Most of you know what anthropomorphism is, but for those of you who don't, anthropomorphizing is when the author or illustrator uses animals to stand in for humans and gives them human-like qualities. Anthropomorphic characters are race neutral and sometimes gender neutral, can lighten heavy messages, and don’t need parents. Kids love animal stories. Editors and agents are always looking for something fresh and new. Here are some anthropomorphic stories with fresh protagonists, plus one fun anti-anthropomorphic story that I’ll start with.
Sparky by Jenny Offill and Chris Appelhans where a sloth stays true to its real sloth-like self despite the desperate entreaties of his owner. Hilarious!
Doreen Cronin’s Diary of a Worm, Diary of a Fly, and Diary of a Spider series all illustrated by Harry Bliss.
Emily Gravett’s wonderful Meerkat Mail and one of my all time faves, Lyle, Lyle Crocodile by Bernard Waber.
And of course Mo Willem’s enduring pigeon character in the Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus series are just a few. See if you can find an unusual character to tell your story as Miranda Paul does in her upcoming Blobfish Throws a Party!
Mira is donating a free course! The winner choice of a Hero's Art Journey or Scrivener course or Writing Wonderful Character Driven Picture Books. Each of these courses are an incredible way to take your mentor text studies to the next level! To be eligible, please comment on this post and make efforts to read mentor text regularly.
Dr. Mira Reisberg is an editor and art director and a former children’s literary agent. She’s also the director of the Children’s Book Academy and will be co-teaching an extraordinary interactive Mastering Middle Grade Writing and Illustrating e-course for complete beginners to award-winners with Hollins University prof. Hillary Homzie starting Mon April 3rd right here http://bit.ly/1RiHEqz Mira’s passions (obsessions) include kid’s books, helping others get published, being creative and creating community. Join her mailing list to get a wonderful resource for plotting picture books with underlying themes right here http://bit.ly/CBA-Tribe-SignUp
Thank you Mira, I love your choice of mentor texts, and I'm definitely going to check out Sparky. Anthropomorphism gives us the freedom to have fun!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post Mira. Really enjoyed reading the mentor texts. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreat examples of anthropomorphism. Can't wait to read Miranda's forthcoming book. Thanks, Mira!
ReplyDeleteWonderful books, Mira! I just love a good anthropomorphic character for all the reasons you state... they can allow any child to slip into their world with ease. (My favourite may be Epossumondas).
ReplyDeleteSloths and Meerkats! Two of my daughters' favorite animals. I can't wait to check these books out for them, while also improving my craft!
ReplyDeleteGreat picks, Mira! These all read so seamlessly. Truly the mark of a well written story, though certainly not easy to write. Eager to get a hold of Mirada's new book!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post, Mira. These are great examples.
ReplyDeleteThose are great reasons to use anthropomorphic characters. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat choices to demonstrate anthropomorphism. I loved Diary of a Worm - what a clever way to present the story! Liz Tipping
ReplyDeleteI think it's every kids dream (maybe mine as well) to meet an animal that talks and books like these fulfill a piece of that magic. Some of my favorite books have animal characters which is probably why I'm drawn to use them as mc's in my own books. Thanks, Mira!
ReplyDeleteIt's springtime in the midwest... which means the k-3rd grade students are meowing and barking outside at recess. I know I believed I was an animal and most PB readers do! I <3 anthropomorphic stories! Thanks for sharing your selections w/us!
ReplyDeleteAll great books ❤️❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteMira, I love these books, and have read all but one. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYour choices are some of my favorite books. My grandkids have Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus memorized, with feeling, words for word.
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ReplyDeleteDr. Mira, good to be with you again. I tend write animal stories and I love th eons yo mentioned. I have yet to read Miranda's blobfish. So I'll swim over to my library to get it. TY.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great reminder as to why animals may be a better choice for some stories! I hope you're doing well, Mira! Take care!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post. Anthropomorphism is a good way to add zest to a kid favorite. Your choices are a great reminder of this! Again, thanks. Carole Calladine
ReplyDeleteWonderful examples, Mira! Thank you for your post. I never read Meerkat Mail and I look forward to picking that one up as well.
ReplyDeleteLove animal stories and your recommendations. Thanks, Mira.
ReplyDeleteHi Mira, thanks for this great post. These mentor texts will really help as I craft an animal story that has been in my head for a very long time! :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful selection of mentor texts. SPARKY! and DIARY OF A WORM are hilarious. I can't wait to read BLOBFISH.
ReplyDeleteSparky was hilarious. Thank you for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteWonderful mentor text suggestions, Mira, and great reminder that using animals is race neutral & is a way to address difficult topics.
ReplyDeleteHi, Mira! Thanks for sharing these great anthropomorphic characters. Sparky is one of my mentor text.
