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ReFoReMo Day 5: Susanna Leonard Hill Begs for the Reread

3/6/2015

306 Comments

 
by Susanna Leonard Hill

New Email from Carrie:  Susanna, I’ve invented this awesome challenge for PB writers – Reading For Research Month.  Will you be an author-educator?

Reply Email from Susanna: Sure.

Inside Susanna’s head: Holy #$%^$! What on earth will I say?

(I may have paraphrased a bit.  Especially that last part- Ha!)

Author-educator?  Reading For Research?  It sounds so serious and weighty… and a little like homework… which I am not at all good at!

Which brings me to a little confession. I don’t have a “system” for studying mentor texts.  I know – shocking and unbelievable!  It’s okay.  I’ll take myself to the time-out corner.


But while I’m over here, reflecting on the error of my ways, I’ll tell you what I do (if I’m allowed to talk in time-out)

I choose a picture book.  Sometimes the choice is based on buzz I’ve heard or a review I’ve read, but usually it’s pretty random, based on availability or a good title or cover.

I read the picture book from cover to cover.  I have a reaction.

Sometimes I love it.  I’m amazed by the author’s skill at creating character, or manipulating emotion, or crafting a surprise ending.  I wish I’d thought of the concept myself, or had the ability to write such a book.  If I love the book, I file it away in my mind for future reference.  If I happen to remember it for longer than a week (given the sieve-like nature of my brain these days) that is an excellent indication that it’s truly a quality book.  If that is the case, it tends to have an inspiring effect.

Other times I feel “meh” (alas, not the reaction every writer dreams of evoking in their readership!)

And every now and again I find myself wondering who was in charge the day that book got published.


Basically, I’m less of an analyzer and more of a gut-reaction evaluator.  And hey, look at that!  If I’d put Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3, it would have looked like a system and I wouldn’t have had to endure time-out!

So how, you may ask, is this helpful?  Well, I’ll tell you.  Other author-educators in this series are sure to address such elements as character, story arc, hooks, theme, language, format, emotion, action, rhyme, endings, and a host of other things we writer-types like to discuss, all of them important.

But I’m going to talk about something else – something that draws on ALL those things together – the global element that gut-reaction evaluation is perfect for:  re-readability.

Now don’t say that’s not a word!  It is too!  My agent uses it all the time, as in “Susanna, that manuscript you just sent me is a one-time read.  It needs re-readability.”  Possibly she made it up.  But it’s a good word and an even better concept.

Re-readability is the element that all truly great picture books have – they make you want to read them again, and again, and again.

And again.


So what makes a book re-readable?  What do you need to look for in your reading research, and how can you get re-readability in your manuscripts?

The answer to that, to some degree, is it will be different for every writer, every story, and every reader.  That might sound bad.  After all, if it’s so changeable, how can you identify it and make sure you have it?  But it’s actually a good thing because it allows for a wide range of stories and styles – different strokes for different folks.

What it ultimately comes down to is a lot of the elements mentioned above.  Here are some of the biggies you can look for as you read, and try to incorporate as you write:

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1.     Character:  There’s something about a knowable, believable, relatable character that makes you want to climb into the book with them.  They feel like friends.  We want to spend time with them.  Look at I Am Cow: Hear Me Moo (Nadine is a ringleader, a little boastful and overconfident, a little reluctant to admit when she’s wrong, and quite willing to let others believe what they want J), Sophie’s Squash (Sophie is delightful and sweet in her devotion and commitment to a squash), Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake (Betty Bunny is a handful J), and Z Is For Moose (there’s no one like Moose!) for examples of well done characters that make us want to share their stories over and over. 

Try writing characters kids will want to hang out with.

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2.     Theme:  A universal childhood theme can reel us right in because we’ve been there!  We know what that feels like!  We have struggled with wanting to assert our independence when we’re not quite ready to be on our own. We have longed to be babied when we’re old enough not to be. We have been wounded by injustice, and suffered being misunderstood.  We have cried because we felt unloved, and rejoiced because we felt important.  A picture book with a strong theme, such as Penguin And Pinecone (when you give love, it grows), Extraordinary Jane (everyone has something to offer), or The Most Magnificent Thing (working through frustration leads to accomplishment), makes us feel connected, and that feeling of connection pulls us back to read again.  We are not alone.

Try including a meaningful theme.

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3.     Language: lyrical language that sings off the page is a delight to read and to listen to.  Rollicking rhyme is fun!  Onomatopoeia gives us the opportunity to play with sound, both as writers and readers.  A book like Blue On Blue mimics the rhythm of rain.  Red Sings From Treetops is simply beautiful in its evocative language.  A book like Toucan Can, Cock-A-Doodle Oops!, or A Leaf Can Be is so much fun to read that no sooner do you finish, you want to start again

Try taking the time to make your language irresistible.

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4.     Mood/Emotion:  A book that evokes a strong mood or emotion – peace, disappointment, humor – will beg to be read.  Kids are drawn to books that can either conjure a mood they desire (humor so they can laugh, peace so they can unwind) or articulate a mood they feel (anger, disappointment, fear.)  Take a look at Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake (temper tantrum, humor), Blue On Blue (fear/calm), The Most Magnificent Thing (frustration/anger), and This Is A Moose (humor).

Try using mood to your advantage.

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5.     Ending: endings that make us laugh, or put a lump in our throats, or make us say, “Aw!” are all winners, as are endings that surprise us, or send us back to the beginning or encourage us to think beyond the book.  The effectiveness of the ending is strongly tied to mood – a good ending can really enhance the mood and vice versa.  A book that finishes well makes us want the experience again, and so we read… See The Bear Ate Your Sandwich (surprising, funny, unreliable narrator), Extraordinary Jane (sweet, “aw!” ending), Maple (another sweet, “aw!” ending), Sophie’s Squash (okay, I’ve got to stop with the sweet endings! J)

Look for ways to make your endings strong.

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Any of these things, or a combination of them, can put re-readability in your manuscript.  (You’ll note that a bunch of those titles showed up repeatedly.)  As a reader, you will know as soon as you finish the book whether it has re-readability by the fact that… you want to read it again!   If you’re the analytical type you can identify what it is in that story that made it so strong.

As a writer, it’s a little harder.  We all tend to love our own work.  But if you’re honest with yourself – really honest – you know when your writing is just going through the motions and when it’s really working.  Pay attention to the stuff that’s really working.

So as you’re writing, ask yourself: is this story strong enough, appealing enough, compelling enough to make kids want to read it over and over and over?  If the answer is no, look for ways to take it up a few notches.

Look for what will make kids say, “Read it again!”

Titles/Traits Cited In This Post (for ease of reference while reading):

  • A Leaf Can Be by Laura Purdie Salas (2012) (language)
  • Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake by Michael Kaplan (2011) (character, theme, mood (temper tantrum, humor))
  • Blue On Blue  by Dianne White (2014) (language, mood (fear/calm)
  • Cock-a-Doodle Oops! by Lori Degman (2014) (language, mood (humor))
  • Extraordinary Jane by Hannah E. Harrison (2014) (theme, ending)
  • I Am Cow, Hear Me Moo by Jill Esbaum (2014) (character, mood (humor))
  • Maple by Lori Nichols (2014) (theme, ending)
  • Penguin And Pinecone by Salina Yoon (2012) (character, theme, ending)
  • Red Sings From Treetops by Joyce Sidman (2009) (language)
  • Sophie’s Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller (2013) (character, theme, ending)
  • The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach (2015) (mood (humor), ending)
  • The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires (2014) (mood (frustration/anger), theme)
  • This Is A Moose by Richard T. Morris (2014) (character, mood (humor), theme)
  • Toucan Can by Juliette MacIver (2014) (language)
  • Z Is For Moose by Kelly Bingham (2012) (character, theme, mood (humor), ending)

Prize Alert
Susanna is giving away one Making Picture Book Magic Course to take place June or later!  To be eligible at the conclusion of ReFoReMo, you must be fully registered between February 15-March 1, read consistently, keep good records, and comment on this post.

