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ReFoReMo Day 5: Tammi Sauer Models HOW-TO do the Structure Strut

3/5/2016

457 Comments

 
By Tammi Sauer

A while back, I challenged myself to write picture books using structures and approaches I’ve never used before. Oh, the horror! The stress! The excitement!

I said see you later to my beloved Classic Picture Book Structure (MC has a problem, MC faces obstacles of escalating difficulty, MC encounters black moment, MC figures out how to solve the problem and grows/changes by the story’s end). This wasn’t easy. That structure had served me well in many of my books including Mostly Monsterly and Princess in Training. Still. I wanted to push myself creatively.
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I went on to write manuscripts that used the Circle Structure (Your Alien, Sterling 2015 and Your Alien Returns, Sterling 2016) and the Cumulative Structure (The Farm That Mac Built, HMH 2017). I also tried a variety of writing approaches. I told a book entirely in dialogue (Roar!, S&S 2015). I even—gasp!!!—wrote a rhymer (Mary Had a Little Glam, Sterling 2016).
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But I also wanted to give the How-To…Structure a try. This structure offers readers information on, you guessed it, how to do something.  I took a deep breath then set out to give myself the best education I could. I hit my bookshelves, the bookstore, and the library. Lucky for me, there were many good examples of books that use the How-To… Structure.
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Vampirina Ballerina by Anne Marie Pace, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
So You Want to Be a Rock Star by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Kirstie Edmunds
How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish


The more books I read and analyzed, the more I realized that this structure did not involve a list of bland, disjointed steps for accomplishing a task. Nope. Nope. Nope. These steps (along with the art) needed to tell a real deal story. There needed to be a beginning, middle, and end. There needed to be characters, conflict, plot, setting…. There needed to be opportunities for readers to feel something.
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How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth by Michelle Robinson, illustrated by Kate Hindley
What To Do If an Elephant Stands on Your Foot by Michelle Robinson, illustrated by Peter Reynolds
I Dare You Not to Yawn by Helen Boudreau, illustrated by Serg Bloch
The Younger Brother’s Survival Guide written and illustrated by Lisa Kopelke


I also noticed that many of these books were written in second person.


Armed with this information, I knew what to include in my how-to manuscript.I just, um, needed a good idea.
For me, that is always the very hardest part of the writing process. I thought and I thought and I thought. Nothing.
I thought some more. More nothing.

Then one day, I was in PetSmart with my son. He want-want-wanted a pet dwarf hamster. The two of us were looking at the hamsters. He was filled with elation. I was filled with dread. And I noticed something. Next to the aquariums packed with hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, and mice was a rack of Pet Care Guides. Hmm!
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Credit: PetSmart
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Credit: PetSmart
Now I was filled with elation.
I had a good idea!
I decided to write an outrageous, over-the-top pet care guide.
Caring for Your Lion sold to Sterling at auction. Thank you, PetSmart.

I worked really hard to make Caring for Your Lion irresistible. But here’s the thing. I never would have been able to create it if I hadn’t read and studied those mentor texts. Mentor texts help writers make good things great.
For those of you interested in writing a manuscript using the How-To…Structure, I wanted to include some additional mentor texts that have come out since I sold my book.

How to Read a Story by Kate Messner, illustrated by Mark Siegel
How to Behave at a Tea Party by Madelyn Rosenberg, illustrated by Heather Ross
A Beginner's Guide to Bearspotting by Michelle Robinson, illustrated by David Roberts

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What better way to celebrate ReFoReMo than with some CAKE?! Tammi is giving away a signed, first edition copy of her soon-to-be-released I LOVE CAKE:  STARRING RABBIT, PORCUPINE, AND MOOSE (Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, May 3) to one lucky duck. To be eligible for this prize, you must be fully registered, comment on every post, read daily, and keep a record of your progress.   
Tammi Sauer is a former teacher and library media specialist. She has sold 25 picture books to major publishing houses—Bloomsbury, Disney*Hyperion, HarperCollins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Simon & Schuster, and Sterling. In addition to winning awards, her books have gone on to do great things. Mostly Monsterly was selected for the Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories program. Me Want Pet! was recently released in French which makes her feel extra fancy. And Nugget and Fang, along with Tammi herself, was featured on the Spring 2015 Scholastic Book Fair DVD which was shared with millions of students. Her newest book, I Love Cake!:  Starring Rabbit, Porcupine, and Moose (HarperCollins), is available May 3, 2016.
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457 Comments
Katelyn Aronson
3/5/2016 03:06:03 am

Thank you so much, Tammi, for this inspiring article. I'd really like to start cutting my teeth on different pb structures, and this is just the nudge I needed. I recently ordered "Your Alien," and now I'm just waiting for it to be shipped to me over here in France. I cannot wait!!!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:10:11 am

Yay! Thanks, earthling. :)

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Sharon Giltrow
3/5/2016 04:55:36 am

Thanks Tammi for showing us the How to write a PB in different ways. You make it sound sooo simple but I know it's not here's to lots of mentor texts and drafts and revisions.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:12:40 am

You're welcome!

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Marianne Kuzujanakis link
3/5/2016 06:10:26 am

Thank you Tammi for the important reminder that there are many different ways to tell a story.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:13:29 am

i needed the reminder myself. :)

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Tanya Konerman link
3/5/2016 06:17:19 am

Okay, Tammi, now you've got me itching to write a How-To! Thanks!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:14:09 am

Go for it!

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Donna L Martin link
3/5/2016 06:18:33 am

Tammi, I've always loved your writerly wisdom and now that you have given me an idea for a How To book I love it even more!

Great post!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:14:42 am

Awesome!

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Karla Valenti
3/5/2016 06:18:58 am

What a great post, Tammi! I think it's so important for us to break out of our comfort zone and try new things. Playing with story structures is a very exciting way to develop our writing chops.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:15:37 am

Breaking out of a comfort zone can be so worth it!

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Rebecca Colby
3/5/2016 06:28:30 am

I've been planning to write a How To book also and you've provided some great mentor texts to study. Thank you, Tammi!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:16:44 am

Have fun!

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Andrea Mack link
3/5/2016 06:33:37 am

Thank you for a great list of mentor texts! I love the idea of trying different structures, especially the How-To structure.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:20:35 am

You're welcome! :)

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Martin Segal link
3/5/2016 06:35:54 am

Tammi, thank you for the wonderful post and mentor texts! I need to look into other story structures now! (P.S. - My daughter loves Bernadette)

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:21:53 am

Yay! I'm so glad your daughter is pro-Bernadette. :)

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Melissa Stoller link
3/5/2016 06:56:22 am

Thanks for this post filled with excellent mentor stories and great advice about how to be a creative author! Looking forward to reading I Love Cake!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:22:59 am

You are welcome!

Thanks for the CAKE comment.

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Angela Verges link
3/5/2016 07:03:47 am

Thanks Tammi for the great suggestions. I'm headed to the library as soon as it opens. Maybe I'll even get there early and stand there with my face pressed against the window. (-:

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:23:59 am

Woo! I love your enthusiasm. Happy reading/writing/revising.

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Laura Purdie Salas link
3/5/2016 07:10:28 am

I love Tammi's books AND I happen to have a few how-to ideas in my picture book idea doc. Can't wait to dive into these mentor texts throughout today. Thanks!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:24:36 am

Wow! Thanks, Laura. :)

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mona
3/5/2016 07:12:00 am

Thanks for tickling our muse to try writing a how to. Love your mentor texts...and did you all see that Vampirina Ballerina is on it's way to a kids tv show??? Who knows when they're writing a how to(or any other PB)! We can only shar, study, write and dream! Thanks again for sharing!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:27:20 am

I DID know that. I am overjoyed for my friend, Anne Marie. :)

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Kathy Halsey
3/5/2016 07:14:14 am

Tammi, I enjoy the study of PB structures and I will read lots in this category! love the story about the genesis of CARING FOR YOUR LION! I have never tired the "how to," and as a firer teacher & librarian myself, this might work perfectly. Thanks for the great post!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:28:25 am

This was the second of my books that found inspiration at PetSmart. The first was ME WANT PET!

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debbie mccue
3/27/2016 10:07:26 pm

Hah! Tomorrow, I'm checking out Petsmart!

