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Jessica Garrison is a senior editor at Dial.
Jessica shares, with a packed room, rules for creating picture books. But more importantly, she gives everyone reasons to break those rule with examples that have worked!
So, let's jump into the rules and cheer for the rule breakers!
RULE: A picture book should be short.
But not if it's EASTER CAT by Deborah Underwood.
This book came in as a 60 page picture book which included art notes and sketches, breaking yet another rule.
RULE: A picture book text should not include art notes (or sketches).
EASTER CAT was full of them. This book needed the extra pages and information for it to work.
RULE: A picture book should not have an adult protagonist.
Unless it's A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE by Philip C Stead.
The spirit of this story is organic and kid level which makes it work.
RULE: A picture book should be character driven rather than concept driven.
Unless it's PRESS HERE by Hevré Tullet.
There are no characters in this book. The main character is the reader.
RULE: A picture book should not be wordless.
Unless it's a book like THE FARMER AND THE CLOWN by Marla Frazee.
This one might have made Jessica cry the first time she read it. The illustrations require no text to be deeply felt and followed.
RULE: A picture book should have a take away.
Unless it's DRAGONS LOVE TACOS by Adam Rubin.
You might be able to dig deep for a take away from this book, but even if it was removed, this picture book still works.
RULE: A picture book should have varied, emotive artwork.
Unless it's I WANT MY HAT BACK by Jon Klassen.
The bear in this book is deadpan, which a huge reason why it works.
RULE: A picture book should have...pictures.
THE BOOK WITH NO PICTURES by B.J. Novak.
This book breaks so many rules, Jessica could dedicate an entire session to it.
It's important to know the rules. The rules are helpful, but the great thing is, you can break those rules to create something special. Picture book making is an art, not a science.
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By: alethea aka frootjoos,
on 12/7/2012
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Publication date: 16 August 2012 by Dial
ISBN 10/13: 0803735804 | 9780803735804
Category: Young Adult Fantasy
Keywords: Family, Fae, Missing Siblings, Fairy Queen
Format: Hardcover, ebook
Source: Borrowed ARC
Kimberly's synopsis and review:The trees swallowed her brother whole. Now Jenny, seven years later, goes back to the place where it happened. To the place she lost her brother, to where she lost her family, to say goodbye. But instead, she hears a mysterious song, reminding her of her brother Tom, and before she knows it, she's in a dangerous world. And she swears she won't leave without her brother.
I'll be honest--this book caught my eye because of the cover. Did you see it? Pretty. And I like a good fairy tale as much as the next girl so I was really looking forward to reading this book.
This is more of a traditional fairy tale. A missing sibling, a family torn apart, and the sister who is the only one who can find him. Jenny wanders through the forest, with a guide named Jack who has his own intentions. Evading the evil queen, ignorant of the rules of this land, Jenny finds herself in scary and dangerous situations. I love the danger that looms on every page. I enjoy the betrayals and dark nature of the characters. There is some beautifully descriptive writing and a couple of fun twists.
Unfortunately, I am not a fan of Jenny. She's supposed to be seventeen, but she seems younger. I'm told she has a pure, good heart, but she falls into the group of uninteresting, bland main characters. She's too good, there's little fire. Oh sure, her guide Jack sees the fire, the stubbornness, the flame. But as a reader, I really didn't see it. I was told. She seemed a rather tame teenager, honestly.
Jack is the most interesting character by far. Conflicted, with multiple allegiances, Jack's motivations are clouded and he has more depth than any of the other characters by far. By the time we meet Tom, Jenny's brother, who has been in the fairy world for seven years, even he is still too vanilla. You'd think being brainwashed, held captive, and possibly going to be a ritual sacrifice would make Tom into a more layered young man, but alas, no. And the other characters don't do fair well either. The motivations behind the kind and queen are thin, but if you look past it, you'll find a fun story and a fast moving plot.
Overall, I liked the story for the plot, for the creepiness and the world. But I couldn't identify with any of the characters. If you like more traditional fairy tales, you'll like this book!
Find out more about the author at
rflong.com and follow her on Twitter @
RFLong.
You can find more of Kimberly's reviews at
The Windy Pages.
