Carrie On...Together!
Carrie Charley Brown, Children's Book Writer
  • Carrie On... Together!
    • Meet Carrie
    • Carrie On...Book Clubs! >
      • Contest Gallery
  • Carrie On...Writing!
    • Ongoing Resources
    • Read with Me & Review Policy
  • Carrie On...Services!
    • Picture Book Critique Service
    • Teacher's Guides
    • KidLit Video Production
    • KidLit Marketing
    • Literary Tutoring PK-4
  • ReFoReMo
    • What is ReFoReMo?
    • Schedule & Coordinators
    • Tools
    • ReFoReMo 2016
    • ReFoReMo 2015
    • Blog Submissions
  • Privacy Policy

ReFoReMo Day 15: Aaron Reynolds Gleans Picture Book Gold

3/16/2015

86 Comments

 
by Aaron Reynolds

1.     THE ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE: AN UNIMAGINARY FRIEND by Dan Santat

WHAT I GLEAN: Here is a great example of a story that keeps things TIGHT. Not a ton of words here, lots of room for the art to tell the story. Of course, in this case, Dan Santat was also the illustrator, so he knew what he wanted to draw, but we have to think that way as writers too.

Picture
2.     THIS IS A MOOSE by Richard T. Morris, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

WHAT I GLEAN: So brilliant, so clever, so unexpected. That’s what we need to be writing…THE UNEXPECTED.

Picture
3.     THIS IS NOT MY HAT by Jon Klassen

WHAT I GLEAN: Not afraid to be edgy and dark and sophisticated for a picture book audience. We too often keep things nicey nicey or safely about trucks and puppies and are afraid to tell BOLD stories. The picture book medium can handle so much more, and so can the kids!


Picture
4.     MR. TIGER GOES WILD by Peter Brown

WHAT I GLEAN: Perfect STORY ARC with a SATISFYING ENDING. The character goes somewhere significant and you feel happy with the results, and he does it all without using 1000 or 2000 words to do it. An ideal picture book should be around 400 words, but NO MORE than 800.

Picture
5.     EXCLAMATION MARK by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

Like THIS IS A MOOSE, this story is completely ORIGINAL AND UNEXPECTED. Who says inanimate objects can’t be characters? Or abstract concepts? Or punctuation?


Picture
Picture
Aaron Reynolds is a New York Times Bestselling Author and has written many highly acclaimed books for kids, including Here Comes Destructosaurus!, Carnivores, the Joey Fly – Private Eye graphic novel series, and the Caldecott Honor Medalist Creepy Carrots! He has a passion for kids’ books and seeing kids reading them. He regularly makes time to visit schools where his hilarious hands-on presentations keep kids spellbound. Find him at www.aaron-reynolds.com.

86 Comments
Myrna Foster link
3/14/2015 07:16:07 pm

Great examples! I just read THIS IS A MOOSE for the first time last night. It wasn't at all what I expected it to be. I loved it! Thanks for your recommendations and thoughts on what makes them stand out.

Reply
Keila Dawson link
3/14/2015 07:43:13 pm

Love unexpected endings and adore your work as well Aaron Reynolds. Carnivores is edgy and hilarious.

Reply
Aaron Reynolds
3/15/2015 09:27:39 am

Thanks, Keila!

Reply
Yvonne Mes link
3/14/2015 07:49:58 pm

Thanks Aaron, a nice way of showing how to take-away something you knows works well in each picture book with the goal of applying it to your own. Though of course, easier said than done!

Reply
Rebecca Colby
3/14/2015 09:58:39 pm

Some more great books for my wish list. I'm definitely intrigued to read Amy Krouse Rosenthal's "Exclamation Mark" now. Thanks for the recommendations and take-aways.

Reply
Kaye Baillie
3/14/2015 10:03:56 pm

OMG the great advice and recommendations keep on coming. Loving it!

Reply
Maria Laso
3/14/2015 10:17:30 pm

Yes, please.

