I suspect that even if you have only been writing for children for a short while, if you live in the US (and maybe elsewhere) you will know the name Betsy Bird, who was the Youth Materials Selections Specialist of New … Continue reading
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By: JOANNA MARPLE,
on 9/9/2015
Blog: Miss Marple's Musings (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: librarian, ALA, Interview, Bad Kitty, Betsy Bird, WILD THINGS, Steve Light, Julie Danielson, Peter Sieruta, Fuse Eight, Liz Bicknell, Benji Davis, Newbery, Caldecott, NYPL, youth, Add a tag
By: James Preller,
on 11/3/2014
Blog: James Preller's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Acts of Mischief in Children's Literature, Fuse 8 blog, Kirkus online, The bully label, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast, Betsy Bird, The Fall, Wild Things, Scary Tales, Preller Bystander, Julie Danielson, James Preller school visits, James Preller Interview, Peter D. Sieruta, Iacopo Bruno, The one-eyed doll, Preller Scary Tales, Preller THE FALL, Interviews & Appreciations, Best scary books for young readers, Add a tag
Tomorrow is Halloween, and author James Preller wants to scare your children—the safe, exhilarating type of scare, that is, which comes from a well-constructed set of spooky stories just for the younger set. He’s been doing this not just on Halloween but all during the year with Scary Tales, his chapter book series of ghost stories, launched last year and illustrated by Iacopo Bruno.Chilling and thrilling and very often spine-tingling, the series offers up serious page-turners for students who enjoy reading frightening tales while on the edge of their seats. It’s a far cry from Preller’s Jigsaw Jones series of chapter books, which debuted in 1998, the beloved fictional detective stories for children that are still circulating in libraries. The latest and fifth book in the Scary Tales series, The One-Eyed Doll, was just released. It brings readers hidden treasures, deserted houses, and a creepy one-eyed doll, who moves and tells stories. Needless to say, it’s a good fit for Halloween—or, really, any time of year.Next year, Preller will also see the release of a middle-grade novel, one that follows 2009’s Bystander, which the Kirkusreview called “eminently discussable as a middle-school read-aloud.” The Fall, as you’ll read below, addresses bullying, but not for the sake of jumping on the bullying bandwagon. That’s to say that as soon as many schools kicked off anti-bullying crusades in recent years, we suddenly saw a flock of books about bullying in the realm of children’s literature. But Preller isn’t one for the “bully” label.Let’s find out why.
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The Scary Tales series started in 2013, yes? How much fun has it been to scare the pants off of readers?
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Writing “scary” has been liberating. A blast. In the past, I’ve mostly written realistic fiction. But for these stories I’ve tapped into a different sort of imagination, what I think of as the unpossible. The trick is that once you accept that one impossible element—a zombie or a ghost in the mirror—then the story plays out in a straightforward manner.All storytelling has its backbone in realistic fiction.-
So many kids, even at a surprisingly young age, are eager to read scary stories. I tried to fill that gap. “Scary” thrills them. It makes their hearts beat faster. Yet I say to students, “I’m sorry, but nobody gets murdered in these books. There are no heads chopped off. No gore.” To me, the great sentence is: The door knob slowly, slowly turned. That delicious moment of anticipation, of danger climbing the stairs. I’ve tried to provide those chills, while still resolving each book in a safe way.
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You do a lot of school visits, as I understand it. What do you see the very best teachers and librarians doing (best practices, if you will) that really get children fired up about reading?
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In its essence, teaching is enthusiasm transferred. The best educators seem to do that naturally—the excitement, the love of discovery. It leaks into everything they do. I think it’s about a teacher’s prevailing attitude, more than any specific activity.
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Speaking of school visits, I assume you still visit schools to discuss Bystander, especially given the subject matter. How have middle-schoolers responded to that book in school visits?
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The response to Bystander has been incredible—and humbling. Many middle schools have used it as their “One School, One Book” community reads, which is such an honor.I attempted to write a lively, unsentimental, informed, fast-paced story. I hope that I’ve given readers something to think about, while leaving them to draw their own conclusions. I didn’t write a pamphlet, 10 steps to bully-proof your school. Robert McKee, in his book Story, says that stories are “equipment for living.” I believe in the power of literature to help us experience empathy.-
What’s next for you? Am I right that there’s a new Scary Tales coming out in 2015, as well as a new novel? Working on anything else you’re allowed to discuss now?
