ReFoReMo Day 21: Ben Clanton Inspects Interplay

3/22/2015

by Ben Clanton

One of my favorite things about picture books is the creative potential that comes with the interplay between text and illustrations. The five picture books I’ve selected to feature use this potential to great effect. In each case the illustrations augment the text and give new meaning to the words. Even if you are not an illustrator these books are great examples of how to setup unique interplay.

The Great Paper Caper by Oliver Jeffers
Cheetah Can’t Lose by Bob Shea
Battle Bunny by Jon Sciescka and Mac Barnett Pictures by Matthew Myers
This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
Sam & Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett Illustrated by Jon Klassen

Ben Clanton is the author/illustrator of such picture books as Something Extraordinary (June 2015), Rex Wrecks It!, and Mo's Mustache. To learn about about Ben and his other books, visit http://www.benclanton.com/.

82 Comments

Maria Marshall

3/20/2015 06:13:58 pm

Ben thanks for including two PBs with seperate author and illustrator. I will go back and dissect Battle Bunny and Sam & Dave Dig a Hole to study the way they leave room for the illustratots.

Ben Clanton link

3/22/2015 02:33:58 pm

I think even those that are written and illustrated by the same person can be helpful for authors. In my opinion most of the best picture book authors have the mind of an illustrator if not the hands. Cheers!

Kaye Baillie

3/20/2015 06:20:03 pm

Some great books there and a couple I've not seen before. Thanks, Ben.

Ben Clanton

3/22/2015 02:35:43 pm

Ahoy Kaye! I'm happy that a couple are new to you. Hope you enjoy and gain oodles from them. Cheers!

Jilanne Hoffmann

3/20/2015 06:36:27 pm

I have just read Sam & Dave Dig a Hole. It is perfect. It is brilliant. It is like no other picture book I have ever read. I've got to go find the others on your list. I'm addicted. Yay!

Ben Clanton

3/22/2015 02:37:10 pm

So brilliant! One of those ones where when I saw it I was wishing I had come up with the idea. The end was especially unexpected and stands out. Cheers!

Maria Laso

3/20/2015 06:47:03 pm

I especially love when text plays with fonts and point sizes. Rah for interplay!

Ben Clanton

3/22/2015 02:38:11 pm

Yes!! Typography is another aspect of the picture book that allows for huge creativity. Rah indeed!

Keila Dawson link

3/20/2015 07:47:42 pm

Love books with illustrations that either tell a different story or with such a strong interplay that the story would be completely different without them. Love this list.

Ben Clanton

3/22/2015 02:39:08 pm

Yes!!

Linda Schueler link

3/21/2015 12:09:13 am

These all look like fun books.

Lisa Connors link

3/21/2015 12:40:42 am

The interplay between words and illustrations is so important for writers to remember. Thanks!

Ben Clanton

3/22/2015 02:40:52 pm

I had meant to include this link:
http://www.public.asu.edu/~diann/Resources/Text%20Set/Text%20Set--Picture%20Books.pdf
Well worth a look if the interplay is of interest!

Joyce Tucker link

3/21/2015 01:03:49 am

Illustrations are so important to analyze...thanks for sharing these titles.

Beth Gallagher

3/21/2015 01:04:35 am

Thanks for a great topic to think about, and some marvelous books to look deeper into! :)

Pat Miller

3/21/2015 01:08:29 am

Thanks for the list, Ben. BATTLE BUNNY is one of my favorites

Deborah Allmand

3/21/2015 01:11:23 am

Ben thank you so much for the post. I look forward to reading these books with this interplay in mind. Yesterday I saw your book Rex Wrecks It! on display at my local library.

Ben Clanton

3/22/2015 02:41:43 pm

Yay!! Thanks for telling me! :)

Robin Currie link

3/21/2015 01:20:36 am

I am fascinated by the best illustrators' ability to grasp the author's vision without them ever meeting! And the brilliance of the editor who matches them.

Deirdre Englehart

3/21/2015 01:44:44 am

Thanks for a new perspective on some books we have visited before and some new books to check out.

Rita Lorraine Hubbard link

3/21/2015 01:50:34 am

'Morning Ben, all of these picture books look fantastic. I can't wait to get my hands on them. I have a picture book coming out next Spring via Lee and Low Publishers, and I haven't been paired with an illustrator yet. These should give me an idea of what it is illustrators "see" when they read a text but haven't necessarily met the author yet. Thanks again!