Reply
Lisa Connors link
3/15/2015 12:13:36 am

I need to try This is My Hat again--didn't like it, but I loved the creativity in Exclamation Mark. Looking forward to finding This is a Moose.

Reply
Linda Schueler link
3/15/2015 12:20:18 am

Some great suggestions, thanks.

Reply
Kirsti Call
3/15/2015 12:26:34 am

I love all these books---thanks for reminding me why they are so likable.

Reply
Lori Dubbin
3/15/2015 12:52:18 am

Now I want to go a little MR. TIGER GOES WILD on my manuscripts. No need to be so proper and "nicey nicey." Will add your fine examples to my stacks. Ready, set, glean!

Reply
joanne sher link
3/15/2015 01:05:22 am

The three of these I have read I LOVE - and the others are getting requested. So appreciate you sharing them - and your takeaway! Thanks!!

Reply
Doris Stone
3/15/2015 01:16:05 am

Thank you, Aaron. It's back to the library I go!

Reply
Elaine Kiely Kearns
3/15/2015 01:21:52 am

Thanks for the great examples, Aaron!

Reply
Deirdre Englehart
3/15/2015 01:51:34 am

I love the examples and the book selections, why you selected them and that some of these books have come up more than once!!

Reply
Kathy Phillips
3/15/2015 01:52:58 am

I have seen "Mr. Tiger Goes Wild" but I haven't had the chance to get my hands on it to read (yet). The other suggested books are ones I haven't seen yet at all. Thank you for the suggestions :)

Reply
Deborah Allmand
3/15/2015 02:04:32 am

What I glean? A writer explaining the nuts and bolts of PBs. A great post analyzing the mentor texts he listed. This was very interesting and informative. Thank you for a great post.

Reply
Carrie Charley Brown
3/15/2015 05:42:37 pm

And you just used Aaron's ReFoReMo post as a mentor text, Deborah! Look what it made you do! AWESOME!

Reply
Pat Miller
3/15/2015 02:06:30 am

Discovered THIS IS A MOOSE earlier this week. It's a fun pleasure even when reread dozens of times to the kids in your life. Thanks for gleaning gold for us, Aaron.

Reply
Angela Hawkins link
3/15/2015 02:17:39 am

I LOVE the unexpected!

Reply
Julie Burchstead
3/15/2015 02:29:54 am

This reflection really helps me to get perspective on the market today and what exciting and new things that can be done in few words. These stories are a reach from my own personal writing style, but are books that delighted me as a reader. It is good to be stretched and walk through territory outside your personal neighborhood of possibility.

Reply
Manju Howard link
3/15/2015 02:42:00 am

I read EXCLAMATION MARK last night. Amy Krouse Rosenthal's words and Tom Lichtenheld's pictures really work in sparking life into punctuation marks.

Reply
Juliana Lee link
3/15/2015 02:45:28 am

These are wonderful examples, Aaron, but yours are equally wonderful! Love CARNIVORS for dark and unexpectantly funny! Also, love CHICKS AND SALSA and CREEPY CARROTS!

Reply
Aaron Reynolds
3/15/2015 09:30:22 am

Aw, shucks! Thanks, Juliana!

Reply
Nicole Popel link
3/15/2015 02:47:15 am

Five outstanding picture books that can be re-read over and over. Love them all.

Reply
Janie Reinart
3/15/2015 02:50:41 am

Didn't know about Exclamation Point! Will check it out. Thanks for the post.

Reply
Doreen Lepore link
3/15/2015 03:01:43 am

Thanks! Loved Creepy Carrots. :)

Reply
Vivian Kirkfield link
3/15/2015 03:25:58 am

Great advice, especially for me, Aaron. I tend to write those 'nicey nice' stories...old school picture book style because that's what I grew up reading. However, I have to keep in mind that even way back in the early days of picture books, people like Wanda Gag were writing and illustrating edgy stories like 'Millions of Cats'. Yup...I need to be more bold and unexpected!

