Today’s average-length picture book contains a sparse 500 words. This condensed format gives authors about six minutes to make their audience care about the characters. My favorite picture books use that time to take readers on a journey into the emotional core. This is where audiences simultaneously hear and feel the depth of common story themes, such as love, kindness, and friendship. This is where a picture book becomes the favorite of a child—requested again and again.
But what is it about the emotional core that creates this effect? Hidden here is the golden nugget of many well-loved picture books—vulnerability. Authors can strategically polish it up and place it into their picture book text to hook audiences while the clock is ticking. It can be found in the story tone, setting, a character’s lack, a single line, or a through-line. Here are some books that sizzle with vulnerability:
Can I Be Your Dog – by Troy Cummins
Escargot by Dashka Slater
A Different Pond by Bao Phi
Take a Picture of Me James Van Der Zee by Andrea J. Loney
Julian is a Mermaid - by Jessica Love
Sue is donating three of her picture books, That Monster on the Block , Now I'm a Bird , and Planet Kindergarten, one to 3 different lucky winners! To be eligible for prizes throughout the challenge, you must be registered by March 1, comment on each post, consistently read mentor texts, and enter the Rafflecopter drawing at the conclusion of ReFoReMo.
SUE GANZ-SCHMITT is an award-winning children’s book author, musical theater producer, and philanthropist. She holds an MFA degree from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a Bachelor of Science degree from San Diego State University in Business Marketing.
She has traveled to China to help medically challenged orphans and has set up a birthing clinic in rural India. She has performed on Broadway, run marathons, and swum with sharks. Sue has also served as a NASA Social correspondent, a volunteer for The Planetary Society, and as a space advocate to congress.
Sue’s books include: That Monster on the Block, Now I’m a Bird, Planet Kindergarten, Planet Kindergarten 100: Days in Orbit, The Princess and the Peanut: A Royally Allergic Fairytale, and Even Superheroes Get Diabetes.
You can find her at: www.sueganzschmitt.com and on Twitter: @sueganzschmitt
It’s so interesting to think of picture book characters being vulnerable and seeing how these authors accomplished that. Thanks for this list and the insight.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gail! I hope it helps :)
DeleteSue, what a thought provoking post. While I love all these books, I would not have necessarily linked them. But thinking about them, and other PBs that I love, from the standpoint of vulnerability, I see that thread running through them all. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you can see a new way to consider PB's!
DeleteA subject close to my heart, and a topic I'd like to write about so these are the perfect mentor texts for me. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see what your thoughts are on when you write about it!
DeleteThese are some wonderful choices for vulnerable example mentor texts but Escargot is by far my favorite that I've read from today's list. Something about that little snail, whispering sassy French nothings in my ear, had me convinced they really do make the best pets of all! Plus getting kids to eat carrots (or other foods they don't want to try) was an added sweet bonus that I was not expecting.
ReplyDeleteI agree, that little snail stole my heart! So well crafted by Dashka Slater!
DeleteSue, this post is excellent (and you are amazing—your bio is incredible!). A light bulb went off when I read this—so many times in writing character-driven books I think I focus on the problem-solving aspect of the story. Focusing on what makes that character vulnerable and relatable is an “Aha!” moment for me. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words Jennifer! Vulnerability absolutely is like a symphony, as emphasized in Carrie and Kirsti's first ReFoReMo post. This is just one of the elements that can be blended in for perfect harmony!
DeleteThis is something I have never focused on when planning writing. Its always 'what problem do they face,' but I will now add that thought of: 'what is their vulnerability'. Thank you so much for such and enlightening post today!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Catherine. Yes! Problems and vulnerability can go hand in hand to make readers care more about the character/story.
DeleteVulnerability makes the characters in these stories so relatable! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYes! I think that vulnerability is one of the most relatable states across the board for young and old!
DeleteI have read most of these titles to my kindergartners and realized after reading this post why I loved reading these endearing stories. It's all about the vulnerability and emotional connections we make.
