Karen MacPherson's syndicated Children's Corner column this week alerted me to an important occasion: the 50th birthday of Frances, star of the classic picture book series by Russell Hoban. (I strongly recommend reading Karen's column - always good and this one is chock full of interesting facts about Frances and how she came to be. Also, if you haven't read the Frances books, it's time to get to the library. Or better yet, go buy them.)
I first met Frances, the strong-willed, persnickety, song-writing, problem-solving badger, when I was a strong-willed, persnickety child myself. Although song-writing and problem-solving weren't my strengths so much, it's still small wonder that I identified with the young badger. The challenges Frances faces are universal ones of early childhood, and she confronts them with a quirky intelligence and creativity that I found both inspiring and reassuring.
To celebrate this important event, I broke out some homemade bread and jam and my copy of Bread and Jam for Frances, my favoritest Frances book of all. Everything was delicious, and the dog enjoyed our read-aloud very much.
Possibly what she liked best was that I shared my bread and jam with her.
Anyway, I noticed something while I was reading the book: one spread seemed kind of familiar to me. And then I realized why.
Interesting points, Carol. Your viewpoint on the possible decline of picture books sounds very interesting to me.
Thanks Dave. One of these days I'll probably have a full out rant about what is the world coming to, even thinking about killing off the picture book - but I'm waiting, hoping I'll be able to calm down and be reasonable.
Carol - thanks for this tribute! I linked it in my blog (http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2010/11/happy-birthday-dear-frances.html). I've written about your books in the past and just love what you've done.
I'm also very concerned about the decline of picture book sales! (and blogged about that particular article from the Times.) A children's book artist I met through blogging said that editors don't even have that much say - it all comes from their publishers, who want to keep up with the "trends". Comes down to money - but like you said, they're losing sales and should take note! Thanks again!
WENDY
GoodBooksForYoungSouls
By the way - you have such a cute post about St. Nicholas Day! Do you mind if I link to your paper shoe template when his "day" draws closer? :)
Great and timely post about picture books, Carol and the recipe looks delicious!
This soup sounds wonderful! Thanks for the formula.