As a picture book author, editor and writing teacher, I
spend a lot of time thinking about the “rules” of the craft. Several new
picture books suggest that the rules are becoming more flexible. Here are five of
my favorites that chart new territory and inspire me to think outside the rule
box:
Little Brown (Marla Frazee) – A shelter dog wonders whether being
friendless makes him cranky, or is the result of his crankiness.
BROKEN RULES: Disagreeable protagonist, existential concept,
unresolved ending.
I Will Not Eat You (Adam Lehrhaupt, Scott Magoon) - A dragon
considers who is meal-worthy, and why.
BROKEN RULES: Passive protagonist; unexpected, quirky
take-away
The Stuff of Stars (Mariod Dane Bauer, Ekua Holmes) – A poetic
exploration of the Big Bang.
BROKEN RULES: Philosophical non-fiction; abstract (but
magnificent) illustrations
The Iridescence of Birds (Patricia MacLachlan, Hadley Hooper)
– Biography of Henri Matisse.
– Biography of Henri Matisse.
BROKEN RULES: 2nd person narrative voice; advanced
vocabulary
Tie: I Need a New Bum (Dawn McMillan, Ross Kinaird) and Monsters
New Undies (Samantha Berger, Tad Carpenter) Fun with backsides and underwear.
BROKEN RULES: Risky content, language and illustrations (these
books might get banned – but kids love them!)
Emma Walton Hamilton
is a best-selling children’s book author, editor and writing coach. She serves
as director of Stony Brook
University’s Children’s Lit Fellows certificate program, now in its
7th year, as well as the annual Children’s
Lit Conference. A co-founder of Picture Book Summit and The Complete
Picture Book Submissions System, Emma also hosts her own writing
courses and resources for writers online at emmawaltonhamilton.com.
I love any post on how to break the rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteEmma, I love this post and your examples. It's so fun to find books that break or bend the rules. Have you seen "Just Right: Searching for the Goldilocks Planet" by Curtis Manley (NF) or "When You Are Brave" by Pat Zietlow Miller - where the plot of the story is not in the actual text, but in the illustrations?
ReplyDeleteI haven't, but I'll take a look! There are certainly lots of other wonderful books out there that break the rules!
DeleteKnow the rules and then you can break them! Can't wait to read these books! Thanks, Emma!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emma, for affirmation that it's okay to ben and break the rules! Love this post. Haven't read any of the books, but I will now!
ReplyDeleteI love that some books are 'breaking the rules' - particularly as a teacher. I am definitely going to look for these books, and other 'rule breakers'. As an author (yet to be traditionally published), however, I would love to write a rule breaking book, but am concerned this is the realm of the established author. Yes? No?
ReplyDeleteIt's true that most of these selections are by pre-pubbed authors, but debut authors can sometimes achieve that debut by having a new, fresh approach that surprises and delights -- I think it's really a combination of the strength of the idea and the writing, and the right timing.
DeleteThank you for this post! I will be definitely checking out some of these books, my library has several of them. Thanks for sharing what rules each one breaks, too!
ReplyDeleteI love rule breaking! Thanks for the great list. I've only read Monster's New Undies, but I'm excited to read the rest.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of breaking picture book rules and trying something new. Fun and inspiring choices!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Thanks for the analysis of these books that break the rules!
ReplyDeleteGreat examples of when rule breaking works. Iridescence of Birds is favorite. Thank you Emma!
ReplyDeleteThese books certainly caught my attention! Thanks for this list of rule-breaking picture books.
ReplyDeleteI've seen several of these, and agree, that they bendor break rules, but to great effect.
ReplyDeleteI always want to break the rules! Thank you for keeping us up to date on these recent rule-breakers.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Sometimes I struggle with structure. Good to have examples showing that it’s OK to sometimes think outside the box.
ReplyDeleteEmma, have been noticing this trend, too, with books that break the rules. You've added more to my TBR pile. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteEach example is so unique in the way it breaks the rules. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love that we are seeing boundaries pushed in PBs with heart and humor and complicated ideas!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, thank you, Emma. It is refreshing to know it is becoming more acceptable to push the boundaries and write "outside the box."
ReplyDeleteI think breaking rules is part of the evolution of our genre. The kids of tomorrow deserve "new" ways of looking at things. Thanks for this post, Emma.
