Bear Feels Scared

Bear Feels Scared is the newest “Bear” book by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman. This book is written in rhyme and tells a story that connects with both parents and children on an emotional level.

Editors are looking for picture book manuscripts that children will love to listen to and parents will enjoy reading over and over again. Bear Feels Scared is a perfect example of this type of book. Ms. Wilson does an excellent job connecting with the true emotions of a child through bear. A big storm is approaching, bear is alone, and boy, is he scared! Children know bear’s fears and will easily relate to this “all alone” feeling. As a parent, I was rooting for Bear’s loyal friends to find him. Their actions are nurturing and loving, just like a parent’s.

The illustrations by Ms. Chapman are beautiful. The colors she’s chosen set the mood. In the beginning, they are the sky at sunset. Then they change with the reader’s emotions, dark and stormy, warm and cozy. In the end, all the colors come together on Bear’s snugly quilt.

If you are looking for an example of a picture book both parents and children will love reading over and over, check out Bear Feels Scared

Too Many Frogs

Have you heard editors say they are looking for “quirky, character-driven” picture book manuscripts? Well if you have, and you’re looking for a good example, check out Too Many Frogs by Sandy Asher, illustrated by Keith Graves. The playful illustrations by Mr. Graves combine with the creative characters and fun language written by Ms. Asher, to make an off-beat, original PB. You’ll find the story “character-driven” because Rabbit’s character and his change in character drive the story. How Rabbit reacts to an unexpected visitor during his quiet time and the inner struggle Rabbit faces with this new intrusion is the story behind Too Many Frogs. If you feel your writing style is quirky, you may want to check out other books published by Philomel Books, they have a very creative PB list.

Portland Area Book Lovers

Wordstock Book Festival is this weekend at the Portland Convention Center. This will be my first year attending, I’ve heard wonderful things about this annual event. I’m looking forward to meeting Bonnie Becker, and saying hello to Lisa Schroder.

Mrs. Biddlebox

Looking for an example of a great rhyming picture book? Check out Mrs. Biddlebox by Linda Smith, illustrated by Marla Frazee. As I read, I was surprised the author and illustrator weren’t the same person. Linda Smith’s fun and unique rhyme about a woman who wakes up on the wrong side of the bed is perfectly complimented by the first dreary, then playful, colorful illustrations by Marla Frazee. (Marla has a great article on picture books that can be accessed from the link.)

Fly your freedom flag, VOTE!

More Thoughts on Picture Book Characters

I wanted to spin off my last about picture book series. One of my critique group partners, Ryan, commented on how writing an existing character into another story and thinking in terms of series for any character you create can add to the development of that character. I agree 100%.

This got me thinking about one of my manuscripts. I worked on this story while taking an on-line writing class. The class was on story structure and primarily focused on novel writing. I knew my story would always be a picture book story, but as part of the class I created an in-depth plan for the story, plot and characters. I think expanding on the idea of these elements helped me bring more to my MC and his story. This particular manuscript (while it hasn’t sold—yet), has brought me some positive feedback from editors and agents.

Editors and agents want to feel a connection with our character(s), and isn’t that the challenge in the 500 word PB manuscript? Especially if you aren’t the artist and can’t add the artistic details you imagine n your head.