Here is a chance to virtually join Jerry

DISCUSSING HIS NEW BOOK: DEAD WEDNESDAY

WITH THESE AWARD WINNING AUTHORS

JERRY SPINELLI AND REBECCA STEAD on August 3rd 

JERRY SPINELLI AND CHRISTOPHER PAUL CURTIS on August 4th

JERRY SPINELLI AND ADAM GIDWITZ on August 5th

THESE ARE FREE EVENTS


STOP BACK ON SUNDAY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN:

DEAD WEDNESDAY 

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Last Wednesday I announced the following:

FIND YOUR STORY - Authors and Illustrators: Send a quirky picture or a picture with some kind of action (drawn or photograph) and the Picture Book Whisperer (Mira Reisberg) will help you find your story in it.

The first two submitted will start next Wednesday, if Mira gets two this week. Please send to Kathy(dot)temean(at)hotmail(dot)com. Put FIND YOUR STORY SUMISSION in the Subject Box. 

Since no one submitted anything, so I sent Mira one of my old illustrations to see what she would suggest and let you see how it works. You don't have to be an illustrator, you could send in a photo. This is a great opportunity. Mira has help so many writers and illustrators. Don't miss out on a chance to connect with Mira. Send in something.

First of all Kathy, this is a lovely piece of art and thank you for participating in this little Find My Story Fest. When I look at this image the first thing I get, of course because of the age difference, are siblings, and for me, that brings up a choice of three different ways to go: 1 it's a sibling rivalry story, or 2 it's a wonderful big sister story, or 3 it's a combination of both:

Everyone loves May, she's bigger, smarter and can do so many different things. Whenever I want to do something that May is doing, Mom and Dad say, "When you're older like May." But will I ever be as old as May? I try and do the things that she does, but I always mess them up. [Give three examples of things that the younger sister tries to do and fails at]. One day May takes me for a walk in the garden. But I'm scared. The plants look like monsters to me, even the water container looks scary. And parts of it are really dark in there. May takes my hand and tells me, "It's all gonna be OK." As we walk, I start seeing wonderful things close to the ground. Things that May doesn't notice because she's always looking up. I point them out to her. She bends down and kisses me and says, "You're the best little sister ever." And you know what? She's right.

Possible titles:

Big Sisters Are The Best! Or, Make Me Like May

So Kathy, first of all, I want to use the disclaimer that I use in all our course critiques and individual critiques: As many people as see this, that's how many opinions you'll get. So, take what you like, and leave the rest.

Now if you wanted to follow up and create a story from this, you'd combine those first two elements: sibling rivalry and wonderful big sister and amplify elements in both of them. It wouldn't necessarily be a big plot-driven adventure story, although it could be, but as is it would be more of a heart and soul character-driven story as the little sister gets over her jealousy and sees both how wonderful her big sister is and claims her power as being wonderful too. I hope this inspires you to follow where it goes.

And for anyone else, have a look at magazine pictures, or your own pictures, and ask yourself - what stories might lurk in here that kids might like or that might have universal truths for kids?

Sending creative love,

Mira

Thank you Mira! You have filled some blanks for me. I am looking forward to what you come up with for others.

Dr. Mira Reisberg is an Editor and Art Director at Clear Fork Publishing's children's book imprint Spork, and the Founding Director of the Children's Book Academy. So far, her students have published or contracted over 670 children's books! She is excited to be hosting the 2021 Picture Book Palooza featuring 26 presenters, prizes and giveaways, worksheets and handouts, and some fantastic submission opportunities all for only $59 right here: https://bit.ly/PBPalooza2021

In a former life, not too long ago, Mira was a literary agent and a children's literature professor. She has a PhD in Education and Cultural Studies with a focus on kid lit. Find her at the Children's Book Academy at https://bit.ly/CBA-KidLit or on Twitter @ChildrensBookAc

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BOOK WINNERS - LAST CHANCE TO SEND IN ADDRESS

I do not have an email or address for the following:

Kristen REDBIRD twitter: @robinlorikeet won BEACH TOYS VS. SCHOOL SUPPLIES by Mike Ciccotello 

If anyone knows Kristin or Robin, please let her know she won Mike's book. or give her a tweet. Thanks!

NEW BOOK WINNERS:

Suzy Leopold won BRANCHES OF HOPE: THE 9/11 SURVIVOR TREE by Ann Magee

Marcie Kramer won LITTLE CALABASH by Margo Sorenson

 

Please send me your address to kathy.temean(at)hotmail(dot)com. Thank you!

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy