ReFoReMo Day 14: Matthew Winner THINKS Like a Reader

3/15/2016

By Matthew Winner

Nothing makes writing stronger than reading a bunch of stellar books. Especially when those books challenge the way you think about writing. Here are five I love to think about because they challenge the reader to think about themselves and reveal something to the reader about themselves that they may not have noticed or thought about prior to picking up the book.

1. A NEED for COMPANIONSHIP
Lenny & Lucy by Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead

2. ACCEPTANCE of CIRCUMSTANCE
Little Tree by Loren Long

3. POETIC HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
Swan by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Julie Morstad

4. WHIMSY and REALISM HAND-IN-HAND
Home by Carson Ellis

5. PERSEVERANCE of CHARACTER
Max the Brave by Ed Vere

Happy reading! May you be inspired in myriad ways to create wonder for our readers!

Matthew is giving away a picture book critique to 3 lucky winners! Thanks, Matthew! To be eligible for this prize, you must be fully registered, comment on every post, read daily, and keep a record of your progress.

Matthew Winner is an elementary school teacher librarian in Elkridge, MD. He's the host of Let's Get Busy, a weekly kidlit podcast , and The Best Book Ever [this week], a weekly kidlit book review podcast. Matthew is represented by Danielle Smith of Red Fox Literary. Follow Matthew on Twitter at @MatthewWinner or visit www.allthewonders.com.

226 Comments

Heidi Yates

3/14/2016 12:30:45 am

Thank you Matthew! I love your reading choices. :)

Matthew C. Winner link

3/14/2016 08:15:45 am

Thanks so much, Heidi! Happy reading!

Maria Marshall

3/14/2016 01:16:50 am

Matthew, what great examples. I had not read SWAN and LITTLE TREE. What wonderful stories. I appreciate the revelations you find in the books. Acceptance is something that applies to so many circumatances (change - moving, graduating, loss, divorce. .. accept and we grow, cling and resist and we crack a bit). I wondered what you wold do with HOMES and I love "whimsy and realism." Like is so much fuller when we acknowledge both. Thank for a thought provoking post. ;-)

Matthew C. Winner link

3/14/2016 08:16:44 am

Glad you got a couple of new reads to enjoy, Maria! Thanks!

Sharon Giltrow

3/14/2016 01:45:44 am

Thank you for the stellar suggestions Matthew and reminding us that it is the reader who is the most important person.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/14/2016 08:17:07 am

Any time!

Joy Main

3/14/2016 02:09:56 am

Thank you Matthew for these lovely suggestions.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/14/2016 08:17:22 am

my pleasure!

Shellley Marshall

3/14/2016 02:19:32 am

Not only can what we write encourage young readers to think beyond the story itself, but adult readers as well. Here's to wonderful discussions between them both.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/14/2016 08:17:47 am

And these are just the books to do it! Cheers!

Rebecca Colby

3/14/2016 02:32:28 am

I definitely need to be challenged in the way I think about writing and myself. Thanks for some great recommendations!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/14/2016 08:18:33 am

Absolutely! Our readers are sophisticated beings in little bodies. Picture books are how they learn to understand their world.

Holly Samson Hall

3/14/2016 02:32:35 am

I love these selections! "Whimsy and realism hand in hand" is what I strive for with so much of my art and writing.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/14/2016 08:18:57 am

Nice! Glad the post connected with you!

Katelyn Aronson

3/14/2016 04:15:16 am

Great suggestions, Matthew. Trying to get my hands on these titles ASAP. Thank you very much for this list of your recommendations!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/14/2016 10:55:36 am

My pleasure!

Vicki Reinhardt

3/14/2016 04:58:41 am

Thank you for the great suggestions! I love book recommendations, especially ones that make the reader think! =)

Matthew C. Winner link

3/14/2016 10:55:59 am

happy to help!

Kirsti Call

3/14/2016 05:01:57 am

I can't wait to r-read these books with your words in mind! I love books that create insight in the reader!

Matthew C. Winner

3/14/2016 10:56:21 am

Awesome! Happy (re)reading!

Karla Valenti

3/14/2016 05:11:41 am

Oh, I love this! Books should always challenge us to think about ourselves in new and meaningful ways, they should be exercises in self-discovery, journeys we take into our soul that allow us to come back smitten. Thank you for such a great post!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/14/2016 12:12:42 pm

Thanks of reading and commenting, Karla!

Lisa Connors link

3/14/2016 05:28:11 am

Great mentor texts! Thanks for the suggestions Matthew.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/14/2016 12:12:59 pm

Thanks, Lisa!

Linda Chavez

3/14/2016 05:44:57 am

I love the idea of revealing something to our readers! Looking forward to reading these titles. Thank you.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/14/2016 12:14:33 pm

Happy reading, Linda!

Maria Johnson

3/14/2016 05:46:00 am

Thanks for the challenge.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/14/2016 12:14:45 pm

any time!

Cathy Breisacher

3/14/2016 05:56:19 am

Matthew, you never cease to amaze me. These are excellent examples to ponder and study. Thank you for taking the time to share. I also like how you mentioned that stellar books can challenge the way we think about writing. Oh, that is so true.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/14/2016 12:15:09 pm

Cathy, you are very kind!