ReplyDeleteI find that if a character is not vulnerable, I don't connect much with them. But lack of vulnerability can be used with intention as well as a craft tool when you don't want the reader to care about the character.
DeleteThank you! My current work in progress has a vulnerable main character, so I"m going to reread these books with that in mind. I love Troy Cummings CAN I BE YOUR DOG? Dashka Slater is an extremely talented writer. Slater's insights into which POV and perspective to use for each of her stories is top notch. I'd be interested in knowing if the authors of the books in your list lit on vulnerability from the get-go, or if it flowed from another idea.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great question, Joyce. I think it is something that we authors often internalize and use sub-consciously. But I am hoping we can be more aware of its magical powers!
DeleteI love the way this collection shows how vulnerability can cut across genre and style from humorous to heartwarming, bios, super short texts-it's amazing to see how vulnerability is woven through such different texts.
ReplyDeleteSince I discovered it, I find it everywhere, Sara! In commercials, plays, songs, movies, letters from non-profits asking for donations...
DeleteThanks so much for sharing this perspective, Sue! I'll be zeroing in on the vulnerability as I read these and other mentor texts (and while I write!).
ReplyDeleteSo glad, Kimberly! I hope it helps.
DeleteWhat great titles that sizzle with vulnerability, Sue! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Cathy!
DeleteThank you for sharing these, Sue. It was so nice to meet you in person to work on the Humor Webinar last year. All the best, Lynne Marie
ReplyDeleteHello, Lynne Marie! So glad to see you here and yes, I loved working on the webinar with you! I will connect with you directly, soon!
DeleteLovely books!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah Rose!
DeleteI also feel that we’ll crafted characters can make children want to read a book again and again. I’ve read & LOVED “Can I Be Your Dog” & I can’t wait to read your other suggestions!
ReplyDeleteI hope you like the others and that they strike you as they did me!
DeleteProof important and touching can be great read alouds as well. Wonderful list, thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Robin!
DeleteSUE: THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION to INFUSE our writing with the "emotional core" of vulnerability. To do so in so few words can be a tricky business, so THANK YOU for the WONDERFUL list of mentor books you have provided to show us the way--as well as your own books. I MUST SAY "The Princess and the Peanut: A Royally Allergic Fairytale" and "Even Superheroes get Diabetes" are PERFECT examples of how to show vulnerability in our characters, bringing fun spins on tough topics. THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Natalie! I hope that you can use vulnerability to deeply connect readers to your characters and stories!
DeleteThank you for the insight into character vulnerability. I hadn’t thought about that before.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marty. I hadn't either until some near misses with my manuscripts. It is exactly what I was missing!
DeleteI've often thought of the heart of a story I'm working on, so much better to think about the characters' vulnerabilities. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of the heart, it is so often ablaze with vulnerability. The heart of a story, or our own!
DeleteI definitely need to learn to add more vulnerability into my stories. Thanks for the great examples!
ReplyDeleteSo glad! Thank you, Lauri!
DeleteSue - thanks for a great post and mentor texts, and for highlighting vulnerability as a way for readers to connect with our characters.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Melissa!
DeleteLoved all of these selections. Julian is a Mermaid could be one of my mentor texts!
ReplyDeleteI loved how Julian is a Mermaid evoked one grand moment of concern for his relationship with his grandmother, and the joy I received from her reaction.
DeleteThanks for sharing. Can I Be Your Dog is an excellent example of a homeless dog that shares his vulnerability with readers. I need to read your PBs, That Monster on the Block and Now I’m a Bird.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Manju! Can I Be Your Dog had me reaching for the tissues yet left me happy. It took me on an emotional journey!
DeleteTroy Cummings' Can I Be Your Dog is so heartfelt, and the vulnerability is perfect for the story's theme. Definitely a great mentor text!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree!
DeleteFor me, there was enough worry, but not too much...and the ending resolved his vulnerability beautifully.
