Remember: Plot is no more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to incredible destinations.
Author: Susan Uhlig
Federico and the Wolf
Perfect Picture Book Friday
Federico and the Wolf (Clarion Books, 2020) by Rebecca J. Gomez and illustrated by Elisa Chavarri is a recognizable old tale with several new twists.
First, is the setting and main characters. It’s modern times in a Spanish speaking village, with a boy (niño) and his grandfather (Abuelo) and the wolf (lobo). That means we have all the lovely Spanish that a reader can get by context. And some language is shown in pictures.
Then, the story is written in rhyme. And it has a surprise ending. Federico saves Abuelo, but the story isn’t as violent as the original–no axes.
This is a fun retelling that makes me smile.
Author Rebecca J. Gomez is the author of a number of picture books. See them here on the left side of the main page of her website. Learn more about Rebecca here and check out her links to posts to help other writers here.
Illustrator Elisa Chavarri is originally from Lima, Peru–read more about her here and you’ll also see a bunch of titles she’s illustrated. Check out a number of her illustrations here. I love the cheerfulness and humor of her illustrations in this book.
Bonus: Pronunciation guide and definitions of Spanish words used are in the back of the book. Plus there’s a recipe for pico. Yum.
The secret to unpredictable endings … is to allow … your protagonist … the possibility of failure.
The secret to unpredictable endings
There was a moment when I changed from an amateur to a professional. I assumed the burden of a profession, which is to write even when you don’t want to, don’t much like what you’re writing, and aren’t writing particularly well.
There was a moment when
Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee
Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee (Crown, 2019) by Jeff Zenter is so good! It’s a touching story that also brings laughter. And there are great lines, too.
Josie and Delia (aka Rayne and Delilah) are seniors in high school who dress like vampires for the show Midnite Matinee which they host on the local public television station. There they share low budget horror and scifi movies. Each girl has different goals. Josie wants to get into TV and is using the show for practice. Delia is using the show as a connection to her father who left. What happens when each get what she wants?
Jeff Zenter is an award-winning author—read about him here. And you don’t want to miss the “interview” here. This is his third novel.