ReFoReMo Day 27: Julie Hedlund Delves into the Dark Side

3/28/2015

by Julie Hedlund

I think it’s important for kids to explore the darker parts of their inner nature in the safest place possible—books. I’ve been trying my hand at these subversive-style stories, but with a heavy dose of comic relief. The combination of danger and humor is irresistible to kids, as evidenced by the popularity of today’s featured books. Another element these books have in common is misbehavior on the part of the “victim(s)” in each story. So who is really the bad guy(s)?

The two “must-study” masters are, of course I WANT MY HAT BACK and THIS IS NOT MY HAT, both written and illustrated by Jon Klassen.

A few others that have inspired my work:

CARNIVORES written by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Dan Santat
MONSTERS EAT WHINY CHILDREN by Bruce Eric Kaplan
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE DINOSAURS by Mo Willems

Julie Hedlund is an award-winning children's book author, founder of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, blogger, and a regular speaker at SCBWI and other industry events. Julie contributes to Katie Davis' Brain Burps About Books and Children's Book Insider.

119 Comments

Kaye Baillie

3/26/2015 05:20:10 pm

Thanks, Julie for this post. I just love several of these books (just read the Mo Willems one and laughed out loud) so look forward to finding the other two.

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:09:15 am

Thanks, Kaye! I think you will find the others just as entertaining and informative. :-)

Urania Smith

3/26/2015 05:29:20 pm

I'm glad you wrote this. My March 12x12 draft is dark and humorous, and I don't think I would have wrote it if not for studying several of these titles this month. The only one I haven't read is Monster's Eat Whiny Children. I'm curious to check that out. Thanks!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:10:35 am

Hi Urania! I think Monsters Eat Whiny Children is from a British author, but I know I found it here in the States. The illustration style works so well for his subject, too.

Kristi Veitenheimer

3/26/2015 05:46:34 pm

These are all going on my "to get" list, pronto!

Keila Dawson link

3/26/2015 06:01:08 pm

Carnivores is one of my all time favorites too. Love it!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:11:10 am

Carnivores is so funny! Sort of reminds me of the vegetarian sharks in Finding Nemo - LOL

Jilanne Hoffmann

3/26/2015 06:30:32 pm

I, too, am fascinated by "dangerous" picture books. I just finished reading the two by Klassen. He's a master. Another that I would add to this list is Lemony Snicket's "The Dark," illustrated by Klassen.

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:11:53 am

YES! "The Dark" is a great add, Jilanne. Thanks!

Rebecca Colby

3/26/2015 08:37:03 pm

Now these are some recommendations I can really sink my teeth into! Looking forward to getting subversive this week! :)

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:13:04 am

Enjoy that diet of subversive, Rebecca! :-)

Caroline Twomey link

3/26/2015 11:19:46 pm

I love these two by Jon Klassen -the unexpected ending is fantastic! I haven't read Monsters eat whiny children but even the title promises a good read ") Thanks for these suggestions Julie!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:14:03 am

"Monsters" is a good one! And I agree, the title is so funny you can't help but pick it up. Plus it appeals to both kids AND parents, which is part of why it's so brilliant.

Linda Schueler link

3/26/2015 11:23:06 pm

I agree that books are a great way for children to explore darker parts of their nature. I have read all of these except for "Monsters eat whiny children", and I am looking forward to reading it.

Julie Burchstead

3/26/2015 11:49:06 pm

Anyone who has read old fairy tales and older books written for children knows we had a long foray into sugar coating stories for children. Having an outlet for a quirky bit of oddment or scare is not a bad thing. My youngest son thrived on Stinky Cheese Man...even was inspired to write his own version as a first grader.

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:19:22 am

Yes, we need some "frogs and snails, and puppy dogs' tails" just as much as "sugar and spice and everything nice." :-)

Deborah Allmand

3/26/2015 11:50:46 pm

Julie, thanks so much for the great suggestions. I have read the Klassen books and Mo Willems book but I love forward to reading your other choices. I do love the twist at the ends of some of these books. Thanks again!

Marianne Kuzujanakis

3/27/2015 12:16:13 am

Thanks, Julie. Great book recommendations. Klassen's I've read, but the others are new to me. Off to the library website to place a hold on them.

Nicole Popel link

3/27/2015 01:11:21 am

I've never heard of Monsters Eat Whiny Children so I'll add it to my list!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:20:07 am

Thanks Deborah, Marianne, and Nicole! I hope you enjoy the ones you haven't yet read.