DeleteCan I Be Your Dog? is one of my favorites!
ReplyDeleteMine, too! It has great re-readability!
DeleteI loved A Different Pond!
ReplyDeleteThe vulnerable tone throughout the story, hooks me! It is so beautiful!
DeleteThank you for a very special reading list. The diversity from CAN I BE YOUR DOG to JULIAN IS A MERMAID was nice....tugging at our heart strings with issues children have to issues we struggle with when it comes to pets. Writing to support our emotional awarenesses is the key to attracting a child to a favorite book because they don't know exactly what that is....and these books make you feel good...worthy....in the end. Thank you again!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beth. I agree! Who among us doesn't have at least one struggle in each day to get through and learn from. Sharing struggling characters in picture books with our readers can really help them cope and feel connected.
DeleteLoved these choices
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThis is what I strive for . Thanks for these great references, Sue.
ReplyDeleteThanks, David.
DeleteThank you for suggesting these books some very quiet books but love the epistolary one. Your books were new to me, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sheri. Can I Be Your Dog is such a fun one!
DeleteThank you, my idea centers around a child, and it might be great to include some aspects of her vulnerability to help readers identify with her.
ReplyDeleteI find that giving her positive social traits, flaws, and vulnerability are wonderful trifecta to get readers to care more.
DeleteI echo what Jennifer Cole Judd mentioned. I'm always looking to nail the arc but can't forget about making the character vulnerable and relatable. I loved the dog and snail books! I listened to an interview with Andrea Loney and it was fabulous listening about her path to publish that book. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAndrea Loney is fascinating and so talented! Nailing the arc first is great to start, then you can go back and see if your character reads as real and worthy the help of vulnerability.
DeleteExactly what I needed to read today Sue - thank you!
ReplyDeleteSo glad, Cathy!
DeleteThese are wonderful mentor texts. I especially love 'Can I Be Your Dog?' and 'A Different Pond'. Both show vulnerability - one with humor and one with family traditions.
ReplyDeleteI have found that vulnerability can be sprinkled anywhere!
DeleteStill working to really get the emotional core to hook my readers. BTW, great examples! Ty, Sue.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Kathy. Even though I get how to do this now, it can take me a few drafts.
Deletecomment Rhonda Kay Gatlin How can I get my name and picture in the box???
ReplyDeleteToday I pick Take a Picture of Me James Van Der Zee by Andrea J. Loney What a heart felt story with a message. This was a good self starting boy becoming a self starting man that did not feel sorry for himself and his life work made a full life circle.
I agree, Rhonda! It is so very heartfelt!
DeleteThank you for sharing these mentor texts that use vulnerability to connect to their readers.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen!
DeleteI love the emotional resonance when reading books that show vulnerability. Escargot has been a fav of mine for ages.
ReplyDeleteI find that little character in Escargot to be unforgettable, and I don't even like snails!
DeleteGreat post! Love these books!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy!
DeleteThanks for focusing on vulnerability. These were inspiring books!
ReplyDeleteSo glad, Micki!
