ReFoReMo Day 24: Matthew Winner Reads & Reflects

3/24/2015

by Matthew Winner

Congratulations on reaching the home stretch of ReFoReMo! You've done lots of reading already this month and I'm sure you've read a ton of superb picture books. Here are five more you may not have seen yet. Each of these books has taken up home in my subconscious for the very best reasons.

1. Shh! We Have a Plan by Chris Haughton

This is a perfect picture book as evidenced by how well it reads aloud and how readily young listeners take up the book's refrain of "Ready one. Ready two. Ready three. GO!" I think: Does my manuscript entice my readers to join in telling the story?

2. Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo

Lauren's story mirrors itself, repeating the same structure in the first and second half of the arch, but viewing the setting from a new perspective. I think: Have I given myself permission to revisit scenes so that my characters can see them from a new light?

3. Hug Machine by Scott Campbell

"My hugs can make the biggest feel small, and the smallest feel big!" Sentiments like this, so simply stated, speak to the universality of the human experience. They also put adult and child readers on the same level, which is great at just-the-right time. I think: Do my words reach beyond the manuscript?

4. Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Christian Robinson

Kelly's title character doesn't fit in with the rest of his family, but rather than telling the reader why, this story shows the reader twice, explicitly inviting a second and closer look. I think: Am I leaving room in my manuscript for the illustrations to do some of the heavy lifting?

5. Please, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony

A character doesn't have to be likable on the surface for a reader to connect with him or her. And this story's payoff transcends punchline to become something of a truth barometer to the reader. I think: Am I allowing my character to tell me who he or she wants to be?

Happy reading and best of luck in your time spent with mentor texts. I hope these selections keep you good company as you continue writing great stories for our readers!

Matthew Winner is an elementary school teacher librarian in Elkridge, MD. He is the author of the Busy Librarian blog and host of Let's Get Busy, a weekly podcast with authors, illustrators, kidlit notables, and everyone in between. Follow Matthew on Twitter at @MatthewWinner or visit www.busylibrarian.com.

136 Comments

Juliann (Juli) Caveny link

3/23/2015 05:05:38 pm

I adore "Shh!" Not only is it a soft and quite book, but it's a book that reflects a mood of peacefulness in its overall theme. If I still had babies (or when I have grandbabies...) this will be one I read over and over again to them. #rereadability
Thanks for the other suggestions!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/23/2015 11:21:55 pm

In my opinion SHH! is a PERFECT picture book! So glad to hear it's connected with you the same way!

Maria Marshall

3/23/2015 05:12:31 pm

Matthew, what a wonderful post. I can't wait to read Shh! Your questions posed with every book are enlightening and very thought provoking. Time to do some soul and PB searching.

Matthew C. Winnerr link

3/23/2015 11:23:10 pm

Maria, Glad you found it helpful! Picture books work on so many different levels. I love the opportunity to consider these favorites for their potential as mentor texts.

Juliana Lee link

3/23/2015 05:31:34 pm

Good insights into these selections. I was especially taken aback by Please Mr. Panda the first time I read it with my granddaughter. I started thinking maybe that wasn't such a good choice. Then I got to the end and realized what was happening all along. Now it's one of our favorites. Just goes to show, it's usually best to pre read a story before sharing it!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/23/2015 11:25:10 pm

I think that pre reading a book results in a better, stronger read aloud. It eliminates any "surprises" you, the reader, might have, but also allows you to be a better performer when reading to a young child. Please Mr. Panda is definitely one of my favorites! Happy reading, Juliana!

Juliana Lee link

3/24/2015 12:23:24 pm

So true, Matthew. I learned to pre-read for my classroom, now I just have to remember it's just as important for your grandkids. After all they deserve the best 'teacher' I ever was to countless other kiddos.

Keila Dawson link

3/23/2015 05:35:23 pm

Wonderful insight into what makes each of these books click with readers. Tell me more.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/23/2015 11:26:23 pm

Tell you more about the books, Keila? Or tell you EVEN MORE books? If these greats ones whet your appetite, check out my Let's Get Busy podcast (http://lgbpodcast.blogspot.com) for even more outstanding reads!

Kristen Kirwan Browning

3/23/2015 05:53:23 pm

Thanks for the suggested titles and for the great questions to consider when writing. I think your first question is going to help a ms that I am currently working on. I loved Gaston and look forward to reading Kelly DiPucchio's other books.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/23/2015 11:47:33 pm

So glad my questions helped you. And so glad you're connecting with Kelly's books. She's amazing and I can't wait to see the sequel to GASTON!

