In my workshop, “The Secrets of Showing,” we explore revision tools to help writers spotlight the important themes and developments in their stories using dialogue, action beats, strong word choices, and more. Though writers often think of longer works as the domain of “show, don’t tell”, showing in picture books is even more crucial. Picture book authors get fewer words to work with, so each one must draw the reader into the story and help them connect with the characters. Here are 15 mentor picture books texts that use strong details, dialogue, and more to exemplify a balance of showing and telling.
For each book, think about:
- What does the protagonist want? What goal do they pursue? (external plot)
- What does the protagonist need? What lesson do they learn in the course of the story? (internal plot)
- What techniques do the author and illustrator use take the reader along on the protagonists’ journey and spotlight the wants and needs?
Pug Meets Pig by Joyce Wan, illustrated by Sue Lowell Gallion
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Pete’s a Pizza by William Steig
Yoko by Rosemary Wells
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena, illustrated by Christian Robinson
Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman
Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She was Extinct by Mo Willems
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright
The Printer by Myron Uhlberg, illustrated by Henri Sorenson
Sulwe by Lupita Nyongo’o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Joan Proctor, Dragon Doctor by Patricia Valdez, illustrated Felicita Sala
My Heart Glow by Emily Arnold McCully
For more resources on creating compelling picture books, check out this fantastic 3-part blog post by Natascha Biebow at the Words & Pictures blog:
Part 1: Writing Action | Part 2: Pacing | Part 3: Show, Don’t Tell
More resources for writers from Kathy MacMillan
Missed “Show, Don’t Tell: An Online Workshop for Writers”? Contact me to purchase recording access!
CHARM hosts “Oh the Places Your Mind Can Go,” a weekly video series featuring local authors who invite you to explore the world without leaving your home. Everyone is welcome to pick up a pencil (or phone) and join these weekly writing journeys, AND you can submit your response to CHARMS’s online publication. (There are prizes, too!) Check out my episode (which of course puts a fantasy twist on the theme of place!), as well as previous episodes featuring YA novelist Karen Hattrup and memoirist and poet Sheri Booker, at http://linktr.ee/charmlitmag.
Stories By Hand with Kathy MacMillan 