DeleteThis is a great selection of books to showcase character development. As Sue mentions it is difficult to create a memorable character within the word limits of a picture book so these mentor texts serve as great models.Escargot by Dashka Slater, illustrated by Sydney Hanson presents a vulnerable and very distinctive character in Escargot the French snail that wants to be someone's favorite pet or at least to be loved. The first person point of view reveals his insecurities and endears him to the ready who he converses withthroughout his journey. Escargot is an unforgettable character that kids will love. Julian is A Mermaid by Jessica Love presents another unusual, unforgettable and vulnerable character. Julian is a boy who wants to be a mermaid in this picture book.He dresses as a mermaid in secret but is discovered by his grandmother.His grandmother supports him by taking him to see others dressed in similar fashion in a parade.Julian becomes a symbol for those who have secret dreams that they are afaid to share. A Different Pond by Bao Phi, illustrated by Thi Bui is the story of a Vietnamese refugee and his son who must fish for food for the family. The son has learned from his father, who must take a second job to provide for his family, all of the tricks to catching and cooking the fish. His father also tells him stories of another pond back in Vietnam and his brother who was killed in the war. This gives an inside look at the struggles of refugee families and presents a memorable event in the life of this father and son.Can I Be Your Dog by Troy Cummins is told from the dog Arfy's point of view as he writes to potential owners asking to be their dog. It shows his vulnerability as he prioritized where he wanted to live and approached that family first then proceeds to inquire from the butcher lady,
ReplyDeletefirehouse, junkyard guy, and others before finally being approached by the letter carrier who has been watching him. Arfy has a realistic approach to finding his forever home and his personality and persistence creates a memorable adoptee. This book also addresses an important topic in the need to adopt homeless animals. Kids who are in foster care or adopted can relate to this situation as well.Take a Picture of Me James Van Der Zee by Andrea J. Loney, illustrated by Keith Mattett is the biography of a black photographer in Harlem who struggles to get his first camera, faced discrimination trying to start a career as a photographer and eventually was able to open his own photo shop and produced famous photo collection of life in Harlem that was on exhibit in the Metropolitian Museum of Art.He was able to follow his dream and was appreciated for his unique ability to capture the personalities of his sujects on film. All of these characters are very relatable and reading these books has definitely inspired me to work on creating memorable characters too. Thanks for this collection!
Thank you, Julie for capturing the vulnerable places in these stories!
DeleteThank you for choosing these titles. It's wonderful what 500 words can say and do.
ReplyDeleteIt really is! We are lucky to have pictures to help us say so much more but I find the vulnerability in the text to be so important to hooking gatekeepers so we can it to the illustrators to add their magic.
DeleteWhat a great list of books! All of them have my heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cheryl! So glad they moved you!
DeleteThank you, Sue. I enjoyed your post. I especially like "CAN I BE YOUR DOG?"
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brenda! It has such a wonderful blend of vulnerability and humor!
DeleteI just finished reading one of my manuscripts when I turned to this post! It's exactly what I needed to hear. Love these books!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad Rebecca and I hope it helps your manuscript :)
DeleteSuch an insightful post! Thank you, Sue, for the reminder to include vulnerability in our character traits, and for this awesome list (you've included 5 of my favorite PBs here).
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you already connected with these. I bet we share other favorites as well!
DeletePerfect post - perfect mentor texts. To infuse our books with vulnerability - great advice
ReplyDeleteThese selections are perfect. They really pull your heartstrings. Such inspiration for me; I'd love to write that way. Connections made with such few words. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these titles, Sue!
ReplyDeleteGreat selections that are full of heart! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI loved looking for the voice of vulnerability in these mentor texts. It does add depth. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI never thought about the vulnerability aspect to these stories. They are titles I've enjoyed. Now thinking about my WIPs. Loved reading Planet Kindergarten by the way.
ReplyDeleteI have looked the emotional arcs of PBs. Really zeroing in on the characters vulnerabilities will be a powerful lens! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I had not thought of vulnerability before. Great insight.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great study to consider the vulnerability found in picture books. It certainly does impact the love and enjoyment found in reading books! Thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue. I’m looking forward to delving into these selections searching for ways to illustrate vulnerability.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of the 500 word "guideline," but hearing that it's really only 6 minutes of reading. Wow! Thanks for the tip of vulnerability in our stories. I am checking for vulnerability in my stories, next. Thank you for the tips.
ReplyDeleteVulnerability. Interesting how a character who at first reading seems strong and to know his own mind (Julián and Escargot for example) is indeed vulnerable. And yes, that's what makes me want tor read these titles over and over.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue, for the challenge to write succinct picture books that make the readers care about the characters on an emotional level. These are excellent mentor texts for further study.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the insight regarding vulnerability and the beautiful book list!