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Susanna is the award winning author of nearly a dozen books for children, including Punxsutawney Phyllis (A Book List Children's Pick and Amelia Bloomer Project choice),No Sword Fighting In The House (a Junior Library Guild selection), Can't Sleep Without Sheep (a Children's Book of The Month), and Not Yet, Rose (a Gold Mom's Choice Award Winner.)  Her newest book, Alphabedtime!, is forthcoming from Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Books, in Summer 2016.  She teaches an online picture book writing class – Making Picture Book Magic – offers picture book critiques, and does frequent school and library visits.  She lives in New York's Mid-Hudson Valley with her husband, children, and two rescue dogs.
Follow her at http://susannahill.blogspot.com


306 Comments
Rebecca Colby
3/4/2015 05:49:37 pm

Great tips for improving the re-readability of a text! (and I love that word--I'm going to start using it now :) )

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:39:50 am

It IS a good word, isn't it? You can thank my agent, the incomparable Liza Voges :) Glad if the post was helpful :)

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Jilanne Hoffmann
3/4/2015 05:51:53 pm

Oh, Susanna! You are soooo spot on! Re-readability is the tender spot, the magic, the je ne sais pas! But we know it when we read it. The classics that stick around forever have the elixir of re-readability. I keep re-reading them because I love those quirky characters who do unexpected things. And I want to keep enjoying their quirks and unexpected twists of fate. They become my friends, the peeps I want to hang out with, surround myself with, sit down and have a drink with—grape juice, of course.

Great post!

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Jilanne Hoffmann
3/4/2015 05:53:31 pm

Oh, and have some chocolate with, too... :D

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:42:17 am

There is a whole LIST of classics I could have mentioned, but we were supposed to stick with recent titles - a good idea because it's important to know what works now. The thing I love about re-readability as a writer, is that every story has the chance to speak to someone, and you never know who that's going to be :) Grape juice? Really? I'll stick with chocolate :)

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Jilanne Hoffmann
3/5/2015 08:20:33 am

Of the fermented variety. Perfect when paired with chocolate. :D

sharon giltrow
3/4/2015 05:51:57 pm

love the word re-readability (no spell check, must be a real word :-)) It takes a long time for us to write a PB so it would be nice to write one that kids want to read again and again and again.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:44:19 am

The great thing is that all of our stories have the potential to be re-readable. You write from your own mind and heart, so what you have to say is quite likely something that will touch someone else somewhere. Kids (and grown-ups :)) connect with books that mean something to them at the time!

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/4/2015 06:17:58 pm

Thank you so much for this incredibly educational and focused post, Susanna! Thinking about rereadability before submitting is something I see a lot of writers struggle with. By studying texts that kids ask for again and again, writers can begin to assess whether that spark is present in their own work. For me, it all starts with an original concept. Paired with lyrical language, character, and mood, that manuscript starts to sing!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:45:02 am

I know - easy peasy, right? Just like a recipe... NOT! :)

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/5/2015 08:42:52 am

Did I hear somebody mention a recipe? I'm making banana bars later. I'll send you some virtual banana bar love. And then I'd better get back to work. :)

MaDonna Maurer link
3/4/2015 06:24:56 pm

Thanks for sharing this advice with us. It's something we all want, but I've not heard it talked about before. Refreshing and insightful. I'll be looking more closely at why I read some books again and again....thanks again!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:45:49 am

So glad if you found it helpful, MaDonna! It certainly something editors take a close look at before committing their publishing dollars!

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Maria Marshall
3/4/2015 06:57:03 pm

Susanna, you can come out of time out now. I have chocolate.....
Thank you for succinctly, and with great examples, explaining re-readability. Thanks also for reminding us that even published authors get their books sent back by their agent for edits! "Maple" is one of my favorite books. As is "Bear Has a Story to Tell" by Phillip Stead. Such a sweet circular book that it begs to be read again and again.....

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:47:10 am

AW, you're so nice Maria! Letting me out of time out AND supplying chocolate - it doesn't get better than that :) And yes, published does not mean perfect - far from it! We can all always learn!

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Elaine Hillson
3/4/2015 08:47:09 pm

A wonderful post Susanna. Re-readability - I love that word. There are books that I read again and again because I love the character, the world, and the journey through it. Those are the books that let me daydream about actually being in the story and taking part. I'd love to write like that.
And for anyone who wins the prize - I'd just like to say that Susanna is a wonderful teacher. The course is incredibly informative and of course so much fun. I know because I am just waiting for lesson 19 to come winging its way into my mailbox at midday today.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:48:16 am

Yes, that't it exactly, Elaine! "The journey through it" - I wish I'd thought to say that! I'm glad you enjoyed the post, and thank you SO much for your kind words about my class :)

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Maria Laso
3/4/2015 09:09:50 pm

Possibly my favorite post to date (luckily I don't really have to choose!), and it's got legs too, ie, re-readability! Look for me in the timeout corner Susanna and the other kool kids.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:49:05 am

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Maria! And also glad you'll keep me company in the time-out corner :)

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Yvonne Mes link
3/4/2015 09:16:04 pm

Re-readability will make its way into the dictionary, I am sure. Great post, Susanna with some great mentor texts. Like you, it is the books that I can't stop thinking about and hang around my grey matter that have that re-readability and make their way to my bookshelves!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:50:13 am

That is so true, Yvonne. And those re-readable books are also the ones you want to emulate as a writer (not that you want to write the same thing! but that you want to get the same effect!)

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Dee Knabb
3/4/2015 09:48:14 pm

Timeless advice. Have read some of these but will be off to B&N today to read the rest. Thanks

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:51:25 am

I hope you'll enjoy them, Dee! But the great thing about re-readability from a writing standpoint is that books I love might not sing to you as much and vice versa - which allows room for lots of writers to please lots of readers!

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Kathy Phillips
3/4/2015 10:20:41 pm

Hi Susanna!
Love your thoughts on how you think when you work :)
Thank you for the sneak peek into your thoughts.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:51:51 am

I try never to think, Kathy. It's so stressful :)

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Linda Schueler link
3/4/2015 10:39:18 pm

Great, Susanna! I never thought about it, but re-readability is so important! Now to try and incorporate that into my own manuscripts.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:52:32 am

You will be able to Linda! You've got a real knack for humor! :)

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Deirdre Englehart
3/4/2015 11:02:20 pm

Susanna, I love your approach and analysis of our challenge of writing a good book. Great mentor text ideas!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:53:08 am

Thanks, Deirdre! Glad if it was helpful! And I hope you like those books as much as I do :)

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Angela Hawkins link
3/4/2015 11:22:52 pm

Such great advice Susanna! Re-readability will become my new mantra! Thanks so much!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:53:41 am

It's a good mantra to have, Angela! If you've got that, you're in pretty good shape! :)

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Ariel Bernstein link
3/4/2015 11:40:52 pm

I love Susanna's website! Wonderful advice in this post and I'm going to check out the books I haven't read (and re-read the ones I have read!).

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:54:40 am

So glad you found the post helpful, Ariel, and thanks so much for liking my website :) Enjoy the reading!

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Jodi Mckay link
3/4/2015 11:57:20 pm

There are a handful of books that I could read to my son over and over again, but I've never really examined the reason why other than how they make me feel. Now I can't wait to break them down into Susanna's factors of re-readability. Thanks Susanna!!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:57:00 am

You're very welcome, Jodi! Good luck finding the magic :)

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Juliann (Juli) Caveny
3/4/2015 11:59:39 pm

Spot on, Susanna! Thinking back through different stories/pb WIPs, I definitely can think of places, (okay...some need revamped overall!) where the read-ability could be increased simply by amp-ing up or toning down different elements you've suggested. Great post!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:58:12 am

Yeah... we've all got those WIPs that need a complete overhaul :) But I'm thrilled if something I've said strikes a chord and helps you tune up your stories :)

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Sue Poduska
3/5/2015 12:03:34 am

Some valid and thought-provoking points. (I hate it when people make me think.) Thanks so much for the magnificent list and for doing what you do.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 03:59:23 am

I myself try to avoid thinking - it's such hard work! :) - hence my lack of a mentor-text analysis system, Sue. Go with your gut. Feel the magic. Don't think too hard :)

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Sara link
3/5/2015 12:04:03 am

I love your honesty about the gut reaction! I used to be the intellectual sort, truth over beauty. And then I learned how truly emotional human brains are and that those gut instincts draw on a high intelligence from thousands of subconscious cues that the analytical part doesn't make sense of. Would you believe that emotional part is so strong that our analytical mind uses justifications to prove whatever we believe right?