Angela Hawkins link

3/27/2015 01:14:19 am

Who hasn't wanted to take a peek at the Dark Side?...especially when it's filled with humor! Thanks for the great titles Julie!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:20:41 am

Balancing with humor is what makes these books even MORE delicious (pun intended) :-)

Heather Pierce Stigall

3/27/2015 01:22:05 am

awesome suggestions! I've read 3 out of 5, so I"m looking forward to reading the other two.

Shirley Timberlake Fadden link

3/27/2015 01:27:49 am

I'm going over to the dark side. Thanks!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:21:41 am

Thanks Heather and Shirley!

Sue Heavenrich

3/27/2015 01:34:01 am

Thanks! Definitely putting these at the top of my reading list! I like books with a bit of twisted character. Makes them more like real kids.

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:22:47 am

My thoughts exactly, Sue! One of the things I love about the Mo Willems book is that it calls into question Goldilocks' obnoxious behavior. I mean, who goes into someone's house uninvited, eats their food, breaks a chair and falls asleep? LOL

Kirsti Call

3/27/2015 01:40:11 am

I just read Carnivores for the first time...what a fantastic book. I'd love to write something that is great for kids and adults in this way. Thanks for the great suggestions. I haven't read the Whiny Kids one yet....

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:23:49 am

Glad you're inspired to write stories like these, Kirsti!

Erin Nowak link

3/27/2015 01:56:12 am

I love Klassen's books, but have not yet gotten to the other 3, so I am eager to check them out! I whole-heartedly agree that children should get to explore difficult themes in the safest place possible, and picture books are perfect for that. Something I need to remember as I press forward writing and drawing. Thank you!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:25:24 am

Thanks, Erin. As long as the dark elements are age-appropriate, I don't think kids need "protection" from books. They need to understand that they have their wild sides, and that's okay too. :-)

Juliana Lee link

3/27/2015 01:56:54 am

I loved THIS IS NOT MY HAT. Shared the story with an older retired teacher (older than me) and she was horrified! "That teaches kids if someone takes something of yours it's okay to kill them." I was floored!!! What a difference a few generations makes in the appreciation of books! :)

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:28:06 am

Hey Juliana, did you see the webinar with Jill Corcoran? In it, she said her first reaction after reading THIS IS NOT MY HAT for the first time was, "Holy crap!" Followed immediately by, "Awesome!"

What the book teaches kids is that right and wrong is seldom black and white - an important message and one that inspires critical thinking and discussion.

Juliana Lee link

3/27/2015 06:52:28 am

Ho-Ly-Awe-Some! :)

Laura Renauld

3/27/2015 02:34:13 am

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs is a favorite. I need lots of humor to balance the darker content.

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:29:02 am

Thanks, Laura! Humor is definitely an essential component to these books.

Janie Reinart

3/27/2015 02:36:08 am

Julie can't wait to get my hands on Monsters eat whiny children. Thanks for the post.

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:29:18 am

You're very welcome, Janie!

Jarm Del Boccio link

3/27/2015 02:49:13 am

Thanks, Julie. . .good to have you joining us for the challenge. Two of these are new to me. Going to check them out now. 😉

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:30:04 am

Hi, Jarm! I'm so glad to be part of this challenge! I was honored to be asked. Carrie has done a phenomenal job putting this together for us.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2015 07:17:00 pm

Awwww, thanks, Julie!

Elaine Hillson

3/27/2015 02:51:21 am

Thanks for the suggestions Julie. I agree that stories are a great place to explore darker themes.

Robin Currie link

3/27/2015 03:18:16 am

Great list - I agree the safe fear/laughter is important - look at roller-coasters!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:30:55 am

Thanks Elaine and Robin! The combination of fear and humor is seductive for sure.

Rachel Hamby link

3/27/2015 03:29:31 am

I love this style of book too, Julie. Just read a review of the book, Danny. I can't wait to read it!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:31:30 am

I haven't heard of DANNY, so I'll have to check that one out too. Thanks, Rachel!

AJ Irving link

3/27/2015 03:47:23 am

Thank you, Julie!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:31:54 am

You are very welcome, AJ!

Lori Dubbin

3/27/2015 03:53:45 am

Thanks, Julie, for these darker side stories laced with humor. It's so hard to get those measurements just right. I laughed out loud at "Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs." Klassen is 'Klassic.' Now I need to glean from "Canivores" and "Monsters Eat Whiny Children."

