What am I reading now? Zorgamazoo by Robert Paul Weston
On Thursday, October 7th, 2010, Julie Bosman published an article for the The New York Times entitled ”Picture Books No Longer a Staple for Children.” Bosman illustrated that the decline in picture book sales is the result of numerous factors, most prevalent of which is the overwhelming pressure felt by parents.
Let me begin by saying that I completely understand where parents are coming from. The desire of parents to see their children succeed is admirable. However, I urge parents not to give up on picture books.
Yes, Bosman is correct in describing this aspect of children’s literature as being comprised of “lavish illustrations, cheerful colors and large print wrapped in a glossy jacket.” When you think picture books this is what comes to mind. But there’s so much more.
Authors find a way to impart the most invaluable of lessons in a mere thirty-two pages. They are challenging the traditional approach to picture books and, in doing so, they are fuelling the imagination. Now, if reading level is your primary concern, find comfort in knowing that picture books cover the whole spectrum. On one end, there are the text-light books such as One by Kathryn Otoshi. Here’s an excerpt:
Blue is a quiet color.
Red is a hot head.
Red likes to pick on Blue.
Then, there are the text-medium like Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse by Marilyn Singer. Inside this is what you’ll find:
In my hood,
skipping through the wood,
carrying a basket,
picking berries to eat -
juicy and sweet
what a treat!
But a girl
mustn’t dawdle.
After all, Grandma’s waiting.
On the opposite end, there are the text-heavy books such as Stanley’s Wild Ride by Linda Bailey. Here’s a look inside:
Stanley felt like a million dog biscuits. He ran three whole blocks without stopping! to see his best friend, Alice. When Alice saw Stanley running loose, she got very excited. “Just dig a hole,” said Stanley in dog talk. “It’s easy.” Alice tried, but the dirt was too hard. “There must be a way,” said Stanley. Alice poked at her fence and prodded. Finally she found a loose board that was exactly the size of a dog. “Run for it!” barked Stanley, and they did.
There’s something that fits the needs of every child and parent. So before you close the book on picture books take one more look. You may find exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Among the many jobs he’s held is trampolinist, lifeguard, computer programmer, English teacher and editor. He’s written short stories and scripts, and his book Zorgamazoo — 283 pages of flawless rhyme — was one of thirty books chosen by the Children’s Literature Assembly as as a notable book for 2009.
On this edition of Just One More Book!!, Robert Paul Weston talks to Mark about his long history with marble tracks, writing an entire book in rhyming accentual verse and the publishing industry’s reaction to it, and the emotional connection readers experience with Zorgamazoo.
Exciting news!!! Zorgamazoo is on the E. B. White Read Aloud Award shortlist (official information).
Relevant links:
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