What Inspires Me? Plungers, Hooves & Boobies
Creativity is a quagmire of contradictions: “Follow the rules” “Learn the rules, then break them” “Make your own rules” “Rules are meant to be broken” “You didn’t follow the rules” “Been there done that”…
This is especially true of the picture book publishing world in which the two-dimensionality of paper/binding, materials used, production and printing costs are hard and fast. Working within these physical constraints are part of what makes creating picture books challenging and exciting.
Many other “rules” about picture books, however, especially those pertaining to subject matter, have absolutely nothing to do with physical limitation. Rather these rules are set by gatekeepers “protecting” tender young eyes and minds. Really?
At times like these, with books being banned right and left for various reasons, it is a surer bet to stick to safe subjects. This “play it safe” trap is one (I am not proud to say) I often fall into when choosing which story ideas to pursue. Safe is predictable. Safe is easier. Safe is also, often, bor-ring.
I’m good with safe. Or was until a cluster of picture books challenging the good ole safe kittens-bunnies-sunshine-lollipops-happy-ever-after picture book “norm” knock me right out of my comfy, safe nest. Picture Books like these on Travis Jonkers’ “The Most Astonishingly Unconventional Books of 2022” list. Picture books with daring, exciting, surprising ideas and characters—and creators— that delight and remind me.
Interior of Sam Winston’s A Dictionary Story
Here’s a sampling of books from Jonkers’ Astonishing List:
One and Everything by Sam Winston about a story—the best, most important story ever—that called itself “The One” and started eating all the other stories—stories made of seas and full of dogs and . . .
Sanm Winston, other picture books include A Child of Books with Oliver Jeffers and A Dictionary Story which he self-published with proceeds from a Kickstarter campaign, about a dictionary that brings her words to life. Here’s the video of Sam explaining the A Dictionary Story project—fascinating!
I Want to Be a Vase by Julio Torres, about a plunger who would rather be a vase which gets all the household objects thinking about what they’d rather be. Here’s the read-aloud.
Torres calls the book “a Coffee Table Book for Kids.” it’s so hot, so trendy Seth Myers featured Torres and “Vase” on Late Night.
Hooves or Hands? by Rosie Haine. A concept book Jonkers’ calls, “a surreal and playful exploration of our relationship with horses.” Which would you rather have? Hooves or hands? Four legs or two? Eat food or hay? Say yay or neigh? Rosie Haine, who’s PB debut It isn’t Rude to be Nude is likewise smart, thought-provoking and fun.
Boobies by Nancy Vo. A book all about Boobies—yes those Boobies! Blue-footed Booby, who does not have any boobies at all, since only mammals have boobies wants them. Thus launches an exploration of boobies, who has them why, where milk comes from—boobies and plants too! Vo makes taboo titty talk fun and fine!
As has been the case so often in the past—and forevermore—Boobies will stop my ramble. Have no fear, these books and more are on Travis Jonker’s “The Most Astonishingly Unconventional Books of 2022” Bookstop list! When you finish here, click over to read about the rest. And. . . Commercial: If you decide to buy online, try Bookstop.org first as the proceeds go to support Indie Bookstores.
Along with making me laugh and wonder, these mind-expanding, possibility packed picture books reminded me that “No” and “No one will ever” and “No way can I” are lies we tell ourselves so we won’t have to dare.