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:01:37 am

What I take form this, Sara, is that my inability to be intellectual is a sign of high intelligence :) But seriously, I really believe that in the final analysis (hehe) successful picture books are all about emotion - whatever the emotion happens to be. Someone (I can't remember who) said picture books were about big emotion in little people and I think that sums it up as well as anything!

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Jeanette Bradley
3/5/2015 12:08:44 am

Love this. I've been re-reading Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad books many times a day the past few weeks and marveling at how well they stand up to repeated readings. I want to capture that magic too!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:02:52 am

Oh, I LOVE Frog & Toad, Jeannette! I've been thinking quite a lot about the story where "Spring is just around the corner" and Toad doesn't know which corner it is :) Those are wonderful mentor texts for re-readability!

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Manju Howard link
3/5/2015 12:12:56 am

Susanna, I appreciate your take on creating a story with re-readability. I've been working on developing stronger connections between my characters and readers.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:04:00 am

That's really what it's all about, Manju. And re-readability speaks particularly to that connection because different books will be meaningful to different readers at different times, depending on what they have a need to connect with.

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Mike Karg link
3/5/2015 12:13:03 am

Thanks, Susanna! You've highlighted some books that my kids have certified as re-readable and others that I'm sure will pass that test as well.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:05:06 am

I'm glad if it was helpful, Mike. One thing I find interesting is that sometimes books that pass the adult re-readabilty test don't pass with kids and vice versa. I think it's the ones kids love that we really have to pay attention to!

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Robin Currie link
3/5/2015 12:15:03 am

What great titles - I agree it is a gut reaction! Sometimes I look at stuff I worked on years ago and think "this is worth tweaking - there something there!" other times - "meh - what was a thinking when I wrote that?" Must look at Z is for Moose - thanks!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:06:15 am

I love when I take out an old ms and think, hey! this isn't bad :) It doesn't happen as often as I'd like :) If you haven't read Z Is For Moose yet you are in for a treat! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! :)

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Laura K Zimmermann link
3/5/2015 12:20:31 am

Thank you for the great advice and suggestions!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:06:37 am

You're very welcome, Laura! I hope it's helpful!

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Joanna link
3/5/2015 12:46:49 am

Another fabulous post I shall be bookmarking. This series is excellent.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:07:18 am

I'm so glad you liked it, Joanna! I worry about being the weak link in the chain :) but I have to agree that all the other posts have been amazing!

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/5/2015 08:50:32 am

So nice to see you here, Joanna! (I'm assuming this is Joanna M?) Thank you for the compliment. There are many great resourceful minds in our kidlit community! We can learn so much from one another. :)

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Debra Shumaker
3/5/2015 12:49:57 am

This is great! If it ever stops snowing, I've got to get back to the library and get more of these books. . . I've read about half your list. Thanks!!!!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:08:26 am

Do you live in the mid-Hudson valley, Debra? Because doesn't seem like it will ever stop snowing here either! Or get out of the single digits for more than 4 minutes :) Good luck getting out for some books! :)

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Juliana Lee link
3/5/2015 12:58:36 am

Yes, it is a word! You know those stories parents can read to their child at bedtime with their eyes closed? Yup, re-readablity! Again, Again.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:09:42 am

There are still several books I can recite from when my kids were little (even though that was back in the last millennium :)) because I read them so many times... but also because they were so well written that the rhythm of the language sticks with me. I dream of writing books like that!

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Juliana Lee link
3/10/2015 03:42:39 pm

Me too! Of course some of the rhyming texts make it super easy to read with your eyes closed too.

Alice Fulgione
3/5/2015 12:58:56 am

I loved your book list!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:09:57 am

Thanks, Alice! :)

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Doreen Lepore link
3/5/2015 01:15:54 am

Thanks for the great advice and reading list!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:10:25 am

You're very welcome, Doreen! I hope they're helpful! :)

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Penny Parker Klostermann link
3/5/2015 01:16:29 am

To paraphrase Lilly in LILLY'S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE---one of my favorite books with major re-readability. . .
"Wow! That's about all I can say, Susanna! Wow!"
Wonderful post with exceptional tips.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:11:13 am

Golly, Penny - put me in the same sentence with Lilly and I feel WOW! :) Glad if it was helpful in any way, but I think you've got handle on this stuff :)

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Sue Heavenrich
3/5/2015 01:16:56 am

I love that word: re-readability. And your great list of books... putting them on my "things to get at library" list. Which is getting longer by the day...

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:12:08 am

I know it! So many great books. I'm thinking, since Princess Blue Kitty may not hold them all that maybe I should just move into the library :)

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Renee Kirchner
3/5/2015 01:18:35 am

I love your comment about re-readability! This is so true. I read books to preschoolers in story time. I know the book is good when the child wants to check it out and read it again immediately after my story time.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:13:16 am

That is the best sign there is, Renee! And kids are the best judges of what they like - far better than we are as adults! - so pay close attention to what the kids ask for. You've got a built in recommendation system! :)

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Laura Purdie Salas link
3/5/2015 01:24:36 am

Thanks for the shout-out, Susanna. Re-readability is key--thanks for de-mystifying it a bit:>) Off to put more books on my tbr list!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:14:38 am

You're welcome, Laura, but I have to say I genuinely admire the way you choose your words! Somehow you manage to say so much with so little - a skill I have yet to master :)

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Cathy Ballou Mealey link
3/5/2015 01:49:03 am

I love your honesty Susanna! Your five category elements are priceless, however. If you can write a book that hits a sweet spot in one or more of those areas, I'd say it's got that magic re-readability factor!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:15:52 am

I'm so glad if you found anything I said helpful, Cathy! :) And yes, it's all about hitting those sweet spots. It sounds so simple... :)

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Joyce Tucker link
3/5/2015 01:55:18 am

Thank you so much Susanna! I need to be more cognizant of books as I read and reread them. And especially when I buy them...look for re-readability.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:18:35 am

For me, Joyce, re-readability is a pre-requisite to purchase! I have to love it. But sometimes I think we have just as much to learn from books that don't hit the re-readability scale - it's a chance to look at why they don't resonate with us, which can be just as valuable to improving our writing!

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Amanda Smith link
3/5/2015 02:23:07 am

For a post that is based on gut feelings, this one is overflowing with great information and wonderful examples. Thank you, Suzanne, for naming those gut feelings and making them legit.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:19:10 am

You're welcome, Amanda! I'm glad if it was helpful! :)

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Wendy Engelmann
3/11/2015 07:50:42 pm

Susanna, your book list rocks! For having "gut" feelings you sure did come across with a belly full of great points and information. Thank you for sharing.

Annette Bay Pimentel link
3/5/2015 02:26:25 am

I love this test! Thanks for articulating it.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:19:49 am

I'm glad if you think I articulated it, Annette - I was a little worried I was just blathering on :)

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Lisa Connors link
3/5/2015 02:39:48 am

Re-readability. It seems obvious; that's what we love about our favorite books, revisiting them. But I'm not sure I thought about it in the context of my own writing. Thanks! I'll be looking at my work with new eyes.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:21:07 am

I'm glad if my non-system helps you at all in your writing, Lisa! :)

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/5/2015 08:52:27 am

Awesome revelation, Lisa! :)

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Heidi Yates
3/5/2015 02:56:00 am

Thank you for passing along the helpful tips on making a story re-readable. :)

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:21:34 am

You're very welcome, Heidi! I hope they'll come in handy!