Kaye Baillie

3/23/2015 07:56:07 pm

Love these suggestions. I was happy to be able to order Hug Machine at library. And I have my own copy of Nana in the City. Now to find the others.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/23/2015 11:47:58 pm

You are going to LOVE the others! Happy reading!

Maria Laso

3/23/2015 07:59:27 pm

Crazy about this one!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/23/2015 11:48:27 pm

Awww! So glad you like the suggestions! I love love LOVE these books!

Rebecca Colby

3/23/2015 08:08:04 pm

Thanks for the great recommendations and the questions we should be asking ourselves about our manuscripts. Very helpful!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/23/2015 11:48:48 pm

So glad you found it helpful, Rebecca!

Julie Burchstead

3/23/2015 11:01:05 pm

Your description of Nana in the City makes me want to find it even more. And new titles I have not seen yet on anyone's list...always fun. Thanks for the little insights into what gives each book its special appeal.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/23/2015 11:50:16 pm

It's always fun to see what books are connecting with different people, isn't it. So happy to be able to offer new reads to everyone in ReFoReMo and new opportunities to be inspired.

Angela Hawkins link

3/23/2015 11:49:58 pm

What a wonderful post! Great title selections and the questions posed are definitely worth keeping in mind with manuscript revisions! Thanks so much Matthew!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:15:38 pm

Thanks for reading and reading and reading, Angela!

Deborah Allmand

3/24/2015 12:12:15 am

Matthew, thanks for the interesting questions you asked with each book. Questions we as writers should ask of almost every manuscript. I look forward to reading these books.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:16:31 pm

My pleasure! Questions may lead to more work on that manuscript you thought was almost ready, but they can also make the MS even better!

Lisa Connors link

3/24/2015 12:24:22 am

Great way to connect with each text and to question your own characters and writing. A valuable technique; I'm off to ask my characters some questions!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:16:55 pm

YAY! Have fun, Lisa! I hope they give you some answers!

shirley Fadden link

3/24/2015 01:14:54 am

Can't wait to get to the library. Thanks!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:17:39 pm

Make sure to request the titles by name! These books belong in EVERY library!

Deirdre Englehart

3/24/2015 01:19:04 am

Wow! Some new titles again and I love the reasons you share related to these books. I can't wait to check them out.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:18:03 pm

I hope you LOVE them!

Lori Dubbin

3/24/2015 02:08:12 am

Thank you for posing these important questions to ask in our own writing through the study of these wonderful mentor texts. I adore HUG MACHINE, especially since my 25 year old son gave it to me as a gift :). I also love GASTON and just gave it as a baby gift. Can't wait to read and glean from your other suggestions.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:18:53 pm

You have clear raised a very kind and thoughtful son. Well done! And well-deserved hugs for sure!

Sue Heavenrich

3/24/2015 02:36:13 am

Oh - I see some new ones in here. Definitely going to check out Shhh!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:19:15 pm

That is the Greatest. Book. EVER! :)

Erin Nowak link

3/24/2015 03:01:50 am

Thanks for the great suggestions Matthew! I love your podcast, and just as you did in this post, you always ask the best questions. I especially thought that about your January interview with Jon Klassen. I was cheering as I listened and washed dishes...you asked him everything I was dying to know. The information I got from that has really helped my illustrating and writing process. Thanks!!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:20:21 pm

Oh wow! Thanks for saying so, Erin! That chat with Jon was a really special one.

Pat Miller

3/24/2015 03:18:31 am

Thanks for the insights, Matthew. I love GASTON and its message that being yourself is very lovable. No pat ending in this book.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:20:52 pm

I absolutely CANNOT WAIT for the sequel to come out!

Doreen Lepore link

3/24/2015 03:19:30 am

Thanks for another great list - will check out website!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:21:11 pm

Excellent! I hope you enjoy what you find!

JEN Garrett link

3/24/2015 03:46:12 am

Five more reasons to go to the library. Again. Thanks for helping me think deeper about my manuscripts.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:21:30 pm

My pleasure, Jen! Happy reading!

Rene` Diane Aube

3/24/2015 03:49:27 am

Thank you, Matthew, for your insights without giving away the endings...I'm looking forward to reading each one. I also appreciate the depth of your reflection questions. Wow! So much to think about and learn to apply to my manuscripts :)

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:22:13 pm

As a school librarian I just couldn't dare tell you what happens in the end of each of these books. They're just too satisfying to spoil!