Deborah Allmand

3/14/2016 06:12:07 am

Matthew I can't wait to read your suggestions. Thank you for stretching our scope of mentor texts. Using your examples can only strengthen our manuscripts. Thank you for the post and fabulous prize.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/14/2016 12:17:11 pm

Happy reading, Deborah!

Donna L Martin link

3/14/2016 06:12:24 am

I like your reading choices, especially Swan, since I currently write creative nonfiction. I'm loving this process!

Linda Carpenter link

3/14/2016 06:23:17 am

Many thanks Matthew for great suggestions! Let the day start with a fresh new read!

Terri Degezelle link

3/14/2016 06:23:19 am

I love librarians. Librarians are the best. They know everything. Thank you for a very good post.

Jodi McKay

3/14/2016 06:25:38 am

As a writer, I'm always trying to find new ways to learn (it's what we do, right?). I love that we can take examples like these and learn not just about craft, but about ourselves. Thanks, Matthew!

Nancy Rimar

3/14/2016 06:26:38 am

Thanks Matthew for the suggestions and the titles.

Lori Gravley link

3/14/2016 06:28:07 am

These books challenge the reader to think in new ways without being didactic, Thank you for the list!!

Jess Townes link

3/14/2016 06:30:50 am

I loved these selections, of which two were new to me this week (Swan and Little Tree). When a writer manages to write a character that kids can seem part of themselves in - that's where the magic starts. Thanks for sharing your perspective!

Kathy Halsey

3/14/2016 06:34:31 am

Hi, Matt, We school librarians rock, right? I am a former K-12 lms, and books are what I breathe. But we do read them differently as a writer and as a reader. Would love to win a crit from you.

Patricia Nozell

3/14/2016 06:52:06 am

Great examples, Matthew. Thank you!

Michele Manning

3/14/2016 06:54:07 am

Thank, Matt, for these selections!

debra daugherty

3/14/2016 06:54:16 am

Wonderful choices, Matthew. My must read book list is growing.

Shelley Kinder

3/14/2016 06:57:11 am

Thanks so much, Matthew, for these books. I have not read any of them. They look amazing!

Joan Swanson

3/14/2016 07:00:24 am

Thanks Matthew. I love that you have all that stuff up for kids like the podcasts. You're an acceptional teacher librarian!

maria gianferrari link

3/14/2016 07:02:10 am

Thanks so much, Matthew! I haven't yet read Little Tree, but it's on my request list now :). I absolutely LOVED Swan--such a lovely book.

MD Knabb

3/14/2016 07:14:24 am

Loved your post, Matthew-teachers know reading is thinking! I have some new books to reserve now.

Andrea link

3/14/2016 07:18:53 am

What a great selection of books to fire up some creative thinking! Thank you. There's a couple here that I'm really looking forward to spending some time appreciating.

PatHaap

3/14/2016 07:19:23 am

Perfect selections!

Laura Renauld

3/14/2016 07:21:18 am

All your suggestions were new to me except for Home. Lovely choices and different! Max the Brave was definitely a hit with my kids :)

Val McCammon

3/14/2016 07:24:08 am

Great recommendations -- I especially love "Swan" and can't wait to read the others again! Thanks, Matt.

Caroline Webster link

3/14/2016 07:26:47 am

I love your parting wish, "May you be inspired in myriad ways to create wonder for our readers!" Wonder is a lovely thing to focus on when writing:-). This makes me think of Robert Frost's words, "“No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” It seems wonder could be added to this list . . . wonder in the process of writing perhaps evokes wonder for our readers.

joanne sher link

3/14/2016 07:28:45 am

Still waiting on Swan, but the four others are SO amazing. Absolute treasures, and fabulous mentor texts. Thanks so much, Matthew!

Robin Currie link

3/14/2016 07:37:08 am

The only book listed I knew was Max. I help the rest are in the library and being used. Thanks for the insight.

Sue Heavenrich

3/14/2016 07:37:56 am

Great choices to read. I never had heard of "the Swan" before, so it was neat to read the story. Talk about perseverance! And Max the Brave - fun twist on how one can interpret the world. I love the stuffed characters in Lenny and Lucy... as for Little Tree - a great lesson in learning to "let go" in order to grow. So my big take-away: we all get what we need from the books.

Annette Bay Pimentel link

3/14/2016 07:38:17 am

Ah! That sense of wonder. I love your linking it to discovery.

Lori Dubbin

3/14/2016 07:42:23 am

Thank you, Mathew, for these fabulous titles. I can't wait to read them because of your descriptions. You create wonder for readers AND writers and inspire us to do the same.

Denise Engle

3/14/2016 07:44:05 am

Thank you, Matthew, for reminding us of how reading a book can reveal something about ourselves. Reading Swan as a mentor text did this for me!

Laura Purdie Salas link

3/14/2016 07:48:29 am

SWAN was one of my favorite picture books of the past year or so. Amazing. I loved HOME, too. The rest I haven't read, and they are in transit to my library right now. That moment of seeing something familiar in a new light is what I adore most about both picture books and poetry. Thank you!

Tina Cho link

3/14/2016 07:48:34 am

Love the challenge. Thanks for these books!

darlene koppel link

3/14/2016 07:49:08 am

Great reading choices - Thank you so much.