Brook Gideon link
3/5/2016 07:17:18 am

Good morning Tammi! Thank you for a great post! You guys are doing an amazing job showing us all the ins and out of picture books. I agree with you on the mentor texts making good things great. I am already thinking of ways to tweak my manuscripts and forming many new ideas as well. Also, thank you for showing us that you can write many different types of manuscripts successfully, you don't have to stick to the same type.

p.s. I love cake the most! ;)

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:29:43 am

This sweet comment calls for CAKE!

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Megan Taraszkiewicz
3/5/2016 07:25:15 am

I, too, feel stuck in the traditional pb structure and in just a few days of ReFoReMo, my eyes have been flung open to all of the other wonderful possibilities. I love these How-to books and can't wait to get out of my comfort zone. Thanks you!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:30:27 am

YES! Go! Go! Go!

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carrieapear@aol.com link
3/5/2016 07:42:02 am

Love the backstory behind Caring For Your Lion and the reminder that sometimes we need to be ready before the idea arrives.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:53:03 pm

Thank you!

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Nancy Ramsey
3/5/2016 07:43:29 am

Thanks, Tammi! The "How To" structure is a lot of fun and I love the way the mentor texts demonstrate this technique in their own unique ways- Will definitely give this a try- Great post!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:53:42 pm

Have fun! :)

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Jodi McKay
3/5/2016 07:49:55 am

This is awesome, Tammi, thanks! I love that you pushed yourself to do something different, it's really inspiring.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:54:10 pm

Sometimes we have to take a leap!

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Joy Main
3/5/2016 08:03:02 am

Thank you Tammi, you've given me just the nudge I needed for a floating idea that came from my three-year-old. It could work really well as a How-To book!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:54:31 pm

OOH!

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Patricia Nozell
3/5/2016 08:10:13 am

How to start the weekend right: nailed this one, Tammi! I love that you've stretched yourself to write different types of picture books, that by reading mentor texts you learned how to write those How-to books, and that the inspiration came from what in my house is an every day occurrence, a pet store visit. I hope your son now has that hamster!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:55:38 pm

Ha! He had the hamster for a while. Then the hamster found a new home in a nearby school library media center. :)

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Cathy Breisacher
3/5/2016 08:13:57 am

Tammi, I have always admired your writing and I have used your stories as mentor texts for a while. I love that you have used various formats and structures for your fun stories. I also enjoyed reading this post and I'm excited to study the examples of HOW TO texts that you provided today.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:56:02 pm

Thank you so much!

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Melanie Ellsworth
3/5/2016 08:27:48 am

I had written a "How-to" that didn't feel like it was quite working as a story, so I rewrote in a more classic structure. But now I'm inspired to try it again as a "How-to" - I really enjoyed writing in that structure! Thanks, Tammi!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:56:23 pm

Good luck!

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MD Knabb
3/5/2016 08:28:23 am

Another great way to use mentor texts and challenge ourselves. Thanks, Tammi, for this insight and sharing with us.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:56:44 pm

You are welcome!

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Amy Murrell
3/5/2016 08:32:24 am

Of course, with Tammi's entertaining wit, this post reads as a how-to write a how-to blogpost on using mentor texts to strengthen your how-to (and possibly other) structure. I loved hearing how the lion evolved from a dwarf hamster ;) This post also gave me a new book idea. ..off to those great mentor texts! Thanks for sharing them with us, Tammi. - Amy

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:57:23 pm

Ha!

I'm so glad my post inspired an idea!

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Jess Townes link
3/5/2016 08:37:15 am

Tammi, I love your work! This post and accompanying mentor texts were so helpful. A couple of months ago I took one of my ho-hum drafts and re-wrote it in a second person, how to format. It has a long way to go but I like it better this way, and a few of these books really helped me with some issues I was having with how to move the plot within the instructions forward. Thank you!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:57:59 pm

You're welcome. :)

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Terri Degezelle link
3/5/2016 08:42:36 am

All of this and more in thirty-two pages. PBs are truly an art form and a gift to all readers. Thank you Tammi for sharing.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:58:22 pm

Agreed!

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Manju Howard
3/5/2016 08:44:55 am

Hi, Tammi! I like the way you push yourself to write using different PB structures. Congratulations on selling Caring for Your Lion!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:58:55 pm

It's good to challenge ourselves once in a while!

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Noelle McBride
3/5/2016 08:49:10 am

Thank you for bringing these excellent mentor texts to our attention! As a teacher I could see how Caring for your Lion, or similar "how to" books could apply to a STEAM lesson, designing a habitat for lions! And as a writer, I accept the challenge to try other text structures.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:59:31 pm

YES! :)

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Tina Cho link
3/5/2016 08:49:23 am

Ooo, Tammi, I love reading your how-to posts! Maybe you should write a how-to for picture book writers! Congrats on your how-to sale to Sterling. Can't wait to read all your newer books!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 08:59:58 pm

Thanks, Tina! :)

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Cathy Ballou Mealey link
3/5/2016 09:07:01 am

Terrific Tammi Tips! Love pushing myself to try unfamiliar "styles" of stories and studying mentor texts is definitely the way to find your groove - or strut! Can't wait to read LION!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:00:29 pm

Thanks, Cathy!

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Lisa Connors link
3/5/2016 09:11:35 am

I am so inspired to try some new styles. Congratulations on all your success Tammi.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:00:53 pm

Best of luck over there. :)

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Mary Warth
3/5/2016 09:12:01 am

Thanks so much Tammi for the great advice. I am using You Alien as one of my mentor texts for my current WIP and I love it!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:01:10 pm

Honored!

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Linda Chavez
3/5/2016 09:12:35 am

Thanks for the ideas about experimenting with structure! Also your presentation for N. Tx. SCBWI in Addison, gave me so many ideas for developing my pub! I've been using several of your books as mentors, and now you've given us more titles to use. Thanks for giving back! You make a difference. :-)

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:01:38 pm

Thanks, Linda! :)

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Lisa Williams
3/5/2016 09:18:23 am

Thank you! I've thought about doing this structure off and on for a while now. I absolutely adore Jean Reagan's How to Babysit a Grandpa and also How to Babysit a Grandma. Now off to research and come up with a great idea...

Lisa

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:02:02 pm

You never know where they will strike!

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sue twiggs
3/5/2016 09:21:55 am

Tammi,
My mind is brewing wiht structures for PB. I loved Your Alien and look forward to diving inot the mentor texts that will illustrate what you spoke about. thanks.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:02:46 pm

Wonderful!

I'm so glad you've enjoyed YOUR ALIEN. YOUR ALIEN RETURNS debuts in October. :)

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janet smart link
3/5/2016 09:25:01 am

Great post. In fact it has gave me an idea for a book!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:03:07 pm

I'm so glad!

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Diane
3/5/2016 09:27:41 am

Your picture books are some of my favorite mentor books. Thanks for sharing your talent and tips.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:03:27 pm

Thanks, Diane!

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Kathy Mazurowski
3/5/2016 09:27:58 am

You are an inspiration. Thank you!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:03:51 pm

I'm glad my post was helpful!

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debra daugherty
3/5/2016 09:32:25 am

Loved the post, Tammie. Caring for Your Lion sounds like a fun book, one I' plan on checking out. It shows the best ideas can come from the most unusual places.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:04:35 pm

PetSmart has been helpful to me TWICE. ME WANT PET! got its start there, too. :)

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Lori Dubbin
3/5/2016 09:34:18 am

Hi Tammi! Thank you for writing another "how to," this time an awesome post about how mentor texts "help writers make good things great." I love reading your books and I love reading them to kids. I can't wait for CAKE!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:05:10 pm

Thanks, Lori!

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Vicki Reinhardt
3/5/2016 09:34:23 am

I love how you came up with the idea for Caring for Your Lion! Ideas are everywhere and by researching PBs, we are priming our brains for future stories. Thanks for the great post! =)

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:05:29 pm

You're welcome, Vicki!

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Sue Poduska
3/5/2016 09:35:12 am

Thank you, PetSmart! And thank you, Tammi!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:05:47 pm

Ha! Yes. :)

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Lindsay Hanson Metcalf
3/5/2016 09:36:48 am

What a fun structure for a story. Thank you for the inspiration! I've used several of your books as mentor texts already. :)

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:06:07 pm

Thanks, Lindsay!