Angela Turner

3/24/2015 03:51:51 am

Can't wait to read your five. hey sound amazing. I love picture books and ReFoReMo has introduced me to new favorites. Hope what I am learning will permeate my writing.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:22:48 pm

Only good can come from immersing yourself in such strong literature!

Marianne Kuzujanakis

3/24/2015 04:00:39 am

Thanks, Matthew! Love your podcasts. Love your book recommendations! Love your comments, especially "Am I allowing my character to tell me who he or she wants to be?" I will be sure to do this each and every time I write! Excellent suggestion.

Had not heard of PLEASE, MR. PANDA before today. Will order it immediately from the library. Thanks!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:23:50 pm

So glad you're listening to Let's Get Busy, Marianne! thanks for that! You should check out my chat with Steve Antony. He's a brilliant guy and has so much great insight to share on listening to your characters!

Rachel Hamby link

3/24/2015 04:03:18 am

A few of my favorites on your list, Matthew. Gaston will be at the top for a looong time, I just love that book. I still need to read Sh!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:24:30 pm

Can't wait for GASTON's sequel and for you to *love* SHH! WE HAVE A PLAN

Kristi Veitenheimer

3/24/2015 04:10:35 am

These 5 books sounds great. Thanks for sharing!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:25:08 pm

I wouldn't dare let you leave without 5 really spectacular books!

AJ Irving link

3/24/2015 04:16:43 am

Wonderful list, Matthew! I am taking my kiddos to the library today. Hope these titles are available. Just read Gaston and loved it!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:25:37 pm

If they're not on the shelf, put them on hold. Worth the wait!

Caroline Twomey link

3/24/2015 04:27:45 am

Great questions! Really enjoyed this post-I'm going to apply this to my WIP!! Thank you ")

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:26:07 pm

Now THAT is music to my ears! Have a blast, Caroline!

maria gianferrari link

3/24/2015 04:33:16 am

I absolutely LOVE Gaston! Thanks for the other recommendations, Matthew!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:26:31 pm

It's my absolute pleasure, Maria.

Linda Schueler link

3/24/2015 04:36:40 am

Thanks for adding the questions you ponder for each book.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:26:49 pm

How could I not? ;)

Elaine Hillson

3/24/2015 04:49:17 am

Thank you Matthew for the book suggestions and for the interesting questions you asked of each of them. It's useful as writers to be remind of the questions we should be asking ourselves every time we write.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:27:13 pm

So glad you found it helpful, Elaine!

Laura J / Laura Jenkins link

3/24/2015 05:16:19 am

Wow. Five books I haven't read. And I'm looking forward to reading ALL of them!!! Thanks.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:28:35 pm

Score! Happy reading!

Teresa MI Schaefer link

3/24/2015 05:38:30 am

Great reflection suggestions.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:28:55 pm

Thanks! I hope you enjoy them!

Debra Shumaker

3/24/2015 05:42:22 am

WOW. I think this is the first time I have not read ANY of the mentor texts. Can't wait to go to the library! Thanks Matthew!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:29:31 pm

As the token school librarian I wanted to make sure I pulled out all the stops :) Happy reading, Debra!

Rita Lorraine Hubbard link

3/24/2015 06:02:59 am

Thanks for these suggestions, Matthew. And like some of the other commenters above, a special thanks for the questions you posed. They help me focus on where MY focus should be. :)

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:29:59 pm

So glad you found the questions helpful, Rita!

Jilanne Hoffmann

3/24/2015 06:18:43 am

Adding more books to my hold list.....The "Shhh!" book looks right up my alley.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:31:14 pm

that book is BRILLIANT!

Carrie Finison

3/24/2015 06:46:27 am

The cover of Shhh reminds me so much of one of my favorite books when I was growing up - The Three Robbers by Tomi Ungerer. I will definitely seek that one out. Thanks for all the great recommendations, and I love that you revealed your own thought process with each book.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:32:00 pm

YES! I've heard that book mention A LOT on the podcast! The Three Robbers was a staple of many a childhood bookshelf it sounds like!

Sandy Perlic

3/24/2015 06:48:36 am

Great questions to consider with our manuscripts! Thanks. Can't wait to read "Shh." I love books with repeating elements that capture kids' attention!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:32:28 pm

Read and enjoy and share share share!

