thank you for sharing!
January 30, 2024 at 10:44 pm
Heather
Nonfiction books were always my favorite as a teacher. I get such a retro vibe from the illustrations in her books. Love these!
January 30, 2024 at 10:48 pm
mwinikates
Off to add a bunch of these titles to my library list!
January 30, 2024 at 11:02 pm
Christine Fleming McIsaac
I love this idea of seeing your topic through a camera lense. It’s a whole new way to think through my ideas… from the director’s chair. Thanks so much! ________________________________
January 30, 2024 at 11:39 pm
marthaej
What a fun and interesting way to see your story in a new way! I read a cool first person narrative today and loved the POV.
January 30, 2024 at 11:40 pm
gotoddgo3
POV is a fantastic think for me to think of, especially as I work with K, 1, 2 in my mind. – Their POV is rather interesting!!!
January 31, 2024 at 1:34 am
percyandcat
Chana, I love the idea of POV, along with the first, second, third, and so on POV on a topic. Interesting, thank you so much.
January 31, 2024 at 7:42 am
Rick Starkey
This is great. POV changes can make a big difference. Thanks for sharing.
January 31, 2024 at 11:04 am
Anita
Thank you!
January 31, 2024 at 11:26 am
Jamie Bills
I am excited for your upcoming book. I can see how 1st person would capture children, especially younger children quicker than a story about somebody they do not know. I need to try writing some of my stories in “the drawer” in different POVs and see if I can breathe new life into them.
January 31, 2024 at 11:34 am
triciacandy
Wow! These are great suggestions! Laying things out this way just sparks so many new ideas! Thank you!
January 31, 2024 at 11:52 am
jenngautam
playing with the POV is such a good idea!
January 31, 2024 at 12:07 pm
calliebdean
What a great list of books! Thank you for sharing!
January 31, 2024 at 12:14 pm
theresacocci
Thank you for this inspiration! This gave me a whole new perspective on a manuscript I’ve been working on! Wow!
January 31, 2024 at 3:41 pm
Shelley Isaacson
Such a helpful post with tangible examples. Thank you!
January 31, 2024 at 5:39 pm
Amy Martinez
Thank you for your post! A new POV is exactly what my manuscript needs. Thank you for challenging me to see this story through a different lens.
January 31, 2024 at 5:55 pm
Barbara Farland
I’m looking forward to doing an “I am…” brainstorm later. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 31, 2024 at 6:18 pm
Patricia Tiffany Morris
Lovely. Or 2 timeline woven together. I like the dual narrative approach. Sounds fascinating. Ideas bubbling and stirring. Thanks.
January 31, 2024 at 6:19 pm
Marci Whitehurst
I love changing up the POV!! You used great examples. Thanks for sharing!
January 31, 2024 at 6:22 pm
michellesteinberg
Thanks, Chana, for sharing mentor texts to illustrate points of view.
January 31, 2024 at 6:24 pm
Marlena Leach
Congratulations on your book. I like to play with POV in my manuscripts. It can really change the feel of the story. Thanks for sharing your process.
January 31, 2024 at 7:44 pm
marjorienye
I LOVE the idea of changing POV and tense!! Now I have some new ideas and a list of books to find at the library!!
January 31, 2024 at 7:52 pm
saravan7747
Great inspiration for revising stories, and great book recommendations for guides!
January 31, 2024 at 8:12 pm
alamarre7571bc92b
I did that with one of my manuscripts and it gave it a whole new meaning!
January 31, 2024 at 8:17 pm
Johanna Peyton
Wow – this was the most helpful post. Thank you for sharing and for highlighting all these amazing PBs!
January 31, 2024 at 8:35 pm
robinmeby
I love the idea of playing with POV. I have some early drafts that I want to revisit now! Thank you, Chana!
January 31, 2024 at 9:18 pm
Adrea
I love the idea of playing with POV, Chana! Thank you for including such great examples!
January 31, 2024 at 9:33 pm
Andi Chitty
I love the advice of playing around with POV ❤ For some reason, I so often forget I can do that! Thanks for a great post, Chana!