Ben Clanton

3/22/2015 02:43:37 pm

Congrats!!! What is the title?

Marianne Kuzujanakis

3/21/2015 01:59:50 am

I love when PB books come together so well! Thanks for the recommendations, Ben.

My concern: It makes sense when the author & illustrator are the same person. However, it's my understanding that authors rarely if ever have any input or direct contact with illustrators. I've been told this by a few other authors. The two examples given above with Mac Barnett are ones where Mac worked directly face-to-face with the illustrators (and Jon Scieszka too, for one book).

Am I wrong on this perception? How can publishers have authors and illustrators work together more closely? Does this close partnership happen more often than I think?

Ben Clanton

3/22/2015 02:58:00 pm

Ahoy Marianne! A good point that Barnett and Scieszka are authors that often have an unusual amount of interaction with the illustrators they work with. I think (and this is me taking a semi-educated guess) is that illustrators and the editors and art directors involved in making those books might be more open to more author and illustrator interaction because both Mac Barnett and Jon Scieszka are very good about putting on an illustrator hat. What I mean by that is that while they aren't creating the illustrations they are both very good at anticipating illustration-potential and creating moments in the text where the illustrator has a lot of freedom in the telling of the story. Of course, it also helps that their books sell well and they are friends with many illustrators. I think it would be great if more authors and illustrators could work together more closely. Unfortunately, that barrier does exist for a reason. There are plenty of infamous stories about authors trying to dictate things about the illustrations. I think more interaction is likely when both author and illustrator are wanting to give more creative freedom to their partner rather than restrict.

Heather Pierce Stigall

3/21/2015 02:21:03 am

I have only read two of these, so I'm looking forward to reading the other three. Thank you for the suggestions.

Leslie Goodman link

3/21/2015 02:44:26 am

I look forward to each morning when I get five more mentor text recommendations to check out at the library.

Lori Dubbin

3/21/2015 02:53:28 am

For about a year now, I've been reading picture books with a different eye and studying the interplay between pictures and texts. Before that, I didn't realize the magic that was happening on the page. Now I can't look at a book any other way. Thanks for these fine examples.

Heidi Yates

3/21/2015 02:55:49 am

Thank you for the great recommendations! There are a couple I haven't read and I'm looking forward to picking them up at the library.

Kirsti Call

3/21/2015 03:02:54 am

Ben, thanks for the great suggestions! I'll now read them with our thoughts in mind.

Doreen Lepore link

3/21/2015 03:03:16 am

Thanks for the great list!

Rebecca Colby

3/21/2015 03:16:17 am

Awesome recommendations! I look forward to checking them out.

Debra Shumaker

3/21/2015 03:17:32 am

More great books to add to my list!

Nicole Popel link

3/21/2015 03:25:46 am

These are all my favorite books!

Ben Clanton

3/22/2015 02:58:59 pm

Nicole, you have good taste! ;)

Manju Howard link

3/21/2015 03:33:53 am

The more I read, the more it's clear which books are created by an author/illustrator, an author and an illustrator working together, an author and an illustrator working separately.

Kathy Mazurowski

3/21/2015 03:45:36 am

New tiles for me, The Great Paper Chase and Cheetah Can't Lose. Now to the library! Thanks

Ben Clanton

3/22/2015 03:01:18 pm

I think you're in for a treat! I was surprised that Cheetah Can't Lose didn't get more attention when it came out. It is all-round really well executed.

joanne sher link

3/21/2015 03:50:43 am

Totally wanna write books like these. Great list - picked up a couple of them this morning - the rest are requested via interlibrary loan. Thanks so much!

Therese Nagi

3/21/2015 04:05:00 am

Ben thanks for sharing some fun books to read. Can't wait to head over to the library!

AJ Irving link

3/21/2015 04:35:09 am

I love This is Not My Hat! Excited to read your other recommendations. Thank you, Ben!

Elaine Hillson

3/21/2015 04:36:32 am

Thanks for a great list to check out!

Kristi Veitenheimer

3/21/2015 04:41:43 am

And my list keeps growing! Thanks for the recommendations.

Gabrielle Snyder

3/21/2015 05:01:42 am

I love This is Not My Hat, and I'll check out the others. Thanks, Ben!

Janie Reinart

3/21/2015 05:11:51 am

Especially like the two pGe spreads without words that amps up a story! Excited to look at these titles!