Janie Teinart

3/24/2015 07:11:25 am

Matthew, I've only read one of these books. Thank you for thenewtitlrsto check out!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:33:02 pm

Janie, I'm so glad to have the chance to introduce you to some new and future favorites!

Jarmila Del Boccio link

3/24/2015 07:34:37 am

Thanks for those very helpful questions to ponder, Matthew! And I'm looking forward to examining your suggested list of books.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:33:20 pm

Enjoy!

Renee Kirchner

3/24/2015 07:37:32 am

I love Please, Mr. Panda and Gaston! Can't wait to check out the other titles.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:33:44 pm

SO GOOD, right?! I hope you enjoy the others just as much!

Heidi Yates

3/24/2015 08:00:23 am

Thank you for the wonderful recommendations, and the suggestions of things to consider in our own manuscripts.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:33:57 pm

my pleasure!

Nicole Popel link

3/24/2015 08:22:34 am

Now I have to add a few more to my pile, Matthew. Thanks!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:34:13 pm

Sweet! My work here is done! ;)

Cassie Bentley

3/24/2015 08:24:29 am

Thank you for the suggestions and questions. I cannot wait to read the books. I saw Hug Machine at the library and didn't check it out. Hands too full. I hope it's still there.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:34:52 pm

Definitely make sure you grab HUG MACHINE when you return. It's such a lovely book!

Leslie Goodman link

3/24/2015 09:06:26 am

Not only did you share wonderful mentor PBs with us, but you also shared the questions they bring up for you. Thank you.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:35:19 pm

It was my absolute pleasure, Leslie!

Penny Parker Klostermann link

3/24/2015 09:32:30 am

Thanks for your insight, Matthew. I'm a fan. Your Let's Get Busy podcast is an essential part of of my writer's nutrition!!!!! I rarely miss an episode and being on the podcast is on my bucket list. I have learned so much from listening. Thanks for today's words and thanks for your love of books!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:36:50 pm

Thank you for listening so devoutly, Penny! You have no doubt heard of all of these books then! I couldn't miss the chance to talk to each of these individuals after falling so hard for their books :)

Romelle Broas link

3/24/2015 09:46:59 am

Librarians gice the best book recommendation! Thanks, Matthew!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:37:19 pm

Now THAT is a comment I can stand behind! Thanks, Romelle!

Stacy Couch

3/24/2015 10:11:52 am

Lovely choices, Matthew, with some great ms. takeaways. Great variety too--Haughton is funny and pithy (what a mix, right?), while Nana's illustrations? Oh, blew me away.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:37:58 pm

To be a reader today in this decade is a special treat indeed! Thanks for commenting, Stacy!

Suzy Leopold

3/24/2015 11:31:41 am

If Mr. Winner recommends picture book titles, they just have to be WINNERS! Thank you, Matthew.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:38:18 pm

Hee hee :) Love it!

Janet Smart link

3/24/2015 11:49:10 am

Thanks! This seems like an interesting list of books.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:38:49 pm

If you think the list is interesting, just wait until you check out the books!

Kathy Mazurowski

3/24/2015 12:35:07 pm

Thanks for a few titles that are new to me and my favorite title this year Gaston!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:39:19 pm

GASTON is loved by so many! That book is going places!

Val McCammon

3/24/2015 12:59:34 pm

I love your question "Do my words reach beyond the manuscript?" -- I will use that in my reading and my revising. Thanks, Matthew.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 02:39:40 pm

So glad you found it helpful, Val!

Vivian Kirkfield link

3/24/2015 02:39:02 pm

I thought I was doing so well...reading, reading, reading...but I HAVE NOT READ EVEN ONE OF THESE AMAZING BOOKS! Yikes! Good thing my library doesn't have a limit on the number of books you can take out.
Thanks for a great set of five, Matthew...I'm off with library card in hand. ;)

Matthew C. Winner link

3/24/2015 04:34:10 pm

Happy reading, Vivian!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/24/2015 07:14:56 pm

Matthew, your expertise is so appreciated! As deep as you dig into picture books as a super-dee-duper librarian, I just know that you MUST have many, many amazing picture book manuscripts of your own waiting to burst onto the scene. Can't wait for the day that I get to read one!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/25/2015 01:08:51 pm

I'd love to show you some time, Carrie. Mostly it's a bunch of started manuscripts, but certainly some polished that might have a chance at publication one day. A boy can dream.

