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Barney Saltzberg is a writer/illustrator and musician. He has written and illustrated close to fifty books for children, including the best-selling Feel and Touch series, which has over one million copies in print.
What is a successful picture book (professionally and personally)? Barney believes the rhythm of a page turn is so important. It's like music. Also the element of surprise. He wants to write a book that resonates every time.
Picture books are often placed in different categories whether more commercial sales or school and library. What considerations do you make when writing your books?
Barney says he doesn't think about that when he writes the books that I write and the marketing department and schools find where it fits.
On ways you get feedback on your work:
You have to be careful of who you share your work to and at which stage. While Barney did have a critiques earlier in his career, he now has authors/illustrators that he turns to for feedback when needed.
Barney tries not to go into the book store a lot. There are times he see another book and thinks, Wow, I wish I wrote that. As writers, we're trying to find our voice but if we compare ourselves with others, it's going to be a problem.
People like to classify picture books (boy books/girl books). How do you feel about that? "We live in a world where Toys R Us has a girl aisle and a boy aisle and it drives me nuts."
Barney's next book is called WOULD YOU RATHER BE A PRINCESS OR A DRAGON? Barney's answer is that you can be both. Barney thinks parents will have some issues with this one.
Hey, all...can't wait for this one!
Favorite picture book childhood:
ARE YOU MY MOTHER? by P.D. Eastman
"I remember thinking it was hilarious when I was a kid."
Barney says there's a sense of humor and a sense of angst in the story, and the book works on so many levels. As a kid it appealed to his elevated sense of humor, that he as a kid got this inside joke. Having been lost as a child, there's a sense of wanting to find out what happens.
Final thought:
When getting feedback that Barney doesn't think works for him, he always takes the opportunity to sleep on it first before reacting and making a decision about it.
Don't wait for inspiration, make yourself go to work every day.
0 Comments on Ingredients of a Successful Picture Book: Barney Saltzberg as of 1/1/1900
Moderated by Laurent Linn (standing), the panelists, left to right, are: author/illustrator Jessixa Bagley, illustrator John Parra, editor Susan Rich, author/illustrator Barney Saltzberg, and author/illustrator Don Tate.
0 Comments on The Picture Book Panel Begins! as of 1/1/1900
Barney Saltzberg is an author/illustrator and musician, including the best-selling Touch andFeel Kisses series.
"Creating a simple picture book isn't simple, it's complicated."
Barney mentions that if you don't know Peggy Rathmann, you should. She once told him it takes 3 minutes to read a picture book that takes 3 years to create.
Kids always ask, "Is this a hard job?" And Barney tells them that he used to have all his hair.
Picture books may be short but they are one of the most difficult to master. They are works of art.
Barney recommends Ann Whitford Paul's WRITING PICTURE BOOKS.
Two of Barney's former students share their journeys of the many years it has taken them to bring a picture book to life. For one, it's taken 6 years to create a 100 word picture book. Not simple, it's complicated.
0 Comments on Barney Saltzberg: Writing A Simple Picture Book Isn't Simple as of 7/29/2016 8:03:00 PM
I'm back! Carmela here. I've been on a blogging break for much of this year, busy working on other projects, both personal and professional. (I have continued behind-the-scenes as our TeachingAuthors blog administrator, though, so I haven't been completely out of touch.) Today, I'm back to celebrate the publication of two of my articles in the just-released 2016 Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market (also known as the CWIM) edited by Chuck Sambuchino (Writer's Digest Books).
At the end of this post, you'll have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win your very own copy of the 2016 CWIM (courtesy of Writer's Digest Books)!
Since today is Poetry Friday, I'll also be sharing a poem--an excerpt from Barney Saltzberg's new picture book Inside this Book (Are Three Books), published by Abrams Appleseed. One of my articles in the 2016 CWIM is an interview with Barney, who is an amazing author, illustrator, singer, and songwriter. More about him and his new book below.