By: Julie,
on 7/28/2012
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| | Title: Dog in Charge Author: K L Going Illustrator: Dan Santat Publisher: Dial |
May Contain Spoilers
From Amazon:
| When the going gets tough, Dog . . . takes a nap Dog can Sit. He can Stay. He can even Dance. But when he’s in charge, can he keep the cats in line? All one, two, three, four, five of them? With slapstick silliness and utterly earnest charm, Dog will quickly wiggle his way into preschoolers’ hearts. , |
Review:
This is one of the best picture books that I have ever read! It is so cute!! It even had an unsuspected twist that brought a huge smile to my face. Poor Dog is left in charge when his people have to go out. He is left in charge of five naughty cats. The cats, while not devious, love to play, and Dog is having a hard time keeping tabs on all one, two, three, four, five of them. When the tensions run the highest, and the house couldn’t get any messier, Dog succumbs to a nap to refresh himself, allowing the cats to save the day. The cats all love Dog, which made me love them.
If you have young readers at home, this is a fun book with big, bold illustrations that is sure to please. Even if you don’t have young readers, sneak Dog in Charge home from the library for a quick, delightful read.
Grade: A
Review copy obtained from my local library
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By: Kathy Temean,
on 5/9/2012
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MARKET YOUR BOOK – WITHOUT THE BOOK
By Steve Meltzer – Associate Publisher/ Executive Managing Editor, Dial, Dutton, & Celebra.
I have a friend who is a writer. She has a book contract but publication is a couple of years away. But when it comes out, I believe my friend’s book will be successful. My friend has marketing savvy, a successful website, and a great blog. She creates trailers based on her interests and expertise that are featured on Youtube and other web resources. Kids love her clips and regularly comment on them. My friend posts writings on Facebook and Myspace and makes sure that online friends include writers and editors. However, she is not a marketing pain, which is to say that my friend never gets in anyone’s face trying to force projects on anyone. She instead becomes a friend and colleague.
We recently had this conversation…
Me: “I believe kids will love to hear you talk since you have something interesting and valuable to share. Why don’t you get an agent and book yourself into schools? You can make some money that way.”
Friend: “I have nothing to promote, I don’t have a published book.”
Me: “Wrong. You have yourself to promote. You have a persona and all the online stuff to back you up. When you do have a book, people will say ‘oh, that’s her book.’ They will be buying a piece of your personality”
So my friend tried this and lo and behold she has a successful gig going in schools. When her book comes out she will have a ready made audience. Chances are my friend’s future books will be successful too. This is the kind of author I would want to publish– again and again.
Common sense tells us not to market a book until you actually have a book to publish. I say that is no longer true. When you are selling a book these days you have to sell yourself as well. It is up to you to do the job. Take a lesson from my friend. Try to build your celebrity first, so that when your book is published you have an audience. Publishers like people who know how to market.
If you know a great deal about the civil war, get a beard and Abe Lincoln clothes and go as Civil War Charlie, expert on the civil war. Schools love to support local characters especially when they generate excitement and learning. Have an idea for a chapter book series and can’t get a publisher to buy it? Self publish by going to a print on demand service. Then give it away to local schools and libraries and bookstores. When book # 2 comes out sell it store to store, library to library, school to school or kid to kid and once you have developed an audience, sell it to a publisher. Start a web 2.0 Youtube soap opera based on your YA novel. There are plenty of teens out there who want to act and they would be willing to do it for free, just for the experience. Plus who better to spread the word?
Don’t moan that you can’t get a contract. Maybe all you need to do is go out and do some field work. Comics don’t take shows on TV right away. They take them to small clubs and develop their act. The same can hold true for a writer. Think creatively and try your “act” on some kids. Then you know what they will like or won’t like and at the same time you build an audience.
Web video technology and social networking are the author’s friend. There is so much you can do these days for so very little. So get out and market yourself. With any luck a contract will follow and maybe a bit more of an advance… because you just might be a celebrity. You know your writing is there, just bring the rest. That’s you! Uh-huh. You’re a
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 10/4/2011
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Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by
Breaking the Spine to highlight upcoming releases we're anxiously awaiting!