MD Knabb

3/24/2015 07:32:01 pm

Terrific recommendations that I can't wait to get my hands on. Thanks

Matthew C. Winner link

3/25/2015 01:09:09 pm

Excellent! I very much hope you enjoy!

Heather Pierce Stigall

3/25/2015 02:25:52 am

With the exception of Please, Mr. Panda (because I've already read it), every one of these has been on my "to read" list. Thank you the recommendations as well as those insightful questions for us to ask about our own manuscripts. I know I want my manuscripts to reach another level and I think asking these questions will help.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/25/2015 01:10:06 pm

Well in that case I very much hope they're soon moved to your "have read AND loved AND think they're super awesome" list soon!

Anita Banks

3/25/2015 02:48:40 am

Awesome! thank you,

Matthew C. Winner link

3/25/2015 01:10:29 pm

of course! :0)

Ann Magee

3/25/2015 03:11:57 am

I have Gaston and Shh! in a pile on my floor right now waiting to be read :) And I have to go get the others from the library because I'm intrigued by your suggestions-thanks!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/25/2015 01:11:11 pm

Aren't they just calling your name? Beckoning to be read?! I dare you to read them aloud… EVEN to an empty room. The magic STILL works!

Robin currie link

3/25/2015 04:01:21 am

Headstart kids really need books like Shhhh that read together and anticipate. Thank you.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/25/2015 01:11:35 pm

No doubt! My PreK kids LOVE these books!

Joyce Tucker link

3/25/2015 10:20:41 am

Great insight and new things to look at...thanks Matthew!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/25/2015 01:11:49 pm

thanks for joining me, Joyce!

shirley johnson

3/25/2015 10:48:32 am

Looking forward to reading these. Enjoyed the post.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/25/2015 01:12:12 pm

Excellent, Shirley! I'm looking forward to you reading them as well!

Lauri Meyers link

3/26/2015 02:50:24 am

Matthew, Love how you found a mentor nugget in each of these great books. I adored Gaston, but I hadn't connected that lovely spread of "want to see them again?" with letting the illustrations do the work. Seems obvious now:)

Matthew C. Winner link

3/27/2015 11:40:06 pm

Lauri, so glad to share my perspectives with you!

Mary Worley

3/26/2015 04:07:33 am

Thanks for sharing your thinking. It's helpful to see how you think about each book. I'm realizing that I need to concentrate a bit more on giving the younger reader time to respond/figure things out. (I loved Gaston but, like Lauri above, missed on why we had to look twice.).

Matthew C. Winner link

3/27/2015 11:41:39 pm

I think that considering how to tell a story to our youngest readers is a real skill that needs to be tempered. Thankfully there are lots and lots of great examples for us to study!

Sandy Powell

3/26/2015 05:21:07 am

I have read "Gaston" and it is a great book. I will read your other suggestions, and thanks for giving us your perspective on why these are good books.

Matthew C. Winner link

3/27/2015 11:43:03 pm

My pleasure, Sandy. There certainly are a ton of good books out there, but when it comes to using titles as mentor texts, there are ones that stand out better than others for me.

Linda

3/26/2015 12:22:21 pm

Thank you, Matthew! Looking forward to reading and rereading all of these wonderful books. I especially want to revisit Gaston and follow your suggestion to watch how the author leaves room for the illustrations. Thank you so much!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/27/2015 11:44:17 pm

I was amazed at how little was said about what made Gaston different from his siblings. It's definitely a testament to how well Kelly held back in her MS to give room for Christian to interpret through illustration.

Manju Howard link

3/26/2015 01:54:05 pm

Shh! We Have a Plan is a perfect read aloud that begins with a profound quote by Albert Einstein. "Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding."

Matthew C. Winner link

3/27/2015 11:44:45 pm

It's a great one!

Yvonne Mes link

3/27/2015 02:18:06 pm

Thanks for this inspiring selection!

Matthew C. Winner link

3/27/2015 11:45:05 pm

my pleasure! Thanks for reading!

Angela Padron link

3/30/2015 01:43:34 am

Great examples - thank you!

Jeanette Bradley

3/30/2015 02:13:16 am

Thank you for your reflections, and also a list of questions to ask myself in my own reflection on manuscripts!

Karen Nordseth Roos

3/30/2015 04:04:34 pm

matthew, i love your questions! thank you for the pause. these will be great to review again and again.

ReFoReMo Day 24: Matthew Winner Reads & Reflects

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