Reply
Marianne Kuzujanakis
3/15/2015 03:32:34 am

Great examples, Aaron! Thanks! PBs need to be tight, unexpected, bold, satisfying, and original. Perfect goals to keep in mind. THX!

Reply
Rita Lorraine Hubbard link
3/15/2015 04:01:05 am

Hi Aaron, thanks so much for this list! I think I'll check out This is a Moose and Exclamation Point. The titles are hilarious by themselves, but I'm also very interested in what a moose and an exclamation have to say for themselves. :)

Reply
Therese Nagi
3/15/2015 04:36:20 am

Aaron thanks so for your critiquing rips.I especially liked the unexpected tip. Can't wait to read the stories you suggested.

Reply
AJ Irving link
3/15/2015 04:53:11 am

Yes! Great post with excellent examples. Thank you, Aaron!

Reply
Heidi Yates
3/15/2015 05:25:24 am

Thank you for the wonderful examples Aaron! I look forward to reading these books today. :)

Reply
Heather Pierce Stigall
3/15/2015 05:27:31 am

I've read 3 out of 5 of these (and own one) and am looking forward to reading the other 2, but I will read all 5 with a new perspective. Thanks for the recommendations!

Reply
Sue Heavenrich
3/15/2015 05:46:07 am

A great list of books - the only one I haven't read is the !

Reply
Kathy Mazurowski
3/15/2015 05:55:48 am

I also am in awe of the creativity in these titles. Thank you for the nudge to look a little harder at what was done.

Reply
Gabrielle Snyder
3/15/2015 05:59:28 am

Thanks, Aaron, for these great suggestions. I haven't read Exclamation Mark and This Is a Moose yet, so I'll check those out. Thanks for the reminder to be bold and unexpected!

Reply
Carrie Charley Brown
3/15/2015 05:45:22 pm

It's amazing what rereading can do, Gabi, when you look at the book from a new perspective. :)

Reply
sally suehler
3/15/2015 06:19:54 am

Thanks Aaron! I have read some of these books, but not 'Moose'. Need to get it. And thanks for saying the part we don't always have to be sugary-sweet. I have several MS I am working on that are not so sweet. Just by the topics alone, this would not be possible. Thank you!

Reply
Rachel Hamby link
3/15/2015 06:31:45 am

Good things to keep in mind with some fun examples, Aaron. I just read This is a Moose this week. An interesting one to analyze. Who's the MC in this one? ((Spoiler alert)) The duck? I think so, but amazing that we don't see him until the end.

Reply
Alice Fulgione
3/15/2015 07:04:48 am

I've read This Is A Moose and Mr. Tiger Goes Wild. I'm looking forward to reading the others. Thanks for the post.

Reply
Laura J / Laura Jenkins
3/15/2015 07:47:40 am

Great info. Have yet to read "Beekle," but am definitely interested in it now.

Reply
sue link
3/15/2015 08:11:51 am

Thanks for sharing your take on these books, Aaron! I love the unexpected!

Reply
Maria Gianferrari link
3/15/2015 08:14:57 am

Thanks for all of the recommendations, Aaron! I have to say that I may be one of the few people who didn't love Beekle. I thought it was sweet, but it wasn't my favorite. I've requested it again for a re-visit.

Of these, I'd have to say ! is my absolute favorite--it's brilliant, from the tight story arc, to the clever and hilarious wordplay, to the fact that it's illustrated on old composition-styled paper. It's perfect. I just re-read it this week :)

I really loved your Metal Man--very moving. And Snowbots--that's one I'll definitely re-visit--thanks again!

Reply
Debra Shumaker
3/15/2015 09:04:58 am

LOVE this post. Thanks so much!

Reply
Renee Kirchner
3/15/2015 09:25:29 am

Thanks for the great book list Aaron. I also love Carnivores!! It's very original.

Reply
Stephanie Geckle link
3/15/2015 09:29:19 am

Thank you for the examples! Can we add Creepy Carrots to the list of the unexpected? Love it!