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Karen Konnerth link
3/5/2015 02:58:57 am

Knew this would be a great post, as I just finished Susanna's FABULOUS Making Picture Book Magic course! Highly recommended! What great insight, and what a great list to study the magic of re-readability! Thanks Susanna!!!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:22:24 am

Thanks, Karen! I'm so glad you found the post helpful, and thank you SO much for your nice words about my class! :)

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Wendy Greenley
3/5/2015 03:00:44 am

The tension between making something re-readable (touching on universal themes) and being "fresh" is a hard goal to achieve. I'm looking forward to Susanna's April "Magic" course where I will focus on things like this!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:23:46 am

It certainly is a hard goal to achieve, Wendy. But I think it helps if you know what you're aiming for :)

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Marlaina Gray Cockcroft link
3/5/2015 03:06:42 am

Love this! It's definitely true that some books beg to be read again. Hoping to achieve that myself some day.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:24:38 am

I know, Marlaina! There are some books you just never get tired of - definitely the kind of books we all want to write! :)

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/5/2015 08:53:23 am

You can do it, Marlaina! :)

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Lori Dubbin
3/5/2015 03:08:37 am

Thanks, Susanna, for your examples and mentor texts that inspire re-readability. Thanks for your honesty about listening to your gut. Thanks for always helping others to make picture book magic!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:25:15 am

You're very welcome, Lori! I hope the texts and tips come in handy in your writing!

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Pat Miller link
3/5/2015 03:12:52 am

Susanna, You thought all this up while in Time Out? I'm definitely setting up a Time Out corner. And while I'm there, I'm going to reread your excellent post. In fact, I'm going to print it out and tape it in the front of my writer's notebook to reread often!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:26:21 am

I spend a lot of time in Time Out, Pat. I'm very naughty and constantly getting in trouble for something! :) I think you've got the hang of this already, but glad if I said anything useful :)

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/5/2015 08:54:33 am

Maybe we could have a time out corner party? But, don't tell my mom. :)

Elaine Kiely Kearns
3/5/2015 03:13:48 am

Susanna, this is an AWESOME post! The "re-readability" factor is something I strive for in my PB's and not something that is talked about a lot! Brava for a great post!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:29:43 am

Thank you, Elaine. I'm glad if it was helpful. One of the reasons I chose it is because it's not talked about that much (and I didn't have the moral fortitude to accidentally post about rhyme or character right after the magnificent Sudipta :)) But I think it's something we should all consider - it's certainly something editors consider!

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Rachel Hamby link
3/5/2015 03:15:07 am

Another great post with more books I'm excited to read! Thank you, Susanna.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:30:04 am

You're very welcome, Rachel :)

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Leslie Goodman link
3/5/2015 03:16:17 am

Re-readability! Fantastic! Thanks for the great list of mentor texts. I know when I've found a PB with the re-readability factor when I check it out again and again at the library and eventually buy it so I never have to be parted from it. Thanks for your inspiring words. Well... I'm off to the library to check out your recommended PBs.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:31:27 am

I hope you like my picks as much as I do, Leslie! But one of the great things about re-readability is that different books will strike that chord with different readers... which is one of the things that allows for breadth of writing.

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Marianne Kuzujanakis
3/5/2015 03:17:16 am

Love love love this post! Re-readability is everything! Thanks so much, Susanna. I know I will again re-read (pun intended) your post.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:32:23 am

Well if I have somehow managed to write something re-readable than hurray! you've made my day, Marianne! :)

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Ann Magee
3/5/2015 03:20:01 am

Thanks, Susanna, for breaking this idea down in understandable pieces. A bit off topic, but thought I'd share for those people who haven't taken your class yet. . . I dreamed last night that I was talking to some writer friends (don't know who) and I was telling them how awesome your course was-I was even telling them some material you covered-how you had us try several different leads, etc. . . . And it's been over a year since I took your course--LOVED IT! Talk about something that stays with you . . .:)

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:33:25 am

Aw! Thanks so much, Ann! You have no idea how much that means to me. If you're trying to butter me up for something it's working. Ask immediately :)

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Michelle Heidenrich Barnes link
3/5/2015 03:26:34 am

For someone who doesn't have an organized way of analyzing books, Susanna, you write one heck of an organized post. Love your list– will reference and re-reference! :)

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:34:12 am

Hehehe! Thanks, Michelle :) I'm glad if you found the post and list helpful!

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Jennifer Judd link
3/5/2015 03:26:35 am

I love this--and you do such a good job of illustrating a hard-to-pin-down quality in great picture books--re-readability! I yearn for this quality, but I sort of have the opposite problem--I look at my PB texts, compare them to these awesome mentor texts, and then, do the forehead slap. ;) Which is why this mentor text thing is soooo important! Love this post. Thanks so much.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:37:26 am

It's all a learning process, Jennifer! We all do the forehead slap. We all finish a ms we've worked hard on and realize it's not the genius we thought it was... in fact it would be better off as kindling :) But that's okay. We learn something from every story we write. There's some dreadful statistic about how only 1 in 10 or 1 in 20 mss you write will be good enough to sell... So when you hit one of those forehead-slapping ones, just chalk it up as experience and one of the 10 or 20 that isn't going to end up on the bookshelf and go on and write the good one that will! :)

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Debbie Smart
3/5/2015 03:27:24 am

Thank your for this inspiring post! I truly appreciate your insights. Re-readability will now be in my vocabulary! Thank you for sharing some of your picture book knowlege with us!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:38:18 am

You're very welcome, Debbie! I'm glad if I said anything helpful. And you can thank my wonderful agent, Liza Voges, for the increase in your vocabulary :)

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Laura J / Laura Jenkins link
3/5/2015 03:27:29 am

Thanks for your insight. Many of the books you suggested I haven't read yet. But I just requested them from the library.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:38:47 am

I hope you'll find them as re-readable as I do, Laura! :)

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Erin link
3/5/2015 03:27:46 am

As I've been progressing through ReFoReMo, I've been noting my 3 year olds "Read it AGAIN!!! Please, Please, Please!!!" reactions to the mentor texts I've been reading. The books he wanted re-read seemed so different from each other, that I questioned what the uniting factor was in all these books....you nailed it....the je ne sais quoi of re-readability. Thanks!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:40:22 am

Yes, and also the je ne sais quoi of three-year-olds :) They have so many things on their busy little minds - it's natural that a lot of different types of stories would speak to them. :)

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/5/2015 08:57:51 am

I love that you have a built-in "Read it AGAIN" assistant, Erin! My kids have gotten to the age where they are outgrowing picture books. :( When I ask them to come read my MSs, they would rather be listening to music or playing video games. :( I have to beg them to come read to me! Cherish those days! :)

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Val McCammon
3/5/2015 03:30:23 am

Excellent points about what make re-readability. You might not have an official "system" but your analysis and examples were terrific. Thank you Susanna.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:40:55 am

You're very welcome, Val! I'm glad if my non-system is helpful to you :)

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Nina Johnson
3/5/2015 03:33:20 am

I found this post to be a wonderful delineator of important qualities that I had never identified before. Thanks.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:42:01 am

You're very welcome, Nina! I'm glad if it was helpful!

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Sandy Powell
3/5/2015 03:41:51 am

What a great post! I also go with my gut when I read a picture book. I usually have two reactions after reading a book: 1) WOW! I could read that book again and again (re-readability). 2) How did that get published? It maybe harsh, but true, and maybe someone else will read that book and think WOW! As you said "different strokes for different folks."
Thank you for the list at the end of your post. It will help me bunches and bunches when using them as mentor texts.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:45:02 am

I'm so glad you enjoyed the post and found it helpful, Sandy. it's interesting, really, to think that every single picture book that is published was thought to be re-readable by someone - several someones in fact - or they wouldn't have put their publishing dollars behind it. And yet as readers we certainly don't find every book we read to be re-readable. It's all about what speaks to individuals at whatever stage they're at in the moment they read. And that's a good thing because it allows for a wide range of writing and stories :)

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Bev Langill
3/5/2015 03:51:06 am

Wonderful advice Susanna. So many great books to investigate and learn from. Thanks for a great post.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:45:31 am

I'm glad if you found it helpful, Bev :)

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nancy brown
3/5/2015 03:59:42 am

Susanna, thanks for the post. My choices for the re-reads are often the books with humor. But not all the humor is the same. Time to reread to figure out how they work!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:46:49 am

Humor often gets me too, Nancy! Also things that are very clever, like The Bear Ate Your Sandwich, or stories that are sweet, tug-at-your-heartstrings types :)

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Gabrielle Snyder
3/5/2015 04:17:44 am

Susanna, thanks for the wonderful list of mentor texts to help us master the elements of re-readability!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:47:39 am

You're very welcome, Gabrielle! I hope you'll find at least some of them re-readable as well. But don't forget to pay attention to the books you come across that YOU find re-readable!