First, I'd like to talk a little about my other article in the 2016 CWIM: "Make a Living as a Writer." [My original title was "Making a Living Writing, Even If You’re Not a Bestselling Author" but I guess that was too long. :-) ]
For "Make a Living as a Writer," I invited four traditionally published trade book authors who are also successful freelancers to share their experiences and advice regarding ways to supplement book royalty income. The four authors included my fellow TeachingAuthor, JoAnn Early Macken, former TeachingAuthor, Laura Purdie Salas, author and writing coach, Lisa Bullard, and scientist-turned-children's author, Vijaya Bodach. The article includes their tips on landing work-for-hire assignments, balancing work-for-hire with other career goals, and preparing submission packages for educational publishers.
The four authors also shared specific resources for finding supplemental income, including:
The SCBWI Blueboards, where there's a board specifically for "Work for Hire & Calls for Submissions"
Over the next few weeks, my fellow TeachingAuthors will continue the conversation on this topic by sharing their own advice related to finding supplemental income. And Laura Purdie Salas will return to post a special Guest Wednesday Writing Workout on September 30, called "Is Writing on Assignment Right for You?" If this topic is of interest to you, be sure to enter our giveaway so you can read more about how to "Make a Living as a Writer."
Even if you're not looking for ways to supplement your writing income, you'll want your own copy of the 2016 CWIM for my interview with the amazing Barney Saltzberg, along with all the other helpful articles, interviews, and market information!
"Inside This Book is a tribute to self-publishing in its most pure and endearing form. Three siblings create three books of their own using blank paper that they bind together (in descending sizes to match birth order). One sibling's work inspires the next, and so on, with each book's text and art mirroring the distinct interests and abilities of its creator. Upon completion of their works, the siblings put one book inside the other, creating a new book to be read and shared by all.
The second sibling in the book is named Fiona. She is "an artist and a poet," so her "book" is filled with poetry. In honor of Poetry Friday, here's an excerpt from Fiona's section of Inside this Book. from Inside this Book, Too, by Fiona . . . Can you tell I love to rhyme? I play with words all the time. I write a poem every day. My new favorite is “Who Wants to Play?” . . .
I've kept this excerpt short to inspire you to get Barney's book for yourself. After you've read it, you'll understand why the School Library Journal review of Inside this Book said:
"Readers may well be empowered to write their very own stories or books."
Be sure to check out today's Poetry Friday roundup over at the Poetry for Children blog AFTERyou enter our giveaway drawing.
And now, for our giveaway info:
Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter to win your own copy of the 2016 Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market , You may enter via 1, 2, or all 3 options. If you choose option 2, you MUST leave a comment on TODAY'Sblog post. If your name isn't part of your comment "identity," please include it in your comment for verification purposes!
(If you prefer, you may submit your comment via email to: teachingauthors [at] gmail [dot] com.)
Email subscribers: if you received this post via email, you can click on the Rafflecopter link at the end of this message to access the entry form.
The giveaway ends October 10 and is open to U.S. residents only.
Today, to complete the trifecta, Barney is graciously sharing a Wednesday Writing Workout with us. Take it away, Barney!
This is Barney (with friends). He's the cutest one.
Barney: I thought I'd share something I teach at UCLA Extension which seems to help unleash power and in many cases, people’s dark side. It's terrific.
I call it, Utter Expression Without Consequence. Here's the prompt:
Write to someone and really let them know how you feel. It’s a chance to get anything and everything off your chest. It could be that you secretly are in love with someone. You could despise someone. Maybe a boss is constantly picking on you and you haven’t opened you mouth to complain. Now's your chance!
It can be in the form of a letter, or even a list.
Choose your blackest crayon. from morguefile.com
This exercise gives you the opportunity to tap into feelings which you've sat on. Topics which you've avoided. Now's your chance to pour everything out...to a boyfriend, a wife, a friend. Or someone you ‘thought’ was a friend. A boss. Anyone you address. Just let it go and flow. This is a very freeing moment.
What I find is that this prompt helps shape a character. Ultimately, I hope this exercise lets the writer get into the head of a character who has a lot weighing on them. It's a step towards shaping a character. Our job is to know who we are writing about, even if some of the background research we write never makes it into our story. It just makes it so our characters appear to be writing the story for us when situations arise, because we know them so well.
Have fun with this--dive in!
I wish I had something brilliant to tell you as far as how this writing prompt helped make a story. I can say that time and time again, I saw how it empowered people. Students who were struggling to find their voice finally had a sense of what that looked and felt like.