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:32:19 am

LOVE the phrase Klassen is Klassic. :-)

Suzy Leopold

3/27/2015 03:59:08 am

Even though I have read two out of the recommended five titles, I was not familar with the term subversive-style stories. I look forward to reading all. Thank you for helpng me to learn and grow today, Julie.

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:34:13 am

Suzy, I first heard the term a couple years ago at LA-SCBWI. Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett gave a presentation on the topic (they were releasing their book BATTLE BUNNY, which I confess is not one of my favorites). But as the two of them are masters of the subversive, I was inspired to read more books of this type and to try my hand at writing one.

Michael Wayne link

3/27/2015 04:04:01 am

Thanks for the list! Good timing for my current WIP.

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:35:26 am

So glad this post hit in time to help you with your WIP, Wayne! Good luck!

Debra Shumaker

3/27/2015 04:08:43 am

LOVED Carnivores. The only one I haven't read is Monsters Eat Whiny Children. Need to find a copy!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:36:02 am

It seems WHINY is the one most people haven't read. I hope you all can find it!

Heidi Yates

3/27/2015 04:24:22 am

Great book choices Julie. Thank you! The only one I haven't read yet is Monsters Eat Whinny Children. I hope I can find it at my library today. Another fun book that fits into the "dark side" is Wolves by Emily Gravett.

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 04:36:40 am

Thanks for the suggestion, Heidi! I always love adding to the list of books that explore the dark side. :-)

Lisa Connors link

3/27/2015 04:42:18 am

I've not seen Whiney yet either. It looks intriguing!

Sandy Powell

3/27/2015 05:15:10 am

I am not really a fan of the dark side, but I must admit these Jon Klassen's books are edgy and humorous. They do have their place in children's books. Thank you for the post and the selections. And Mo Willems...Genius!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 08:02:17 am

"Edgy" is another good description for these books, Sandy.

Mary Worley

3/27/2015 05:19:50 am

Love this type of book. I purchased them for my middle school library because my students loved them and they started some great conversations. As I think back, I don't recall many being written by females? Someone mentioned Wolves (fabulous!), but surely there are others? Anyway, you gave me something to consider. Thank you!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 08:04:12 am

OMG Mary, you just tapped into a HUGE bailiwick of mine!! HUGE! A big part of the reason I wanted to write a book like this is because I DO have this kind of sense of humor, but there are so few written by women in the market (trust me - I even talked to Betsy Bird about this issue). So ladies - don your dark capes and get busy writing! :-)

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2015 07:25:37 pm

I agree, Julie! Not only for the dark side, but for the "voicy" labels, too. While there are plenty of awesome voices out there belonging to women, when I think of the stand-out voices I admire in PBs, Barnett, Klassen, Scieszka, Rubin, and the like pop into my mind first. Time to get busy! :)

Leslie Goodman link

3/27/2015 05:19:53 am

Great mentor texts, Julie! It's wonderful to benefit from your expertise at 12x12 as well as here. Thanks!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 08:04:33 am

Thanks, Leslie!

Rita Lorraine Hubbard link

3/27/2015 05:34:35 am

'Morning Julie,
Thanks for this great list. I finally got to read This is Not My Hat and thought it was hilarious. I have the other ones on my TBR list. Funny, but I never thought of picture books having a dark element until I joined ReFoReMo and 12x12. Love looking at things from all angles!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 08:05:09 am

That's what's so great about this challenge - being able to look at books from so many different angles. Thanks, Rita!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2015 07:27:06 pm

It's so awesome to hear that what I set out to do is helping! :) Hooray for more angles! More, more, more! :) Love it!

Cassie Bentley

3/27/2015 05:40:16 am

I cannot wait to read Monsters Eat Whiny Children. The title grabs me. Thank you Julie. I've enjoyed this challenge and the 12by12 Challenge. They have turned my writing around.

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 08:17:29 am

So glad to hear that, Cassie!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2015 07:28:10 pm

I love hearing that so many people want to get their hands on whiny children! Don't they just irk you? Ha, ha! Sorry, I couldn't resist!!!

Joni Klein-Higger link

3/27/2015 05:47:05 am

There is a good reason Mo Willems keeps popping up on ReFoReMo mentors' texts. I really enjoy his fun, unique style. As for THIS IS NOT MY HAT, I must confess, it's a bit too dark for my Pollyanna-loving taste, but agree there is much to learn from Jon Klassen; he is a master at getting a powerful message across with few words.