ReplyDeleteHa! I did find myself trying to turn the page at the end of Little Brown-or look on the end page-to see if there was a resolution. I'm sure the kids will love the Monster's New Undies book-I didn't find the illustrations risqué at all-but I'm sure just talking about it in some places will put the spotlight on this book.
ReplyDeleteI do think it's important to know the "rules" but it's nice to see examples of how breaking them have worked. Thanks for the recommendations!
ReplyDeleteHi, Emma! When I read Little Brown, the story struck me as one that a new author couldn't submit. Breaking the rules is more likely when an author has an established relationship with an editor.
ReplyDeleteTrue, to a point. Little, Brown is also by an author/illustrator, so it probably benefitted from having the concept realized in both forms simultaneously. That said, I believe (and have heard from editors) that when an idea is fresh and the writing is strong, they love to be the first to "discover" a debut author.
DeleteWhat a fab post and a fab gift! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteAfter learning the rules, thinking outside the box can be a challenge but very rewarding!
ReplyDeleteI marvel at the imaginative new ways that authors are breaking the rules. Thanks for sharing your favorites with us, Emma!
ReplyDeleteI loved the Iridescence of Birds and can't wait to read Little Brown. Kids really respond to all types of books, not just the usual formulas.
ReplyDeleteI love learning about books that break the rules. Thanks for a great post, Emma!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI am writing a rule breaker so I love these texts. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSort of makes me want to go back to earlier drafts on some WIPs. I think writers who know when to break the rules make it look much easier than it truly is.
ReplyDeleteThe integration of illustrations with subject for THE IRIDESCENCE OF BIRDS and THE STUFF OF STARS is mind-blowing. Thanks, Emma!
ReplyDeleteI love this celebration of rule breakers! Creative folks LOVE to break the rules and feel free to explore their craft with reckless (but professional) abandon! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of breaking the rules. These mentor texts are perfect to study how the authors accomplish this task. Thank you, Emma!
ReplyDeleteWell I guess rules are made to be broken, what great examples. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBums and Undies, who’d a thunk?
ReplyDeleteIt’s good to know rules can be broken, and that there are editors willing to take chances. Thanks, Emma.
Emma, Once again you light the path for others to follow. Thanks so much for sharing titles that push the boundaries of kidlit toward unexpected directions. Continued success!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate what you've shared....something I've never really thought about. I can't wait to read these books.
ReplyDeleteWell, I blew it. I've been posting every day on the Facebook group instead of here on the Blog. You could say I really blew it by breaking the rules (now not eligible for any possible critiques or book goodies, etc), or you could say I broke the rules by following the creative beat of my own drum.
ReplyDeleteBack to today's topic. Breaking the rules in PB is always interesting to see what the topic is, and how it's executed.
Thank you, Emma. I love a little rule breaking, 👍😃
ReplyDeleteI really look forward to reading these rule breaking books!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading these books -- and getting more of a sense as to when it's okay to break the rules.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea that the rules are becoming more flexible - makes things a little more fun. :-) I love the books on this list - thank you!
ReplyDeleteReally helpful insight as to how they break the picture book mold. I am still waiting to read a few of these, but you have piqued my interest.
ReplyDeleteRule breaking mentor-texts, ReFoReMo really has it all. Love this selection of books. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteIt's so fun to break the rules! Thanks for the great examples.
ReplyDeleteStory and heart trumps rules in my eyes. Thanks for these examples.
ReplyDeleteI own a few of these books and love them!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emma! Very encouraging.
ReplyDeleteKids do love those banned subjects ;) Thanks for the list of out of the box PB.
ReplyDeleteEmma! Your post is just as enlightening your discussion in the "Mastering Show and Tell" Webinar I participated in with WRITING BLUEPRINTS MASTERCLASS last December. I welcome your candor and wisdom! We work hard to remember the "rules," but sometimes great stories are born breaking them. With gratitude for reminding us! Best of continued success and fulfillment in your writing journey.
ReplyDeleteGreat mentor texts. Thanks for a very informative post Emma.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea of breaking the rules and looking at ways to be unique and creative. I have also been noticing this "trend" in illustrations and books with an adult as the main character.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a great lineup of daring rule breakers!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Emma! Thank you for letting us know that breaking the rules is no longer frowned upon by editors. This is a wonderful list of mentor texts that break or bend the rules… I can’t wait to read Little Brown as I love books that are open ended and books like I Need a New Bum and Monsters New Undies are always a hit with kids
DeleteI love this chance to look at some of the rule-breakers in our genre. I WILL NOT EAT YOU is one of my favorites--thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'm a little "behind" on my reading, but look forward to reading these. I suppose if you have a character or idea readers will identify with, you could experiment with how it's delivered.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emma. I do love books that bend or break a rule or two to shine in the crowd. And my second reaction is to hope there isn't a deluge of books that similarly break those rules, dimming the light on those originals.