C C'mon...tell them how you feel! From morguefile.com
A woman told off her husband in a letter. A teacher got everything she ever wanted to yell at an administrator on paper. If you are looking for a way to tap into feelings, this is a great way to dive in.
Thank you, Barney! And readers ~ tell us how you really feel!
posted loudly and proudly by April Halprin Wayland
0 Comments on Utter Expression Without Consequence: a Wednesday Writing Workout by Barney Saltzberg as of 1/1/1900
Tell me if this sounds familiar: you've wrapped the gift for your friend Julie, sealed it in a box, stuck stamps on it and then, as you're listening to the Beatles sing "Hey Jude," you address the package... to Jude. OOPS!
Now what? Well, if you're Barney, you'll make a weird-looking cartoon heart over the word "Jude"...which sprouts legs and arms, a top hat and cane, and suddenly there's a host of fabulous creatures framing Julie's mailing address...a veritable celebration. That's a Beautiful Oops...a mistake made beautiful.
The point of this book is to encourage all of us to allow "the magical transformation from blunder to wonder," and as schools all over the world celebrate Beautiful Oops Day (in any month, on any day; a school could decide to celebrate Beautiful Oops Day each month), I wish we'd celebrated it when I was in school!
The Beautiful Oops Day website includes project ideas shared by teachers from all over the world to get you started. And here's a 1:41 minute video of Barney sharing with young students:
How does this translate to writing? I just happen to have a perfect example. Here's a new poem author Bruce Balan sent me just this week; beneath it is his "mistake" backstory:
THE PLAINTIFF CALL OF THE WILD by Bruce Balan
I submit to the court that this species has ignored the proper protocol: They’ve decided that it’s all for them and no one else; Not fish nor elk nor tiny eels. Their ills are real. They spoil and take break and forsake and maul every spot and plot and it’s not as if they don’t know… They do! They just ignore, which underscores my call. Please dear Judge, I do not intend to fawn, but I pray the court will look kindly on my call before my clients all are gone.
(c) 2015 by Bruce Balan. All rights reserved.
Bruce (whose newest book, The Magic Hippo, is available at the iTunes store, B&N, and Amazon) explains: "I was going to write a poem called The Plaintive Call of the Wild (it just popped into my head), but I misspelled plaintive and so ran with it…"
Perhaps today's Beautiful Oops lesson is RUN WITH IT!
So, thank you, Barney Saltzberg, for gifting us the space to make mistakes; to be human.Campers, stay tuned: on February 4, 2015, Barney will share a Wednesday Writing Workout on this very blog!
Poetry Friday's at Paul Hankin's These 4 Corners today...thanks, Paul!
I just discovered this book for the first time. I spied it in my local B & N while Christmas shopping. I read the book right there and - wow - it was so familiar to me! I loved it and I instantly wished I'd come up with the concept of creating something deliberate from your 'mistakes'. It's especially important to get this concept through successfully to kids. They are so receptive to trying new ideas, and any self-defeating bad habits that they may have picked up really haven't had enough time to make tracks yet.
Hey, look—I have absolutely ZERO against erasers (or the Undo tool, or the History palette, for that matter!). In fact, I embrace all of the above! But, when I was a young kid and I would draw, I developed an interesting compulsion to refrain from using my eraser. I did it to force myself to see what I could create from my 'mistakes'. To this day, I have absolutely no idea where I got the idea to torture myself this way. but wow, wherever I got the idea, I'm so glad that I did. It's a practice that teaches the philosophy of being an artist or creator and how important it is to be able to switch gears when the unexpected happens. It helps to illustrate turning a problem into an opportunity, brainstorming imaginative solutions and then (important:) executing it. The usefulness of this practice can really change the how we see limitations. (Maybe it can help erase them?)
I will remember this one and we definitely will be buying it for future birthdays. I honestly think every kid should have a copy of this book! (In my guesstimation the right age is right around 4.) Happy shopping!
