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

Picture Book From Start to Finish

This post ties up a lot of threads I've been weaving here lately.
For everyone working through the Unofficial PBDummy Challenge, you may be struggling with the process. Perhaps you've fallen behind or, like me, are ready to abandon your project and start anew. Illustrator Adam Rex explains his method from manuscript to finished product for the book Chu's Day, by Neil Gaiman.
You'll find the entire interview at the Muddy Colors blog, which you may remember from last week's post about overcoming creative block.
After the positive response to Friday's perfect picture book, Chloe and the Lion, it seemed the natural choice to further explore Adam's creative mind.

My favorite thing about Chloe is the layout. Obviously Mac and Adam are not afraid to stretch the boundaries. They break through the fourth wall, they experiment with media as a story element, they poke fun at storytelling itself. The bit I found most inspiring was the design of the art on the page.

double page spread from Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett and Adam Rex

This spread is a great example of not playing by the rules. The left-hand page is broken up into four panels, while the right is one big scene. This motif is used throughout the book. Notice the picture in the bottom left. The text explains Chloe has just gotten dizzy on the carousel. Adam allows Chloe to wobble right out of her frame. Along with text placement, this is effective design. It's using the book as a whole to tell the story, not just the expression captured on the character's face.

Below is a sketch and its corresponding finished art from Chu's Day.

You can see his early dummy was more for design and placement than for draftsmanship of the final image.

All artwork courtesy Adam Rex.

I hope this has been a help to you whether you are creating your own books or simply admiring the work of others.

PPBF: Chloe and the Lion

Today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

Chloe and the Lion, by Mac Barnett and Adam Rex

Chloe and the Lion
Written by Mac Barnett
Illustrated by Adam Rex
Disney - Hyperion, 2012, Fiction, ages 4-8

Themes:
Humor, Cooperation, Problem solving, Imagination, Book Creation

Opening:
"This is me, Mac.
I'm the author of this book.
This is my friend Adam.
He's the illustrator of this book.
And this is Chloe.
She's the main character of this book."

Synopsis:
Words fail me. This hilarious confection needs to be experienced.
Let's say it's a story-within-a-story. Chloe meets danger in the forest while Mac and Adam try to get the book written (and illustrated).

What I Love:
I had to find out for myself what all the fuss was about concerning this book.  I'm only sorry it took me so long.  I laughed out loud in the library - oops!
I love the page layouts, the unique placement of text and images, the creative use of media, and the sheer bizarre genius that understands what kids love.
Kids (both boys and girls, but especially mischievous boys) will love the wacky, unexpected, irreverent turns of events.  Kids love being smarter than the grown-ups in the story.  They love being able to see a solution even though the adult characters do not.

Bonus:

1. Adam Rex's clay characters are an obvious inspiration for creating people, animals, or whole dioramas in clay. If you are adventurous, here is a "by students, for students" link about claymation.
2. For younger children, try a simple paper lion from firstpalette.com, a yarn-wrapped lion from freekidscrafts.com, or a lion made by tracing your child's hands.
3. Make and share lion cupcakes using Cracker Jacks popcorn.
4. This book is the perfect springboard for a discussion about how picture books are made. Definitely use this story to encourage kids to write and illustrate their own versions of stories they know, inserting unexpected twists or changing the endings. ReadWriteThink has a thorough book planning resource for teachers.
5. Make Chloe and the Lion come to life in a neighborhood or school production. Spoiler Alert! (The redrawn parts of the story are tricky, but can be accomplished with costuming. Kids may have an even more creative solution.)

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday for May 10, 2013 at Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.