ReplyDeleteThanks Emma for citing broken rules. Not sure I would do that, but they are fun to read.
ReplyDeleteThis was an excellent post about an interesting topic. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat examples of "breaking rules" texts. Thanks, Emma!
ReplyDeleteI've broken rules in writing some of my PBs. It's nice to know one can get away with it. Thanks, Emma, for sharing these great books.
ReplyDeleteEmma,
ReplyDeleteI'm a break the rule kind of person so I'll be reading these books.How can I sign up for the Show and Tell webinar? I need this!
Thanks Susan! You can access the webinar here: https://writingblueprints.com/courses/category/Masterclasses
DeleteI'm all for pushing the boundaries and maybe even breaking the rules. Word length, content, humor, POV, meta - all up for grabs. I think underwear is always going to be a winner...
ReplyDeleteEmma, I love that your post is about breaking the rules!?!:) Thanks for these examples! They're an interesting selection and they make you think!
ReplyDeleteHi Karen! ;-) You gotta know the rules to break 'em!
DeleteInteresting subject choice. Breaking the rules, thinking outside the box. Loved Bauer's Stuff of Stars. Her The Longest Night is one of my favorite books. Thanks for your selections and your post. Lots to think about.
ReplyDeleteI always love the rulebreakers! It’s wonderful to see some PB writers doing that successfully!
ReplyDeleteIt's great to know that PBs can break the rules. Thanks for some great examples. The Stuff of Stars is one of my favorite newer books.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good topic. Some picture books tend to break the rules. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's unusual to see popular authors break the rules and get published. I do think it's more unusual for a debut author to make that cut. I've read all but the underwear books, so far. Yes, they'll be popular with kids.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I wonder how many of these (if any) are debut authors?
ReplyDeletelove these exceptions to the rules!
ReplyDeleteEmma, thank you for introducing me to these creative picture books. It is interesting to see how authors and publishers are becoming more open to fresh ideas in the writing and publishing of picture books.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading these and checking out how to break the rules successfully!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these great titles! I loved "I Will Not Eat You" -- so fun! And as someone who likes to break rules (only in my writing, never in life, of course!) its good to know that its becoming more accepted. :)
ReplyDeleteAnother great list of books. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteFantastic examples of rule-breakers, Emma! Important to note that while they each bend or break today's rules, it works for each story. To wantonly break the rules for the sake of being "bad" won't work.
ReplyDeleteGasp! I'm such a rule follower! I don't know if I'll ever have such a risky text, but it's worth a try! Thanks for giving me "permission".
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I looked up a few of these on YouTube. Yes, I think they are rule breakers.
ReplyDeleteThese books are great, Emma! I was familiar with a few and now am on the hunt to get the rest.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this fabulous list! When books break the rules in a way that serves the story, it can be so magical.
ReplyDeleteInteresting selection of books thanks for introducing them. Loved the New Pair of Underwear.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Emma, for these examples of "breaking rules!"
ReplyDeleteI'm a rule breaker. Love this post and have a few new books to read! Yay!
ReplyDeleteI love those examples! Thanks, Emma!
ReplyDeletelike how the dogs' dilemma still needed some pondering...
ReplyDeleteThanks Emma! It's fun to think about breaking the rules.
ReplyDeleteA couple of these were new to me. Thanks for mentor texts. I have noticed that there has been a fair bit of rule-breaking in the Kidlit community. It’s interesting to reexamine boundaries.
ReplyDeleteThis was so much fun and I love these Books!
ReplyDeleteBreaking Rules! Yes!
ReplyDeleteIt's encouraging to know the RULES aren't hard and fast, and can be broken. We'd miss out on a lot of great picture books if this weren't the case.
ReplyDeleteDo LOVE The Stuff of Stars. Now need to read the others. Thanks, Emma!
Thanks, all, for the nice comments! Glad the post was helpful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. I love to read books that step outside the box. I absolutely cannot wait to read some of these books!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
I love the idea of breaking the rules! Thanks for this list!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant post about breaking the rules for the right reasons!