Amy Murrell

3/14/2016 08:00:12 am

Although it seems like a given, I actually think it's hard to think like a reader when you're writing - even for those of us who love to read and read a lot. Thank you, Matthew, for the clear goal. I really loved your recommendations too. I'm an acceptance and mindfulness based child psychologist so these are particularly great for me, and I didn't know any of them yet!

Matthew Winner link

3/17/2016 07:07:53 pm

I love this comment so much! Thanks, Amy!

Ann Magee

3/14/2016 08:06:14 am

Some new titles for me here--especially intrigued by HOME! Thanks, Matthew :)

Cathy Ballou Mealey link

3/14/2016 08:11:03 am

Wonderful list of books that broaden the reader's world view and self concept at the same time.

Linda Schueler

3/14/2016 08:23:41 am

I look forward to exploring these titles and thinking different about my writing.

Christine Rodenbour

3/14/2016 08:43:22 am

These are definitely thought-provoking, no doubt about that! Thanks for helping me see things in a new light.

Mary Boehmer

3/14/2016 09:01:33 am

Thank you for sharing with us! I just love Little Tree and Swan and can't wait to read the rest, doing my happy reading dance:)
Happy Reading!

Ali bovis

3/14/2016 09:02:24 am

Thanks so much Matthew! It is so enriching and inspiring to read so many stellar books. It's such a bonus that it can make our writing stronger!! Thanks so much for your amazing suggestions and the great post. Here's to challenging the reader to think about themselves in a new way they may not have noticed!

Melissa Rutigliano

3/14/2016 09:03:27 am

I have to comment about how much I enjoyed these books for not only their read-ability, but for their messages and deeper meanings, and really, quite frankly, because the feelings they left me with.
That whole feeling thing being said, l must mention how meaningful Little Tree was to me. I actually felt so horribly sad for Little Tree when all the other trees were able to grow and flourish with the change, while he could not accept it. His struggle was very real in the face of fear. You find yourself routing for this tree, and you're delighted when he is able to accept change. Nothing like a tree to get you motivated on a Monday morning :) The simple constructed sentences are packed heavy meaning, and the art-including the animals-says so much, and helps to really give you the feel for fear in the face of change, and the courage to be your better self. What a wonderful little story!
I also want to mention how Swan affected me because of the song. Yes, the song. You know, the one you can actually start to hear playing the first time she goes to the ballet? And then the music continues to play through the story of her life, and you find yourself dancing through the read accompanied by a graceful text. The writing is again simplistic yet intriguing, packed with music while painting a picture. Personally, I am not even a fan of ballet, but this book reads like an art. The last line "If only every dance could end in such sweet applause", gives you a true inspiration for life, and manages to leave you inspired in the face of learning of her life's end. That's a very difficult thing to do in such few words.
Bravo to these texts. Thanks for the recommendations! I look forward to following you more.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/17/2016 07:09:08 pm

You. Totally. Get it!!!

Anita Banks

3/14/2016 09:05:53 am

Thank you for the suggestions, I look forward to reading them.

Meena

3/14/2016 09:08:18 am

Great choices! Thanks for the advice.

Sue Poduska

3/14/2016 09:08:25 am

Thanks. Love these books. Interesting to hear your take on them.

Linda Thomas

3/14/2016 09:09:26 am

Thank you, Matthew, for the recommendations...I love thought-provoking books!

carole calladine

3/14/2016 09:17:14 am

Thank you for stellar stellar suggestions, Matthew.. Swan had already made my list as gorgeous, but I was unaware of the other four. What a community of good reading this month has turned out to be.

Manju Howard

3/14/2016 09:17:57 am

Matthew, Thank you for everything you do to promote picture books, authors and illustrators. And for anyone who has not listened to "Let's Get Busy" - I highly recommend the podcast.

Joana Pastro

3/14/2016 09:24:18 am

Amazing mentor texts! I haven't read Swam yet but after reading the other four I can see how these are books that "say without saying" :) they allow the reader to reach their own conclusion about the whats and the whys in the book and that's fantastic!
I'll be checking out your podcasts.
Thanks!

Lydia Lukidis link

3/14/2016 09:26:15 am

I love this reminder. Is is so essential to read amazing books! Really inspires you, and helps you understand yourself as a writer...

Karen Brady link

3/14/2016 09:31:01 am

Thank you for sharing these fabulous mentor texts with us! I think some of the best books ever written are those which inspire us to think more deeply and leave us changed in some way.

Angela Turner

3/14/2016 09:35:44 am

I'm enjoying the books I was able to obtain. Headed to library to get the rest. Thanks for such thought provoking recommendations.

Julie J Burchstead

3/14/2016 09:42:05 am

Thanks for this list. It always is a treat to see the unique and compelling ways other writers have drawn their readers in. Books do help readers think in ways they might not have before the reading. I have been seeing studies that show readers are more empathetic. That is a quality that seems more important than ever!

Mike Karg link

3/14/2016 09:44:33 am

Stellar choices indeed! Each of these stays with me long after I close them.

Susan Deo

3/14/2016 09:51:27 am

Thanks, Matthew, for inspiring us to see the wonder and try to "name" it-- in the books we read and in our own writing!