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I have an ambitious hardcover coming out next year, titled The Fall (Macmillan, Fall 2015), in which I return to some of the themes first explored in Bystander. We’ve seen “the bully” become this vilified subcreature, and in most cases I don’t think that’s fair or accurate. Bullying is a verb, a behavior, not a label we can stick on people to define them—especially when we are talking about children. Walt Whitman wrote, “I am large, I contain multitudes.”The book is told in a journal format from the perspective of a boy who has participated in bullying—with tragic results—and now he’s got to own it. A good kid, I think, who failed to be his best self. To my surprise, the book ended up as almost a meditation on forgiveness, that most difficult of things. The opening sentence reads:
By: Jen Robinson,
on 7/24/2014
Blog: Jen Robinson (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Children's Books, Reviews, mischief, Nonfiction, children's literature, Kidlitosphere, children's authors, betsy bird, wild things, julie danielson, peter sieruta, Add a tag
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Posted on 5/13/2010
Blog: Through The Tollbooth (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: wild things, clay carmichael, art and writing, inspiration, character, cat, young adult novel, Add a tag
By: Gregory K. Pincus,
on 10/16/2009
Blog: GottaBook (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Wild Things, Oddaptations, Add a tag
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By: JOANNA MARPLE,
on 9/9/2015
Blog: Miss Marple's Musings (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: librarian, ALA, Interview, Bad Kitty, Betsy Bird, WILD THINGS, Steve Light, Julie Danielson, Peter Sieruta, Fuse Eight, Liz Bicknell, Benji Davis, Newbery, Caldecott, NYPL, youth, Add a tag
By: James Preller,
on 11/3/2014
Blog: James Preller's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Acts of Mischief in Children's Literature, Fuse 8 blog, Kirkus online, The bully label, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast, Betsy Bird, The Fall, Wild Things, Scary Tales, Preller Bystander, Julie Danielson, James Preller school visits, James Preller Interview, Peter D. Sieruta, Iacopo Bruno, The one-eyed doll, Preller Scary Tales, Preller THE FALL, Interviews & Appreciations, Best scary books for young readers, Add a tag
Writing “scary” has been liberating. A blast. In the past, I’ve mostly written realistic fiction. But for these stories I’ve tapped into a different sort of imagination, what I think of as the unpossible. The trick is that once you accept that one impossible element—a zombie or a ghost in the mirror—then the story plays out in a straightforward manner.All storytelling has its backbone in realistic fiction.
The response to Bystander has been incredible—and humbling. Many middle schools have used it as their “One School, One Book” community reads, which is such an honor.I attempted to write a lively, unsentimental, informed, fast-paced story. I hope that I’ve given readers something to think about, while leaving them to draw their own conclusions. I didn’t write a pamphlet, 10 steps to bully-proof your school. Robert McKee, in his book Story, says that stories are “equipment for living.” I believe in the power of literature to help us experience empathy.“Two weeks before Morgan Mallen threw herself off the water tower, I might have sent a message to her social media page that read, ‘Just die! die! die! No one cares about you anyway! (I’m just saying: It could have been me.)”
I was guided throughout my writing by a powerful quote from the great lawyer and activist Bryan Stevenson: “I’ve come to understand and to believe that each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”
THE ONE-EYED DOLL. Copyright © 2014 by James Preller. Illustrations copyright © 2014 by Iacopo Bruno and used by permission of the publisher, Feiwel & Friends, New York.
Julie Danielson (Jules) conducts interviews and features of authors and illustrators at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast, a children’s literature blog primarily focused on illustration and picture books.
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By: Jen Robinson,
on 7/24/2014
Blog: Jen Robinson (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Children's Books, Reviews, mischief, Nonfiction, children's literature, Kidlitosphere, children's authors, betsy bird, wild things, julie danielson, peter sieruta, Add a tag
Book: Wild Things! Acts of Mischief in Children's Literature
Authors: Betsy Bird, Julie Danielson, and Peter Sieruta
Pages: 288
Age Range: Adult Nonfiction
Wild Things! reveals the authors' deep affection for and knowledge of the field of children's literature. They discuss everything from the history of subversive children's literature to book banning to the ways that the Harry Potter books have affected the industry. This is the first book I've seen that openly discusses gay and lesbian authors of children's books, and how the outsider status of some of these authors may have affected their work. Like this:
"Unique perspectives yield unique books. It is difficult to be gay and not see the world in a way that is slightly different from that of your straight peers." (Page 54, ARC)
I especially enjoyed chapters on "scandalous mysteries and mysterious scandals" and "some hidden delights of children's literature." There's also an interesting discussion of the books critics love vs. the books that kids love.
Despite covering a lot of ground, Wild Things! is a quick, engaging read. Though there are extensive end-notes citing sources, and it's clear that much research has been done, the book itself reads like a series of chatty essays written by friends. Wild Things! is full of interesting tidbits, like the extra pupil shown on one page of Madeline, and a rather disturbing claim by Laura that Pa Ingalls may have once encountered a serial killer. There are some resources that may help those new to thinking about children's books, such as a list of publications that review children's books. But for the most part, Wild Things! is a book that's going to appeal most to people who already have a reasonably solid grasp of the industry, and at least a passing familiarity with the key players.