ReplyDeleteA crocodile, meerkat, and blobfish oh my! With anthropomorphic characters come awesome possibilities in stories! Thank you, Mira, for this enticing list.
ReplyDeleteLyle was a childhood fav of mine, too! Love these fun books, and I can't wait for Miranda's new one!
ReplyDeleteI love animals that are animals in very way but verbsally expressing feelings. These are great.
ReplyDeleteThose were great choices, Mira. Your opinion is always valuable to all kid lit authors. - Alice Fulgione
ReplyDeleteTerrific examples, thank you! Kids do love animals:)
ReplyDeleteHi Mira, Doreen Cronin’s 'Diary' books had me in stitches. She is so clever weaving in puns and the zippy cartoons by Harry Bliss make the stories great page-turners. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAt our public library, these mentor texts are always checked out which is a good indicator of how well they are liked. Thank you Mira for the encouragement to keep these anthropomorphic stories coming!
ReplyDeleteGreat list. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteRee
I'm fond of animal characters both in fiction and nonfiction. Thanks for your terrific list of books to check out, Mira!
ReplyDeleteThank you for these examples, Mira.
ReplyDeleteGreat examples Mira! And such a generous prize donation.. Thanks for all you do for the KidLit community.
ReplyDeleteAll wonderful examples of anthropomorphism.
ReplyDeleteThese are great examples, Mira -- thanks for reminding us of the varied ways animals can become a reader's best friend.
ReplyDeleteAnimals hold an universal appeal to children. Thanks for your recommendations!
ReplyDeleteI love anthropomorphism and anti-anthropomorphism—fuzzy faces get me just about every time. Good list of books. It's been a while since I've read Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, so I'm going to revisit it now. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mira. I enjoyed the mentor texts, especially sparky which is, I think, anthropomorphism with a twist. :)
ReplyDeleteKids do love animal books and they are a wonderful way to grab attention and they allow us to address sensitive issues. Thanks so much, Mira. I have NOT read most of these...so I appreciate your mentioning them...and someone is going to be EXTREMELY fortunate to get a seat in one of your classes. ;)
ReplyDeleteThat gives me hope for all my talking animal stories:> Thank you, Mira!!
ReplyDeleteSparky! is one of my favorites. I'm heading to the library now to check out the ones I haven't read yet. I've been working on my first anthropomorphic story. Thanks for these amazing mentor texts, Mira!
ReplyDeleteI love these books! Lately I've been attracted to animal characters, and you have shared a few of the reasons they are appealing. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat books! Great Prize! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI loved your list. Thank you. (I can't wait to read Blobfish!) The veil is thin between animal characters and ourselves, but I think that extra magic is what makes us love them.
ReplyDeleteThank you MIra, for an AMAZING post!!! We're blessed to have you as an author educator!
ReplyDeleteLove the list! Looking forward to reading them.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mira. Wonderful choices for mentor texts!
ReplyDeleteThank you for some super selections.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for theses suggestions. Animal main characters are a favorite in our house!
ReplyDeleteThese are fun books. We love our anthropomorphised characters around here. :)
ReplyDeleteI love anthropomorphised characters! Thanks for the list of suggestions.
ReplyDeleteI have loved anthropomorphic stories since childhood. They continue to be among my favorites, so I look forward to reading your suggestions. Thanks for the great post!
ReplyDeleteHi Mira, Anthropomorphized characters can be so much fun. Children love them, and adults, too. I can't wait to read Miranda's Blobfish story--I love everything she writes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this list--and see you next week for your MG class--can't wait!
I enjoyed using Cronin's books in my classroom. There was so much info presented in ways to captivate my students. I just love Sparky and will need to obtain my own copy. Such a wonderful book!Thanks for the suggestions.
ReplyDeleteGreat examples Mira, thanks.
ReplyDeleteWonderful examples! I've been thinking a lot about anthropomorphism lately.
ReplyDeleteExcellent examples! Thank you Dr. Mira!
ReplyDeleteWhat a word...anthropomorphism! It and the use of onomatopoeia are my favorite in PBs. Thanks for the great mentor texts to study today, Mira. You are a jewel!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mira! I'm always conflicted when I see the pie charts about PB characters and I see how many are animals as opposed to POC. But, I really see the need for animals to stand in place of children with deep and sometimes hurtful experiences. Animals give just the right amount of distance between the issue and the person.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post, Mira. I enjoyed studying your mentor text choices.
ReplyDeleteSO true - these are some of my kids' favorite stories. I have a hard time writing animal characters so thank you for these mentor texts to hopefully gain some insights.
ReplyDeleteGreat examples. Some are just fun and others pack a message.
ReplyDeleteMany of my stories are written this way. Thanks for your post Mira.
ReplyDeleteI loved anthropomorphic characters as a child, and much of my writing is anthropomorphic. Thanks for the great list!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mira, as always, for all you do!