AJ Irving link

3/14/2016 09:53:40 am

Great mentor texts! Thank you, Matthew!

Tracey Brown

3/14/2016 09:53:56 am

Thank you Matthew for your post.

Rachel Hamby link

3/14/2016 10:01:20 am

Thanks, Matthew. Such beautiful book recommendations, I especially enjoyed Little Tree.

Natalie Rompella link

3/14/2016 10:02:57 am

I use Swan to show a good example of lyrical nonfiction. Love these!

Marlene Rohr link

3/14/2016 10:05:13 am

Thanks Matthew; lovely and inspiring choices!

JEN link

3/14/2016 10:07:52 am

Putting more holds on my library card now. Can't wait to learn a little more about myself. :)

Lauren Kerstein link

3/14/2016 10:35:51 am

These are fantastic mentor text recommendations! Thank you!

Ginger Weddle

3/14/2016 10:36:52 am

Matthew, Thank you this list of great books and for your insight. To "challenge the reader to think about themselves and reveal something to the read about themselves" is thought provoking and challenging for the writer. Thank you for the guidance.

Gabrielle Snyder link

3/14/2016 10:38:33 am

Great choices! I just recently discovered SWAN and my daughter and I have been reading it over and over. Such gorgeous language and so emotional. Thanks for the generous prize offerings!

Kristi Veitenheimer link

3/14/2016 10:40:07 am

Thanks for the recommendations, Matthew. I haven't read any of these, so they're definitely going on my list!

Sheri Radovich

3/14/2016 10:41:00 am

Thank you for your choice of books and will definitely find your podcast for new books you discover.

Sara Gentry

3/14/2016 10:41:30 am

Thank you for the reading recommendations. I had not yet read Swan. What a lovely book - both in words and illustration! p.s. I enjoy Let's Get Busy. I will have to check out the second podcast as well.

Heather Pierce Stigall link

3/14/2016 10:45:47 am

The first time I read Lenny & Lucy and Max the Brave I fell in LOVE! In fact, I first heard about Max from one of your podcasts (I'm a big fan!). I have also read Swan and Home and found them lovely. I am looking forward to reading Little Tree which is top on the list for tonight's bedtime stories with my little one. You seem to know your stuff, so I'm sure it will evoke emotion and thought, just like the other titles. Thanks for the recommendations.

Heather Pierce Stigall link

3/15/2016 09:52:53 am

Oh. My. Word! (in the words of Matthew Winner). I am IN LOVE with ANOTHER book! Little Tree is F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S! This book moved me and is truly a piece of art. Now that I've read the book, I am going to go back and listen to the Let's Get Busy podcast with Loren Long again. Thanks again!!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/17/2016 07:09:45 pm

RIGHT?!?!? So good!!!

Anne Appert link

3/14/2016 10:56:26 am

Several of these were on my to read list already. Can't wait to pick them up from the library! Thanks for the post.

Sherri Jones Rivers link

3/14/2016 10:56:48 am

I have read only one, but hope to get the others this week. I have heard good things about your choices. Thanks!

Martin Segal link

3/14/2016 11:10:36 am

Thank you for the great mentor texts, Matthew! We love Little Tree (pretty sure it's in our backyard!)

Mary Warth

3/14/2016 11:15:48 am

Great selections! I'm off to read.

sue twiggs

3/14/2016 11:18:02 am

Matthew,
I read Lenny and Lucy as one of Philip Stead's mentor texts and had to read it 2x to really absorb what the book says. It really 'grew' on me. I look forward to reading the other PBs you've recommended.
How generous of you to give PB critiques! I'd love to have one. You are one busy guy.

Sharon Putnam

3/14/2016 11:23:01 am

Thank you for the excellent suggestions, Matthew. Looking forward to reading Little Tree and Max the Brave, as well as Swan

Beverly Marsh

3/14/2016 11:30:14 am

Max the Brave is a favorite of mine. I look forward to reading your other suggestions, thanks!

Therese Nagi

3/14/2016 11:37:44 am

Thanks for sharing great mentor texts. I really enjoyed reading Little Trees sparse text but moving.

Charlotte Dixon

3/14/2016 11:45:10 am

Thank you, Matthew, for these great reads to add to my list :)

Donna Cangelosi link

3/14/2016 11:47:10 am

Thank you for your post and selection of mentor texts, Matthew! I love picture books that challenge the reader to think about themselves and their circumstances. I'm looking forward to reading/ re-reading the stories on you list.

Carol Cole link

3/14/2016 11:50:47 am

Matthew, What great selections for mentor books today. I love how Peter and Harold "find" new friends in "Lenny & Lucy". But my favorite is "Little Tree". Having worked as a Physical Therapist in a school system for 30 years, I could see the students I worked with accepting their challenges and learning to grow into their potential. Thank you.

Cecilia

3/14/2016 12:04:50 pm

Thank you for these suggestions. I am looking forward to adding these to my growing list.

Juliana Lee link

3/14/2016 12:11:17 pm

Thank you Matthew. Adore all your selections! I love Little Tree so much I had to get two copies autographed for my granddaughters. I think the reason I love this book so much is because my grands and I love it for completely different reasons. And I appreciate a story that can reach a reader on more than one level. :)

Stephanie Gray

3/14/2016 12:17:49 pm

So much to enjoy in these selections. Thank you for your wonderful website as well.