ReplyDeleteThe POV of these stories really added to the emotional messages of each these stories. I reread them taking into consideration your comment about "6 minutes to capture their interest and make a connection."... made them all a deeper teachable reads for me personally. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSince I cried when I read "Can I Be Your Dog?" you have made your point. ;) Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought to look for the vulnerability in favorite books, but now I want to look for it in all of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is so important. Great selection of books! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding us about how important having a vulnerable main character is in a picture book. Helping readers to connect emotionally is of vital importance. Your list of mentor texts highlights and reinforces this idea.
ReplyDeleteI've read a few of these books but must find the others. Vulnerability is what I'll be seeing now. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such great examples! Characters whose vulnerability we feel will pull at our hearts and invite us in. So important to remember!
ReplyDeleteGreat list of mentor texts, Sue. Vulnerability brings characters to life in our hearts. And when vulnerability is mixed in with over-the-top personality and humor you have me sold. Love, love, love ESCARGOT.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely loved this collection of books! Hard to do better than Can I Be Your Dog? and Escargot!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sue! Such an important topic and great texts to re-read!
ReplyDeletethank you for these great recommendations!
ReplyDeleteI love this book selection. Such sweet stories. Thanks for the great post.
ReplyDeleteI've never read, Take a Picture of Me James Van Der Zee by Andrea J. Loney. I really enjoyed it. What a great piece of history.
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I never thought of it that way, but it is vulnerability of a character that makes us really feel for and fall in love with a character. Thanks for the great insight and the book recs. Love The Monster on The Block!
ReplyDeleteHi, Sue! Thanks for these great titles. Books that reveal such tenderness are beautiful to read. The heart really shines through. (Your bio is amazing!)
ReplyDeleteHi Sue! Love your inclusion of vulnerability leading to the heart of children's love of many stories. Thanks for sharing your list.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post and your contribution to the picture book world.
ReplyDeleteEscargot is one of my favorites. I hadn't really thought about the role vulnerability plays. Thanks for helping me see this book in a new way.
ReplyDeleteSue, thank you for these mentor texts that explore vulnerability in picture books. Books must be kid relatable and these stories speak loudly.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to check these out to figure out what how the author presents the character's vulnerability in each book.
ReplyDeleteSo many wonderful titles!
ReplyDeleteFresh way of looking at the heart of a story: sizzling with vulnerability. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSuch great titles on this list, Sue. Thank you for focusing on vulnerability!
ReplyDeleteI have read several of these books and loved them all. They do have an emotional hook that makes them so endearing. Thank you for reminding us about vulnerability. I will be sure to include that in my books where I can.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts and good selection of titles. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis post really has my wheels turning. Thank you for the book choices that each demonstrate vulnerability in very different ways. I love that, in very few words, you taught a powerful lesson.
ReplyDeleteVulnerability is indeed a "hidden golden nugget". Thank you for these wonderful examples!
ReplyDeleteVulnerability! A great thing to keep in mind. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteMake your picture book sizzle with vulnerability! Something to strive for after studying these mentor texts. Rereading the ones I am familiar with after reading your post, Sue, is something I look forward to!
ReplyDeleteBooks with vulnerability definitely add heart. Thank you for this golden nugget and great post, Sue!
ReplyDeleteLots to ponder with these books. Thank you for pointing out how vulnerability has a place in children's books.
ReplyDeleteThanks for opening up my eyes to books that speak for the vulnerable. Can I Be Your Dog?, IMHO, is one of the most perfectly written picture books. It has so much heart.
ReplyDeleteVulnerability and an emotional heart are ideal ways to a child's heart. Thank you for the great suggestions.
ReplyDeleteA Different Pond by Bao Phi& Thi Bui is the reason why mentor text is so important. This story is perfect for those like me trying to capture the essence of how life events and everyday life co-exist for children. These book choices make me dig deeper. Thanks
ReplyDeleteEscargot was really good! It was fun performing the French accent of his character for the kids. And listening to the dog voice of Arfy just made you want to be his person. So sweet! Thanks for these suggestions.