Wild Things! is not, however, insider-y in terms of the book blogging world. Because I've read so many posts by Betsy and Jules, there were certainly places where I could hear their distinct voices coming through. There are some fun sidebars in which all three authors briefly take on some question or author. But there is scant mention in the book of the authors' blogs themselves. The authors do muse a bit in the final chapter about the impact of cozy relationships between bloggers and authors, but for the most part they keep their emphasis on books and authors, and other people who have been instrumental in the evolution of the larger children's book world (like Ursula Nordstrom). They do include snippets of interviews with many authors and publishers, frequently backing up their own opinions with remarks from leaders in the field.
Wild Things! is strong on the defense of the importance of children's literature (and fairly strong against message-driven celebrity books). Like this:
"And with every doctor, librarian, and early childhood educator telling us that childhood's importance is without parallel, it is baffling to see their literature condescended to, romanticized, and generally misunderstood." (Page 5 of the ARC)
"Childhood is not a phase to be disregarded; the same should be said of the books children read. They deserve well-crafted tales from the people who have the talent to write and illustrate them and who take their craft seriously. Do they need heavy-handed sermons from the latest celebrity "It" girl's newest children's book? Not so much." (Page 6)
I also loved this quote from A. A. Milne:
"Whatever fears one has, one need not fear that one is writing too well for a child, any more than one need fear that one is becoming almost too lovable." (Page 192)
Wild Things! is a book about the joy and quirkiness that is the field of children's literature. It is a celebration of books and their authors, and a defense of the importance of putting the very best possible books into children's hands. Betsy Bird, Julie Danielson, and Peter Sieruta accomplish all of this by sharing stories and opinions, theirs and those of others, with the reader. Fans of children's books, be they authors, bloggers, teachers, librarians, parents, or just people who appreciate a good book, are sure to enjoy Wild Things! Recommended for adults and older teens (there is definitely content that is not for kids), and a must-purchase for libraries. Wild Things! is a keeper!
Publisher: Candlewick
Publication Date: August 5, 2014
Source of Book: Advance review copy from the publisher
FTC Required Disclosure:
This site is an Amazon affiliate, and purchases made through Amazon links (including linked book covers) may result in my receiving a small commission (at no additional cost to you).
© 2014 by Jennifer Robinson of Jen Robinson's Book Page. All rights reserved. You can also follow me @JensBookPage or at my Growing Bookworms page on Facebook.
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Posted on 5/13/2010
Blog: Through The Tollbooth (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: wild things, clay carmichael, art and writing, inspiration, character, cat, young adult novel, Add a tag
“Making art… is a way to find meaning and order in life’s chaos, one means of keeping the wilderness at bay. Wilderness, whatever its forms—whether sorrow, alcoholism, sickness, Mother Nature—takes over if you let it.”
--Clay Carmichael
…continuing our talk with author Clay Carmichael on art, life and how a stray cat influenced a novel…
art by Clay Carmichael
Q: C’mere, the wild cat, has a voice in this tale. And in fact, it’s the cat’s story that eventually sheds light on one of the central mysteries in the book. What inspired you to weave C’mere’s story in as part of the novel?
“He did. The real Mr. C’mere, a neighborhood feral, was the true inspiration for Wild Things, where this story began. It’s hard for me to convey what an extraordinary soul he was, a once-in-a-lifetime animal. I was a confirmed dog person before he lumbered into my life. The quality of his devotion and love was remarkable—and I’ve only put part of his miraculous story in Wild Things.”
Q: You’re an author and illustrator, and your art walks through Wild Things with a life of its own. You’ve noted in the afterward that this story first came to you from a wild cat. Can you talk about the weave of art and prose and how it affected the writing of Wild Things? Was it a given that you wou
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By: Gregory K. Pincus,
on 10/16/2009
Blog: GottaBook (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Wild Things, Oddaptations, Add a tag
Today sees the release of the feature film version of Where the Wild Things are, so it seemed a good day to re-issue my Oddaptation of that classic picture book. You can click here for the Oddaptation definition and backstory... or just think Cliff Notes with attitude.
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
by Maurice Sendak
Oddaptation by Gregory K.
Another family meal is missed:
Max is angry. Max is pissed.
And rumpus beasts? They don’t exist...
My word, Max needs a therapist!
If you want to get all my new poems (and only the poems) emailed to you for freeee as they hit the blog, enter your email address in the box below then click subscribe.
And hey... the fabulously poetic Laura Purdie Salas has this week's Poetry Friday roundup. Head on over and check out the fun!
Love this, Greg! (Unfortunately, it sounds just like home:>/ )
I've added you to Mister Linky. Have a great conference!
This is great, Greg! As Laura says, very familiar. I'm not so old that I can't remember those days with my kids.
"Rumpus beasts" - I love that!