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 08:17:54 am

Mo Willems is indeed a master! Always worthwhile studying him.

Katey Howes link

3/27/2015 05:53:22 am

Great list - and perfect timing. My online PB crit group has been discussing subversive and scary texts recently! It's so interesting how they balance humor and (lets face it) horror in a way that engages and entertains kids. My 4 year old adores these Jon Klaussen titles as well as the classic There's A Nightmare In My Closet by Mercer Mayer, which I thought for sure would frighten her. Must find her the Monsters Eat Whiny Children title!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 08:18:26 am

My kids loved THERE'S A NIGHTMARE IN MY CLOSET too!

Stephanie Geckle link

3/27/2015 06:03:53 am

I think it's so important to have children's books that take a walk on the "dark side." Keeping kids in a protective bubble only hampers their emotional development. We all must face tough issues head on and not run away from them or pretend everything is peachy keen. These books will empower kids and make them think. Thank you, Julie!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 08:18:58 am

So agree, Stephanie! Thank you for your comments.

Taurean J. Watkins link

3/27/2015 06:14:47 am

Some of my favorite subversive reads include-

"I, Crocodile" by Fred Marcelino
Sadly out of print, but worth seeking out, and your local library may have a copy.

"Weasels" by Elys Dolan
Wickedly delightful book. I even made a fan trailer for it-
https://www.youtu.be/-Hcr_7aGUBI

"Bad Dog" by Nina Laden
Wonderfully lyrical story with quirky adorable illustrations. Like "I, Crocodile" sadly out of print, but worth seeking out, and again, ask your local library!

"There's A Wolf At The Door" by Zoe B. Alley (illus. R.W. Alley)
While it's not particular dark, the humor certainly has subverise tones to it, and illustrations in comic panel format show that off really well.

Also made a fan trailer for it: https://www.youtu.be/goFTgjHSzpk

I know this is mostly a picture book focused challenge, but for those of you with teens, I wanted to share a book I'd read recently-

"BB Wolf & The 3 LPs" by J.D. Arnold (illus. Rich Koslowski)
While not a picture book, and not for little kids, those of you with teens might want to check it out. It's a graphic novel based on true events that uses "The Three Little Pigs" as a loose framework to tell a gut-wrenchingly raw story of racial profiling and prejudice at it's worst.

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 08:20:51 am

Thanks for the additions to the list, Taury!

Carrie Finison

3/27/2015 06:41:12 am

Thanks, Julie! I just checked and my library has Carnivores (haven't read that one yet) so I can pick it up today. Can't wait!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 08:21:19 am

You're in for some fun, Carrie! :-)

Pat Miller

3/27/2015 06:56:38 am

I love GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE DINOS. Another dark book for kids is WOLVES by Emily Gravett. There is a bunny--for most of the book. Not for the faint-hearted!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 08:21:45 am

I have GOT to pick up WOLVES. Thanks, Pat!

Sandy Perlic

3/27/2015 07:39:30 am

I love the dark humor in these! These are some of my favorites, and a couple I haven't read yet... thanks for the recommendations.

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 08:22:39 am

You're welcome, Sandy!

Maria Laso

3/27/2015 07:54:01 am

Dark--My favorite flavor!

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 08:22:58 am

I like it too, Maria! :-)

Maria Marshall

3/27/2015 08:16:18 am

Looking forward to finding and reading Monsters eat Whiny Children. Thanks for the post & suggestions, Julie.

Julie Hedlund

3/27/2015 08:23:18 am

You're welcome, Maria. Enjoy!

Ann Magee

3/27/2015 08:27:47 am

I find these kinds of books are not my forte to write, but I'm open to learning new things, so I'll check the last three out--I haven't read them yet. Thanks, Julie.

Patti Meyers

3/27/2015 08:31:42 am

I read Jon Klassen's book and just couldn't reason why they are popular. Not my kind of story for kids.

Kathy Mazurowski

3/27/2015 09:45:32 am

Thanks Julie. New on my radar, Monsters Eat Whiny Children. I have to take a look at this one.

Therese Nagi

3/27/2015 10:50:15 am

Julie I'm v going to enjoy reading these subversive books.

Linda

3/27/2015 11:07:23 am

Thank you, Julie. Can't wait to read your suggested books!

Yvonne Mes link

3/27/2015 12:31:27 pm

Thanks for the subversive suggestions! There are two I hadn't read yet, and was able to put both on hold at the library!