March 20, 2012
Publisher: Dial BYR
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Amazon
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Barnes & NobleWhen her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world’s past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.
Michelle Zink masterfully weaves historical fantasy with paranormal romance
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 9/27/2011
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February 21, 2012
Publisher: Dial
Preorder: Amazon
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Barnes & NobleBRIE'S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally.
But now that she's D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.
With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?
"Inventive, gorgeous, funny and yes . . . heartbreaking. You will absolutely love this book." — Lauren Oliver, New York Times bestselling author of Before I Fall and Delirium.
This book sounds qui
 |
| l to r: Aaron Hartler, Nancy Conescu, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Poploff |
SCBWI's own Aaron Hartzler moderates a panel of editors offering post-critiqe advice. Here are some highlights.
Nancy Consescu (Dial): Revision is a process. Post critique, you have to consider the various comments, decide how to address things, and try different things until you get to what works. She asks her authors to start with making big changes that will resonate through the manuscript. She suggests really looking at your chapter endings and be sure you're giving readers a reason to turn the page. Also really look at the dialogue specific to each character to be sure what they say rings true to each character. She stresses, as you work with an editor, that there's a period of digesting the suggestion that must take place.
Rachel Griffiths (Scholastic): She hopes that a manuscript has been revised maybe ten times by the time it gets to her. She suggest that writers pay attention to what you're feeling as you read it--does your mind wander, is something is confusing? If you're ever stuck on a revision, you just work on it, go over things over and over again, and it eventually it can turn into something magical. She reads through and looks for one flash of greatness in a mediocre manuscript, and suggests her authors revise the rest of the pages to get to that level. She hopes that's authors take about 50% of her revision suggestions and that they don't work with the suggestions that don't feel true to them. She stresses the importance of working on your craft because that's what makes you get better and better and grow as a writer.
Michelle Poploff (Delacorte): (Note: She was the editor for this year's Newbery winner MOON OVER MANIFEST by Clare Vanderpool, the first debut author to win the award in 30 years. Also note: She's found four authors at SCBWI conference over the past few years.) The revision process between writer and editor varies depending on authors preferences and working style. She always tells authors to read out loud and she's a big fan of writers groups, saying that if you belong to a writing group, they can be very helpful advocates. She also suggests writers let things percoloate for a while as you revise. Revision is like redecorating, and sometimes you rearrange all the furniture in the room, and still there's still a lamp that's in the wrong place. She wants authors she works with to take their time to do the very very best they can on revising.
The winner of the Oracle books is:
Jaime (who is a guy BTW :)
email your address to me at [email protected].
==============
Today, Liz Waniewski (Senior Editor, Dial) stopped by to answer some questions. I met her when we were on faculty together at SCBWI Carolinas and adored her.
Hi Liz, thanks for stopping by. Can you tell us about yourself as an editor?
I’m a Senior Editor at Dial Books for Young Readers, and have been working here for nine years. I edit everything from picture books to middle grade and young adult novels. The books I edit are character driven with distinct voices and points of view. Some of the books I’ve worked on recently are LADYBUG GIRL AT THE BEACH by David Soman and Jacky Davis, SAPPHIQUE by Catherine Fisher, FIVE FLAVORS OF DUMB by Antony John, and FANTASY BASEBALL by Alan Gratz.
How does Dial support their authors in their marketing efforts? What do you feel is most important in promoting books?
Dial is part of Penguin Young Readers Group, so our authors have the support of Penguin Young Readers marketing behind them when promoting their books.
We offer many different kinds of support, depending on the author and the book project, from sending out review copies and press releases to the major book reviewers, magazines, and newspapers, to linking your author website to the Penguin website, to Penguin’s tweets and Facebook updates about new and upcoming books or author events, to our info packet about how to do effective online marketing, to much more.
One of the most important things in promoting books is an author who is willing to be a self-promoter. There is nothing as effective as an author who has contact with his/her fans, whether in person or online.
During the publishing process, what is the most exciting part of acquiring a book? What is the hardest part about wanting a book?
The most exciting part about acquiring a book for me is beginning an editorial relationship with an author. I sign up a book because I believe it has a ton of potential to make a difference to the kids who will read it, and I hope that the author has written it with a similar thought. It is exciting t
By:
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on 11/7/2010
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One season. 10 books.
