The best part of editing is revisiting the story world and hanging out with the characters again.
Writing is both mask and unveiling.
Writing is both mask
Journey of the Pale Bear
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
I always expect great stories from Susan Fletcher and was not disappointed with Journey of the Pale Bear (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2018), although I didn’t think the prologue was necessary.
The story starts in spring of 1252 in Norway, when young hungry Arthur steals a rabbit haunch. The runaway gets shoved into a cage with an ice bear and squeezes out safely after giving the rabbit to the bear. This experience causes Arthur to be drafted to take care of the deadly bear on a ship to England. Arthur wants to reach his father’s people in Wales, so despite his fear of the bear, he agrees. But many dangers await the boy.
The book is an SCBWI Golden Kite honor book. Read about the author here and all her books here. I love, love her dragon series.
Orphan Island
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
Orphan Island (Walden Pond Press, 2017) by Laurel Snyder is an unusual tale that had me asking so many questions.
Nine orphan children live on the island. And every year, on one specific day, a boat comes. Inside the boat is a new orphan who is here to stay. The oldest orphan on the island gets in the boat and it leaves. None of them know how the boat works.
Jinny doesn’t want the Change to happen. She doesn’t feel ready to become the Elder, to lose Deen who has been her constant companion, to take up her Care–the newest orphan. Why do they have to follow the rules anyway?
I think you’ll find the story fascinating as I did. It’s an award winner–see all the details on the author’s site.
Laurel Snyder is a middle grade and picture book author. You can read about her here and check out all her books here.
The Rabbit Listened
I’m a day late for Perfect Picture Book Friday, but The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld is definitely a qualifier.
When Taylor has a big disappointment, chicken wants to talk, bear wants to shout, and elephant wants to remember. Four other animals stop by with suggestions, but Taylor doesn’t “feel like doing anything with anybody.” But then the rabbit comes and he listens.
Such a sweet story that can help children deal with disappointment. The pictures are adorable, too.
Read about the author/illustrator here and check out her other books here.
