Do you utilize picture books as mentor texts? If so, how?
For about two years I visited two local libraries almost each week and got extra library cards for each of my sons, this allowed me to read about 80 picture books per week. This helped me to understand what worked well, what didn’t and why. I think the writing seeped in my subconscious and studying writing at the same time heightened my awareness.
I read a lot of biographical picture books in amongst the fiction picture books at this time. When I was asked to write MEET SIDNEY NOLAN, I closely studied the previous books in the series. I also studied word count and voice. I borrowed many books from the library, bought local ones and ordered some in from overseas (USA). I didn’t call them mentor texts at the time, to me it was research. I have listed some texts that I found particularly interesting and turned into mentor texts on the way.
Were there any particular mentor texts that inspired you in the creation of your two debut picture books, Sidney Nolan and Oliver's Grumbles?
There were many, but here are some favorites:
For Meet Sidney Nolan:
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