This was difficult.
After scouring the children’s lit landscape, what follows are the 10 titles set to release in December, January, and February that most caught my eye as a K-6 school librarian. It’s a subjective list, to be sure, and not a collection of surefire winners – just some promising prospects. Here we go…
Middle Grade Fiction
No Passengers Beyond This Point by Gennifer Choldenko
Feb. 8, 2011 | Dial
The Newbery-honor winning author of Al Capone Does My Shirts offers up a departure that I’m looking forward to. A fantasy about three siblings and their journey to Colorado to visit their uncle. Good author, interesting premise – consider my curiosity piqued.
What’s Bugging Bailey Blecker? by Gail Donovan
Feb. 17, 2011 | Dutton
Do we share a similar sense of humor? Let’s find out. I think this story about a 5th grader growing out her hair to donate while dealing with a classroom outbreak of head lice sounds like a comedy gem in the making. What do you think? From the author of In Memory of Gorfman T. Frog.
Nonfiction Picture Books
Tillie the Terrible Swede: How One Woman, a Sewing Needle, and a Bicycle Changed History by Sue Stauffacher, illustrated by Sarah McMenemy
Jan. 25, 2011 | Random House
While biographies of well known historical figures are eye-catching, it is often the lesser-known stories that have the biggest impact. The author behind the wonderfully odd Doughnuthead takes on pioneering female cyclist Tillie Anderson. I’m looking forward to the results.
A Nation’s Hope: the Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Jan. 20, 2011 | Dial
Speaking of well-known figures, Joe Louis is one of America’s most famous boxers. Last I checked, however, there wasn’t a solid Louis bio for younger readers. With Kadir Nelson handing illustration duties, this one might fit the bill.
Picture Books
Where’s Walrus? by Stephen Savage
A wordless story about a zookeeper’s attempts to capture an escaped walrus, illustrated with about as much charm as you can fit between two covers.
Feb. 1, 2011 | Scholastic Press
Except If by Jim Averbeck
Jan. 25, 2011 | Atheneum
First came the egg, then the chicken. Except if it becomes a dino. Jim Averbeck (In a Blue Room) brings us a story full of possibilities.
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0 Comments on 10 to Note: Winter Preview 2010-11 as of 1/1/1900
This week Vermont grad Jandy Nelson joins us with an honest look at writing, agenting, and the story behind her poetic new young adult novel The Sky is Everywhere (Dial, March 2010).
Jandy has a BA from Cornell, an MFA in poetry from Brown, and her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts.
She’s also a literary agent, a published poet and a devout romantic. She lives in San Francisco.
The Sky Is Everywhere is her first novel. It has been translated into nine languages, and will be published this year in twelve countries.
A little about The Sky is Everywhere…
Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery sister Bailey. But when Bailey dies suddenly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, finds herself struggling to balance two.
Toby was Bailey’s boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie’s own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent.
For Lennie, they’re the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can’t collide without the whole wide world exploding.
“…Grief is an experience that throws you headfirst into life’s deepest questions,” says Jandy about Lennie's emotional journey in the novel. “No matter how old you are, no matter if you’re prepared to deal with those questions or not. I think it kind of just overhauls the heart and soul. Same with falling deeply in love…”
See you tomorrow for Day One with Jandy Nelson!
Savvy
by Ingrid Law
When I saw Eva's review of this book at Eva's Book Addiction, I was intrigued by the story and immediately visited my library's website to see if it was available. I was thrilled to see an audio book version available and listened to it during my commute to and from work last week.
Missippi (Mibs) Beaumont is getting ready to turn 13. In her family, it is a very special birthday, the birthday where family members get their "savvy," a very special and secret magical know-how. For example, Mibs' brother Fish can create storms, powerful hurricanes even; her oldest brother Rocket can create electricity; and her deceased grandmother could catch radio waves out of the air and put songs and news stories in jars to be heard over and over again (unless you took the lid completely off.)
