We're always on the look-out for stellar mentor texts. When we find a great one, our first thoughts are not focused on what the author learned from other mentor texts. Mentor Text Talk allows us to peek into the author's mentor text research behind their stories. Today, we get a glimpse into Annie Silvestro's process. Her stories have tons of heart and are therefore mentor texts, as well. With a huge amount of publication success in a short period of time, she's doing something incredibly right! We are lucky to learn from her.
Hi Annie! How do you utilize picture books as mentor texts?
I go back to my treasured picture book collection both for
inspiration and to re-read in the hopes of internalizing some of the elements
that I love so dearly, whether it be the humor and heart, the beauty of the
language, the cadence of the read-aloud, or just the structure on the whole. Any
time I read a picture book, I learn something.
Your stories are true testaments to that. Did any particular mentor texts inspire you in
the creation of your newest book?
I didn’t use a particular text specifically when working on
BUNNY’S BOOK CLUB GOES TO SCHOOL. Both that story and BUTTERFLIES ON THE FIRST
DAY OF SCHOOL are about those nervous moments when you’re starting something
new, and also about how having a friend and being a friend can really make a
difference.
I am a big fan of friendship stories (pretty much all my
books have a friendship theme!), especially ones that combine those elements of
humor and heart. Beth Ferry’s STICK AND STONE is a classic example of a perfect
friendship book. The GEORGE AND MARTHA
books by James Marshall are my favorites. CORDUROY by Don Freeman is one I’ve
loved since I was a child. I could go on
and on about all the books that inspire me…
How does your mentor text research changed from book to
book?

I really use mentor texts more in a big-picture way so that typically
carries from book to book. If I’m ever stuck with something I’m writing, I
either go back to my collection and immerse myself in it, or go to the library
or bookstore to get inspiration. Sometimes you just need to step back from
frustration and remember why you are writing in the first place.
How has reading picture books helped you discover who you
are as a writer?

Sometimes reading mentor texts shows you what you could be,
and also what you are not – which can be just as important. There are amazing
books and ideas out there that I know I could never have tackled. But I’m happy
someone else has! For example, I don’t write rhyming picture books, but reading
those aloud are great examples of how important rhythm can be even in
non-rhyming texts. Plus, I always love a little internal rhyme in my stories
now and again.
What do you feel is the best way for picture book writers to utilize
mentor texts?

I think each person has to approach it the way he or she
feels most comfortable. I know some people study certain texts and try to write
in that specific style as an exercise and a way to learn craft. Early on, I
remember typing up the text from a few of my favorite published books to see
how they paged out, how many words they were, and to get a feel for how they
looked in a manuscript form. Now, I just try to saturate myself in the beauty
and hope that something sticks! It’s so important to read a ton of picture
books even just to come up with a through-line of what speaks to you and what
doesn’t. What is it about a certain book that makes you love it so much? Or
even hate it? Those can be key questions that help guide you and help you to become
a stronger writer.
Annie Silvestro is a lover of books who can often be found
shuffling piles of them around so she has a place to sit or someplace to put
her teacup.
She is the author of BUNNY’S BOOK CLUB GOES TO SCHOOL, illustrated
by Tatjana Mai-Wyss, BUTTERFLIES ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, illustrated by
Dream Chen, THE CHRISTMAS TREE WHO LOVED TRAINS, illustrated by Paola Zakimi,
MICE SKATING, illustrated by Teagan White, and BUNNY'S BOOK CLUB, named a Kids'
Indie Next List Pick, an Amazon best book of the year for 2017, and a 2018 pick
for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Annie lives with her family by the
beach in New Jersey. Visit Annie online at www.anniesilvestro.com
or on Twitter and Instagram @anniesilvestro
Thanks so much for sharing this! I love Stick and Stone, so adorable, and somehow I love it even more simply because George and Martha were such a huge part of my life as a kid, I still have fond memories of them. As a kid, they were good friends of mine, and I loved Cordury because my sister did and when I finally "got" what the book was about, I really felt for him, I still do.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Kaitlyn Sanchez
@KaitlynLeann17
Thanks, Annie, for sharing how you use mentor texts. I think internalizing structure and rhythm is how I best use them. The more I read, the better I understand. Now to get that to transfer to my writing... Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview Annie!
ReplyDeleteLove this interview! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Annie.
ReplyDeletewonderful, resourceful interview. thank you Carrie and Annie!
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of your books! Thanks for sharing some of your favorite mentor texts and how you use them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! I've put The Christmas Tree Who Loved Trains on my list -- I have a few holiday themed books and am eager to build a great comp list! THANKS!
ReplyDelete