0 Comments on Beautiful Oops as of 12/28/2012 12:53:00 PM
Video courtesy of Abrams Books: When Andrew gets hold of a pencil, anything can—and does—happen in this innovative and artistic book. The story literally unfolds step-by-step as readers are invited to follow Andrew through flaps and gatefolds. After sharpening his drawing implement on the first page, Andrew challenges the boundaries of each spread by beginning with a line that leads . . . and leads . . . to unexpected finishes. Staircases become dinosaurs, kites become rockets, and even the most unassuming squiggle morphs into a giant chicken! This lighthearted depiction of artistic inspiration is sure to engage doodlers of all ages.
Praise for Andrew Drew and Drew
“Any question of reality versus representation is the gentlest kind, utterly unobtrusive…Joyful imagination, plain and simple.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“The magic comes from the accompanying artwork, which follows the eponymous boy and his adventures in drawing… Like a certain boy with a purple crayon, Andrew knows that drawing offers limitless possibilities, and readers will, too.”
—Publishers Weekly
“In this humorous and heartfelt portrait of a young artist, Andrew models by example the ebb and flow of the creative process.”
—Shelf-Awareness
“Each page in this cleverly-designed book is filled with a line, a loop, even a stair step that Andrew has doodled on the paper, and the beginnings of his drawings often lead to something that even the artist himself doesn’t expect.”
—Reading Today Online
Barney Saltzberg is an über-talented children’s book author/illustrator/singer/songwriter. He has published around thirty books, recorded four CD’s of music for children, and has even written some songs for the PBS show Arthur. Once a year he teaches a class at UCLA on writing and illustrating picture books. When he is not traveling around the country speaking about writing and illustrating and playing music, you can find him at home in Los Angeles with his wife, two children (when they are home from college), three dogs and a pond full of fish.
TCBR: So far in your illustrious career as an author-illustrator you have published around thirty books. In a time when the “Girlie-Girl” culture is very prominent, your latest book, Would You Rather be a Princess or a Dragon?, is very relevant. Tell us about the book (available through iTunes as an iBook) and what inspired you to write this particular story.
Barney Saltzberg: As a father of a boy and a girl, I could see that from an early age that Disney movies and books were sending a message to all of our children. Girls were pretty and mostly pink and boys were the strong protectors. Not new concepts, but with the ability to have videos and DVDs at home, these messages become part of our DNA from watching them over and over and over. Lately, there have been less stereotypical characters and plot lines in movies and stories and that’s been a welcome change. Still, I wanted to write a book where the message is, you can be a little of both the Princess and dragon.
How did the process of publishing an iBook compare to that of a print book?
Any book still has to be written, regardless of how it’s delivered. I worked on this book in the traditional way. I made a book dummy which had the text and pictures. I sold it to Tricycle Press an Imprint of Random House books. The day I turned in the artwork, Random House closed Tricycle. I was given the book back. Many publishers loved the book but were concerned that it would be too difficult to market. Making an iBook was the perfect way to get this book out to the world without my needing to print physical books and store them in my garage, in hopes of selling copies.
Do you have any thoughts on the rapidly changing industry of children’s books and, specifically, the impact that digital media has had on it?
I have gone to the Digital Book Conference in NY for the past two years. I am very interested in this field. Children are growing up with digital
Encourage your children to run with an idea and see where it will take them!
The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, written and illustrated by Eric Carle, Philomel, $17.99, ages 4-8, 32 pages, 2011. Due out Oct. 4. From the beloved creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar comes a joyful celebration of artistic expression. Inspired by German painter Franz Marc, Carle's story depicts a boy painting animals in colors that don't occur in nature: a lion that's green, a polar bear that's black, a donkey with polka-dots and eventually a horse that's blue. The blue horse, like the one on the cover, is a tribute to Marc's famous and controversial 1911 work Blue Horse I. Marc believed that color had emotional meaning and he wasn't afraid to use it in unconventional ways. And here, Carle beautifully echoes that idea, showing readers that they don't have to follow every rule of art: Embrace what you see in your imagination, he seems to say, and be true to yourself. Carle makes his point with such joie de vivre that readers will feel energized to get out there and paint just as their heart desires. Also encouraging, every picture in the book looks like a child could paint it: animal shapes are simple collages and fur looks as if it were textured with fingers or the hard ends of paintbrushes. Brilliantly simple, this one's a pat on the back to any young artist who yearns to do things differently.