Cheryl Kim

3/14/2016 12:20:00 pm

Thanks for these great examples, Matthew! Looking forward to checking out your podcasts!

Jilanne Hoffmann

3/14/2016 12:26:13 pm

I just saw Lenny & Lucy and meant to pick it up. Now it's in my bag. And Little Tree, too. I already know and love the other three. Thanks for being such a stellar supporter of kidlit!

Karen Condit

3/14/2016 12:44:23 pm

I love PBs that allow the reader to go deeper, which is true about these recommendations. The beauty of so many books like these, enable the reader to go deeper the more they are read. With each read another layer is peeled back. Lenny and Lucy struck a chord with me as I have moved many times. This post reinforces my belief that PB books are as much for children as they are for adults. Thanks Matthew! (You have the job I wish I had!)

Tanya Konerman link

3/14/2016 12:44:36 pm

Great list with a couple I've never read...Thanks!

Elizabeth Duncan link

3/14/2016 12:55:30 pm

I enjoyed reading these books and looking at the layers of meaning that are held within the text and pictures. These are books that challenge readers on a variety of levels and allow children (and the adults who love them) to learn life lessons hidden in the simplicity and beauty of a picture book. I loved the Little Tree!

Megan Taraszkiewicz

3/14/2016 01:10:23 pm

Thank you for your post. Great selections and really thought-provoking stories!

Marianne Kuzujanakis link

3/14/2016 01:18:13 pm

Thanks Matthew! Love your podcast! Love your book choices! Hadn't heard of LITTLE TREE - I must read it now!
[Is that enough exclamations?]

Brenda Huante

3/14/2016 01:28:55 pm

I enjoyed your post, Matthew. I love how you challenged us to dig deeper.

Melissa Stoller link

3/14/2016 01:35:50 pm

Thank you, Matthew, for this insightful post. Your selections made me think as a writer and I appreciate your advice to reveal something to the reader.

Bethany Roberts link

3/14/2016 01:36:56 pm

I loved your thought-provoking selections, especially Swan. My 4-year-old grandson enjoyed Max the Brave and wanted it read again- a sure sign of approval!

Lauren Kerstein link

3/14/2016 01:48:48 pm

Thank you for your thought-provoking recommendations!

Janie Reinart

3/14/2016 01:52:39 pm

Cool, Matthew. I have four new titles to order from the library. Looking forward to the challenge of thinking differently about writing for kids.

debbie mccue

3/14/2016 01:57:34 pm

How wonderful to think of picture books as a way of self-discovery. I can't wait to read your suggestions and am so curious about the book, HOME, as a way to study whimsy and realism together in a story.

Cindy Cornwall

3/14/2016 02:07:31 pm

I've read Lenny and Lucy, Home and Max the Brave before. Loved all three, but it was interesting to reread them. I was noticing design and palette choices I hadn't seen before (I illustrate mostly, write some). Little Tree was lovely, and reminded me a bit of Kevin Henkes new book, Waiting. From all the raves, I look forward to reading Swan. Thanks for your choices and perspective, Matthew!

Bev Baird

3/14/2016 02:08:23 pm

Such wonderful choices. I certainly enjoyed reading them. Your last night inspires me - "May you be inspired in myriad ways to create wonder for our readers!" Fantastic giveaways as well Matthew - thank you.

Anita Jones link

3/14/2016 02:11:01 pm

I'm looking forward to reading your suggested books...and I see exactly what you said about reading good books will make my writing stronger! I'm still learning so much!

Andrea Allen

3/14/2016 02:27:11 pm

Max the Brave is one of my favorites! I haven't heard of Little Tree - will be checking that book out next. Thanks for the recommendations!

Alan Elliott link

3/14/2016 02:54:52 pm

Yes, Home was pretty different from other picture books... an interesting and enlightening read.

Ellen Leventhal

3/14/2016 03:02:03 pm

Although I was familiar with some of these books, I did not know all of them. I just used HOME to begin a creative writing project with second graders. Thanks!

Kathy Mazurowski

3/14/2016 03:06:58 pm

Thank you for your insight.

Chana Stiefel link

3/14/2016 03:08:19 pm

Winner's winners! Thank you so much. Great suggestions. So important that our manuscripts have layers beyond the simple story.

Sylvia Liu link

3/14/2016 03:12:23 pm

Can't wait to check these out. Thanks!

Dee Leone link

3/14/2016 03:14:18 pm

Great recommendations and a wonderful website, too. Looks like you're a real "WINNER."

Valarie Giogas

3/14/2016 03:38:47 pm

Once again, some new to me titles. Thanks for the great recommendations!

Mary Jo Wagner

3/14/2016 04:05:57 pm

I can only get my hands on two of these titles but I get to carry your thought-provoking words with me as I wait to explore all of them. It will be a challenge to wait :) But I love the idea of not only thinking like a reader, but thinking like these authors.

Jarm Del Boccio link

3/14/2016 04:27:35 pm

Yes, there should be something in each picture book with which the reader can resonate. And, it's important for me to remember as a writer. Great choices, Matthew. Thanks!