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Monique Wakefield
3/5/2016 09:51:10 am

I love the idea of trying to do a "how to" book. Love your books and thank you for this wonderful post :)

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:06:51 pm

Thanks, Monique!

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Jaclyn Kruzie link
3/5/2016 10:04:42 am

Great advice, thanks Tammi

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:07:23 pm

You're welcome, Jaclyn!

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Mary Worley
3/5/2016 10:06:40 am

I love that you challenge yourself to try new formats. Thanks for the great list! It will help me perk up a draft that's been lurking for a while now. Looking forward to reading Caring For Your Lion.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:07:56 pm

Good luck with that draft!

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carole calladine link
3/5/2016 10:06:43 am

Love your post, Tammi. Can't wait to try a "how to" structure.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:08:24 pm

Have fun, Carole!

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Maria Gianferrari link
3/5/2016 10:13:43 am

Terrific tips--thank you, Tammi! So excited for Your Alien Returns!!!!

Looking forward to LION too--love your books!!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:08:42 pm

Thanks, Maria!!!

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Mary Boehmer
3/5/2016 10:14:13 am

Thank you for sharing with us! Great post, I had to write a "How To" in college, now I am inspired to dig it out and look again:) Your list of books look so fun and I am looking forward to Caring For Your Lion!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:09:05 pm

Thanks, Mary!

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Sara Gentry
3/5/2016 10:15:21 am

Thank you, Tammi, for this helpful and informative post. I appreciate learning how you used mentor texts early in the writing process.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:09:37 pm

You're welcome, Sara!

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darlene koppel link
3/5/2016 10:16:28 am

So many wonderful lessons in this post! Thank you so much Tammi!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:10:12 pm

You're welcome, Darlene!

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Ann Magee
3/5/2016 10:16:55 am

You've certainly given me a lot to think about, Tammi. Congrats on your success!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:10:34 pm

Thank you, Ann!

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Annelouise Mahoney link
3/5/2016 10:24:53 am

Hi Tammi, You're post is excellent and inspiring just like the wonderful books you create. I've been struggling with a couple stories I wrote that aren't resonating...I'm inspired to rewrite using different story structures to see if I can make these stories come alive. Thank you for sharing here at ReFoReMo and for sharing your talent with the great books you write!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:11:09 pm

I'm so glad you enjoyed the post. :)

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Ellen Leventhal
3/5/2016 10:25:39 am

Great post! Tammi, I think I read that you are doing a workshop in Houston, and I got so excited. Unfortunately, it's on a day I have an all day training for Creative Writing Camp. So sad. :(

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:11:46 pm

I'm sorry I'll miss you in Houston!

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Angela
3/5/2016 10:30:50 am

Thanks, Tammi - great list of books. I have written a How To ms, but hadn't really thought of it as a structure - these mentor texts will be a helpful reference as I proceed.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:12:03 pm

Great!

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Deborah Allmand
3/5/2016 10:35:05 am

What a great post full of mentor texts and steps in your process. Thank you so much Tammi. I loved reading about how you wanted to challenge yourself. Our critique group works on craft at least once a year. Thanks also for the great prize!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:12:41 pm

You're welcome, Deborah!

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kevan atteberry link
3/5/2016 10:37:35 am

Love this idea! Pondering some how-to ideas now....

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:13:04 pm

I can't wait to see what you come up with, Kevan!

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Pat Zietlow Miller link
3/5/2016 10:37:53 am

This is a great post. It inspired me.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:13:26 pm

Honored. :)

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Susan Deo
3/5/2016 10:38:07 am

Thanks, Tammi, for sharing this insight into your creative process and giving us some great mentor texts to study! And it's helpful to be reminded that creativity takes time. Waiting and trust are part of the game.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:14:21 pm

Yes! Sometimes it's so hard to be patient, but it can really pay off.

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Cheryl Kim
3/5/2016 10:51:30 am

Thank you, Tammi. I loved this post! It really got me thinking and I'm excited to read all the titles you mentioned.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:14:40 pm

That's great news!

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Rachel Hamby link
3/5/2016 10:52:15 am

Thanks! I always fing the structure posts so helpful.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:15:00 pm

I'm glad!

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Natalie Rompella link
3/5/2016 10:54:32 am

I can't wait to read your titles. They all sound so fun!

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tammi link
3/5/2016 09:15:21 pm

Thanks, Natalie!

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Maria Johnson
3/5/2016 10:55:19 am

GREAT very informed analysis of the How To style PB. THANKS!

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tammi link
3/5/2016 09:15:42 pm

You're welcome, Maria!

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JEN link
3/5/2016 10:56:33 am

This post has me taking out one of my old manuscripts and seeing if I can turn it into a how-to picture book.

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tammi link
3/5/2016 09:16:05 pm

Yay! Good luck. :)

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Beth Gallagher
3/5/2016 10:59:25 am

Fantastic post! Thanks Tammi! Sometimes its too easy to get caught in the net of one structure. Thank you for the encouragement to study others! :)

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:16:26 pm

You're welcome, Beth!

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Bethany Roberts link
3/5/2016 11:01:34 am

Thanks for a great post! I've been intrigued by the how-to picture book structure for some time. Reading your post and all these mentor texts may be just the thing to give my muse a boost!

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:16:48 pm

Wonderful!

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Patricia Toht
3/5/2016 11:03:39 am

You rock, Tammi! Always a source of inspiration.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:17:11 pm

Thanks, Patricia!

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Stephanie Gray
3/5/2016 11:10:28 am

Another very timely post for me as I'm working on a how-to manuscript of my own. I feel like reading these books will definitely help me as I work to make it better. And my parents are in town visiting so everyone - grandparents, parents, and grandkids - enjoyed a dramatic read aloud of "How to Babysit a Grandpa."

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:17:42 pm

Nice. :)

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Heidi Yates
3/5/2016 11:13:57 am

Thank you for sharing these wonderful resources Tammi! I wrote a how to draft last month, and the texts you suggested will be fabulous research before I begin revision. :)

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:18:05 pm

Good luck, Heidi!

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Renee Kirchner
3/5/2016 11:14:39 am

I love your books Tammi! Thanks for a great post.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:18:32 pm

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Renee!

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Tracey Brown
3/5/2016 11:17:23 am

Love your books, Tammi! Thank you for reminding us (or for those fearful types like me) of, gasp, trying a new approach when the track we're on is stale or just isn't working. Looking forward to adding "I Love Cake" to my library.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:19:06 pm

Thank you, Tracey!

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Gabrielle Snyder link
3/5/2016 11:20:20 am

Thank you for this inspiring post and wealth of how-to mentor texts! I have a super rough draft that may work with the how-to structure.

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Tammi link
3/5/2016 09:19:29 pm

Good luck with it!

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Lori Gravley link
3/5/2016 11:21:53 am

I am a huge list maker and I love writing instructions. Thanks for this great list of books and this new approach to PB writing. These mentor texts are some of my favorite so far, and I love your books, too. Thank you!

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Tammi
3/6/2016 01:32:32 pm

Hooray! :)

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Linda Schueler
3/5/2016 11:24:29 am

Great! You have just given me a clue as to what's missing in my how to manuscript. Plus a fantastic list of texts to study. I'm looking forward to playing around with my ms. Thanks so much!

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Tammi
3/6/2016 01:33:09 pm

You're welcome, Linda!

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Charlotte Dixon
3/5/2016 11:27:33 am

Thank you, Tammi, for opening my eyes to other structure possibilities! I've got my work cut out for me and those examples are greatly appreciated.

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Tammi
3/6/2016 01:34:06 pm

You're welcome, Charlotte!

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Carol Nelson
3/5/2016 11:29:10 am

Thanks to your post, I see new possibilities for some of my ideas that weren't fitting into the traditional structure. Yea!

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Tammi
3/6/2016 01:34:32 pm

Hooray!!

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Alan Elliott link
3/5/2016 11:30:43 am

What a great how-to on how-to! Thanks!

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Tammi
3/6/2016 01:34:59 pm

You are welcome! :)

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Sharon Putnam
3/5/2016 11:36:57 am

Great post Tammy! Thank you for giving us a peek a various story structures and an amazing list of mentor texts to learn from.