ReplyDeleteSix minutes to take readers on a journey into the emotional core whilst simultaneously exploring story themes such as love, kindness, and friendship. And, to do it in so many formats! Sounds daunting when you stop to think about it. No wonder it can take years for a picture book authors to develop their skillsets.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful books. I enjoyed all of them. Vulnerability, I think, is something that we lose a little of, as adults. We learn to mask our vulnerabilities and lose that beautiful connection to one another. I think it is so important to reinforce it's universality to children, so that they grow up embracing it and forming genuine connections with others.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful selection of books. Thank you for highlighting them!
ReplyDeleteA "character's lack" brings vulnerability. Great insight.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post and for your thoughtful comments on vulnerability in picture books. My little ones and I love THAT MONSTER ON THE BLOCK!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post! What a fascinating life you've had!! What year did you graduate from VCFA? I'm a fellow alum, Summer 2009.
ReplyDeleteLove your bio. Makes my life seem boring. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat mentor texts. Your bio made my head spin!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Angie! What an amazing bio!
DeleteOh how I love Escargot (the book not the delicacy!) And Can I Be Your Dog! I'm going to have to get my hands on these other titles. That 500 word rule is challenging. Thanks for the delightful shares!
ReplyDeleteevafelder@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue for addressing such a sensitive subject as vulnerability in Picture Books.
You certainly lead an amazing life as a writer, a musical theater producer, space advocate to Congress, and still have time to run marathons. I admire you the most for your philanthropic work. There is a lot I can learn from you.
So awesome your presentation of Planet Kindergarten to the kids all dressed up as an astronaut. I will make it a priority reading your books related to health issues.
I agree "All of Escargot is magnifique!" What a talent to use all his charm to be your favorite animal.
I was very touched to read the dedication of the book A Different Pond, winner of the Caldecott Honor Award:
Bao Phi: "For my family and refugees everywhere"
Thi Bui: "For the working class and all the young dudes"
Julian is a Mermaid, such a wonderful book about identity, unconditional love and acceptance. The illustrations convey the message in such magnificence, we just have to look at abuela's smile on the last page.
Can I Be Your Dog? is a book written for children and adults."My tail has been wagging ever since I got your note" says it all. I specially thank you for learning an important lesson in history, reading about James Van Der Zee. A jewel of a story.
Thank you, Sue, for sharing these five outstanding titles. I am pleased to learn about your published books. Such an impressive bio with many accomplishments and experiences. Thank you for all that you do to share the love of literacy and kindness.
ReplyDeleteSuzy Leopold
Thank you, Sue, for sharing these beautiful stories. Ahhh... a vulnerable protagonist, the secret ingredient to an amazing story!
ReplyDeleteOh....Can I Be Your Dog? Loved it. Thanks for this great list.
ReplyDeleteEscargot is a long time favorite. Had not stopped to analyze why. Vulnerability is an interesting idea. Thx for the other examples to study.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great list, Sue. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou've given me an entirely new perspective to consider. Seems the author must also be vulnerable. I'm now eager to read your books too BTW, I read CAN I BE YOUR DOG? to a class of 1st graders, and they loved it. (:
ReplyDeleteI needed this post. These will use these books in my quest to develop vulnerable characters. Loved how the illustrator captured the emotions in Can I Be Your Dog?
ReplyDeleteWonderful books...each one of them. Thank-you for choosing books that posses golden nuggets of vulnerability.
ReplyDeleteVulnerability gave emotional heart to each of these wonderful stories. Fantastic books!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great list! Love all these books!
ReplyDeleteI like how you put your finger on something that is not often thought of as an emotion: vulnerability. That's when we know we're closest to the heart.
ReplyDeleteI own a couple of these and was delighted with the rest. Also, I love Planet Kindergarten! So thanks for helping me to focus on this elusive quality in great children's writing.