Lauri Meyers link

3/27/2015 02:24:39 pm

Just like those popular Disney movies - a good dose of terrifying stepmother is always easier to swallow with a little bit of humor. I love how these books make adults pause, "can I bring this book to school?" and "is this too scary for bedtime?" All the while the kids are just giggling beside them.

Kristen Kirwan Browning

3/27/2015 02:38:55 pm

Thanks for the post. I just read and enjoyed THIS IS NOT MY HAT. I look forward to checking out your other suggestions. I also can't wait to do the 12 X 12 next year!

Deirdre Englehart

3/27/2015 04:30:21 pm

Julie,
I love the suggestions and the combination that makes them successful. Great approach!

Saba

3/27/2015 06:35:25 pm

I have not read I Want My Hat Back or This Is Not My Hat. Thank you for the suggestions.

Juliann (Juli) Caveny link

3/28/2015 01:17:24 am

Sometimes I'm thrown off at the beginning of these. But typically, by the end I'm laughing. I don't mean to offend anyone, (I personally love the books and would use them in my JH classrooms) but do we have numbers on how these appeal to children (elementary)? I always wonder because in our school library, these are not the books that are checked out again and again. Also... this makes me think of genres that are trending. What other genres are newer and up-and-coming? I'm seeing more mysteries for the younger bunch and retro-fairytales. Ideas??

Manju Howard link

3/28/2015 03:20:41 am

Thanks, Julie! Dark humor has always had a place in children's literature. I recently read The Flat Rabbit by Bardur Oskarsson.

Rene` Diane Aube

3/28/2015 04:00:52 am

I haven't read any of these yet, Julie. Thanks for sharing yet another element of picture books :)

Hally

3/28/2015 05:21:45 am

Thanks so much for the suggestions! I am planning a day at the book store soon for some research!

Val McCammmon

3/28/2015 12:24:29 pm

Carnivores is a favorite at my house and Klassen's are terrific. Can't wait to read the others. Thanks, Julie.

Chana Stiefel link

3/29/2015 06:39:13 am

Love this post. Two 'subversive' texts I just read are THAT IS NOT A GOOD IDEA! by Mo Willems and PARDON ME! by Daniel Miyares. My kids all said YIKES and we laughed a lot.

shirley johnson

3/29/2015 08:24:12 am

Great post! Thanks for sharing.

Janet Smart link

3/29/2015 09:21:23 am

Hi Julie. Thanks for the list of books.

Romelle broas link

3/29/2015 10:37:27 am

I just realized that many of my favorite books fall under the subversive category. Hmmm...that must say something about me. :)

Gabrielle Snyder

3/29/2015 11:01:59 am

My kids and I love This Is Not My Hat. I'll have to check out the other recommendations. Thanks, Julie!

Vivian Kirkfield link

3/29/2015 06:10:26 pm

Thanks for these dark suggestions, Julie. So many great books, so little time to read them. ;)

Jeanette Bradley

3/29/2015 11:39:51 pm

Thanks for these great suggestions! I haven't seen monsters eat whiny children but I am going to hunt it down!

Angela Padron link

3/30/2015 01:41:19 am

Love to read "on the dark side" once in a while - thanks!

Gina Silvester

3/30/2015 06:32:19 am

These topics would have seemed crazy to me but when I look at these examples they seem perfect for the PB genre.

Karen Nordseth Roos

3/30/2015 03:57:47 pm

i couldn't agree more that stories offer children reflections of their whole selves, all sides. what a gift. thank you for bringing these texts to light!

maria gianferrari link

3/31/2015 03:38:56 am

Thanks, Julie! I have been dying to read Carnivores! Our library didn't initially have it, but now there's an e version--better than nothing, though I prefer real books :) Thanks for the fun post!

Anita Banks

3/31/2015 04:13:17 am

Thank you for the suggestions!

Sydney O'Neill

3/24/2016 11:36:16 pm

Thank you for these recommendations, Julie. I enjoy the subtle way Klassen presents the humor.

Susie Sawyer link

3/30/2016 01:34:16 pm

When my daughter and I read "I Want My Hat Back" together, at the end she said, "...Did he just eat the bunny?" Of course, I said, "What do you think?" She frowned a bit, then giggled and said, "I think he did!" Obviously, she was caught by surprise at the macabre ending, but enjoyed it. :) Thanks for these great ideas Julie!

ReFoReMo Day 27: Julie Hedlund Delves into the Dark Side

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