Love how Caring For Your Lion (which is on my Amazon Wish List) came about... ideas really can come from anywhere, and when you least expect it... so always be prepared :)

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Tammi
3/6/2016 01:35:35 pm

YES!

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Annette Bay Pimentel link
3/5/2016 11:47:07 am

I didn't know this set of mentor texts at all. I fell in love with so many of them! Thank you for a great list.

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Tammi
3/6/2016 01:36:08 pm

You're welcome, Annette!

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Ashley Pierson
3/5/2016 11:48:26 am

Hi Tammi,
I LOVE your post! I have been wondering about straying from classic structure because it doesn't fit my current ms. Thank you!

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Tammi
3/6/2016 01:36:53 pm

Yup. We need to be open to try new approaches.

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Kristi Veitenheimer link
3/5/2016 11:48:40 am

Thank you, thank you, thank you for inspiring me to try something new!

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Tammi
3/6/2016 08:29:54 pm

Yay! :)

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christie allred link
3/5/2016 12:25:46 pm

I bought "Your Alien" and have enjoyed reading it to my family very much. The first thing I noticed the first time I read it was the second tense. I'm glad there are plenty of authors out there who are trying different things. I get a little tired of writing and hearing the typical picture book structure.

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Tammi
3/6/2016 08:30:32 pm

Thanks, earthling. :)

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Charlene Steadman
3/5/2016 12:32:59 pm

My grandson and I love Your Alien. It required a second reading right away by request (always a sign of a great book)! Lots of ideas to keep me working!

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Tammi
3/6/2016 08:31:04 pm

I love that!

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Sheri Rad
3/5/2016 12:33:19 pm

Thank you for your help with the "how to" to start writing in new structures and a how to book. It was helpful to have you post the structures that each of your books have taken. Now I need to stretch to something new besides the classic structure.

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Tammi
3/6/2016 08:32:36 pm

Stretching can be fun. :)

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Anita Jones link
3/5/2016 12:34:07 pm

What an interesting article! I've never thought a lot about the different kinds of structure, but it all makes sense. I understand why mentor texts are so important for a picture book writer. I love the Pet Store story and how you made that connection! Thanks Tammi!

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Tammi
3/6/2016 08:33:40 pm

Ah ha moments are the best!

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Rita Lorraine Hubbard link
3/5/2016 12:37:53 pm

Love this great how-to post! Especially this list of mentor texts. Can't wait to pull these from the library and get a better feel for how they're done. Thanks Tammi!

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Tammi
3/6/2016 08:34:50 pm

You're welcome, Rita!

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Julia Wasson
3/5/2016 12:42:37 pm

Thank you! Melissa Stewart has published a great series of non fiction picture book structures on her blog, Celebrate Science.

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Tammi
3/6/2016 08:35:46 pm

Sounds interesting!

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Michele Manning
3/5/2016 01:21:54 pm

Thanks, Tammi! I love sharing your books with the kids in my library. My first grade teachers are always looking for How To stories and now I have some great suggestions for them!

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Tammi
3/6/2016 08:36:16 pm

Thank YOU! :)

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Sandra Jenkins
3/5/2016 01:22:47 pm

I just read Your Alien and loved it. You've opened my mind to lots of possibilities. Now to pick a new structure to try.

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Tammi
3/6/2016 08:36:41 pm

Have fun! :$

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Chris Perry link
3/5/2016 01:40:00 pm

Love your books and great advice. Thanks to Reforemo I am armed with tools on how to better my writing and illustrations.

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Tammi
3/6/2016 08:37:51 pm

Happy writing over there. :)

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Rosie Pova
3/5/2016 01:43:20 pm

Thank you, Tammi! It's fun to try new structures, to learn, and grow and always challenge ourselves as writers. You're the best and your work is so inspiring! :) Congrats on all your success as you continue to delight us!!!

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:15:09 am

Thanks, Rosie! I hope your writing is going well. :)

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Emily J
3/5/2016 02:52:55 pm

This is such a great post! Once again, I am reminded how much a missed when I didn't make it to your North Texas SCBWI event last year. I can't BELIEVE I missed it. AH, well. I'll just keep reading those nuggets of wisdom that you share here and there! Thanks so much Tammi!

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:16:44 am

I'll be presenting another pb day in Houston in June. Maybe that might work for you. :)

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Angela De Groot
3/5/2016 02:54:10 pm

Thanks for breaking the How to's down for us. I like your challenge idea - it's the only way to grow.

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:17:01 am

Yup. :)

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Jilanne Hoffmann
3/5/2016 03:11:51 pm

Yet another brilliant post! In addition to the amazing mentor texts, you also provide writers with a reason to get away from the computers when trying to come up with ideas. Ideas are out there everywhere. We just have to air ourselves out a bit and find them. Thanks for the inspirational post!

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:17:30 am

Yes. Time away isn't wasted. It's helping you fill the well. :)

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Marlene Rohr link
3/5/2016 03:14:23 pm

Thanks Tammi for the informative and inspiring post that has me thinking about new possibilities for PB's.

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:17:45 am

You're welcome, Marlene!

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Judy Cooper link
3/5/2016 03:16:21 pm

Interesting topic. Thank you.

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:17:57 am

You're welcome, Judy!

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Suzanne Poulter Harris
3/5/2016 03:26:19 pm

Love your challenge to try something new. Now I'll be keeping my eyes open for a "how to" book idea. Thank you!

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:18:24 am

Hopefully, you'll run into one of those ideas soon. :)

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Shelley Kinder
3/5/2016 03:44:24 pm

Thanks, Tammi, for the great info! I've never considered How-To stories before, but I love that it's on my radar now. I can go though my Word doc of story ideas and see if any of them might work in this kind of format. Thanks again!

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:18:58 am

Orrrrrr...you can start something brand new with this structure in mind!

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Mike Karg link
3/5/2016 03:47:54 pm

Thanks for pushing us out of our comfort zones...there are plenty of other comfy couches nearby!

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:19:14 am

You're welcome, Mike!

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Ashley Bankhead
3/5/2016 03:59:18 pm

Thank you for this post. It was very informative, and I loved all of the great examples you gave of mentor texts. I also loved how you challenged yourself to try new picture book structures. Your new book sounds really good. I definitely want to read it. Thanks for sharing.

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:19:38 am

You're welcome, Ashley!

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Lynn Alpert link
3/5/2016 04:06:27 pm

Thanks for sharing the story of how you came up with the idea for CARING FOR YOUR LION. I'm wondering how you came up with I LOVE CAKE - a lot of testing, I bet.

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:20:22 am

Ha! For CAKE, I was inspired by a funny visual I saw on someone's blog post. You never know where inspiration is going to strike!

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Rita Antoinette Borg link
3/5/2016 04:18:50 pm

Great article on HOW TO thanks

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:20:33 am

You're welcome, Rita!

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Sydney O'Neill
3/5/2016 04:21:28 pm

Thank you, Tammi. It's interesting to study the different structures in these books.

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Melissa Rutigliano
3/5/2016 04:27:29 pm

Hi Tammi, What a coincidental day to read on structure strut! I woke up this morning being haunted by my current MS structure (or lack thereof) and was determined to make a change. I worked on it through the day, and also read your book suggestions and blog post. I'm wondering if you have other different structure suggestions other than How To's?.... Also, I found I Dare You Not To Yawn adorably comical! Loved how cute and witty that was. Thanks!

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:22:28 am

There are lots of different structures to try! See here for more:

http://taralazar.com/2012/11/07/piboidmo-day-7-tammi-sauer/

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Vivian Kirkfield link
3/5/2016 04:31:13 pm

Fabulous! Fabulous! Fabulous! And may I say...FABULOUS!!! Tammi, I loved your story about how PetSmart was the inspiration for one of your stories. Those ideas are whirling around our heads at warp speed...but we have to be ready, willing, and able...and the able part is why we need to read and study mentor texts. THANK YOU!

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:22:58 am

You're welcome, Vivian!

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Sandie Vaisnoras
3/5/2016 04:35:00 pm

This is such great advice. I always learn something valuable from you.

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:23:16 am

I'm so glad! :)

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Celeste Gerard
3/5/2016 04:43:14 pm

Thank you for your inspiring article. So many ideas to consider "How to".....