Boy Wonders, written and illustrated by Calef Brown, Atheneum, $16.99, ages 4-8, 40 pages, 2011. In this spirited, fun book, the creator of Flamingos on the Roof captures a boy's eagerness to understand the world. He also gets readers excited about playing with words and asking questions too. Rhyming questions spill onto the page, as the boy makes leaps of logic and reasons through ideas in nonsensical ways. In the first spread, Brown zooms in on the boy's face staring back at readers: "Are you ever perplexed? " the boy asks with beseeching eyes. "Completely vexed? / Do you have questions? / Queries? / Odd Theories?" Well yes, you say to yourself, of course! And from there on, a stream of funny questions gushes out of the boy, suggesting how quickly ideas can spring into a curious mind. On one page the boy inquires, "Do paper plates / and two-by-fours / remember being trees?" On another, he asks a brain-twister. "If I, as the class clown, / am given a paper crown / as a trophy for being goofy, / have I, alas, / bee
0 Comments on 8. I Like How You Think. as of 1/1/1900
Book trailers get based on all sorts of things, but I have never encountered one that took its cue from the book’s own cover. And not in a cheap way either. This rather breathtaking trailer for Adam Gidwitz’s A Tale Dark and Grimm somehow manages to be precisely the right length with precisely the right tone (difficult in and of itself) and on top of all that feels . . . professional. That voiceover is fantastic. Can’t wait to find out who does the audiobook. Or did one already come out?
I’m a hands on kind of children’s librarian. I know that I have Pages to shelve books for me, but I really like getting in there and keeping the middle grade fiction in line. It gives me a sense of peace. It also gives me a good sense of what’s out there (and is probably why I had at least heard of Moon Over Manifest before it won the big gold). When you shelve fiction you begin to wonder about the folks you’re putting together. Has Cornelia Funke ever met Neil Gaiman? I mean their books sit right next to one another. Does Tom Birdeye know Jeanne Birdsall? And then there are the authors that take up large swaths of space on my shelves but that I’ve never met in person or even seen a picture of. Wendelin Van Draanen is an excellent example of this. I dutifully tend to her Sammy Keyes books, but who the heck is that woman? Well, fortunately for me Mr. Schu was on hand to snap some video of the author herself as she discusses the last Sammy Keyes book and what makes her cry.
Dutch author Truus Matti recently won a Batchelder Honor for her remarkable book Departure Time. Recently I learned that she happens to be married to one Wouter Van Reek, the creator of another Dutch title Keepvogel (translated in the states by Enchanted Lion Press as “Coppernickel”). Here you can see one such story brought to life. Pretty lovely, I must say.
Thanks to Claudia Zoe Bedrick for the link.
Librarians and teachers have one thing in common: When authors and illustrators come to visit with our kids we sometimes have no idea if they’re going to be stellar or if they’re going to make us ashamed to be members of our respective professions. So to see Barney Saltzberg having so much fun with the kids in conjunction with his book Beautiful Oops . . . well, it does the heart good.
I think that’s the best book trailer I’ve ever seen!
Shelley Moore Thomas said, on 1/16/2011 11:18:00 AM
I am in love with that trailer. The colors, the images…..and the closing line, “Once upon a time, fairy tales were awesome.”
thanks for posting it!
Melanie Clark said, on 1/16/2011 11:22:00 AM
I watched the Beautiful Oops video a few times–their laughter is irresistible! I always loved it when I could really engage the kids during a storytime. That Barney Saltzberg is a lucky guy.
I love the explanations the kids give for the outdated technology, and also the excitement on the kid’s face when he starts scratching the record. I’m glad this trumped the other off-topic videos today!
Elizabeth Dulemba said, on 1/16/2011 12:21:00 PM
That is indeed a kickin’ book trailer! e
Richard said, on 1/16/2011 2:50:00 PM
That’s also an expensive book trailer. It had to be professionally done…the animation, music, voice-over. I wonder what that 30 seconds cost.
Brenda Ferber said, on 1/16/2011 4:46:00 PM
Richard brings up a good point. What did that cost? And who actually will ever even see it? They should play it in movie theaters, but of course that would cost an arm and a leg, too. I’d love to find out who watches book trailers and whether trailers make a difference for sales. Whatever the case, that’s a great trailer and a fabulous book!
