Picture Book Summit Review 2017

The date was circled on my calendar in bright red.  I eagerly began counting down the days in the middle of September.  My very first Picture Book Summit was only days away!

What is a picture book summit, you may ask?  It is a day-long writing conference for picture book authors and illustrators that is conducted webinar style.  I get to enjoy the summit from the comfort of my own home.  No long car rides or pricey hotel fees.  Just me, a cup of tea and my laptop.  Paradise!

With tea in hand, I am ready for the #PBSummit!

October 7^th arrived and I jumped out of bed.  I didn’t want to miss a single moment.  The summit began with a dance party.  I loved watching the summit founders bust a move! 

My excitement level was at an all-time high when acclaimed author/illustrator Tomi DePaola took to the web cam.  He looked like a jolly elf that I just wanted to hug!  His presentation was truly inspiring.  I could not believe that he used to tap dance, like me!  He also spoke of his artistic process and shared a glimpse at some new projects he is working on.  I literally could have listened to him speak all day.

The second speaker was none other than summit founder Julie Hedlund.  Her presentation was about the layers of children’s picture books.  I loved her detailed description of each layer.  I never knew that there was so much substance within the pages of picture books.

I am so honored to have been featured in the PBSummit slideshow!

Renowned picture book author Carole Boston Weatherford shared insight on the importance of point of view in picture book writing.  She also gave summiteers a glimpse into her writing process that she likened to a spiritual experience.  Fellow founder, Laura Backes, followed up with a fabulous presentation about writing with a purpose without sounding “preachy.”  The takeaways she provided were not only helpful but inspiring.

Ending the day with Adam Rex was truly like the proverbial cherry on top of a sundae.  He was absolutely hilarious!  I learned how valuable humor can be in a picture book and that the days of “why did the chicken cross the road” jokes are long gone.

I greatly appreciate the literary agents who also took part in the summit.  They gave clear descriptions of the types of picture books they are currently in the market for.  I loved getting to learn tips and tricks for how to make my writing stand out and avoid the slush pile!  I will definitely be doing some serious re-writing this weekend.

I cannot wait to see Dash again next year!

I had an absolute blast at the Picture Book Summit!  I will definitely be attending next year (and every year after!).  The presentations were so inspiring that I also signed up for the Summit Founders’ Sessions.  The sessions will be held once a month from November 2017 to February 2018.  I know that I am going to learn even more about the fabulous world of picture book writing.  I cannot wait!

Over-Scheduled Andrew Book Review

Over-Scheduled Andrew by Ashley Spires tells the tale of one very busy penguin.  He always loved performing, so he decided to join the drama club at school.  Andrew would rehearse his lines on the way home from school with his best friend, Edie.

One of his teachers suggested that he join the debate club to help strengthen his public speaking skills.  Andrew wanted his play performances to be top-notch so he signed up immediately.  He did so well that Calvin recruited him for the chess club.

During play rehearsals, Andrew discovered that his dance moves were lacking.  Naturally, he signed up for ballet lessons and karate.  Then he joined the tennis team, became the school newspaper editor and began learning how to play the bagpipes.  Did I mention that he also joined the French film club, started taking singing lessons and began taking Spanish classes?

To say that Andrew is busy would be a huge understatement.  Will he be able to handle the pressure of being involved in so many clubs and projects?  Will he ever have any time to spend with Edie?

I loved every page of this book!  I can totally relate to Andrew and his super-packed schedule.  This definitely takes me back to when I was in elementary school and had dance class four nights a week, piano lessons twice a week and Girl Scout meetings throughout each month.  Not to mention that I was an avid member of the Science Club and was also on the Student Council.

I definitely feel Andrew's pain!

I think that readers of every age will delight in this story.  The characters are absolutely adorable and subtle adult humor is laced throughout.  I feel that the theme of the story will definitely resonate with parents who are juggling a career and a family while still trying to find time for themselves.

The Most Magnificent Thing Book Review

The Most Magnificent Thing written and illustrated by Ashley Spires, introduces the reader to a regular girl and her best friend: her dog.  They enjoy doing everything together.  One day, she gets an idea.  She is going to make the most magnificent thing!

Feeling inspired, she quickly gets to work.  Her faithful assistant is there to lend a helping paw.  She completes the project in record time but realizes that her creation is all wrong.  The girl decides to try again.  The piece is still not what she had envisioned.

She continues to try, working faster each time.  When her umpteenth attempt ends in failure, the girl gets mad.  So mad that she decides to completely give up on her idea.  Will her assistant be able to change her mind?

This is an amazing read!

I absolutely adore this book!  I love the subtle details in Spires's illustrations.  Many of the backgrounds remain in black and white with only certain objects or characters in color.  This can be seen on pages five and six.  I spotted a cat in a window and a bird that are both in color while their pearches remain colorless.  I love the contrast that this adds to the illustrations. 

I also love how there is a story within the story that is contained in the illustrations.  The girl's dog had me laughing with his crazy antics.  The ending of the story is also quite surprising.  I was totally touched and even shed a few tears. 

This book is a fantastic read for book lovers of all ages.  Young and old alike will definitely be able to relate to the emotions of frustration and defeat as well as the theme of friendship.  I would highly recommend that this book be used in schools as well.