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:23:33 am

You're welcome, Celeste!

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Karen Bell
3/5/2016 04:43:49 pm

Hi Tammi, I am new to writing pb's and appreciate your take on breaking out of the "mold" of the typical story arc.

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:25:03 am

You're welcome, Karen!

I strongly suggest you get Linda Ashman's Nuts and Bolts Guide to Writing Picture Books. It's the #1 resource I wish was around when I was starting out. It's a goldmine of information, exercises, and interviews. :)

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Robin Currie link
3/5/2016 05:05:23 pm

Yes! I have a "how to" book in the works and long to explore structure options other than the usual! Thank you for the encouragement!

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:25:16 am

You're welcome, Robin!

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Lisa Billa
3/5/2016 05:08:54 pm

Thank you for a great post, so much to think about! And so many ideas happen in pet stores...

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:25:55 am

Ha! I also got my idea for ME WANT PET! while at PetSmart.

Maybe that just means I spend too much time at PetSmart. :)

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Kimberly Marcus link
3/5/2016 05:09:26 pm

Thank you for sharing your writing self challenges to write in different structures. Very interesting idea!!

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:26:12 am

You're welcome, Kimberly!

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Angela Turner
3/5/2016 05:33:01 pm

Thanks Tammi for this wonderful post. I have a couple ideas for changing a story to the How To format. The mentor texts you suggested should be very helpful on that task.

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:26:31 am

Yay!
:)

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Nancy Rimar
3/5/2016 05:47:21 pm

Thanks Tammi - I stick to basic plot structure and have been scared to try others. This is what I needed to quit thinking about it and start writing different structures.

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:27:50 am

Don't be scared! Sometimes it's good to push ourselves in new directions.

These are some other structures you may want to try....
http://taralazar.com/2012/11/07/piboidmo-day-7-tammi-sauer/

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Traci Bold link
3/5/2016 05:48:26 pm

Great examples to read and study Tammi! The how-to books for PB' are such a creatively cool concept for PB's; learning something new in a fun way.

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:28:27 am

Thanks, Traci!

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Joana Pastro
3/5/2016 05:55:06 pm

HI, Tammi. I was at my son's track meet this morning and we were talking about the need for a survival guide for these events. I began reading this post shortly after. What a coincidence! LOL. Anyway, I love your books and this post was fantastic. "How to..." books are so much fun!
I have a question, when there's (a lot of) text within the illustration like for instance after "Step 9" in "How to Read a Story" is it considered part of the word count or of the illustration?
Thanks!

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:31:19 am

I don't have the book with me right now, but I generally count all of the text in my word count.

To be clear, I don't add any illustration notes in my word count.

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Joana Pastro
3/9/2016 10:47:55 am

Thanks!

Bev Baird
3/5/2016 06:00:56 pm

Wonderful advice Tammi. Love your books. Chuckled over your visit to the pet store and the inspiration.

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:31:45 am

Thank you, Bev!

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Linda Carpenter link
3/5/2016 06:02:40 pm

Tammi, thank you for a great inspiration and some excellent tools. Your post came at a great time as I am totally restructuring a work in progress. Excellent!

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:31:56 am

Woo!

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Beverly Marsh
3/5/2016 06:27:40 pm

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on different ways we can structure our picture books.

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:32:09 am

Thank you, Beverly!

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Susan Wroble link
3/5/2016 06:30:42 pm

I loved the selection of "How To" books -- but even more, I loved the idea of pushing and challenging yourself to try new structures and styles. Many thanks for the inspiration!

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Tammi
3/7/2016 09:32:28 am

Thank you, Susan!

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lilli
3/5/2016 06:32:39 pm

I find it interesting that you have given yourself the task of trying different structures for writing your picture books. So then it has been function following form. I wonder which ones you'd like to try again and why. I like thinking of all of these as part of the go-to toolbox that can really bring out the best in a story. Thanks for such a thoughtful and full of possibilities post!

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Tammi
3/18/2016 07:23:07 am

I'm open to trying all of them!

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Natalie Lynn Tanner
3/5/2016 06:34:07 pm

Tammi: THANK YOU for the inspiration and PUSH to get us to think outside our "box" and PUSH OURSELVES creatively by trying different writing styles. Studying so many different mentor books will definitely bring the added inspiration! THANK YOU!

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Tammi
3/18/2016 07:23:32 am

You're welcome!

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Mary Jo Wagner
3/5/2016 06:37:14 pm

Being the serial "process person" that I am, it's not surprising that I am very attracted to the How To structure. It's "how" to do the "how to" that has been the sticking point. I now have some clues! Thanks Tammi!

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Tammi
3/18/2016 07:23:52 am

Yay!

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Lenne Musarra
3/5/2016 06:46:32 pm

I know PB have different structures but I didn't know what they were called. And I was surprised to see "How to" books in children's literature. Now I know...Looking forward to using this information further.

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Tammi
3/18/2016 07:24:19 am

Happy writing!

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Denise Benavides
3/5/2016 07:09:53 pm

thanks for the lesson on structure. As I read, I was thinking of your great workshop you gave for N TX SCBWI. Enjoyed your lesson today and the workshop of the past.

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Tammi
3/18/2016 07:24:36 am

Thank you!

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Tammi
3/18/2016 07:24:50 am

Thank you!

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Susan Zonca
3/5/2016 07:22:37 pm

Just in time! Yesterday I had a How-to idea for a PB and...Voila!...today your post appeared. I appreciate all of your excellent mentor text recommendations.

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:44:15 pm

Hooray! :)

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Maria Marshall
3/5/2016 07:33:03 pm

Tammi, you've inspired me to look at writing in additional formats to deal with a new idea that eluded my attempts to put it into the traditional format. Thank you for the nudge.

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Chana Stiefel link
3/5/2016 07:42:18 pm

Fabulous list! Your versatility is awesome. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to read your latest books.

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:44:50 pm

Thanks, Chana!

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Zainab Khan
3/5/2016 07:52:57 pm

I loved your post. It helped me see how hard it is to write a picture book and what it entails. Thank you.

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:45:09 pm

It's hard...but it's fun. :)

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Trine
3/5/2016 08:03:05 pm

Thank you for the thought-provoking post. I have enjoyed these books and will think about trying a new structure.

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:45:29 pm

You're welcome, Trine!

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Jarm Del Boccio link
3/5/2016 08:03:17 pm

I've not thought of the 'how to' structure. Thanks for your great examples, Tammi. Your "Caring for Your Lion" is brilliant!

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:45:58 pm

It was such a fun ms to write!

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Kizzi Roberts link
3/5/2016 08:04:53 pm

Great post! I need to now do some research on all the different structures. :)

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Juliana Lee link
3/5/2016 08:05:59 pm

Intrigued by the idea of writing a HOW-TO book. Now to search PetSmart, um, I mean another location for inspiration. <wink>

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Angie Quantrell
3/5/2016 08:08:47 pm

Love this post! Thank you for the information, examples, and list of great books for us to read and use as mentor books. Can't wait to try some of your suggestions.

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:43:54 pm

Good luck, Angie!

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Ginger Weddle
3/5/2016 08:12:57 pm

Tammi, It is wonderful to have so many options! Thanks for the reminder.

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:43:40 pm

You're welcome, Ginger!

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Sue Heavenrich link
3/5/2016 08:21:07 pm

Thanks, Tammi! I am trying different structures because sometimes a story is just waiting for the right way to be told. Like you, I noticed that a lot of these books are written in 2nd person. One more thing I can be aware of when I read picture books.

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:43:27 pm

Yup. It's good to be aware of these sorts of things. :)

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Andrea Allen
3/5/2016 08:29:11 pm

Always love your books Tammi - can't wait to read all the new ones being released in 2016 & 2017. Congratulations on your well earned success.

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:42:54 pm

Thanks, Andrea!

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Caroline Webster link
3/5/2016 08:41:12 pm

Wow--thank you for sharing how you've pushed yourself to step out of your comfort zone and the gold you've mined when you've done just that. Thanks for all the suggested mentor texts!! I think I've been so focused on coming up with ideas, I haven't spent as much time thinking about ways to go about working with the idea once it's there. Your how-to is so helpful in thinking about how to share a story, but also, it seems in generating ideas themselves. Thank you! I look forward to reading more of your books. Did your son end up getting a hamster?