Elizabeth Bird said, on 1/16/2011 5:16:00 PM
I’d love to see studies done on that very topic. How do publishers see the cost of the trailer tipping sales? In big cases where the video practically goes viral (It’s a Book) and then results in New York Times bestseller lists, that I understand. But what about on a smaller scale? Hard to say.
And yes, this was clearly a professional trailer. What’s interesting is that it was produced long after the production of the book. Normally trailers for books are just that. Trailers. A preview of things to come. So why was this one made after the fact?
Brooke Shirts said, on 1/17/2011 9:09:00 AM
I loved the Tale Dark & Grimm trailer, and I especially loved the one with the French kids. It’s exactly the reason why I stock my children’s shelves with old rotary phones and my own old Fisher Price turntable; they make really intriguing toys! Now, if I could get my hands on an old typewriter, life would REALLY be interesting . . .
sheela said, on 1/17/2011 7:51:00 PM
I saw this trailer just a few days ago and I thought it was amazing – I love that it’s animated, in keeping with the book cover. I would say that a trailer like this still has a lot of mileage – it would be a great way to start a school visit, for example.
I always find it interesting to watch how different author/illustrators confront audiences. Writing children’s books means, to some extent, that you’ve signed on to be a performer for children. So what technique suits you best? Do you have to rely on a chicken costume, or can you be relaxed and natural with your audience? This video of Peter Brown offers a great take on speaking to audiences both big and small.
So each week I show you book trailers and each week we discuss where they can go, what they can do, and why they’re different from movie trailers. We all know that they should take advantage of the unique qualities of the books themselves, but how do you convey that? One solution may be found in this video for My Name is Not Isabella by Jennifer Fosberry, illustrated by Mike Litwin.
It’s like I always say. Give the people process. Failing that, give ‘em a song where you read the whole book:
That’s Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg, the fellow who brought you Good Egg a year or so ago.
And now . . . Don’t Let the Pigeon Operate the Backhoe.
That would be author/illustrator Mo Willems switching gears (literally) for a moment or two. On his blog he says, “Man, I really hope books don’t disappear, because I stink,” which is blatant false modesty, if you ask me. I mean, clearly he has mad picking-up-pylon skillz. It just pains me to think what a brilliant construction career he could have had, only to discover that fact so late in life. Sad really. *sniff*
Typographer and illustrator Jessica Hische has done many a fine book cover in her day. Here she talks about her DROP CAP series, which I find interesting.
My fave is still their version of Kate Bush’s Heathcliff, but this is pretty great too. Have you seen the video where they have the whole audience playing ukuleles along with them?
Sara said, on 9/19/2010 9:25:00 AM
And nice proposal story, btw!
lisainberlin said, on 9/19/2010 12:16:00 PM
Wow! Mo does a brilliant job! What a waste of talent! Well, he could always moonlight.
With Easter right around the corner, our local Barnes & Noble had quite the array of bunnies, chicks, and eggs on display in the Childrens' book department. I have to say, I was a little underwhelmed since the covers and imagery started to blend together. It was either soft & safe, ho hum, or character based, which never interests me. A few stand outs however:
Good Egg, by Barney Saltzberg Super simple graphic book, but really fun and innovative. Every spread is a new mechanical to express 'Good Egg', sit, roll, shake, speak, etc. Just a white egg, and the text 'Good Egg' - but so smart. Actually, follow that link and there is a book trailer where you can see it being read to kids. If I had my wallet that day, I would have either bought the book or let my son play with it - I was afraid he'd damage it, although it wasn't all that delicate I know better! Numbers, by Jane Smith. Illustrated by Jill McDonald I have a soft spot for all Jill McDonald work. I admired her licensing work when I used to hire artists, and am happy whenever I see her joyful, painterly art. You just get the feeling that she loves all things childhood related. I love the simplicity of this book. Each spread has a giant, chunky number that pops out, revealing that same number of little animals or objects. It's tactile and fun and bold. Gosh, I don't even remember it having anything to do with Easter. But the animals and Spring-ness of it suit the display perfectly.