Suzy Leopold

3/21/2015 05:26:18 am

It is always amazing to me how an illustrator *sees* the pictures from the words the author wrote. Thank you, Ben, for an outstanding list of picture books that create the interplay between picture and text.

Cassie Bentley

3/21/2015 06:14:31 am

Just looking at the book cover for Cheetah Can't Lose draws me in. I want to read it and the others you suggested.

shirley johnson

3/21/2015 06:27:21 am

Thanks for sharing these titles. Great list of books!

Angela Hawkins link

3/21/2015 06:37:12 am

Apparently I LOVE interplay as several of these books are among my favorites!

Having written several of this type of pb manuscript, I would be interested in seeing how these titles would be/were pitched. It seems agents/editors are looking for short, concise queries/submissions, and one begins to wonder how the 'writing between the lines' is to be fully understood...Suppose I have a lot more homework ahead of me!

Ben Clanton

3/22/2015 03:07:13 pm

Good point about the submission process! I think author/illustrators definitely have an advantage when it comes to presenting projects that have a lot of interplay, especially when illustrations and text are essential to the telling of the story. Illustration notes for such projects are vital for authors of such books and those have to be thought out just as well and thoroughly as the text. It is important to get the idea across but also leave lots of creative freedom for the illustrator to tell the story too. No easy answers to that!

Sandy Perlic

3/21/2015 06:58:13 am

I love it when you find that exciting kind of perfect interplay between words and text. I'd love to be able to duplicate that, even if I'm only doing the writing half. I'll look into the books you recommended that I haven't already read. Thank you!

Laura J / Laura Jenkins

3/21/2015 08:05:25 am

Some of my favorite picture books are by author/illustrators and I believe it is the interplay in them.

My question is how, as an author, can you convey some of this in your manuscript without a gazillion art notes. For an author/illustrator this is not something they have to worry about and they can portray what they need by just drawing, something that I believe is harder for someone who is just the author.

Ben Clanton

3/22/2015 03:16:10 pm

Great point! And a question that there isn't any easy answer to. Author/illustrators definitely have an advantage. In my opinion the best picture books tend to be written/illustrated by the same person. There are definitely many notable exceptions but as a general rule it helps when there is a holistic vision. My thoughts for authors . . . think of illustration notes in a similar way to how you think about the text of the rest of the manuscript. Each word matters and as a general rule less is more. Say as much in the illustration notes as is necessary for the idea to be understood quickly but avoid elaboration and too many details such as how the character looks or what they are wearing. If it isn't imperative to understanding the story then it shouldn't be in the illustration notes. The more illustration notes can be avoided the better but sometimes they are essential. Might also help to step into the shoes of an illustrator. Think about how you would feel if this manuscript was emailed to you. What information would you need to know and what would you not want to know so that you can exercise your own creativity.

Erin Nowak link

3/21/2015 10:08:11 am

Thanks for these suggestions! I love This Is Not My Hat. As an illustrator trying to develop myself further as a writer, I find myself thinking about interplay when brainstorming and editing my own ideas. My Teacher is a Monster (No I am Not) by Peter Brown is another book where I found the interplay between words and pictures to be particularly strong. Can't wait to dive into these!

Ben Clanton

3/22/2015 03:17:14 pm

Ahoy Erin! Funny you should mention My Teacher is a Monster . . . that was one of the ones I had pulled off the shelf to consider featuring!

Vivian Kirkfield link

3/21/2015 11:13:23 am

I'm so excited, Ben...I've actually read three of these...and I'll be reserving the other two at the library. Just like people in a marriage, text and illustrations need to work together - a sometimes difficult balance to achieve. Thanks for the great suggestions!

Yvonne mes link

3/21/2015 11:25:15 am

Great picks, I had not thought about finding PB to study particularly on their interplay, but now I will. It is more than just the dialogue, it is the whole set-up, I think the other thing your chosen texts have in common is their playful and magnificent sense of humor!

Ben Clanton

3/22/2015 03:21:03 pm

Yes, good point! ;)

Sue Heavenrich

3/21/2015 12:56:44 pm

What a bunch of great books! I just finished "Sam and Dave Dig a Hole" and have read a couple of the others.... I love the way the illustrations carry the story. They contribute things that words cannot describe.... which is the way it's spozed to be.

Barbara

3/21/2015 02:37:03 pm

Thanks Ben! Reviewing...even if again...these titles. I secretly wish I was an illustrator....don't tell.

