Details
Synopsis
An exploration of how books are created and produced. When two authors watch their pets playfully chase each other, they are inspired to write two very different stories. Readers follow the authors as they send the stories out to publishers (and face several rejections), work with their editors, rewrite, and eventually see their stories published. Illustrated with colorful cartoon-style drawings.
| Size | | Length: | 32 pages | | Height: | 9.5 in | | Width: | 11.5 in | | Thickness: | 0.5 in | | Weight: | 16.0 oz |
Industry Reviews
Alternating informative commentary with humorous, action-filled cartoons, Christelow (Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree) light-heartedly explains how books are created and produced. ``Authors get ideas for books at the strangest moments!'' announces the headliner text; below, cartoon panels show neighboring authors watching their pets chase each other into a pond. After the authors take notes, make lists or outlines, read and research, and ``listen and watch,'' the man ends up writing a chapter book about ``a dog and a cat who travel around the country on a freight train'' and the woman ends up writing and illustrating a picture book about a ``dog-chasing cat who ends up a hero when he rescues a family from a fire.'' As the two deal with rejection, revision, working with editors, printing and production, deciding on a dedication, and even taking author photos, their cheerful pets react: ``That's me!'' says Rufus as his master writes; ``Dumb magazine!'' says Max as his mistress reads an unfavorable review. As its title suggests, this book emphasizes the author's role for a more in-depth look at production, see Aliki's How a Book Is Made (1986), also for this age group. Although not every author follows the exact path Christelow outlines, she clarifies a sometimes complicated process and makes it seem full of fun. Ages 5-8. (Aug.)
Bernstein
Gr 1-3 Christelow follows two next-door neighbors as they independently develop stories about their pets the scruffy sheepdog, Rufus; and Max, his energetic feline adversary. Dialogue in cartoon balloons and brief text describe the writing process and the mechanics of publishing. The authors talk to one another, share their works-in-progress with family members (and their pets), and confer with other writers in a workshop. Readers follow this lengthy and complicated process through rejections, acceptance, editorial sessions, and rewrites, as each author perseveres to the happy conclusion. Because Christelow chooses to follow the ``story'' of two books rather than one, and includes technical details about printing, layout, proofing, and binding, there is much here for readers to absorb. Some of the material is covered in Aliki's How a Book Is Made (Crowell, 1986). Christelow's purpose to answer the general question posed in the title by including just about every topic raised when authors visit schools or libraries is accomplished in a humorous, sprightly manner, using the panel format of cartoon illustration to good advantage. Librarians and teachers introducing the writing process will find this title very useful. Young readers will appreciate the determination, patience, and hard work it takes to produce the books they enjoy, and will welcome the journey from idea to finished book. Martha Rosen, Edgewood School, Scarsdale, NY
Lopate
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