I realize that I linked to Amazon for those books. So, here's a link to 'Easter Favorites' on Barnes & Nobles website. It's always interesting to see what people are actually buying! I apologize if I implied these were the only two good books on display for Easter. It's just what I noticed while keeping an eye on a 1yr old during story time this week. I don't know if all stores do this, but ours has story time every day at 11am - what a nice program!
7 Comments on Bunnies, Bunnies, Everywhere!, last added: 3/12/2010
Thanks Deb. Oh, I don't like 'licensed character' driven books. Like Dora, Backyardigans, etc. I know they have their place but they really do tend to 'take over' the market, esp. at B&N!
Gina, I love Jill McDonald's work as well. I was JUST thinking of her over the past few days, it is so funny and so serendipitous that you posted this. I went to her web site and it looks like it has not been updated in quite awhile (still info on Surtex 2008 up there). BUT (and it is a big but :) ) she has a BLOG! Isn't that great??
After a day of foolin' around, we get a day to celebrate the children's book.
Since the late '60s, the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) has celebrated International Children's Book Day on (or around) April 2nd, the anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen's birth, "to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children's books."
From IBBY's website:
Each year a different National Section of IBBY has the opportunity to be the international sponsor of ICBD. It decides upon a theme and invites a prominent author from the host country to write a message to the children of the world and a well-known illustrator to design a poster. These materials are used in different ways to promote books and reading. Many IBBY Sections promote ICBD through the media and organize activities in schools and public libraries. Often ICBD is linked to celebrations around children's books and other special events that may include encounters with authors and illustrators, writing competitions or announcements of book awards.
Hi Alice. I just looked up the "Good Egg" book and it looks adorable. Out of curiosity -- this book looks like it's a bit of a technological challenge to make (well, at least to people like me who are really impressed by flaps and tabs and moving things). Would a book like that still be proposed by a writer, or would the ideas for a pop-up features come first, and then then a story made to fit it?
Thanks for the reminder! I feel like every day is Children's Book day in kindergarten. Even with my rowdy, rowdy class this year- they ALWAYS quiet down and are riveted when I read them a book. I love it....
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Barney Saltzberg is a writer/illustrator and musician. He has written and illustrated close to fifty books for children, including the best-selling Feel and Touch series, which has over one million copies in print.
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Love. It. All.
I think that’s the best book trailer I’ve ever seen!
I am in love with that trailer. The colors, the images…..and the closing line, “Once upon a time, fairy tales were awesome.”
thanks for posting it!
I watched the Beautiful Oops video a few times–their laughter is irresistible! I always loved it when I could really engage the kids during a storytime. That Barney Saltzberg is a lucky guy.
I love the explanations the kids give for the outdated technology, and also the excitement on the kid’s face when he starts scratching the record. I’m glad this trumped the other off-topic videos today!
That is indeed a kickin’ book trailer!
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That’s also an expensive book trailer. It had to be professionally done…the animation, music, voice-over. I wonder what that 30 seconds cost.
Richard brings up a good point. What did that cost? And who actually will ever even see it? They should play it in movie theaters, but of course that would cost an arm and a leg, too. I’d love to find out who watches book trailers and whether trailers make a difference for sales. Whatever the case, that’s a great trailer and a fabulous book!
I’d love to see studies done on that very topic. How do publishers see the cost of the trailer tipping sales? In big cases where the video practically goes viral (It’s a Book) and then results in New York Times bestseller lists, that I understand. But what about on a smaller scale? Hard to say.
And yes, this was clearly a professional trailer. What’s interesting is that it was produced long after the production of the book. Normally trailers for books are just that. Trailers. A preview of things to come. So why was this one made after the fact?
I loved the Tale Dark & Grimm trailer, and I especially loved the one with the French kids. It’s exactly the reason why I stock my children’s shelves with old rotary phones and my own old Fisher Price turntable; they make really intriguing toys! Now, if I could get my hands on an old typewriter, life would REALLY be interesting . . .
I saw this trailer just a few days ago and I thought it was amazing – I love that it’s animated, in keeping with the book cover. I would say that a trailer like this still has a lot of mileage – it would be a great way to start a school visit, for example.