ReFoReMo Day 22: Author Joana Pastro Kerplunks into Onomatopoeia

I believe onomatopoeia is so much more than mere representation of sound.

It helps amplify all sorts of actions and, in doing so, all sorts of emotions. In LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS, I used “Kerplunk!” repeatedly as a way to introduce a character’s intention. Here are some other examples:

CAN U SAVE THE DAY by Shannon Stocker/ Illustrated by Tom Disbury

Here, the vowels go on strike, making communication rather challenging.

“Instead of bark, the dog said ‘brk.’”

Laughter is guaranteed!

 

THE LITTLE BLUE COTTAGE by Kelly Jordan/ Illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle

Who knew a “honk-honk” and a “beep-beep” could be so heartwarming?

“Then one day a faint beep-beep! echoed in the drive.”

 

TWO BICYCLES IN BEIJING by Teresa Robeson/ Illustrated by Junyi Wu

Lunzi is looking for her friend Huangche. Every “Brrr-ring-ring” fills us with hope and anticipation for their reunion.

“Brrr-ring-ring. Could it be?”

 

ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE SAY GOOD NIGHT by Lauren H. Kerstein/ Illustrated by Nate Wragg

From the very first page, onomatopoeia sets the tone.

“ZIPEEEEE! WAHOO! Rosie the superdragon saves the world!”

 This story is full of frolicking fun and mishaps!

 

WOOD, WIRE, WINGS by Kirsten W. Larson/ Illustrated by Tracy Subisak

Here, onomatopoeia helps show Lillian’s inquisitive spirit, hard work, frustrations, excitement and accomplishment when she finally succeeds.

“It lifted off, soaring toward the future . . . BBRRRMM BRRMMMM”.

So go ahead: Add those sounds! Let those feelings soar!

Joana is giving away a copy of LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS to one lucky U.S. winner! 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.

Joana Pastro always wanted to be an artist of some sort. So, she became an architect. But once her first child was born, all the visits to the library, and the countless story times made Joana start dreaming of becoming a children’s book author. After a lot of reading, writing and revising, her dream came true. Her debut picture book, LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS, illustrated by Jhon Ortiz, was published by Boyds Mills Press in 2020. Her second book, BISA’S CARNAVAL, illustrated by Carolina Coroa will be published by Scholastic in November, 2021. Originally from Brazil, Joana now lives in Florida with her husband, her three extremely creative children, a rambunctious Morkie, and a needy Maltipoo. Visit her on Twitter @jopastro, Instagram @jppastro , or at www.joanapastro.com.