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Debra Daugherty link
3/5/2015 04:17:57 am

Super post! Your explanation on the 5 major elements of a manuscript, character, theme, language, mood/emotions and endings, is worthy of re-readability.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:48:29 am

If I managed to write something re-readable then my mission is accomplished! Thanks, Debra - hope it helps! :)

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Therese Nagi
3/5/2015 04:50:01 am

Susanna re-readability, such a powerful motivator to keep us writing.
Thanks for sharing steps for multi-layered approach to achieve it.


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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:59:09 am

You're very welcome, Therese! On a certain level, re-readability is the A#1 thing. If you can write a book that makes kids want to read it over and over and over, you're golden :)

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Carole Jenks
3/5/2015 04:50:55 am

Susanna, thanks for the list of mentor texts to help us with the 5 major elements of a great re-readibility manuscript!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 04:59:28 am

You're very welcome, Carole!

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sally suehler
3/5/2015 04:55:23 am

Thank you, Susanna! I love the term re-readability. I have been doing it since I was small child. I use to be embarrassed. 'Haven't you already read that book?' Now, it is safe for me to come out in to the open, 'YES! I am a re-reader and proud of it!'

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 05:00:35 am

That is so true, Sally! I too used to have to admit sheepishly that I had already read books... time and again...! But it is the highest of all compliments to the writer! :)

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Mary Warth
3/5/2015 05:11:40 am

Thanks so much for the inspiring list of mentor texts. Re-readability is the goal for today!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 05:44:05 am

You're very welcome, Mary! I hope you find them as re-readable as I do :)

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maria gianferrari link
3/5/2015 05:32:40 am

Thanks so much, Susannah! Re-readability is key (and I remember having to re-read again and again a book my daughter loved as a toddler and I loathed--she figured it out, and then kept requesting it ;) ) but it's key!

Lots of my favorites are here, but I'll be sure to check out those I haven't yet read. Thanks again!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 05:45:25 am

Glad if it's helpful, Maria! And yes, re-readbaility is key, but I think what KIDS find re-readable is especially key because it doesn't always match up with the ones we love most! Figure out what appeals to kids and you're in the catbird seat :)

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Kristi Veitenheimer link
3/5/2015 05:39:54 am

Susanna, I always enjoy reading your posts because you write with so much humor, like you're talking to us over a cup of hot chocolate! Thanks for the inspiration to reach for re-readability in my manuscripts. I thoroughly enjoyed your class in January and learned so much. Now on to polish the manuscript that I wrote in your class! Here's to re-readability and all the elements that make it fun!!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 05:48:22 am

Aw, thanks, Kristi! That means a lot to me, as do your very kind words about MPBM! You're on the right path with your writing! Your story about Rex certainly has the potential to be very re-readable - such a cute, fun idea! :)

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B.J. Lee link
3/5/2015 05:45:19 am

Hi Susanna! What a fab post! You really break it down for us and your categories are fantastic. I'm copying and pasting to my writing resources folder! Thank you!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 06:36:33 am

Hi B.J.! :) I'm glad you enjoyed the post and hope it's helpful! I'm honored to have earned a place in your writing resources folder!

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Vivian Kirkfield link
3/5/2015 06:08:26 am

Just sayin'...how fortunate we are to have people like Susanna Leonard Hill in our kid lit community!!! Sweet, smart, kind, generous, funny...and beautiful, inside and out. Yup...that's Susanna...and whoever wins a seat in her Making Picture Book Magic class is soooo lucky! The info she shared with us today for ReFoReMo is just a tip of the iceberg of the knowledge she shares in her class!

Thanks, Susanna...for all that you shared today...love the list of books! My takeaway? Pay attention to what works...that is what I need to do. ;)

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 06:38:08 am

Golly gee whiz, Vivian! You're making me blush! (But feel free to continue :)) Thank you so much for all your very kind words - you are too sweet! I'm glad you liked the post and the list - so many great books!

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Linda Carpenter link
3/5/2015 06:09:02 am

Susanna, thank you for this great post and great reading reference. Feeling thankful for the help and looking forward to reading and learning from all the book references you posted.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 06:38:35 am

You're very welcome, Linda! I hope the post and the books are helpful!

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Kathy Mazurowski
3/5/2015 06:31:43 am

Thank you for breaking down "rereadability". When I look at your titles, I see so many of my favorites and also realized that they fit in several of the categories! That is why the are so rereadable.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 06:39:40 am

You're very welcome, Kathy! It's true - when you look closely, the books that stand the test of reading again and again and again are multi-layered and have much to offer in several categories!

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Debbie LaCroix link
3/5/2015 06:50:02 am

Great tips! Thank you so much. :-)

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:16:47 pm

You're very welcome, Debbie! :)

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Sydney O'Neill
3/5/2015 06:52:16 am

It's fun to watch children's gut-reaction evaluators at work. You almost always know whether or not that book is going to get re-read requests. Thank you for stressing how important it is to remember re-readability as we write!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:17:57 pm

Yeah, it's true, Sydney - kids have no filters :) If they like something, you know it, and just as clearly you know it if they don't! :)

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Darshana link
3/5/2015 06:53:43 am

Thanks Susanna for the wonderful post.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:19:04 pm

You're very welcome, Darshana! Hope it's a little bit useful for something... lining the hamster cage, putting the little ones to sleep, what have you :)

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shirley johnson
3/5/2015 07:03:46 am

Love re-readability! Spent many hours re-reading books with my children and then my grandchild. This was a really great post Susanna. Great list of books!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:19:32 pm

Thanks so much, Shirley! I'm very glad if you enjoyed it! :)

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Niicole Popel link
3/5/2015 07:14:56 am

I've never heard of the term re-readability. Thanks for sharing this critical nugget with us!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:20:23 pm

I'm not sure anyone but me and my agent had heard of it before today, Nicole, but it's a good term to be familiar with! :)

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Teresa MI Schaefer link
3/5/2015 07:32:01 am

Susanna Leonard Hill -- so humble. You have lots to teach and re-readability is a great one. Thanks for the post.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:21:09 pm

Aw shucks, Teresa! I'm glad you liked it and hope it's a little bit helpful!

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Lynne Marie Pisano link
3/5/2015 07:52:44 am

I thoroughly devoured and enjoyed this post. So much food for thought from someone who was sitting in the time-out chair -- LOL

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:22:08 pm

Well, if you spend as much time in time-out as I do, you've got to capitalize on it or you'd never get anything done :) Glad if you found it helpful, Lynne :)

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Laura Renauld
3/5/2015 08:18:20 am

Susanna, you are always so generous with your advice and expertise. Thank you for such a thorough accounting of what makes a book "re-readble" and for providing examples. I will be looking at my favorites from a new angle and have a lot of soon-to-be favorites to add to my library list.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:24:16 pm

Gosh, Laura! I don't do any more than any of these other wonderful folks who are sharing their wisdom every day, but thank you for being so appreciative - you make me feel like I said something useful! :) Enjoy the new angle and hope it helps!

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JEN Garrett link
3/5/2015 08:23:40 am

I love Z IS FOR MOOSE! Great character, fun metafiction and concept all in one.

Re-readability is exactly what my PBs need. I revise for everything else and often lose that magic in the process. So, now I'm going to go back and re-create the re-readability. :)

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:25:12 pm

Good for you, Jen! Go for it! :) And Z Is For Moose is one of those books I wish I'd thought up and written - such a great one!!!

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Stacy Couch
3/5/2015 08:56:09 am

Fabulous tips, Susanna. Especially mood. And I love all those books...a great way to research what has re-readability!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:26:35 pm

I'm so glad if the tips were helpful, Stacy! And yep - re-readability is probably the easiest thing to research. Read a book. If you want to read it again, it has re-readability. If you don't, it doesn't :)

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joanne link
3/5/2015 09:33:37 am

I ADORE Susanna - and this post. Love each of these books that I have read - and I will be requesting most of the ones I haven't (I think I have reached my limit for books being held - will go pick up the ten I requested tomorrow that are in, and request more LOL). Fabulous pointers!