Right before her birthday, Mibs' Poppa gets into a horrible car accident, leaving the family separated. On her birthday, Mibs is convinced that her savvy is the ability to wake people up, so she's determined to get to the hospital in Salina to wake up Poppa. She hides on a bible salesman's pink bus and is joined by two of her brothers and Bobby and Will Jr., the preacher's kids. When the bus heads away from Salina instead of towards it, they go on quite an adventure where Mibs not only discovers her true savvy but also discovers that people are not quite how they often appear to be on the outside.
This is a fantastic book about friendship, family, and growing up mixed in with a little magic and adventure. I liked Mibs from the very beginning and think that young tween girls will definitely identify with her. Even though she has a special magical power, she is down to earth and real. The fresh concept, fast pace, and plot twists will keep readers engaged throughout the book, and it makes a perfect read aloud. This was just the type of "feel-good book" I was looking for after a rather stressful month and after reading some more intense, dark novels.
Highly recommended.
What Other Bloggers Are Saying:
Eva's Book Addiction: "This is an all-around satisfying book that kept me intrigued all the way to the end. " (read more...)
Library Queen's Weblog: "Mibs and her family and friends are believable, full of life, and interesting. I thought I would do a quick read to see who might like the book and found that I can excitedly recommend it to." (read more...)
Little Willow: "It's almost as if the kids from the Maggie Valley books by Kerry Madden (Gentle's Holler, etc) were given the powers of the X-Men." (read more...)
Everead: "The pacing in the book was great -- by 3/4 of the way through you're just dying to know how it all works out. Recommended wholeheartedly." (read more...)
Kinnelon Library Teen Blog: "Following Mibs and her gang on this journey is one of the better reading experiences I've had in a long time. I can't imagine that there's a middle school girl around who wouldn't get a kick out of this story on so many levels." (read more...)
Abby (the) Librarian: "Savvy is poetic. It's full of fun words, real words, that are used in unique ways. It also feels like a tall tale, which I love. Rich descriptions and multi-dimensional characters make this a novel not soon forgotten." (read more...)
Yat-Yee Chong: "If this way of writing is Ingrid Law’s savvy, then I hope she stays with it. Because with it, she conveys warmth and generosity, and creates a story that is grounded in the things that matter: love, faith, and hope." (read more...)
Cool Kids Read: "I liked the originality of this book. It was an enjoyable read and the story pulled me in and carried me right along." (read more...)
Studentofsagas Weblog: "I think any teen can identify with the idea of being a bit different and standing out, and the process of coming to terms with it. " (read more...)
Random Wonder: "Savvy is an excellent tale with special recommendations for girls in the 10 - 13 age bracket, readers who enjoy magical tales, or those interested in coming-of-age tales." (read more...)
Goddess of YA Literature: "This was a sheer joy to read, a perfect book for someone feeling a tad sick and needing, like Poppa, some healing." (read more...)
Sarah Miller: "As for the plot, in retrospect it should feel far-fetched; instead it comes off as charming and fanciful. Nevertheless, the story itself didn't leave me smitten the way so many other readers are." (read more...)
Literate Lives: "Ingrid Law allows the reader to see the world of growing up through both sides' eyes, and develops the characters so well that the reader forgets that we are dealing with the fantasy world." (read more...)
Becky's Book Reviews: "Savvy is another book that had me at hello." (read more...)
More info:
- Reading level: Ages 9-12
- Hardcover: 352 pages
- Publisher: Dial
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0803733062
- ISBN-13: 978-0803733060
- Source: Audio book from library
Author's blog: Straight from the JarAlso visit the Official Savvy Website.
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Can’t wait to see him 
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i would totally pick up this book based on the cover, too. and a tree swallowing your brother? that reminds me of poltergeist. i used to have nightmares about that. sad you didn't love jenny but this books sounds interesting nevertheless.
I tried reading this book but just the first chapter raised my hackles. It seemed to be going much in the traditional way of guy protecting girl and I don't know the writing style did not suit me. Thank you for the review. It confirmed my initial feelings about the novel.
Thanks Book Wurrm! Yeah, wasn't really my cup of tea, but I think others might enjoy it!
Love the cover. Oh well.
I still totally want to read this. 12 Dancing Princesses is one of my favorite fairytales ever.
I've read the book but i would like to keep it as my own. Its a really amazing book and i wish i could get it again