Reply
Joanne Roberts link
3/15/2015 10:38:50 am

Thanks, Aaron.

Reply
Leslie Goodman link
3/15/2015 11:15:33 am

Aaron,
Great mentor text examples of writers giving us bold and unexpected stories. You, too, have written such a book in CARNIVORES. I recently attended the SCBWI Spring Thaw event and had the good fortune of hearing your agent, Paul Rodeen, speak. He read a couple pages from your book. The ending, which I promise not to spoil here, was surprising, perfect, and brilliant.

Reply
Aaron Reynolds
3/15/2015 06:07:08 pm

Thanks, Leslie!

Reply
Robin Currie link
3/15/2015 12:12:59 pm

I loved the Moose, too! Thanks you for exploring the wonderful edgy picture books - any things kids don't get they will grow into!

Reply
Ann Magee
3/15/2015 12:45:04 pm

Thanks for telling us about these titles. I need the be "edgier". :)

Reply
Suzy Leopold
3/15/2015 01:59:04 pm

Brilliant, surprising and unexpected endings are so satisfying and bring a smile to the reader. Thank you, Aaron for the outstanding book recommendations.

Reply
Maria Marshall
3/15/2015 02:11:53 pm

Wonderful suggestions. Thank you for highlighting a few that broke the mold and encouraging others to think outside the box. I have EXCLAMATION POINT on hold, can't wait to read it.

Reply
Teresa MI Schaefer link
3/15/2015 02:52:15 pm

Aaron, Love what you gleaned! Thanks for presenting these texts.

Reply
Juliann (Juli) Caveny link
3/15/2015 05:18:45 pm

Aaron, I loved your presentation at the Illinois Reading Council Conference last year! I still think it was the best explanation of the entire author-illustrator-editor-agent-publisher connection I've ever heard! (LOL--Such a blast!) I'm finding more and more that I love really "tight" text too. At first, I cringed when I heard that agents/editors are looking for lower wc in PB text-- but then with the perfection of books like VIVA, FRIDA, I'm getting how it precision and clarity in theme can be achieved, even with minimalistic approach. Best of luck with your next projects! (We'll be looking for them!)

Reply
Aaron Reynolds
3/15/2015 06:08:58 pm

Thanks for the kind words, Juli! Stay tuned for NERDY BIRDY...coming this fall. A little edgy, a little unexpected, and hopefully a lot of fun. :)

Reply
MaDonna Maurer link
3/15/2015 10:02:05 pm

I like this title, Aaron. Can't wait - sounds like something I'd like as a mentor texts.

Jilanne Hoffmann
3/15/2015 07:01:15 pm

So I'm putting edgy, dark, and not so nicey nicey on my list of PB wants. I'm thinking Dahl meets Sendak meets Gaiman. Mash up, anyone?

Reply
Kristi Veitenheimer
3/15/2015 07:31:47 pm

Thanks for the recommendations!

Reply
Elaine Hillson
3/16/2015 12:58:31 am

It's good to be reminded that we can be bold and brave in our picture book writing. Great post.

Reply
Val McCammon
3/16/2015 12:59:08 am

Love the ideas of thinking like an illustrator as we write and the opportunity to be edgy, dark and sophisticated, in a kid's world. Thanks, Aaron.

Reply
Kathleen Cornell Berman
3/16/2015 02:00:02 am

Great recommendations. I've read them all and plan to reread them again and again. But you forgot one. CREEPY CARROTS is one of my favorites.You've got suspense, the unexpected, humor and creepiness all rolled into one great story. I'm looking forward to NERDY BIRDY.

Reply
Caroline Twomey link
3/16/2015 02:20:51 am

Great suggestions-I haven't read This Is Not My Hat yet-looking forward to reading it now though!

Reply
Carrie Finison
3/16/2015 03:05:46 am

I heard an interview about This is a Moose on the Let's Get Busy podcast, but haven't seen it yet. Now I will definitely look for it. Thanks!