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joanne Sher
3/5/2015 09:37:42 am

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:27:32 pm

Aw shucks, Joanne! I adore you too :) You're so sweet :) Good luck talking the library lady into letting you have more books :)

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Joanne Sher link
3/6/2015 03:49:03 am

Hehe - she was very understanding. Once I checked out the ones that were waiting for me (and half a dozen more, of course), I could request away. :)

AJ Irving link
3/5/2015 09:40:44 am

Excellent post, Susanna! Thank you for the helpful tips on re-readability and the wonderful list of mentor texts!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:37:02 pm

I'm so glad you liked it, Amanda! Have fun reading the books - they've all got something to love :)

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Kathleen Cornell Berman
3/5/2015 09:46:10 am

I read your post this morning and I just reread it. It's an excellent post that hits on all the important points of creating a great picture book. I would even say your post has that re-readable quality. Definitely a keeper. Thanks!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:29:16 pm

Well fancy that! I finally wrote something that got re-read! :) Thanks, Kathy - you made my day :)

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Ellen Sirianni
3/5/2015 09:46:21 am

Love your post Susanna! Thank you for the five big elements along with mentor texts. Re-readability, my new favorite word, and something I will definitely strive for in my writing. For those of you who haven't taken her course, I highly recommend it!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:30:04 pm

I'm so glad you liked it, Ellen! I hope it's a little bit helpful. And thank you for your kind words about my course! :)

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Janie Reinart
3/5/2015 09:47:27 am

Susanna, great stack of books for us to check out! I love when my grandkids say ,"again" after we read books together. Thank you for the tips!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:31:26 pm

Glad you liked the tips and books, Janie! And isn't that fun when they love a book so much they want it again right away? Those are the kind of books I want to write! :)

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Margaret Greanias
3/5/2015 10:19:11 am

Great books for re-readability. I can't wait to read them all. So happy too to see you define what makes a picture book re-readable!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:32:36 pm

I'm glad you agree with my choices, Margaret! There are lots of others I could have chosen as well - so many great books! - but we have to draw the line somewhere... I went over my limit of 10 as it was :)

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Cassie Bentley
3/5/2015 10:39:57 am

I am so glad you pick books seemingly randomly. I do to and have found that when I'm reading suggested titles for ReFoReMo that other books jump out at me. I read them too. I found that even with an author that has several titles, I like some better than others. I'm discovering new authors and that once published readers want more. I found myself looking for other books by the same author.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:34:44 pm

I think you really have to read what calls to you, Cassie, and learn what you can from those books. There's no doubt some books work better than others - even from the same author. And there's also no doubt that different books speak to different readers!

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/5/2015 03:29:22 pm

I love to hear that you are picking up other books and reading them, too. :) It is kind of like critiquing. You will find the good and the not so good. You will decide what makes your heart sing, and it will tell you a lot about what type of writer you are. Usually, the books we admire follow us into our own writing in one way or another. Keep reading! :) And reading and reading and reading.... :)

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Stephanie Geckle link
3/5/2015 11:10:24 am

Great post, Susanna. Can I say I'm actually glad you put yourself in a time-out?! ;-) Thanks for all the wonderful examples!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 12:35:35 pm

You can say that Stephanie. I'm very comfortable in time-out. I spend a lot of time here because I'm always getting myself in trouble :) Glad you liked the examples :)

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Kristen Kirwan Browning
3/5/2015 12:29:36 pm

Thanks very much for the great advice. My daughter has been asking me to read Michael Ian Black's CHICKEN CHEEKS over and over since we got it from the library :) I look forward to reading the books on your list with her and to finding more winners--and, of course, to working to create that re-readability in my own writing.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/5/2015 01:09:26 pm

I am not familiar with CHICKEN CHEEKS but what a title! I'm going to have to go find that one immediately! :)

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Patricia A. Miller link
3/5/2015 01:22:00 pm

Thank you for the post and for the recommendations! I made a book trailer for Jill Esbaum's I AM COW, HEAR ME MOO! Nadine is quite the character who invokes the re-readability factor. :)

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:32:24 pm

Isn't Nadine just wonderful?! I'm glad you enjoyed the post. I will go watch your book trailer! :)

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Keila Dawson link
3/5/2015 01:29:23 pm

Confirmed! I knew you were my sister from another mister. That gut thing is very real. And great advice from your agent about re-readability. It's a real word now!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:33:25 pm

Twins separated at birth, Keila - that's us! :) Glad you liked the post and thanks for declaring the word official! :)

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Romelle Broas link
3/5/2015 01:32:08 pm

Love your humor, Susanna! I especially relate to the gut reaction evaluation when it comes to books. I realize it is the emotional and character arc that speaks to me. Wonderful post!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:34:14 pm

Thanks, Romelle :) I'm glad you enjoyed it. And you said that so well - I think you've pegged what speaks to me too!

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Kaye Baillie link
3/5/2015 02:11:59 pm

What a fantastic lot of examples and I really appreciate you pointing out the main parts that each book can be studied for, mood, ending etc. Thanks, Susanna.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:34:44 pm

You're very welcome, Kaye! I'm so glad if it's helpful!

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janet smart link
3/5/2015 02:47:05 pm

Yes, that's what I want to do. Create a PB manuscript with re-readability!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:35:51 pm

That's the main goal, Janet! It's what we all want - for our stories to be treasured :)

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Pamela Courtney
3/5/2015 04:00:18 pm

I absolutely love this post. You have such an insightful way of delivering right information in the best way. All through this reading I had two stories in mind. And I was thinking, do these mss deliver the re-readability? Will a parent, child want to read my story over, and over, and over, and over again? The answer is, No unfortunately. But revisiting these tools and keeping them at the forefront during my revision process will move me back in that needed direction. I'm grateful for this challenge. I'm grateful for you, Susanna. Wonderful job.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:38:08 pm

Thanks, Pam. I'm glad if anything I said was helpful. But don't sell your writing short! You write very well. Sometimes, in the same way that we can be too close to our writing to see the flaws, we can also be too close to see what's good. We've read it so many times it begins to lose its re-readability for us. Put it away. Come back and read it with fresh eyes in a month. THEN decide if it's got rereadability or needs work :)

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Karen Nordseth Roos
3/5/2015 04:40:22 pm

oh my gosh you had me at serious and weighty. I was so relieved to find someone else without a "system." Whew. However, that being said, I absolutely love your re-readability advice. Thank you so much, too, for the awesome line up of mentor texts. 😉

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:39:11 pm

It is absolutely wonderful to meet you, Karen! Frankly, I am very relieved to know that there's another system-less person in this group! I thought I was all alone :)

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Myrna Foster link
3/5/2015 05:50:24 pm

Thanks for the tips and recommendations! I absolutely love Betty Bunny. Such a great character!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:40:03 pm

You're very welcome, Myrna, glad if they're helpful! And I love Betty Bunny too. Her name is totally fun to say, and how can you not love someone who thinks tucking chocolate cake in her sock is a good idea? :)

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Laurie J. Edwards link
3/5/2015 07:40:00 pm

I love the word re-readability. I think that's the key I need to make my stories more memorable.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:40:50 pm

Glad you like it, Laurie. And I think it really is the key - it's what makes stories worth coming back to :)

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Caroline Twomey link
3/5/2015 11:21:27 pm

Re-readability! it's so true! My son has no qualms in saying what he likes or doesn't like about a book, so if he is asking to re-read it you know it's a winner!! I love re-reading the list of books from the perspective given by the post also-it really helps to add a new layer to the book!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:42:00 pm

I'm glad you like the word, Caroline :) And lucky you - you've got a built in story-ometer! You can try out all your work on your son and see if it passes muster :)

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Rene` Diane Aube
3/6/2015 01:53:05 am

Thanks for great tips on making our manuscripts "re-readable." And I love the thought of our readers wanting to hang out with our characters...real/loveable, something to strive to accomplish. Thank you, Susanna :)

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:42:55 pm

You're very welcome, Rene! I'm glad if it was helpful. I really do feel that way, don't you? Aren't there some characters that just make you want to come back and visit? :)

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Clark Haaland link
3/6/2015 02:44:41 am

Great ! Nothing better than the gut level excitement caused by discovering something new . Fantastic advice.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:43:21 pm

I'm glad if you found it helpful, Clark!

