Pistes d'exploration

Once upon a time is a classic way to begin a story. Keep an ongoing class list of interesting story starters. 

Brainstorm a class list of genres. Which is your favourite? Choose a genre and write a story with a partner. What do you need to discuss before writing? Reflect upon your decision-making process throughout your collaboration.

Think of a favourite illustrator and identify what you like about his or her illustrations. Create an illustration using a similar technique. Did you encounter any challenges? Share your end product with the class.

Make an anchor chart to highlight the vocabulary of writers and illustrators.

Make a graphic organizer illustrating the sequence of steps for creating a book, from generating an idea to completion. Include the numerous people who help at various points.

Use appropriate new vocabulary to describe a storybook of your choice. 

Examine different versions of Jack and the Beanstalk. Discuss the variance in the characters, settings, storyline and point of view. 

Gather a few books that have the same illustrator. Discuss the style and how you appreciate it.

Previously, The Scraps Book: Notes From a Colorful Life, Draw Out the Story: Ten Secrets to Creating Your Own Comics

Mots-clés

Non-fiction , authors , comic strips , creative writing , illustrating , illustrators , instructions , writing

Commentaire descriptif

Two volumes in one, this instructive picture book follows a pair of friends who, inspired by their playful pets, write both a picture book and a chapter book. Taking readers through the different stages of their creative process, the author covers the basics of book-writing from inspiration to publication: note-taking, research, interviews, writing, feedback, rewriting, editing, perseverance, writer’s block and even rejection. Beginning with a simple declaration - “Authors get ideas for books at the strangest moments” - the book proceeds in a lighthearted style that’s accessible to children, pairing straightforward explanation with cartoon dialogue to convey the struggles and joys of those who create art. Comic-strip ink and watercolour illustrations are peppered with humour. They include the side story of the cat and dog on whom the books are based, and who impatiently anticipate fame and glory once the books are published. Activities at the end of the book (focusing on characterization, diction, point of view, cover design and more) will appeal to budding writers and illustrators, who are reminded that writers don’t give up when the going gets tough and that hard work, patience and determination are the recipe for success.