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:42:41 pm

Briefly. :)

We ended up donating the hamster to a school library.

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Elizabeth Duncan link
3/5/2016 08:42:19 pm

What a fun group of mentor texts on structure. It really inspired me to think of different ways to tell a story.

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Shellley Marshall
3/5/2016 08:43:01 pm

You've opened my mind to this story angle. It appeals to me greatly. Thanks for "the how to" of finding exemplary mentor texts.

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:41:51 pm

You're welcome, Shelley!

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dfrybarger
3/5/2016 09:10:15 pm

Thank you, Tammi, for this insightful post. It gave me a lot to think about!

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:41:19 pm

:)

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Donna Cangelosi link
3/5/2016 09:17:10 pm

Your posts are always informative and inspiring, Tami! I love the idea of trying new story structures. Reading this post helped me come up with a better way to tell a story I wrote a few years ago. Thank you!!!
I look forward to reading "Caring for Your Lion."

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:41:10 pm

Thanks, Donna!

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Lynn Davidson link
3/5/2016 09:18:53 pm

Since I'm still figuring out what my strength is in writing picture books, it's interesting learning about the different approaches. Thank you, Tammi, for sharing what has worked for you.
I'm looking forward to reading Your Alien, which I'm borrowing from our local elementary school library since it isn't in our regional library's catalogue.

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:40:52 pm

I hope you enjoy it!

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Lucky Jo
3/5/2016 09:32:36 pm

Love this first line, "The Truman Elementary Troublemakers were a bad bunch." Now on to study structure.

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:40:32 pm

Thank you! :)

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Lotus Ivak link
3/5/2016 09:43:48 pm

Thank you for your thoughts on the HOW-TO structure Tammi! There's just so much I have been learning from ReFoReMo everyday, its brilliant!

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:40:04 pm

I looove ReFoReMo!

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Heather Pierce Stigall link
3/5/2016 09:43:49 pm

I DO have an idea for a "How To" story, but haven't started it yet (ideas are not the hard part for me -- writing that first draft is). These will be great mentor texts for me when I get around to that manuscript. Thank you for the suggestions and tips!

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:39:47 pm

You're welcome, Heather!

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Janie Reinart
3/5/2016 09:53:25 pm

Tammi, this was so much fun! Thank you for all the great book references.

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:39:26 pm

You're welcome, Janie!

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Leah Heilman Schanke
3/5/2016 10:01:50 pm

What an educational and inspiring post. I greatly appreciate the reminder to get out of our comfort zone and stretch ourselves creatively. Thank you!

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:39:12 pm

You're welcome, Leah!

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Deborah McCue
3/5/2016 10:01:53 pm

Great post on the importance of mentor texts. I loved reading about the process you went through with your how-to story!

I have enjoyed your picture books, Tammi, and I'm so glad you are going to be presenting a workshop in Houston in June. I'm looking forward to attending it!

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debbie mccue
3/5/2016 10:05:00 pm

Great post on the importance of mentor texts. I loved reading about the process you went through with your how-to story!

I have enjoyed your picture books, Tammi, and I'm so glad you are going to be presenting a workshop in Houston in June. I'm looking forward to attending it!

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:38:49 pm

Yay! See you in Houston!

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Denise Engle
3/5/2016 10:06:17 pm

Your post was enormously delightful. You discovered an over the top idea at PetSmart? I'm so motivated!!! Your entire post was extremely helpful, Tammi! Thank you.

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:38:27 pm

You're welcome, Denise!

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Jean Reagan link
3/5/2016 10:13:43 pm

Tammi,

And I've used YOUR books as mentor texts! :-)

Jean Reagan (author of How to Babysit a Grandpa)

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:38:11 pm

Well! :)

Thanks for letting me know. I'm honored.

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Dee Leone link
3/5/2016 10:38:36 pm

What a great post on the "How To" structure! I've attended one of your conference sessions, which was fantastic. I can't wait to attend a full day workshop in June.

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:37:43 pm

See you there! :)

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Virginia Law Manning link
3/5/2016 10:41:06 pm

I'm enjoying ReFoReMo so much. It's great to read each day's topic and then read all the mentor texts! I enjoyed all these how-to books. So glad I finally know how to clean my woolly mammoth!

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Tammi
3/22/2016 06:37:24 pm

Ha! You and me both. :)

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Laura Renauld
3/5/2016 10:45:53 pm

Thanks for the glimpse into your writerly life, from inspiration to mentor text research. Can't wait to read your latest! All of your books are fabulous :)

Reply
Tammi
3/22/2016 06:37:05 pm

Wow! Thanks, Laura!

Reply
Katie Parnell
3/5/2016 11:24:16 pm

Thank you for the informative post Tammi!

Reply
Tammi
3/22/2016 06:36:50 pm

You're welcome, Katie!

Reply
AJ Irving link
3/5/2016 11:27:22 pm

Great post! Thank you, Tammi!

Reply
Tammi
3/22/2016 06:36:37 pm

You're welcome, AJ!

Reply
Carol Cole link
3/5/2016 11:51:08 pm

Thanks for a great lesson Tammi. It sparked some ideas for how to books. I like to think stories in second person, so I feel more comfortable putting them down on paper now.

Reply
Tammi
3/22/2016 06:36:20 pm

Happy writing, Carol!

Reply
Holly Samson Hall
3/5/2016 11:54:02 pm

Excellent food for thought! I'm struggling with a plot right now, but I've been hung up on the classic structure you mentioned. Maybe I just need to come at it from a different angle. Thanks!

Reply
Tammi
3/22/2016 06:36:01 pm

Good luck, Holly!

Reply
Sue Ganz-Schmitt link
3/6/2016 12:44:51 am

"I worked really hard to make Caring for Your Lion irresistible." Such a simple concept - a goal to make a manuscript irresistible. Why isn't this my goal for every single manuscript?! Thanks for the inspiration!

Reply
Tammi
3/22/2016 06:35:46 pm

That's actually the last question I ask myself before sending a ms to my agent: Have I done everything possible to make this ms irresistible?

Reply
Amanda Sincavage
3/6/2016 12:55:15 am

What timing! One of these books is the perfect mentor text for my most recent creation. Can't wait to read the rest of them and get my hands on your books to study various structures & styles. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise!

Reply
Tammi
3/22/2016 06:34:40 pm

Yay! That's great news!

Reply
Tootie Nienow
3/6/2016 01:32:26 am

I love your books and laugh out loud when I read them to my students. I am motivated by your article and am going to sit down and try this structure.

Reply
Tammi
3/22/2016 06:33:59 pm

I am honored that you're sharing my books with your students!

Reply
Annie Bailey
3/6/2016 02:49:59 am

Lots of great titles to read here! Thank you for a great post Tammi!

Reply
Tammi
3/22/2016 06:33:38 pm

You're welcome, Annie!

Reply
Kirsti Call
3/6/2016 06:47:15 am

Thanks for sharing your expertise! I adore your books and this post inspires me to branch out of my comfort zone.

Reply
Tammi
3/22/2016 06:33:20 pm

Yay! It's so easy to get stuck in a comfort zone. I'm glad you're pushing yourself to try new things.

Reply
Jeanette Bradley
3/6/2016 08:12:29 am

What a great reading list! Thank you. Did you end up with the hamster?

Reply
Tammi
3/22/2016 06:32:24 pm

Ha! We did. But, after a few months, my son realized he didn't love taking care of a hamster as much as he thought he would. I found a fabulous new home for the little guy at a nearby school library. (The hamster, not my son.) :)

Reply
DeLeon
3/6/2016 09:18:19 am

Great examples, fun to read, and "easy" steps to follow! Hehe! Thank you Tammi. I never thought of this structure. Now I have to get a great idea :-)

Reply
Tammi
3/22/2016 06:29:54 pm

They pop up when you least expect them! Just be ready to catch them when they do.

Reply
Kirsten Larson
3/6/2016 09:32:50 am

I can't tell you how many of those pet care guides I have floating around my car. Now if only I had the presence of mind to craft a story with them. Ha, ha. I agree about trying new things though. I tried writing a story as meta fiction, and it did wonders for my WIP.

Reply
Tammi
3/22/2016 06:29:19 pm

Here's to trying new things!!!