Ben Clanton

3/22/2015 03:23:04 pm

I started out wanting to write books! But was so taken with the illustration aspect that soon I found myself doodling and teaching myself to draw. :)

maria gianferrari link

3/21/2015 02:38:59 pm

I love when there's a perfect blend of text and art--it make picture books sing! I haven't read that Jeffers book, or Bob Shea's Cheetah. They're going on my library list now. Thanks, Ben!

Wendy Engelmann

3/21/2015 03:21:21 pm

I love the Battle Bunny. Thanks for taking the time to pick such great books. I can't wait to read them.

Juliann (Juli) Caveny link

3/21/2015 07:23:30 pm

Thanks for the suggestions! I love Battle Bunny and adore books that have a hidden or additional layer of meaning within the illustrations. Can't wait to check out the Oliver Jeffers book. He is quickly becoming one of my new favorites!

Rachel Hamby link

3/22/2015 04:15:15 am

Thanks, Ben!

Ann Magee

3/22/2015 05:38:32 am

Need to go to library to find the first two--I don't know them. Thanks for the post!

Julie Burchstead

3/22/2015 08:12:33 am

I wonder how a text only author manages this. We are asked to allow the illustrator the creative freedom to play with the text. From what I understand it is the editor who will choose the illustrator. I understand how this works so masterfully in these brilliant examples. I would guess then we need to just trust the process? As a writer, make sure our text leaves white space for the illustrator and reader to inhabit?

Ben Clanton

3/22/2015 03:29:08 pm

Julie, I love this line "make sure our text leaves white space for the illustrator and reader to inhabit"! But illustration notes are sometimes necessary especially when the story can't be understood without them. A couple other people made similar comments and my recommendation has been to choose the words in the illustration notes as carefully as you choose the words of the text. Say as much as is necessary and no more. And, yes, leave that white space!

Val McCammon

3/22/2015 01:11:15 pm

Can't wait to read Battle Bunny, which I'm sure is as good as the others. Thanks for these recommendations, Ben

Rene` Diane Aube

3/22/2015 02:07:08 pm

Thank you for pointing out such an important aspect of what makes picture books great, Ben. I'm looking forward to studying the list you've provided :)

Romelle Broas link

3/22/2015 06:46:28 pm

I just read another great example of the interplay between text and illustrations: BUNNIES by Kevan Atteberry.

Caroline Twomey link

3/23/2015 01:45:06 am

I love reading PBs where the illustration carries on a whole new aspect of the story outside the text-Oliver Jeffers is fantastic at this! I haven't read Sam and Dave dig a hole yet but I'm looking forward to reading it now!

Lauri Meyers link

3/23/2015 05:55:19 am

OOh, I see an important new mentor text I've never heard of before. Time for a library hold.

Teresa MI Schaefer link

3/24/2015 05:54:55 am

I think you are right in studying the interplay of art and word. This should be in the revision toolbox of all PB writer's.

Carrie Finison

3/24/2015 06:28:05 am

As a writer-only, I find that drawing is still a big part of my process - and sometimes the images even comes to my mind first, before the words. It makes it easier for me to think about that important interplay. Thanks for this great list!

Linda

3/24/2015 09:04:54 am

What a fun list of books! Looking forward to another library day. Thanks, Ben!

Mary Worley

3/24/2015 10:08:19 am

I remember when Officer Buckle and Gloria came out. It was so exciting, and my students loved it! I especially like when the illustrations tell a story contrary to the text. So fun!

Janet Smart link

3/24/2015 11:44:33 am

thanks for the recommendations!

Gina Silvester

3/25/2015 08:26:25 am

Perfect examples of this unique topic

Sandy Powell

3/26/2015 04:54:47 am

Thanks for the great selections. I have read most of these, and they are very good. Especially, "Cheetah Can't Lose."

Jeanette Bradley

3/30/2015 02:04:45 am

I absolutely love REX WRECKS IT. I can't wait to read the ones on this list I haven't yet read!

Karen Nordseth Roos

3/30/2015 04:13:19 pm

the collaboration on 'sam and dave dig a hole' is just phenomenal and a perfect example of storytelling in a picture book. thank you for your post.

anita banks

3/31/2015 04:20:18 am

Thank you for the suggestions!

ReFoReMo Day 21: Ben Clanton Inspects Interplay

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