ReplyDeleteHi Emma!
ReplyDeleteAlways good hear your voice through words, it makes me miss you less. (Almost)
Aww! Thanks Maureen!
DeleteGreat examples! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love that you shared books that break the rules! It is reassuring that we can think outside the box. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for these examples of books that break the rules. I will be looking for more of these as I try to up my creativity level in my stories!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the mentor texts which show that it is OK to break the rules - even though it is probably easier to do so if one is a well established author. I loved the extraordinary illustrations in The Stuff of Stars and how they complemented the text. The way in which Patricia MacLachlan distilled the life of Matisse in so few words and with such insight was impressive. I know from experience that just saying the word "underwear" causes children to dissolve into giggles, so I can only imagine their reaction to the books about bums and undies. Should be classic! Thanks for sharing these titles.
ReplyDeleteGreat rule breakers. Another is THE LEGEND OF ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS by Daywalt and Rex. Breaks rules of vocabulary with wonderful big words and the oxymoron of a new legend.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this creative list of rule breakers! I especially love The Stuff of Stars with its abstract artwork. And I always enjoy books that push vocabulary in unique ways. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBreak the rules, make mistakes, think differently- are all worth while efforts in my book!
ReplyDeleteBreaking the rules can make for that unexpected great new story!
ReplyDeleteI think about the rules a lot and pay particular attention to books that break them. Thank you for this terrific list!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for these great examples. It's easy to get caught up in the rules, and so helpful to be reminded that wonderful books that break those rules still get published!
ReplyDeleteA doc entitled:RULE BREAKERS: mentor texts has been created for this post. As always, feel free to access and add to this document here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/reforemo/rule-breakers-mentor-texts/2366876620223345/
ReplyDeleteEmma: Thank you for sharing titles that break the rules.
ReplyDeleteSuzy Leopold
What a great post. It's always such a question of whether or not we can break, the rules, right? Having studied Picture Book writing for years, I have been well acquainted with the rules. And I write by them. But I also break them...and oh what fun it is. I think if it feels right, if you know what you are doing, if you are showing the story the way it is meant to be shown, and if you are proud of what you have put on paper, then you have played by your own rules...and that's what this is all about! Discovering, learning, and breaking ;) Thanks Emma for your expertise!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emma. I appreciate the mentor text that will validate my rule breaking. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat, interesting suggestions!
ReplyDeleteI'm still learning the rules so I am not sure I am ready to start breaking them. But I am glad to know it can be ok. Thank you for these mentor text suggestions.
ReplyDeleteOh, I was dying in laughter for a few of these books! Irreverent wins for me! Thanks for the new broken rules.
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to see that rules can be broken. All we have to do is be unbelievably brilliant! Thanks for the inspiration today.
ReplyDeleteI like the surprise of who is in the cave of I Will Not Eat You, but I absolutely LOVED I Need a New Bum - what creative choices! haha... My kids will love this one!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this list! I have to confess that I love seeing some rules broken!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the suggestions. My first time reading them. I enjoyed them all.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing the rules are becoming more flexible! I need to find some of these mentor texts. And now I'm definitely curious about the ones you said might get banned! :)
ReplyDeleteI love books that break the rules, particularly ones with advanced vocabulary!
ReplyDeleteI hate rules (unless they are obvious ones to keep us safe). Happy to see that some publishers are letting us think outside the box
ReplyDeleteThe ambiguity at the end of Little Brown was delightful, and I loved the dark last words of I Will Not Eat You.
ReplyDeleteBreaking the rules can be such fun, but you really do have to do it right, no? Having an editor/agent guide you through it could make all the difference. Thank you, Emma, for these awesome mentor texts!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading those that I haven't had the chance to read yet. And what a wonderful topic- stories that break out of the structure and are still publishable. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I read the title of the post and the books before I read the actual post. I had fun trying to guess which rules were being broken as I read the books! In some of them, I just couldn't figure it out. Then I had some a-ha moments when I read the post. Excellent examples of rule-breaking done well!
ReplyDeleteInteresting books for sure! Thanks, Emma.
ReplyDeleteThanks for introducing me to more wonderful mentor texts.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading these, especially Little Brown.
ReplyDeleteThese are fantastic examples of how breaking the rules can make a story stand out and feel fresh. Sometimes a story just works! It's inspiring to see authors pushing the bounds of creativity in the picture book world.
ReplyDeleteIt’s always hard to know what rules to break and when. Thank you Emma!