Reply
Meena
3/6/2016 09:58:36 am

Thanks for the very essential how-to guide. Love the suggestions!

Reply
TAmmi
3/22/2016 06:28:42 pm

You are so welcome, Meena!

Reply
Lauri Meyers link
3/6/2016 10:01:01 am

Tammi, love your books and love your research examples.

Reply
Tammi
3/22/2016 06:28:23 pm

Thanks, Lauri!

Reply
Claire Noland link
3/6/2016 10:36:20 am

Tammi - this post is very timely for me because I am working on a "how to" picture book. Thanks for the great examples and I am going to look for Caring for Your Lion. Thanks so much!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:55:50 am

You're welcome,Claire!

Reply
Kathy Cornell Berman
3/6/2016 10:41:24 am

What a super post Tammi! Thanks so much for sharing so much!!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:55:29 am

You're welcome, Kathy!

Reply
Marilyn Garcia
3/6/2016 11:49:47 am

I am so glad to read your post and to know that other people are itching to try something besides the classic arc story and, more importantly, that well-established, successful authors still struggle to come up with ideas! Thank you for all the great book suggestions and for the shot in the arm to be "outrageous".

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:55:10 am

:)

Reply
Val McCammon
3/6/2016 12:32:10 pm

Great reminder to push ourselves, and thanks for the mentor texts you included, Tammi.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:54:37 am

You're welcome, Val!

Reply
Pamela Courtney
3/6/2016 12:39:39 pm

You've just reinforced to all of us that IDEAS ARE EVERYWHERE!! So these How To's will be amazing texts to study. I cannot, simply cannot tell how grateful I am for this post. For this Research engagement. Love this post.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:54:17 am

I'm so glad you enjoyed my post, Pamela!

Reply
Anne Appert link
3/6/2016 01:05:50 pm

I love the challenge to write in different formats. Thank you for your post!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:53:44 am

You're welcome, Anne! :)

Reply
joanne sher link
3/6/2016 01:06:26 pm

I have thought about a how-to book for a while, but haven't tried one. You, and these wonderful mentor texts, have inspired me to give it a try. Thanks so much!!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:53:17 am

You are welcome!

Reply
Nina Johnson
3/6/2016 01:09:21 pm

Thanks so much Tammi. This is so helpful especially since I couldn't find all the mentor texts at the library. It will make me double my efforts to acquire them. You've pointed out more reasons that they are important. Thanks.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:52:55 am

You're welcome, Nina!

Reply
Anna Forrester link
3/6/2016 02:06:57 pm

Two posts in a row, now, suggest that we set up challenges for ourselves -- sort of make a game of pushing ourselves to try a certain approach or structure. At the meta-level, I love this!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:52:25 am

Hooray! :)

Reply
Sydney O'Neill
3/6/2016 03:41:04 pm

It's interesting to study the different structures. Thank you, Tammi.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:51:57 am

You're welcome, Sydney!

Reply
Keila Dawson link
3/6/2016 03:43:48 pm

What's not to love about advice from Tammi Sauer. One of my picture books SHEros.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:51:35 am

Ha! Honored. :)

Reply
Brenda Huante
3/6/2016 04:22:46 pm

Thank you very much, Tammi!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:51:17 am

You're welcome, Brenda!

Reply
Linda Thomas
3/6/2016 06:33:49 pm

Hi Tammi, thank you for the introduction to different story structures! I have much to learn and your book suggestions will be so helpful! I've written how-to books for adults (software manuals), but how-to books for kids sounds so much more creative and fun :-)

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:50:56 am

Ha! I agree.

Reply
Helen Dening link
3/6/2016 06:34:28 pm

Thanks you, Tammi for the inspiration and encouragement to step out of our structure comfort zone. Your list is valuable.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:50:36 am

You're welcome, Helen!

Reply
Erik Weibel link
3/6/2016 07:05:23 pm

I love books that break away from the "normal." It's awesome how PetSamrt inspired you ha ha ha!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:50:12 am

PetSmart inspired me TWICE!

I was there when I got the idea for ME WANT PET! :)

Reply
Susie Sawyer link
3/6/2016 07:55:40 pm

Oh Tammi, Tammi, Tammi!!!!! You've inspired me again with this post and your contagious enthusiasm (though I have plenty of my own, it seems). In my notes for today, I now have a big, double-underlined, all-caps "How To..." idea!! Thank you!! :)

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:49:23 am

Go! Go! Go! :)

Reply
Laurie Bouck
3/6/2016 08:07:50 pm

Thank you so much Tammi for this post! I never considered writing a how-to book, but you've inspired me!! :)

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:48:51 am

Woo! :)

Reply
Jennifer Cole Judd link
3/6/2016 09:18:05 pm

You're kind of my hero, Tammi. Wonderful post! Thanks so much for sharing your enthusiasm and your wonderful research insights!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:48:32 am

Ha! Best of luck with your writing. :)

Reply
Therese Nagi
3/6/2016 10:18:26 pm

Tammi thanks for the great tips!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:48:03 am

You're welcome, Therese!

Reply
Jena Benton
3/6/2016 11:43:45 pm

I never thought of the "how to" as a plot structure before. Thank you for gathering this collection of books for us to study. New ideas are forming!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:47:40 am

That's great!

Reply
Jane Buttery link
3/6/2016 11:52:52 pm

I've ordered Vampire Ballerina after reading your blog and will try to get some of the others but I needed to remember tham. Yours ideas about different approaches are enlightening. For an old person like me all these new ideas just make me feel more joyful about writing. Thanks so much

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:47:23 am

You're welcome, Jane!

Reply
Bruna de luca
3/7/2016 01:51:42 am

Excellent inspiration to try something new. I'm especially encouraged that you set out to try a new structure before you had an idea for it...and that even you find it hard to come up with new ideas.

Great post, thanks.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:46:55 am

Coming up with okay ideas is easy. Coming up with GOOD ideas is much more challenging.

Reply
Lisa Morgan
3/7/2016 06:34:17 am

Tammi, I am in awe of your expertise and talent! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom. I am learning so much. Until this experience my stories just came to me and ended up on the page organically. I love the idea of using different structures to put my ideas onto paper. As I look back on my rough ideas I can now see that they might work in different structures. I appreciate your time and insight!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:46:05 am

I'm so glad you enjoyed my post, Lisa. :)

Reply
Joan Swanson
3/7/2016 08:29:27 am

What a great idea on how to make a normal how to, into a book that may include some humor on taking care of something outrageous. Thanks for sharing, now I have ideas too!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:44:56 am

Wonderful!

Reply
Lydia Lukidis link
3/7/2016 09:44:18 am

Great post! Here I was, trying to perfect the traditional structure for PBs, not even giving thought to the fact that I could go about it in different ways...

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:44:23 am

Yes, there are so many options!

Reply
Sherri Jones Rivers link
3/7/2016 10:11:59 am

What an awesome array of picture books, yours and others, that you have shared with us. You inspire us to look at new ways of telling our stories.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:43:59 am

Hooray! :)

Reply
Christine Rodenbour
3/7/2016 10:35:13 am

Intriguing...the "How-To." Can't wait to try!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:43:21 am

Great!

Reply
LuAnn KErn
3/7/2016 11:19:49 am

Thanks! I have a how-to manuscript that I'm working on and these examples really help! Love your stories!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:43:08 am

Thanks, LuAnn!

Reply
Sherry Howard link
3/7/2016 01:17:44 pm

Oh, Tammi, I felt like you threw down the gauntlet there. I dream of tackling so many different structures and have drafts in many. Now I want an exciting how-to to find its way in to my brain. Loved your inspiration source!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:42:45 am

You're welcome, Sherry!

Reply
Cecilia McCarthy
3/7/2016 01:28:46 pm

The wheels are turning! Thanks for these fun mentor texts. I never considered writing a how-to before, but am excited to try this form out.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:42:10 am

Hooray!

Reply
Valarie Giogas
3/7/2016 01:57:13 pm

I love playing with new structures. Now I have a few more to try. Thanks, Tammi!!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:41:53 am

Happy writing, Valerie!

Reply
Kristen Schroeder
3/7/2016 03:08:56 pm

You are so inspiring, Tammi! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and encouraging us all to stretch our writing wings.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:41:26 am

You're welcome, Kristen!