Reply
Mary Worley
3/16/2015 03:16:13 am

I agree about edgy being good, but I struggle to do it still. Love your books and the books you chose. Great job!

Reply
karen nordseth roos
3/16/2015 03:54:28 am

definitely can't wait to check these out. thank you!

Reply
JEN Garrett link
3/16/2015 04:11:48 am

I love Gold Panning! :)
Thanks for a great post and suggestions.

Reply
Rene` Diane Aube
3/16/2015 05:47:43 am

Thank you for your insights to this book list. I look forward to gleaning a greater understanding of how to weave the unexpected into my writing :)

Reply
Sandy Powell
3/16/2015 05:54:46 am

"Beekle" is gold! And so is Dan Santat. I love his illustrations and now I love his writing. Thanks for the gold selections. Really good choices.

Reply
janet smart link
3/16/2015 07:47:11 am

I need to check these out. Thanks.

Reply
Romelle Broas link
3/16/2015 08:20:02 am

What I glean: A great selection of my favorite books for the reasons you just mentioned. We have similar taste. I love your books too, Aaron!

Reply
Ashley Bankhead
3/16/2015 08:29:05 am

Thank you for sharing this list of books. I too like books that are original and unexpected.

Reply
Michael Wayne link
3/16/2015 09:22:30 am

I have about 50 mentor PBs out from the library right now. My 4 year old's favorite? CREEPY CARROTS! Headed to the Indy bookstore this week to get him a copy.

Reply
shirley johnson
3/16/2015 12:36:41 pm

Great list of books. Enjoyed the post. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Sandy Perlic
3/16/2015 02:41:57 pm

Loved your comments about being able to be a bit more edgy and sophisticated in our picture book writing! I'll have to take another look at my stories and see if I'm keeping things too safe and "happy-ever-after." Thanks!

Reply
Carrie Charley Brown
3/16/2015 06:57:02 pm

Thanks again, Aaron, for sharing your expertise with us! You honestly could list every one of your own books as mentor texts! You are an incredibly talented writer with a vast range of abilities. From laughter to heart, you've got it all! You understand the big picture and are great at leaving room for the illustrator. Can't wait to have you back this summer! (Let's see how many people catch that hint.)

Reply
Erin Nowak link
3/17/2015 02:44:52 am

Loooooove Creepy Carrots (as does my 3 year old)! Thanks for your thoughts on each book. Someone handed me Exclamation Point when I was volunteering at a Scholastic Book fair. They knew the graphic designer in me would love it (and how right they were!). Thanks for encouraging the idea that things that aren't really characters CAN indeed be characters, when given the right treatment!

Reply
Cassie Bentley
3/17/2015 12:52:43 pm

I'd love to see him back this summer too. I caught the hint. I have a hard time just getting the recommended books. I sneak in some extras. Tiger goes Wild and Exclamation were two and I loved them both. Thank your for your feedback about tightness, saving space for illustrations and topics children can handle. They deal with so much more that we know.

Reply
Beth Gallagher
3/18/2015 01:02:23 am

Fantastic post! Thank you for the reminder that the best picture books are unique and totally unexpected. Just love your books!

Reply
Denise Engle
3/18/2015 04:01:40 am

Aaron, thank you for the gleanings! When I read mentor texts, I take notes that include something "gold". Thanks for the excellent post!

Reply
Valerie McPherson
3/18/2015 05:03:36 am

I have to ask, why an ideal picture book is 400 words, but no more than 800. What would that do to Sylvester and the Magic Pebble and so many classics. As a retired teacher I am so afraid that we are limiting our readers. . . My thanks - v

Reply
Valerie McPherson
3/18/2015 05:06:30 am

I forgot to add that Sylvester and Magic Pebble is 1400 words! v-

Reply
Lauri Meyers link
3/26/2015 02:14:55 pm

Love all these books. Great lessons in your "gleanings."