Susan Zonca

3/14/2016 04:54:14 pm

Another fine array of mentor texts.

Sandra Jenkins

3/14/2016 05:09:56 pm

Thank you! I look forward to revisiting these texts with new eyes.

Jena Benton

3/14/2016 05:22:39 pm

Wow, I don't think I thought of these books as challenging the writer AND the reader to think of things in a new perspective before. Thank you for gathering this list together.

Diane Asyre

3/14/2016 05:25:18 pm

I'm looking forward to reading "Little Tree" in particular because the concept of accepting certain circumstances is elusive me as well. That's some lovely face-painting by the way.

Keila Dawson link

3/14/2016 05:29:04 pm

I so enjoy books that I can relate to as a reader. And those with layer upon layer like Lenny & Lucy are so very special. As writers we tell our stories so someone, somewhere, just by chance, may need the message they read. Great booklist!

Judy Cooper link

3/14/2016 05:29:59 pm

Nice theme variety. Thank you.

Lucky Jo Boscarino

3/14/2016 05:38:10 pm

Thank you for introducing the list to Stead & Stead, my favorite author/illustrator combo.

Sherry Howard link

3/14/2016 05:39:28 pm

Those are great recommendations! And such a generous offer of critiques!

Denise Benavides

3/14/2016 05:43:25 pm

Thanks - I enjoy books that expand my mind.

christie allred link

3/14/2016 05:58:08 pm

I haven't heard of these books before. Thanks for the suggestions. I liked Max the Brave :)

Kimberly Marcus link

3/14/2016 06:00:00 pm

What a diverse selection of books. I'd not heard of any of these so thank you for the suggestions. I love picture books and these will count as some of my new favorites. Thank you!!

Sydney O'Neill

3/14/2016 06:17:05 pm

I love the voice in Lenny and Lucy. Thanks for these recommendations.

Linda Hofke

3/14/2016 06:23:55 pm

thanks for the book recommendations. I hadn't read any of them but just got ahold of Swan (such beautiful language) and Lenny and Lucy (love the ending lines).

Little Tree sounds like one I would like. I hope I can find that one.

Marilyn Garcia

3/14/2016 06:29:16 pm

Love your podcast, Mathew. This is a great list. I have been reading a lot of Philip Stead lately, just because I have found that I love his work. I don't know what took me so long to find him, but I'm glad I did. :)

Trine

3/14/2016 07:33:05 pm

Thanks, Matthew. These titles really live up to today's theme: "Thought Provoking!"

Lisa Rogers link

3/14/2016 07:46:18 pm

My students connected strongly to that need for companionship in Lenny and Lucy. Given the quiet palette, I was happily surprised that they engaged deeply with this book. They settled into the mood right away and engaged in thoughtful discussions.

Darlene

3/14/2016 07:52:14 pm

Can't wait to get ahold of these books. Thanks for the recommendations!

Traci Bold link

3/14/2016 08:29:49 pm

Matthew, great PB resources for self awareness in poignant stories. Good post.

Mary Worley

3/14/2016 08:32:36 pm

Wonderful list. When I listen to your podcasts, I often come away with a deeper appreciation of the featured book. It never fails brightens my day. Thank you for all that you add to the kidlit community.

Pamela Courtney

3/14/2016 08:36:57 pm

I just subscribed to your newsletter. I don't want to miss anything you're posting. When reading books, I never considered how to categorize them. This is such a good list to read again and again. Great post. And I appreciate your generosity.

Celeste Gerard

3/14/2016 08:37:45 pm

Thanks for these interesting suggestions. Home is a favorite!

Natalie Lynn Tanner

3/14/2016 08:45:58 pm

Hi Matthew!: THANK YOU for challenging us to use picture books to "challenge the way[we] think about writing." Also a WONDERFUL reminder that we learn something new about ourselves every time we open the pages of a book. An idea that just came to me for a creative writing/free write exercise: every time I read a book, no matter how long or short it may be, I am going to dig within myself to see what I have discovered about myself that day, in that moment, just from reading a book. WHAT ADVENTURES I WILL HAVE! THANK YOU for the inspiration! PS: I LOVE the pic of you and your daughter covered in paint!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/17/2016 07:10:55 pm

So glad you enjoyed! Thanks for the great comment!

Angie Quantrell

3/14/2016 08:53:49 pm

I love these books! Thanks so much for sharing yet more reasons to read great books. How can that not help our writing improve? Thank you!

Charlene Steadman

3/14/2016 09:01:05 pm

Little Tree is awesome! I love the idea of acceptance. What an important lesson for us all, big and small. My grandson will love Max the Brave!

Emily J

3/14/2016 09:04:45 pm

Great, great, great book recommendations! It is obvious you know your books. Thank you for the post!

Virginia Law Manning link

3/14/2016 09:51:50 pm

Thank you so much for the great reading list. I will read with my mind wide open : )

Janet Smart link

3/14/2016 10:35:02 pm

Thanks, Matthew, for your recommendations.

Suzanne Poulter Harris

3/14/2016 11:02:33 pm

Some of these books are new to me. Can't wait to get stuck in.