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Jarmila Del Boccio link
3/6/2015 03:28:25 am

Thanks, Susanna, for this great list of PBs to explore, and for the helpful points to use as I analyze my manuscripts. And, your timely and valuable post has more than earned you the right to come out of your corner!😉

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:44:19 pm

I realize a lot of these books may not be new to you, Jarm! I've posted most of them on PPBF! :) But I'm glad you like them. And thank you so much for letting me out of time out!!!!!!! :)

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Kelley Lewis
3/6/2015 03:44:39 am

Thanks for the great suggestions- I think we share a similar aesthetic.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:44:43 pm

I hope that means I'm not the only one without a system :)

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/8/2015 04:17:20 pm

Rather than a system, ReFoReMo unites us all with a goal. Utilize mentor texts to learn. :) Thanks for leading us in the right direction, Susanna!

Anita Banks
3/6/2015 04:19:16 am

Thank you so much for the wonderful post!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:45:08 pm

You're very welcome, Anita! I'm so glad if you found it helpful!

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Sadee Schilling link
3/6/2015 04:53:40 am

Thanks for your thoughts and recommendations, Susanna! I was so happy to see Betty Bunny on your list--she is definitely a favorite character in my house!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:46:30 pm

You're most welcome, Sadee! And I'm glad you love Betty Bunny too - she's quite a character :) I don't think it's possible not to love someone who thinks stuffing chocolate cake into her sock is a good idea :)

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Carol Gordon Ekster link
3/6/2015 05:10:42 am

Thanks for the great tips, Susanna. Just requested the ones I haven't read from my library and I can't wait to read them. Wishing you continued success with your own writing!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:47:11 pm

You're very welcome, Carol! Thanks for the good wishes, and to you as well - I think you're far more accomplished than I! :)

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Lane Arnold link
3/6/2015 05:21:04 am

Re-readability...I'll vouch for that as a vital ingredient for any recipe for good books for children. As a grandmother, mother, and retired elementary school teacher, the refrain, "read it again," echos loudly when the mix is just right. Excuse me while I run to the library and stock up on another armful of rereadable books!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:47:59 pm

There's nothing better, is there, Lane? "Read it again!" means it was just right! :)

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Suzy Leopold
3/6/2015 07:50:16 am

Oh, Susanna, you have so much to share. I thank you for your many tips. You always seem to care. [Good thing you can't hear me singing because my singing is off key!]

I added the following words to my writer's notebook: re-readibility, character, theme, language, mood/emotion, and ending. Hugs for you.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:49:08 pm

I DO hear you singing, Suzy - joyous as always! - all the way from Illinois! And your singing is lovely! :) Glad if you found the post helpful!

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Laura Lee Malesh
3/6/2015 08:25:58 am

Thank you so much for sharing. I love the way you paired books with aspects that create re-readability. Very helpful in my research:0)

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:49:30 pm

So glad if it was helpful, Laura!!!

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Carrie Finison
3/6/2015 09:16:31 am

Yesssss!!! This is it exactly, Susanna. You hit the nail on the head. I find that many books, even ones I like a lot, lack that re-readability factor. I'm sure every writer strives for it - I know I do - but it does require that element of (dare I say) Magic? I hope I can achieve that one day...

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:50:42 pm

You and me both, Carrie! It IS magic! It's hard, but we can make it happen! :)

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Kirsti Call link
3/6/2015 12:18:52 pm

Susanna! What an incredibly helpful reminder to think about re-readability! I loved this post. Thanks for helping me re-think how I've approached some of my manuscripts :)

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:51:20 pm

I'm thrilled if it was helpful, Kirsti! :)

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Rebecca Forester
3/6/2015 12:57:12 pm

I have to admit I'm shocked..."re-readability" isn't a word? Sorry but I need a minute, this just can't be true. *thinks it over, shakes head* No, must have been a typo ~ definitely a word. :D

Wonderful post, Susanna, though I have to admit I missed your usual pic of something chocolate-y ~ though Carrie has me curious about 'banana bars' (never heard of them before). I agree about books that stay with us ~ that is a huge thing for me, the ones that linger long after they've been read. They take root and grow into so many things, shifting what was there to make room for more.

Thanks for this, definitely a keeper.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:55:29 pm

Somebody higher up the comment list - Keila maybe? - declared that re-reaability is now officially a word, so we're all good on that score Rebecca! :) I'm touched that you missed my Something Chocolate! I would have included some, but there were guidelines about this post and chocolate wasn't part of them! :) And yes, I think we have a lot to learn from the books that stay with us!

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Rita Lorraine link
3/6/2015 01:51:27 pm

Great post Susanna! Thanks so much for the list!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:55:52 pm

Thanks, Rita! And you're very welcome :)

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Angela Turner
3/6/2015 02:18:43 pm

I really appreciate your post today. So many things you mentioned I struggle with. I have learned so much from the online kid lit community. I try to apply each lesson and I feel like my writing has really improved. I have been itching to take your course Susannah so if I were lucky enough to win it would be icing on the cake.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:57:42 pm

I'm so glad you liked the post, Angela, and don't worry - we ALL struggle with these things. Picture books seem easy because they're short, but they are among the hardest things to write well. You're here, applying yourself and learning, and I'm sure your writing is improving as a result. I hope I'll get to see you in class! :)

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Doris Stone
3/6/2015 11:52:36 pm

Thank you Susanna. This post was fantastic!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:58:09 pm

Aw, thanks, Doris! I'm so pleased you thought so! :)

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Sandy Perlic
3/7/2015 10:41:21 am

Re-readability is really the key, isn't it? Love these examples. Can't wait to read the new-to-me ones.

Thanks, Susanna!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:58:57 pm

Yep, Sandy, it really is! If only it were a little easier to lasso and corral in the book!

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Heather Pierce Stigall
3/7/2015 10:46:05 am

Yes, re-readability! I love that in a book. Thanks for the list of mentor texts. I have only read a few of these, but I have my own list of re-readable texts too, so now I"m armed with many more. I look forward to diving into these. Thanks for the post!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 02:59:42 pm

You're very welcome, Heather! I hope you'll share your favorites with us too! It's always interesting to know what books speak to people!

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Katie McEnaney link
3/7/2015 11:14:57 am

You raise such a great point about re-reading. My favorites are the circle types of books where the end is the beginning because you do immediately want to start again. Or where you learn something that changes how you think about earlier parts of the book (like once you know what she is creating in The Most Magnificent Thing). Excellent examples!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 03:01:00 pm

Thank you, Katie! I'm glad you agree! And yes, I love that about The Most Magnificent Thing. That and the part about it not being her finest moment :)

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Julie Campbell link
3/7/2015 02:35:25 pm

You're so right -- re-readability is the key! Thanks for an amazing post! Looking forward to checking out many of the books you mentioned.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 03:01:30 pm

So glad you think so, too, Julie! Enjoy the books!

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Ann Kelley
3/8/2015 03:26:13 am

Thanks for the awesome picture book list! That's it - re-readability! If you don't have that, you don't have much. Thanks again!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 03:02:18 pm

You're welcome, Ann! And it sure is true. If only we could bottle re-readability and sprinkle a little into every ms we write :)

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Lindsey Tate
3/8/2015 04:44:52 am

Thanks Susanna - such a useful post. Penguin and Pinecone is a very special book. I hope the Academy takes note of your re-readability message and applies a re-watchability standard to movies...!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 03:03:08 pm

Hahaha! That would be something, Lindsey :) And yes, Penguin and Pinecone is amazing, isn't it? So simple, and so perfect :)

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Lauri Meyers link
3/8/2015 04:47:57 am

Wow, Susanna. You can almost boil this down to how the book makes you feel. If I want a guaranteed laugh, I know which book to pick. If I want a sweet cuddly bedtime, I pick a different book. If I want to feel words softly jumping from my lips and tongue, there's a book for that. So now the challenge of going through manuscripts and asking myself how the reader will feel- and is it a feeling they will want again.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 03:04:07 pm

Yes, that's it exactly, Lauri! Easier said than done, I know. But well worth the time spent on it!

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anita nolan link
3/8/2015 05:23:58 am

Thank you for naming a number of books to consider, and their strong suits.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 03:04:34 pm

You're most welcome, Anita! Hope they're helpful!

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Brenda Huante
3/8/2015 06:55:39 am

Thank you so much. Such an important point!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 03:04:55 pm

You're very welcome, Brenda!

