Crazy for Picture Books

A page from my PiBoIdMo sketchbook, Nov. 25, 2013

Last November I copied these quotes* from author, Mike Jung. It inspired me to draw aliens ('don't know that I'd ever done that before), and go crazy my last few days of Picture Book Idea Month.

In the comment section of the post, I noted this advice from Lauri Meyers, writer and founding member of Wordsmiths, 

It’s easier to tone down crazy than to make boring interesting.

Wow. 

I had a whole new way to look at my characters, themes, plots, and ideas. Even the ideas I am in love with could probably use a little spicing up!

Emma Ledbetter, editor extraordinaire, has said she loves a book that makes her think, "Now how in the world did he come up with that?" **

I don't think like Mac Barnett or William Joyce, but I definitely need to make my stories stand out in a crowd.

So whether you're participating in PiBoIdMo, SkADaMo, or alone in your studio, why not challenge yourself to explore the vast universe outside your comfort zone? Who knows what ideas may come your way?!

*You can read the original post on Tara's blog, or visit Mike's blog, to learn more about his debut novel, GEEKS, GIRLS, AND SECRET IDENTITIES.

**Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) 11-4-12

Nothing Like A Picture Book

Stars
by Mary Lyn Ray
and Marla Frazee

Thank you Tara Lazar for getting Emma Ledbetter as a guest on your PiBoIdMo blog.

". . . there’s nothing in the world that sticks with you like a picture book. Think about your favorite book when you were little. Why do you still remember it? The most special of special characters, voices, stories—they all contribute to this warm little nugget of childhood that you’ll carry around with you forever. You can’t create that by hitching a ride on the big, flashy, commercial, book-selling train of the moment. You create that by pulling your inspiration directly from that spot, by reigniting that spark from your childhood and writing from your heart."

This was the invaluable advice from Emma Ledbetter, editorial assistant at Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an Imprint of Simon & Schuster.

Bedtime For Frances
By Russell Hoban
and Garth Williams

She edits all kinds of books, but I think it's appropriate for Picture Book Month to focus on the books from our past which made an impression, subtle or dramatic.

Crafty Chloe
by Kelly DiPucchio
and Heather Ross

Here are three of her favorites and below you'll find three of mine to help you celebrate Picture Book Month.

"Stand Back",
Said the Elephant,
"I'm Going to Sneeze!"
By Pat Thomas
and Wally Tripp

The Most Perfect Spot
By Diane Goode

The Quiet Place, 
By Sarah Stewart
and David Small