ReplyDeleteI was first introduced to I Need a New Bum watching The Scottish Granny read it on You Tube. You cannot argue with the content of a book that brings that much joy! Not only does Granny love it, but the baby is agog at the book and at Granny's reaction. That what building a love of books looks like. Hurrah for the rule breakers!
ReplyDeleteI wondered about some of these myself, reading them before reading your post. Now I get it! Yes, they are all unusual in one way or another. Little Brown stood out because it was unresolved, but it reminds me of many actual events like that in children's lives, and it's good to see "real life" situations portrayed. Thanks for putting this list together!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's hard to whick rules to break. Thanks for this post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great list of rule breaking books. The surprise element of these choices make them extra special.
ReplyDeleteYeah! It's always nice to find out it's okay to break the rules - at least sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI love books that break the rules and these are fantastic examples. I believe rule breakers make it through to publication despite not conforming to the tried and true because they are written so well--they are undeniable and provide a spark of some sort to the reader. I think the rules are important when starting out to provide necessary guidance, but I for one cannot wait to break the rules!
ReplyDeleteGood to know the rules, but also that sometimes the rules can be broken. Thanks for these examples and showing how they break the rules.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emma, for this wonderful selection of books.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this study of breaking the rules...and how to do so effectively! Most valuable! Thanks so much, Emma!
ReplyDeleteThinking and writing outside of the box is so refreshing! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAh! Love this post!
ReplyDelete(Now, I wonder what the rules are when breaking the rules...)
Ah, see... if I had to pick a rule to break, I'd go with the advanced language. I love words so much, haha!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteSo surprised by the ending of Little Brown. Love the Iridescence of Birds. And ooooh the illustrations in The Stuff of Stars. Thanks for this whole list!
ReplyDeleteI love this post! Thanks, Emma. I really enjoyed The Iridescence of Birds - the 2nd person worked and I appreciated the advanced vocabulary - kids can get these bigger words! The Stuff of Stars was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteEverybody loves a good rule-breaker, huh? Count me in!
ReplyDeleteI love how confrontational I WILL NOT EAT YOU feels. Between the title and that just-the-right-amount-of-unsettling cover artwork, opening this book almost feels like following through on a dare. Lehrhaupt and Magoon keep the mystery simmering real nice as we attempt to figure out just what “Theodore” is and what could be immense enough to eat all of these invasive creatures. The story maintains that balancing act of grimness and light all the way through to the climax that appears to end on a bright, jovial note before reminding us in the gentlest of whispers that our brave knight’s safety isn’t as ensured as we thought. The passive protagonist is definitely noteworthy as Emma points out. I think that simmering, mysterious tone is what ends up gripping us in lieu of an action-packed character. That tone suits Theodore perfectly; watchful and waiting for just the right moment to spring.
I’ve heard great praise for MacLachlan’s SARAH, PLAIN AND TALL, and while that book was always one that couldn’t interest me any less when I was the age of its primary intended audience, coursing through THE IRIDESCENCE OF BIRDS has me in awe of how this author weaves magic from words and eager to seek that classic out. This is great use of second person; it genuinely places us in Henri’s shoes and makes us feel as if Henri’s life is our life, his passion for colors our passion. A unique way to enliven what is essentially a “history lesson” for children (and adults) who view the past as one long, boring play and not the exciting lived experiences of human beings. This is a book I can see myself poring over in the years to come.
Hi Emma! I learned all of the rules from you and now I am good with breaking them too! Thanks for the list. I have actually read most of these but The Iridescence of Birds is a favorite.
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed that The Iridescence of Birds was one unexpectedly long sentence too. Fantastic books - inspirational rule breaking, they all do it well.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThese look wonderful! Thank you Emma!
ReplyDeleteThese are all so good. I NEED A NEW BUM is a perfect mentor text for a book I am currently working on. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLoved I Will Not Eat You! It surprised me! If I could only...
ReplyDeleteRule breakers, indeed. Thank you for this list!
ReplyDeleteThe Stuff of Stars and Iridescence of Birds are two of my favorites. I knew they were unique but now I understand all the more thanks to your rule breaker insights.
ReplyDeleteThese are fantastic! Thank you for the great mentor texts.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post about breaking rules. Little Brown was so sad, yet I feel like it could be a good discussion starter in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteI love rules... But I love breaking them too! Thanks for these mentor texts!
ReplyDelete