ReplyDeleteOf course, Mira chose some of the most WONDERFUL examples of anthropomorphism! I feel it's a great way to give children a bit of distance from difficult subjects. It's interesting to me, how children can so readily accept an animal riding a bike, for example, or experiencing a first day at school. Thank you so much, Mira, for the post and the super generous prize offer!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing examples. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSuch fun books to read!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mira, for these great examples and generously offering a fabulous prize.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, Mira! I'm looking forward to reading these with anthropomorphism in mind...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mira, for this fantastic list. I love Emily Gravett's stories and haven't read Meercat Mail yet so I definitely need to get my hands on that one!
ReplyDeleteLove these recs! Have to check out the one's I haven't read, yet, Meerkat Mail and Miranda's Blobfish. I love the way Sparky! ends, and the exclamation in the title. So, so perfect.
ReplyDeleteI love "Sparky" more each time I reread it, and can't wait to get "Blobfish" from the library. Thanks for this fantastic list!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the books that were available. I"m working on an animal character book right now, and showing emotion is paramount.thanks Mira for this post.
ReplyDeleteDiary of a Worm is one of my favorites. Looking forward to reading the others. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI love Sparky! Lyle is an old favorite, and Pigeon a new one. Thanks for the great list, Mira!
ReplyDeleteLovely examples; thank you Mira!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mira. Great choice of mentor text and picture books.
ReplyDeleteThank you for contributing this fun list of anthropomorphic characters to our research reading! What fun!
ReplyDeleteSusan
Perfect mentor texts, Mira. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLove your picks, Mira! Looking forward to reading the two I haven't read - Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile and Blobfish Throws a Party.
ReplyDeleteI loved anthropomorphic characters in books as a child and I still love them. Thanks for the awesome mentor text examples that show some unusual animal protagonists.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mira, for these anthropomorphic book titles. I have read them all and derived delicious pleasure. You introduced me to the world of PB's and I thank you for offering classes through Children's Book Academy :)
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I'm using Sparky as a mentor text right now :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mira, for this reminder post about these titles! I agree that using these kinds of characters really does make the point of the story more accessible sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThose are good unique animals, too. (Well, except pigeon!)
ReplyDeleteKids are wired to see the world through many different eyes -- even canine, feline, equine or crocodilean! It's an ability I wish we could keep into old age.
ReplyDeleteMira, these were fabulous examples! Thank for your post and insight.
ReplyDeleteMore wonderful books....!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mira. Great choices.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful examples. I can't wait to read Miranda's Blobfish book!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this selection. I love Sparky.
ReplyDeleteI love anthropomorphic characters. They are high on my list of choices, especially that they are race neutral, and sometimes gender neutral. Thanks for the examples.
ReplyDeleteMira has listed some great books and reasons why anthropomorphism can work well for picture books.
ReplyDeleteSo often we hear that certain publishers don't want stories with anthropomorphism, but that's not necessarily true. I guess it's like the "no rhyming texts please" posts. It's not that publishers don't want, they just want GOOD ONES.
Speaking of good ones, I was lucky enough to get the sneak preview of Miranda's "Blobfish Throws a Party" and it is hilarious and heart-warming and happy!!! And I've always liked "Meerkat Mail".
I love anthropomorphic characters, too! Loved the selections. Especially loved Sparky! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mira for explaining this further and listing some wonderful examples.
ReplyDeleteI've read all but one of these, but I'm looking forward to re-reading a few with a new perspective. Thanks for the suggestions!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit it, writing through Anthropomorphism is my strong point, so I am LOVING this post. I know it's been done through and through, and I've tried to break away from it, but Anthropomorphism just keeps making it's way back into my stories. I know what it is: It's the animal lover and animal advocate in me. Personally, I feel that giving animals human characteristics helps the child (and adult) reader empathize with animals, and I think that a world in which we encourage children to respect all living things (especially animals) is one we will all want to live in.
ReplyDeleteGreat comp titles! And that last line of SPARKY - talk about pulling on a pet lover's heart strings! :)
Thank you for the great examples! I'm eager to read Blobfish and re-read the ones I've read already to use as mentor texts!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great topic! I think children really enjoy the humor of anthropomorphized animal characters doing things their animal would never do--like a worm writing a journal--and doing things a human would never do--like the worm Dad eating the newspaper.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite kind of books!
ReplyDeleteThanks for these inspiring examples; I have enjoyed some of these and look forward to reading the rest!
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ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing out that anthropomorphism includes gender neutrality and most of the time, no parents. I had a general idea of what it was, but this part is new to me. P.S. I love Sparky and look forward to reading Meerkat Mail.
