mental squint

 “When you are describing,

 A shape, or sound, or tint;
 Don't state the matter plainly,
 But put it in a hint;
 And learn to look at all things,
 With a sort of mental squint.”
Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (Lewis Carroll)

. . .

an excellent picture book writing tip to remember from Linda Garner at Paper and Parchment.

. . .

and another amazing post from Rob Sanders in his interview with Frances Gilbert, Editorial Director at Doubleday Children’s Books, Random House on his blog Picture This.
. . .

Storytelling Stuff

“I believe that a good children's book should appeal to all people who have not completely lost their original joy and wonder in life. The fact is that I don't make books for children at all. I make them for that part of us, of myself and of my friends, which has never changed, which is still a child.”  ― Leo Lionni

. . .


I just listened to an interview with storyteller Donna Washington onThe Art of Storytelling podcast, she explains her views on age-appropriateness for scary stories, as well as a good explanation on one of the roles of repetition in children's stories: The Anatomy of a Ghost Story


and I enjoyed listening to Donna so much that I searched her out on youtube, lots of entertaining performances to watch. Here's a good example:





. . .
Also be sure to check out the next installment of Rob Sanders' interview with Frances Gilbert at Picture This.

where the trembling stops

"The life i touch for good or ill will touch another life, and in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt." — Frederick Buechner

Mo Willems is an amazing performer:




and a virtual author visit from Jarrett J. Krosoczka:





and check out Rob Sanders' interview with Frances Gilbert, Editorial Director at Doubleday Children’s Books, Random House: Picture This!


and pay a visit to a storyteller's blog, Karen Chace's Catch the Storybug

Sharing Bread Crumbs

"Moments are like bread crumbs to the bird that always sings. The point is to sing and share our bread with one another." --Vincent Tripi







And this, amazing, awesome, stupendous blog: The Art of Storytelling Show by Brother Wolf . . . I've been listening to his interviews (they can be found in the archive section) or through itunes . . . I just can't recommend it enough.

Tellers of Tales

"Since the beginning of time,
the hours between
the coming of night
and the coming of sleep …
Have always belonged
to the makers of music
and the tellers of tales."
from the homepage of the Southern Order of Storytellers


In my quest for examples of authors promoting themselves and videos of authors giving presentations I found Marsha Diane Arnold's webpage, which has a nice lay-out. I recommend you check it out, and while there, take note that she offers Virtual Classroom Visits and make sure you read her insightful blog.



I also found this youtube of Marsha reading a bit of Roar of a Snore:








Also pay a quick visit to Rob Sanders' blog Picture This for his frequently-updated insights into writing picture books.

From Terry to Root!

Yesterday I listened to a podcast at Living on Purpose Radio. It was an interview with picture book illustrator Will Terry. This is a VERY INSPIRING story, check it out: "Illustrating Success"

and while you're at it, check out Will's Blog, it's both insightful and informational.

I also have to mention that yesterday's trip to the library led me to discover the books of Phyllis Root, my favorite of hers thus far being 'Mrs. Potter's Pig' . . . very amusing.

While looking for information on Phyllis I found this quote: "One of the things I've learned about myself, is that when I get really stuck and can't seem to get writing, it's because I've forgotten to take time out to play." on her Bio page at Candlewick Press.

Creating, Storytelling and a Request !

I'm always interested in learning about how others create and work. I found this on the work routine of a picture book creator: Chris Raschka: The Habits of an Artist; a Hornbook article.



Also, I wanted to see and hear examples of storytelling as a performance art and came across this wonderful video by Sarah Kay, Founder of Project V.O.I.C.E:





And stumbled across this website that has a few videos of actors/actresses reading picture books at Storyline Online.


I'm searching for outstanding examples (passionate performances/rockstar readings) of picture books read out-loud. Suggestions?