ReplyDeleteVery nice list of books today. I like the diversity of topics and yet the common thread of vulnerability across them. Thank you for this great list!
ReplyDeleteThanks for these suggestions. They are great mentor posts if you're a bit stuck on how to add heart and emotion to your own story.
ReplyDeleteI had read all but one of these books before but I hadn't thought of any of them under the lens of vulnerability. So I read them differently than I had before and learned a lot.
ReplyDeleteComment Rhonda K Gatlin
ReplyDeleteThese were a group of books that did not seem to have the same subject matter. However they were well written some very serious and some with a lighter note.
Thank You for the book list.
Rhondakay1
Great mentor text suggestions. Thanks
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic range of mentor texts. Even the covers touch emotions. Thanks for pointing out the common factor of vulnerability, Sue.
ReplyDeleteSo many wonderful books, and great to see my critique partner's book on the list! I had fun reading TAKE A PICTURE OF ME, JAMES VAN DER ZEE when Andrea shared it with our group many years ago.
ReplyDeleteOh man! I wish you would walk us through these books to highlight the vulnerability. I loved Escargot. I remember how funny it was. Guess I need to go back and read it again. I'll use your advice "can be found in the story tone, setting, a character’s lack, a single line, or a through-line" to dig deeper. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for that thought of the vulnerability of the main character to be at the core of these stories. More things to ponder!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue! I hadn't thought of vulnerability as a powerful way to bring heart into a story - thank you! Wonderful mentor texts, too!
ReplyDeleteThank you. What a lovely selection.
ReplyDeleteNice variety of vulnerable types.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue for these heart-touching books.
ReplyDeleteThank you for explaining vulnerability with these structural techniques. I look forward to reading/re-reading these mentor texts with this emotional focus.
ReplyDeleteGreat list- thank you for highlighting what gives these books so much heart!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these titles on vulnerability, each one was new to me. Vulnerability is such an important trait to consider and write about.
ReplyDeleteAh, vulnerability, the great shared human truth... Thanks for these examples that delve into this aspect of life. Good mentor texts and good overview of incorporating the universality of being vulnerable into a story.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to describe these characters! Terrific selections.
ReplyDelete"Sizzle with vulnerability"--yes!! Another core lesson & skill to use when writing certain styles of picture books
ReplyDeleteI had never thought about the effect of vulnerability in a picture book before - thank you!
ReplyDeleteSue,
ReplyDeleteVulnerability is so important. I’m infusing that in an animal picture book I’m working on.
Yes, because I write narrative non-fiction and biography, I am a strong believer in bringing forth vulnerability in a character. It helps the reader connect with the story. Thanks, Sue.
ReplyDeleteLove all these titles! Can I Be Your Dog? And Escargot have been long-time favorites of mine and I never really thought about why they spoke to me so strongly. You are right! It's the vulnerability and the universality of that emotion. :)
ReplyDeleteVulnerability can be a scary thought, but your list of mentor texts is wonderful and each touches the reader with its "little nugget" of a treasure!
ReplyDeleteVulnerability adds depth to the story. I like it. I wasn't sure what it was about your book, "Now I'm A Bird" that draws the reader in--it's vulnerability. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteChildren learn through your books and through these books that is okay to not be perfect, to not be okay... but that we can find our strength in those parts of us that we worry about! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love picture books that tug at my heart and take me on a journey. Thanks for sharing these lovely selections with us!
ReplyDeleteDonna L Martin
JULIAN IS A MERMAID is a beautiful example of a grandmother helping her grandson indulge in a fantasy. And the characters did all the talking!
ReplyDeleteStellar selection here. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI so fell in love with Can I Be Your Dog, again the cleverness of the writing of letters. I bought this one too :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for these titles! I adore ESCARGOT!
ReplyDeleteI looooove the emotion in these books! Thank you, Sue!
ReplyDeleteSo, so true! Vulnerability os the key. Thank you for the recommendations!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of vulnerability, and the range of mentor texts you suggest.
ReplyDelete