Reply
Stephanie Dreyer link
3/7/2016 03:20:10 pm

Brilliant as usual, Ms. Tammi! Love your work and your skill for breaking down the writing process to help your fellow writers. I got so much out of your post today. Thank you!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:40:57 am

I'm so glad you enjoyed my post, Stephanie!

Reply
Suzy Leopold
3/7/2016 05:34:29 pm

I like the idea of trying a different structure. Thank you, Tammi, for the encouragement to try something new along with an excellent list of mentor texts.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:40:16 am

You're welcome, Suzy!

Reply
Karen Condit
3/7/2016 06:11:23 pm

Tammi, the books you suggested were great and helped me see the need for emotion and feelings in those 'how to' stories. I've got lots more studying to do but you got me started! Thanks!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:39:50 am

Yes, books need to make readers feel something.

Reply
Cindy Cornwall
3/7/2016 08:18:12 pm

This list looks fantastic and I can't wait to dive in! My only problem is: I've read only one of your books, Tammi (Your Alien, which I loved). Now, I realize there's a ton of your other great books out there.(Sigh) So many books, so little time.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:39:19 am

I have 13 out and 13 more under contract. :) Happy reading!

Reply
Anita Banks
3/8/2016 08:02:28 am

Congratulations! Thank you for the wonderful list, looking forward to reading!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:38:14 am

You're welcome, Anita!

Reply
Anne Young
3/8/2016 08:26:17 am

I need to live in a bookstore! So many great stories / mentor texts to read. Thank you for all your suggestions.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:37:49 am

You're welcome, Anne!

Reply
PatHaap
3/8/2016 08:38:40 am

Your post has inspired me! Thanks, Tammi.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:37:22 am

You're welcome, Pat!

Reply
Lauren Kerstein link
3/8/2016 12:50:36 pm

I learned so much from your post. I can't wait to study mentor texts with different structures and then take the leap to write something outside my comfort zone. Thank you!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:36:36 am

You're welcome, Lauren!

Reply
Linda Kujawski link
3/8/2016 06:44:00 pm

Tammi, thank you for these great ideas about changing the structure! Really helpful suggestions.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:36:08 am

You're welcome, Linda!

Reply
Sandy Perlic
3/8/2016 10:22:53 pm

How-to picture books can be so much fun! Thanks for pointing me towards some that I hadn't read before.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:35:33 am

You're welcome, Sandy!

Reply
Colleen Paeff link
3/9/2016 03:18:16 pm

Thanks so much, Tammi. I loved to the story of how Caring for Your Lion came to you. :) And I'm so glad you included A Beginner's Guide to Bearspotting on the list because I read it at the bookstore last month and promptly forgot the name of the book. I've been wracking my brain and trying all kinds of weird Google searches to recall it to memory but nothing worked. So you've saved me from further searching and brain-wracking! Hooray!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:35:08 am

Happy to help. :)

Reply
Juli Caveny link
3/10/2016 01:32:08 am

Wow! Tammi, you are definitely an expert I want to hear more from ... and read your new book! I can't wait to go "out into the world" and look for unconventional stories. (Hmmm... or maybe...) ;) Thanks for the motivating post!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:34:40 am

You're welcome, Juli!

Reply
Nadine Gamble
3/10/2016 10:11:49 am

Still in the thinking stage. Thanks for sharing your process and resources.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:33:28 am

I spend most of my time in the thinking stage,

Reply
Ali Bovis
3/10/2016 10:37:14 am

Thanks so much for this amazing post! I LOVE Your Alien!!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:31:27 am

Thank you! YOUR ALIEN RETURNS comes out in October. :)

Reply
Kristen Browning
3/11/2016 11:21:03 pm

Thanks very much for the inspirational post and for the fun book selections. I really enjoyed Michelle Robinson's stories and her hilarious voice. I was interested to discover that some of these how-to's are teaching real skills (How to Read a Story, Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle and Vampirina Ballerina, for example) in such creative, engaging ways. I have to try this structure with one of my WIPs.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:30:40 am

I am a huge Michelle Robinson fan. You should check out her website. She offers some great writing tips.

Reply
Wendy Greenley
3/12/2016 05:14:06 pm

Super post. I could hear your enthusiastic voice and energy as I read along! Feeling energized by proxy. :)

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:29:34 am

Yay! :)

Reply
Anne-Marie Strohman
3/14/2016 05:37:35 pm

Thanks for showing us your research in action, and for the great mentor text recommendations!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:29:04 am

You're welcome! :)

Reply
sharon langley link
3/14/2016 07:13:15 pm

Very exciting...now, should I try a How To Book? Wow! I just had an idea!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:28:41 am

Yay!

Reply
Linda Hofke
3/14/2016 07:42:17 pm

this is my favorite post so far. Why? Well, I've read over and over again that we need to use the "MC/problem/3 failed attempts to solve/solution/changed MC" formula but that is sooooooo not true. Not only did you say that but you backed it up with great examples.

Also, this post mentions a dwarf hamster. Brings back great memories of my daughter's dwarf hamster, Daisy. Such a sweet little thing.

And the last reason why I love this post is because the other day I had a great idea for a "how to" book but had no idea how to start it. I can't wait to read all the books you mentioned. I hope they give me a bit of direction.

thank you so much.

(and by the way, the Lion book idea sounds awesome. I hope it includes how to gently get knots out of a lion's mane.)

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:28:24 am

I'm so glad you enjoyed my post!

Reply
Kelly Rice Schmitt
3/14/2016 10:55:56 pm

Thank you Tammi for showing us HOW TO be better authors by challenging ourselves to get outside our comfort zones. This list will help how-to books be less daunting.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:27:32 am

You're welcome!

Reply
L. Michelle Quraishi link
3/16/2016 12:48:54 pm

My favorite of these mentor texts is Vampirina Ballerina, because MC overcomes numerous obstacles to achieve her dream, but primarily prejudice. Great heart for a how-to story!

Reply
Kelly Rice Schmitt
3/17/2016 09:07:17 pm

I also loved how Vampirina was lyrical with sparse text and not an obvious how to book. Very clever.

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:26:25 am

Agreed!

Tammi
3/18/2016 07:26:53 am

It's such a great book!

Reply
Myrna Foster
3/17/2016 02:50:02 am

Yay! You wrote a How-To post for PiBoIdMo in November of 2014 that inspired me to write a How-To picture book. I've actually read most of the books you listed already as mentor texts, but there are a few new ones on there. Thanks for being awesome!

Reply
Tammi
3/18/2016 07:26:11 am

:)

Reply
Jill Jeffries
3/19/2016 05:38:47 pm

So many wonderful ideas! My head is swimming, THANK YOU!!

Reply
Tammi
3/22/2016 06:27:32 pm

Wuhoo!

Reply
Gabrielle Schoeffield
3/20/2016 09:26:31 am

Great article! Thanks for the pointers!
I'm off to the store seeking inspiration!

Reply
Tammi
3/22/2016 06:27:16 pm

You're welcome, Gabrielle!

Reply
Dina Ticas link
3/20/2016 06:12:56 pm

I enjoyed reading the variations of the first line for each book. I made note of them especially because I was curious if they would be formulaic or predictable for a "How to" book. Thanks for the insight.

Reply
Tammi
3/22/2016 06:26:58 pm

You're welcome, Dina!

Reply
Vijaya link
3/23/2016 02:18:56 pm

I love how the idea came to you Tammi. We had dwarf hamsters for a couple of years. Fun little critters -- they've given me story ideas too. So, did you ever get the dwarf hamster for your son?

Reply
Tammi
4/10/2016 10:55:17 am

We had the hamster for a little while. When my son realized that dwarf hamsters were not for him, we donated the hamster to a school library.

Reply
Cindy Jolley
3/23/2016 02:24:14 pm

Thanks, Tammi! Great to see the variety of different ways to use the "How-to" structure shown in these mentor texts! Great list! And I love your books and the variety of structures you use in your writing!

Reply
Tammi
4/10/2016 10:55:41 am

Thanks, Cindy!

Reply
Lynne Marie link
3/28/2016 06:24:08 pm

Big thanks to the queen of structure :)

Reply
Tammi
4/10/2016 10:55:59 am

Ha!

Reply



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