Monique Wakefield

3/15/2016 12:11:25 am

I have three of these great books and loved them.

Juli Caveny link

3/15/2016 12:46:41 am

It looks like I'm in the same boat as a few others in this group...and it's a great place to be! NEW BOOKS!!! "Home" and "Swan" look like they are my-kind-of-books. Can't wait to find them! Thanks for sharing your suggestions!

Lenne' Musarra

3/15/2016 02:48:41 am

Thank you for reminding us to create wonder for our readers, think like a reader and read stellar books that challenge us to think about ourselves in a new and different light. I'm off to the library tomorrow to find and read these books! Especially looking forward to Lenny and Lucy (a need for companionship), Swan (poetic historical narrative) and Home (whimsy and realism). My story: my love of books convinced my mom to become an elementary school librarian.

Carrie Pearson link

3/15/2016 04:58:24 am

"...challenge the reader to think about themselves..." self-reflection, even unconsciously, is a gift these authors have given readers!

Lisa Morgan

3/15/2016 05:27:47 am

I enjoyed your selections! Still waiting to get my hands on Swan and Max. I love the deeper message from Little Tree.

Lotus Ivak

3/15/2016 05:37:05 am

Hi Matthew, Thank you for the wonderful thoughts on this blog!

Mona

3/15/2016 06:03:53 am

Thanks, Matthew. I plan to read all of these books."You're" school kids are lucky to have you.

Leah Heilman Schanke

3/15/2016 06:20:25 am

Wow. Amazing choices! Swan is so brilliantly moving. The poetic text and the art create a sense that you are dancing through the story of an extraordinary life.

laurel link

3/15/2016 07:07:00 am

Thank you for including SWAN. Love this list, and all you do for kids and books!

Kathy Cornell Berman

3/15/2016 07:22:53 am

Thanks for the awesome suggestions Matthew. I hadn't heard of Little Tree, it sounds like a wonderful book. By the way, I love your podcasts.

Lindsay Hanson Metcalf

3/15/2016 07:28:13 am

Lots to love here. Thanks for the recommendations.

Alice Fulgione

3/15/2016 10:53:50 am

I'm very much looking forward to reading your recommendations!

DeLeon

3/15/2016 01:10:10 pm

I couldn't get these books earlier, but I was finally able to read them today. Great choices. Thank you very much, Matthew

Anna Forrester link

3/15/2016 02:02:51 pm

Great list -- thanks. (And thanks for the reminder to check out the ones I hadn't yet... too many good books out there!)

Jennifer Cole Judd link

3/15/2016 03:54:35 pm

Wonderful list--thanks, Matthew!

Anne-Marie Strohman

3/15/2016 04:26:44 pm

I've really been enjoying Swan and Home. They're both thought provoking and beautiful!

Helen Dening link

3/15/2016 04:44:45 pm

Can't wait for the selections to come it at the library. Thank you!

Noelle McBride

3/15/2016 04:47:27 pm

Thank you for these beautiful text recommendations. These books with such themes make them accessible to a variety of ages.

Melanie Ellsworth

3/15/2016 05:02:25 pm

I'm glad you introduced me to Little Tree. Acceptance is a tough topic and one that is handled beautifully in this book.

Ashley Bankhead

3/15/2016 05:38:25 pm

Thank you for all the great suggestions for mentor texts.

Laurie Bouck

3/15/2016 07:44:39 pm

Thank you for these great suggestions! It really helps to have some guidance when looking for mentor texts. :)

Lynn Davidson link

3/15/2016 10:19:10 pm

I've been able to read Swan, Home, and Max the Brave, but I haven't got the others yet.
I appreciate your suggestion that the books we write will challenge the reader to think about themselves. Thank you, Matthew, for another aspect of writing.

Carol Nelson

3/15/2016 11:13:32 pm

Thanks for introducing me to books I might not have found by myself!

Nadine Gamble

3/16/2016 08:08:32 am

Thanks for the list of books--more inspiration!

Brook Gideon link

3/16/2016 10:18:22 am

Such a wonderful selection of books! Thank you Matthew for a great post on the things we learn about ourselves when we read about fabulous characters!

Shelley Marshall

3/16/2016 12:40:09 pm

These are books that leave you thinking about them during and after reading them. Thanks for pointing out such poignant books.

sharon langley link

3/16/2016 01:01:58 pm

Books, glorious books...I have so many to read. Thank you for these selections. Sometimes when working with students, it's helpful to have a story or selection that they can read to jump start their thinking about themselves or a situation.

Ellen Fischer link

3/16/2016 05:43:19 pm

Thank you to the amazing Matthew Winner! A great list and a wonderful opportunity. This is the second time I am in awe of you and once again sending you great appreciation.

Amanda Sincavage

3/16/2016 11:22:06 pm

Wow! What an impactful selection of books and each for very different reasons. Adored "Little Tree" - amazing theme perfect for children and adults! Love "Home" ending with a question to the reader and how not all the homes on the cover are included within text of book. And "Swan" - what language! Thanks Mathew!

Lynn Alpert link

3/16/2016 11:25:42 pm

Thanks for the titles Matthew! I love your podcasts!

Colleen Paeff

3/16/2016 11:45:52 pm

Terrific selections!