Reply
Jeanette Bradley
3/30/2015 01:56:30 am

What an awesome list! I love all of these but haven't yet read EXCLAMATION MARK, now on my library request list!

Reply
Anita Banks
3/31/2015 04:25:25 am

Thank you!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Illustration by Lori Nawyn

    ReFoReMo

    March 1-31
    The ReFoReMo Challenge, or Reading for Research Month Challenge, was developed to help picture book writers reform writing by reading and researching picture books.  Challenge registration opens February 15.  To find out more or to subscribe to the Reading for Research Blog for weekly posts year round, visit our new exclusive site at www.reforemo.com.

    ALL DONATIONS FILTER BACK INTO THE ReFoReMo CHALLENGE & BLOG
    Picture
    Carrie Charley Brown, Founder & Coordinator
    Picture
    Kirsti Call, ReFoReMo Co-Coordinator

    Archives

    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015

    Categories

    All
    2016 Schedule
    Aaron Reynolds
    Alayne Kay Christian
    Ame Dyckman
    Amy Krouse Rosenthal
    Andrea Davis Pinkney
    Angie Karcher
    Ask Carrie Questions
    Assessing A Mentor Text
    Author Educators
    Author-Educators
    Author Interview
    Author Study
    Back Matter
    Ben Clanton
    Bold Beginnings
    Bonus Links
    Carol Gordon Ekster
    Carrie Charley Brown
    Carrie Gelson
    Character Driven Picture Books
    Corey Rosen Schwartz
    Correspondence Structure
    Current Picture Books
    CYBILS
    Debbie Ridpath Ohi
    Deborah Underwood
    Dialogue
    Diversity
    Editor Brett Duquette
    Elaine Kiely Kearns
    Emily Arrow
    Emma Walton Hamilton
    Fiction Books
    Fiction Picture Books
    Giveaway
    Historical Fiction
    Illustration
    Illustrator Perspective
    Interplay
    Janee Trasler
    Janie Reinart
    Jennifer Cole Judd
    Jennifer Swanson
    Jodi Moore
    Josh Funk
    Joyce Sweeney
    Julie Hedlund
    KidLit 411
    Kirsti Call
    Kristen Remenar
    Kristy Dempsey
    Language
    Laura Purdie Salas
    Layered Text
    Library
    Linda Ashman
    Liz Garton Scanlon
    Lori Degman
    Lori Nawyn
    Mac Barnett
    Marcie Colleen
    Marcie Flinchum Atkins
    Marcie Flinchum-Atkins
    Maria Gianferrari
    Matthew Winner
    Melissa Stewart
    Mentor Texts
    Minimal Word Count
    Miranda Paul
    Mira Reisberg
    Monthly Challenge
    Mo Willems
    Narrative Nonfiction Picture Books
    Non-fiction Picture Books
    Nonfiction Picture Books
    Pat Miller
    Pat Zietlow Miller
    Paul Czajak
    Penny Klostermann
    Peter Brown
    Picture Book Biographies
    Picture Book Structures
    Picture Book Summit
    Picture Books With Heart
    Prize Drawings 2016
    Read-Aloud-Ability
    Reading For Research
    Reading For Research Month
    Reading List
    Reflection Questions
    ReFoRe Author Educator
    ReFoRe Author-Educator
    ReFoReMo
    ReFoReMo 2016
    ReFoReMo Goals
    Registration
    Renee LaTulippe
    Research Tools
    Revealing ReFoReMo
    Rhyming Picture Books
    Russ Cox
    Shari Dash Greenspan
    Sharing Contest
    Strong Girl Characters
    Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
    Support For Writers
    Susanna Leonard Hill
    Suzy Leopold
    Sylvia Liu
    Tammi Sauer
    Tara Lazar
    The Brothers Hilts
    Tom Lichtenheld
    Top Picture Books
    Tracey M. Cox
    Travis Jonker
    Uncomfortable Subjects
    Voice
    Writing Tips
    Yvonne Mes

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.