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Helen Dening link
3/8/2015 10:06:01 am

I am soooo loving this journey, I want my ms to sing with re-readability, with magic! Thank you, Susanna. I'm taking myself to time-out to write.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 03:12:28 pm

Great! I'll have some company :) And Helen, I remember reading your Lions Don't Dance ms last year and it was very fun - you're on your way! :)

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Denise Engle
3/8/2015 10:32:20 am

Susanna, I loved your post on re-readability. Red Sings from Treetops is one of my favorites. Very re-readable. Re-readability is now on my radar!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 03:13:20 pm

Thanks, Denise! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Red Sings From Treetops has so much beautiful language - just amazing!

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Noel Csermak
3/8/2015 12:06:36 pm

Susanna, I have bookmarked your post as it has captured re-readability and I look forward to reading it again :) to keep myself in check. It is always great to get your knowledgeable, believable and relatable view on things. This just keeps getting more fun!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 03:14:33 pm

Aw, thanks, Noel! I'm glad if you found it helpful! How's Perry And Polly coming along? That was very cute! :)

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Noel Csermak
3/9/2015 03:03:47 pm

Susanna, I can't believe you remember me! Perry and Polly are still in the works. Haven't closed in on the final magic quite yet. Perhaps if I'm lucky enough to join your course in the near future, I'll be able to seal the deal. All the best to you!

Renee link
3/8/2015 02:05:56 pm

This is a stellar post, Susanna -- of course! You always deliver the goods, even from the time-out corner. My "system" is just like yours, especially Step 2: Meh. LOVED all your selections and insight. Thank you!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/8/2015 03:15:44 pm

Golly, Renee, "stellar" is high praise indeed! Thank you! I'm glad if you found anything I said helpful. You are welcome to join me in the time-out corner even though you have not been naughty. I snuck in some chocolate :)

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Meridth Gimbel link
3/8/2015 06:16:34 pm

Great texts for reread ability. A lot to think about. Thanks!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/10/2015 07:23:56 am

You're most welcome, Meredth! :)

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Catherine Friess link
3/8/2015 10:02:14 pm

Re-readability is a great word! Now I'm looking at picture books from another dimension - what is it about some picture books that makes us want to read them again and again? Thank you Susanna!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/10/2015 07:24:51 am

The answer is probably a little bit different for each book, Catherine, but it's worthwhile if you can figure it out and apply it to your writing :)

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Taurean J. Watkins link
3/8/2015 10:40:58 pm

Susanna, I'm a gut-level type, too. I STRUGGLE being analytic about things. I used to think it was because I was lazy, but now I've come to see it's just my natural process.

I'm a little better at being analytic toward other people's work.

But with my own work, it's purely gut-level, and it's HARD to deal with that.

This is probably why writing ABOUT my book frustrates me more than writing the actual BOOK. They are both hard, but the latter's HARDER for me.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/10/2015 07:26:45 am

I totally get that, Taurean! I feel the same way. One thing I've discovered is that if I'm having a really hard time talking about a book, it often means I haven't quite figured that book out yet - I don't quite have a handle on what exactly I'm trying to accomplish. If I can't easily express in a sentence or two what the book is about, I still have work to do!

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Kelly Carey link
3/9/2015 10:33:34 am

Susanna - I've always been a gut reader too. Thanks to your advice and ReFoReMo, I'm slowing down and reflecting on what my gut reaction really means. Happy reading!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/10/2015 07:27:32 am

Good for you, Kelly! It's a little more work to slow down and think about it, but it's definitely worth it! :)

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Lindsay Bonilla link
3/9/2015 01:09:35 pm

I love this approach! What is it that makes us want to read something again and again? That is what we should be trying to create! Excellent. Thanks so much for putting it in those terms!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/10/2015 07:28:16 am

I'm glad if it's helpful, Lindsay! Good luck with your re-readability! :)

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Valerie Larson-Howard
3/9/2015 03:30:27 pm

I love the phrase "re-readability." It is nice to know that there are other people that trust their gut when deciding what qualifies as a good book. Sometimes you just know.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/10/2015 07:29:22 am

You really do, Valerie. Some books grow on you after you read them a couple times and really think about them, but the best ones make themselves felt and memorable the very first time! :)

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Zainab
3/9/2015 06:25:37 pm

I love the way you look at books. I like "re-readability". You've got me thinking about how to be a better writer. Thank you.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/10/2015 07:29:51 am

You're very welcome, Zainab! Glad if it was helpful :)

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Kimberley Moran link
3/11/2015 01:44:37 pm

This helped me so much Susanna. I read it and reread it. Your own ability to create rereadable stuff is obvious. I am revamping a picture book to bring more rereadability and excitement to it. Thank you.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/28/2015 08:41:52 am

You're very welcome, Kimberley! I'm glad if it was helpful. Good luck with your beautiful writing - I have been enjoying your slice of life posts so much this month :)

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Mary Worley
3/12/2015 02:29:16 am

So true that you know when you're reading someone else's book if it has re-readability (for me that means I'm willing to purchase it) but it's hard to know with my own stuff. Thanks for breaking it down for us. When I think about the books that moved across the country with us, I realize those books are the ones we still feel connected to even after several readings.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/28/2015 08:43:22 am

I know - it's always easier with other people's books than with your own. With your own, you feel a connection because you created it - it came from something that means something to you - so you have to try to be more objective and see if it has the qualities you need. But it's hard!

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Gina Silvester
3/12/2015 04:15:31 am

Susanna, you have a great way of making the intangible tangible!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/28/2015 08:43:43 am

Thank you, Gina :)

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Genevieve link
3/14/2015 03:03:28 am

I'm also a Gut Reactor to mentor texts. ...and all texts. Great, thorough tips to make a re-readable book.

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/28/2015 08:44:43 am

Sounds like the name of a band - the Gut Reactors :) Glad if the tips were helpful, Genevieve!

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Didi Wood
3/15/2015 12:10:36 pm

Another Gut Reactor here ... and it's wonderful to have such a great list of books and traits to explore. Thanks, Susanna!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/28/2015 08:45:39 am

You're very welcome, Didi - glad if it was helpful. And now it's official - between you, me andGenevieve above we've got a band - The Gut Reactors :)

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Beth Gallagher
3/18/2015 02:59:04 am

Thanks for this WONDERFUL inspiration! My librarian is going to hate me though, as I will be cleaning them out later today. ;) Thanks again!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/28/2015 08:46:28 am

I'm so glad if it was inspiring, Beth! And your librarian won't really hate you - she'll be secretly thrilled that someone else is loving her books as much as she does :)

Reply
Lindsey Tate
3/22/2015 04:43:28 am

Hi Susanna, just wanted to say thank you - again! - for this great list of books as I've now had a chance to read them. I had a couple of PBs published by FSG and Holt over 10 years ago then moved on to writing for older kids and for adults. Now I'm dabbling in PBs again and the market has changed dramatically. I was beginning to think it just wasn't for me any more - all those short, sassy, funny books. And then I read "Red Sings From Treetops" and "Blue on Blue" and I'm inspired again. Thanks!

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Susanna Leonard Hill
3/28/2015 08:48:13 am

I'm so glad you found some books to inspire you, Lindsey! There are so many wonderful ones. It's true - they do tend to lean toward short, sassy, and fun these days, but I believe there will always be room for the more poetic, beautiful, quieter books too - kids need all kinds of books! Good luck with your return to PBs :)

Reply
Sadee Schilling
3/30/2015 04:00:32 am

Such a great list with excellent notes, Susanna! I found myself coming back to this post several times this month. Thank you!

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Amie Valore-Caplan
3/31/2015 06:49:12 am

Thanks for this great post analyzing re-readability. I love it when a book that my kids request again and again is one that I enjoy reading again and again as well.

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Dayne Sislen link
6/2/2015 04:03:16 am

Thank you. Love your great list of picture books and what to look for in each. The library is going to get my request list today.

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JaneBaskwill link
3/20/2017 07:50:11 am

Thank you for the great list and helpful features that make them re-readable!

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Lynne Marie link
4/6/2017 01:24:47 pm

What an amazing post and prize! Best of luck to the winner!

Reply



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