Shari Della Penna link

3/17/2016 10:45:43 am

Thanks for your wonder-ful post and your thoughtful title suggestions!

Angela De Groot

3/18/2016 11:13:35 am

Thanks for the thought-provoking and voice-strong mentor texts.

Jane Buttery link

3/18/2016 11:23:43 pm

How fortunate children are to have you teaching the and about deeper ways of looking at homes, of considering fear and growth and about ballerinas and even puppeteers! I took a course about making and using puppets ;it was an eye opening and I do use them sometimes with story-telling. Children would love the fun you give them. Thanks for passing on books that open our minds to writing thoughtfully.

Suzy Leopold

3/19/2016 09:01:32 pm

Through PBs, a reader can learn and grow. So, no wonder you chose book recommendations that challenge a reader to think. Thank you, Matthew.

Kristen Browning

3/20/2016 12:00:38 am

Thanks for the great book choices. I hadn't read SWAN yet. The writing and the illustrations are amazing--a book I want to read over and over. I love the illustrations in HOME and the cleverness of MAX THE BRAVE, too.

Anne Young

3/20/2016 02:32:02 am

I enjoyed this eclectic group of books, each bringing something new. Thank you.

Gabrielle Schoeffield

3/20/2016 09:06:17 am

Thanks for the suggested reading. I loved Little Tree as did my 11 year old daughter.

Gabrielle

Wendy Greenley

3/20/2016 04:39:29 pm

I haven't read Little Tree yet, but it is now on the list! Nice to meet another Red Fox'er. :)

Lisa Williams

3/20/2016 10:33:23 pm

What a great list of books! Thank you! I like to choose read-alouds that also help me teach character education so these books are great to help with that.

Jill Jeffries

3/21/2016 09:10:49 am

Hmm.....a little author exploration to create relatable, memorable and interesting characters. I like that!

L. Michelle Quraishi link

3/21/2016 12:41:40 pm

I will add to the list of questions I ask myself about each WIP: What question does this book ask of my reader?

Rosie Pova

3/21/2016 01:51:31 pm

Multi-layered stories are my favorite! Thank you for discussing that topic and sharing your mentor texts.

Linda Kujawski link

3/22/2016 08:49:50 am

Thank you, Matthew! Love this selection of mentor texts.

Angela Dale

3/22/2016 11:33:58 am

Matthew - hello from Ellicott City. Thanks for these titles - mostly new to me. Home and Little Tree particularly struck a chord with me re: expanding a reader's POV both inward and outward. Your various kidlit outlets were much lauded at this past weekend's MD SCBWI conference, and I look forward to checking them out next.

Sadee Schilling link

3/22/2016 11:57:28 am

I love your take on these books, Matthew--that they encourage reader introspection. And you have some wonderful podcast interviews with the authors/illustrators of these--I remember listening to all of them except Carson Ellis. I'll have to go see if maybe you interviewed her and I missed it! Thanks for all you do and congrats on signing with Red Fox--I know we're all looking forward to reading YOUR wonderful books someday soon!

Karen Bell

3/22/2016 12:39:16 pm

Matthew - thank you for these wonderful mentor texts. I enjoyed the humor of Max the Brave and the imagination and creativity of Lenny and Lucy.

Nina Johnson

3/22/2016 01:12:37 pm

Great suggestions Matthew. I hadn't before read even one of these. Thanks.

Lauri Meyers link

3/23/2016 06:47:53 am

Oh, I love how you pulled the core truth out of each of these.

Kristen Schroeder

3/23/2016 10:33:54 am

Thank you for the suggestions. I'm always intrigued to read books by author/illustrators because they are so different to what I write.

Suzanne Poulter Harris

3/23/2016 12:52:59 pm

Thanks for introducing me to a diverse set of new books!

Claire Noland link

3/25/2016 02:24:58 pm

These are all such beautiful books - great examples books that can have an impact on the reader.

Cindy Jolley

3/25/2016 09:30:37 pm

Thanks you for these book suggestions. I really liked Max the Brave as an example of perseverance.

Kelly Rice Schmitt

3/26/2016 10:23:10 pm

What a list of great books this is! Thank you for sharing books that inspire change, provoke thought, or spur admittance of a flaw inside ourselves. I particularly loved Swan and Little Tree, both of which I hadn't heard of before.

Myrna Foster

3/27/2016 01:59:33 am

Thanks for these recommendations! I love the ones I'm familiar with.

Dina Ticas

3/27/2016 05:16:33 pm

Hi Matthew, thank you so much for writing this. My perspective as a writer always leads me to stories that cause a reader to think cosmically so I resonate with the first 2 and last points. I do love a good funny story but an added punch for me is when it makes a greater point that is bigger/greater than the character. And, what's this about a podcast? Care to share details?

LuAnn Kern

3/28/2016 11:26:07 am

Loved these books! Lenny and Lucy really stayed with me. And Max the brave is such a great character. I often get wound up in the story I'm trying to tell, thanks for the reminder to always consider the reader, too.

Lynne Marie link

3/29/2016 04:26:16 pm

Great books. I'm going to think like a reader :) Thanks, Matthew!

ReFoReMo Day 14: Matthew Winner THINKS Like a Reader

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