Thanks for your fun reading choices. I will have to check out Lyle, Lyle Crocodile--haven't read that in a long time. I cannot wait for Blobfish Throws a Party--looks hilarious!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your suggestions. Diary of a Worm is a fun one!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestions. Looking forward to checking out Meerkat Mail!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this list Mira. I'll be checking them out. I love animal stories and these look very appealing.
ReplyDeleteDr. Mira: You are appreciated. Kids love books about anthropomorphism and so do I. Thank you for some excellent book titles.
ReplyDelete~Suzy Leopold
Mira,lovely book choices. Thanks for great give away.
ReplyDeleteMIRA: THANK YOU for the insight into animal characters with no specified gender. I hadn't considered this side of anthropomorphism before.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your examples!
ReplyDeleteI've written several of these so far this year. Animals are so endearing, and perfect devices for storytelling, for the reasons you mentioned! Lyle is a favorite from my childhood, joined recently by Sparky and Blobfish. Thanks for sharing these suggestions with us, and for reflecting with us on how they can help us tell our stories!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading Sparky and seeing how these authors created unusual animal characters.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post! I agree with your statement that animal characters can be race neutral, gender neutral, parent-free and can lighten heavy messages. I enjoyed reading the books you chose!
ReplyDeletegreat mentor text examples, thank you! (Carrie if I posted twice, I apologize- been having computer troubles)
ReplyDeleteUsing anthropomorphized animals is a great way to address tough and sensitive subjects with children. This is a great list of mentor texts.
ReplyDeleteMira – thanks for an excellent post and fabulous mentor texts. I am working on a PB manuscript with an animal main character so the timing is perfect! And for anyone considering one of Mira’s courses – run, don't walk, to sign up!!
ReplyDeleteI love anthropomorphic animals! As an illustrator it feels awkward to draw a naked pig if he's standing on 2 legs! haha Thank you for the opportunity to win a class with Mira. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat additions to the anthropomorphic list. Thanks, Mira!
ReplyDeleteGreat points about the power of anthropomorphism, Mira! Thanks very much. It's great food for thought re: my current writing project. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI loved Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. Will be adding the other books to my list to read. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove those animals!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a gender neutral main character. It is hard to pull off.
ReplyDeleteGreat books! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHa! I never thought of Sparky as anti-anthropomorphic, but it totally is! Thinking of the story in that way ignites my creativity and makes me want to exercise that concept in my own writing. How fun! Thank you for the list, Mira. Excellent!
ReplyDeleteGreat points (and PBs) regarding anthropomorphism. Thank you so much for the post!
ReplyDeleteHow have I never read Flight School?!? It looks amazing! Thanks so much for the list!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love all of these!! They are so much fun. I think I`m going to try writing a story with an animal MC next!
ReplyDeleteGreat book recommendations and great prizes! Thank YOU!
ReplyDeleteTerrific post! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on anthropomorphism. Kids have always liked talking animals but it seems as if publishers tend to go in a cycle…now they are in, now they are out. These are great mentor texts and I’m looking forward to reading Sparky and Meerkat Mail!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mira, for a fun post and your generosity!
ReplyDeleteAs always, your insight into picture books is invaluable, Mira. I love Sparky, Lyle, Worm, Spider and Pigeon. Can't decide if Sparky or Pigeon is my favorite. Kids love saying "No!" to Pigeon, and I love that. I'll have to check out the other three.
ReplyDeleteLove your chosen texts. All of them crafted anthropomorphism so well! Thanks for your thoughts and insight on the subject.
ReplyDeleteLove Sparky! Love the worm's diary (and spider's diary...) and Meerkats... These are so fun, and wonderful mentor texts.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the post. I love anthropomorphism.
ReplyDeleteGreat mentor texts. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post. Much to think about.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mira, for introducing me to some new anthropomorphic picture books. Love using animals in my books!
ReplyDeleteSparky is one of my new favorites. Thanks for the list!
ReplyDeleteI love your examples of anthropomorphism! Can't wait to read about a Blobfish. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful recommendations. Thank you, Mira! Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is an all time favorite.
ReplyDeleteIt's so helpful to see how showing a story arc with an anthropomorphic character can allow the message(s) to reach a deeper and more meaningful level while remaining open to readers of all backgrounds. Thanks for the super-helpful reminder and for making great mentor text recommendations!
ReplyDeleteLove all these books.
ReplyDeleteAnother great post.
Thank you for these wonderful suggestions.
ReplyDeleteI super love the books on this list, Mira! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteGreat list! Thank you, Mira!
ReplyDeleteSuper list Mira... I love animal books more than my kids do I think (which is a lot). Great recommendations!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It was fun re-reading Lyle, Lyle (a childhood favorite of mine) as an adult!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. I've read half of your recommendations and look forward to reading the other half!
ReplyDeleteKids aren't the only ones who enjoy animal stories! ;) Thanks for such clever examples.
ReplyDelete