January 31, 2024 at 9:54 pm
stacyallen
I love The Iridescence of Birds! What a great example! Thanks for recommending so many wonderful picture books!
January 31, 2024 at 11:40 pm
Myrna Foster
Thank you for this post, Chana! Finding the right POV is such an important part of finding the right voice to tell the story.
February 1, 2024 at 12:05 am
Lisa M. Horn
Thanks, Chana! Great post! I love the idea of playing around with the POV. It will be a fun to test the waters and try some new approaches to it.
February 1, 2024 at 12:23 am
Olivia Fisher
You have so many great examples here in your post! Thank you for putting this all together.
February 1, 2024 at 12:55 am
sarahsteinbacher24
Love looking through the POV examples!
February 1, 2024 at 1:36 am
loriclementwriter
Love these ideas! Thanks for sharing!
February 1, 2024 at 1:40 am
amandalittleauthor
I need to play with POV more. Thanks for the reminder!
February 1, 2024 at 4:11 am
Nazanin Ford
This is a great exercise. POV changes a story and the characters in interesting ways. Thank you!
February 1, 2024 at 7:19 am
Mary E. Cronin
This is an incredibly inspiring post. Thank you, Chana!
February 1, 2024 at 9:06 am
Keeping the Me in Mommy
The examples and your descriptions of the different POV options really made me consider them in a fresh way. Thanks for the inspiration.
February 1, 2024 at 11:32 am
Kathy Ceceri
Good tips, thank you.
February 1, 2024 at 12:38 pm
ashleydbankhead
Thank you for this post! Such a great idea to play around with POV!
February 1, 2024 at 1:06 pm
kathydoherty1
Hi, Chana! Thanks for the nudge to try a different point of view! That will be a fun challenge.
February 1, 2024 at 1:47 pm
swwriter1
I love playing with point of view. Great post!
February 1, 2024 at 1:57 pm
topangamaria
Thank you for helping demystify the confusion i have with POV
February 1, 2024 at 11:39 pm
Susan Cabael
Whenever a critique partner mentions, “Try it in another POV,” I want to pull out my hair. And then I try it anyhow. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn’t, but I always learn something from the exercise.
February 2, 2024 at 11:07 am
Gwendolyn Holbrow
I have known this, yet I have to relearn it again and again. Thank you for this timely (and personly) reminder!
February 2, 2024 at 3:51 pm
libbydemmon
I love working within an art form that can feature the “regal” yet “vulnerable” literary voice of dust. Magic.
February 2, 2024 at 7:21 pm
marcihersel
Such a great example of POV, with use of a camera. This is a great post. I’m exited to check out all the story examples, too!
February 3, 2024 at 2:54 pm
listen2up
Thank you for such a thoughtful post with all those examples. I can see referring back to it again and again to think about how to conceptualize where the creator (or reader) “sits” with the information in order to tell a good story through selection of POV. In developing craft while converting to storytelling from journalism, that leeway is a whole new tool to learn how to use.
February 4, 2024 at 8:51 am
Becky Goodman
Your post gave me inspiration to breathe new life into an old manuscript. One I didn’t want to say goodbye to. Thank you.
February 4, 2024 at 6:35 pm
Sheri Dillard
I thank YOU for this wonderful post! And thanks for all the book recs, too! 🙂
February 4, 2024 at 8:54 pm
Judy Abelove Shemtob
What a fascinating post, Chana Steifel! Your post was a marvelous course in POV. Thank you for the wonderful example of mentor text to learn from. Loved TOWER OF LIFE!
February 5, 2024 at 9:34 pm
anakellyinla
Catching up on Storystorm posts and your examples got the wheels turning. Thank you, Chana!
February 6, 2024 at 8:22 am
Melissa Hastings
Thank you for the advice.
February 6, 2024 at 11:00 pm
denitajohnson
Thanks for sharing
February 8, 2024 at 3:30 am
sylviaichen
Such a great post to consider which POV works best for a story, thank you!!
February 13, 2024 at 11:18 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Finally catching up on all these wonderful posts! Thank you for including WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW, Chana!! xoxo