Just because PPBF is taking a summer break I certainly haven’t stopped pouring over great picks. This week I came across this beautiful award-winning book written by Lore Segal and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky (published in 1985, reissued in 2005) and had to wonder, once again, why is it that editors shun adult protagonists? Are children really unable to relate to them? Why are some of my favorites still so popular? Any one have a title they’d like to add?
views from the artist's studio.
Printmaking, Poetry, and Bookmaking.
Children's author
The Real Estate market in Northern Colorado
“Books to the ceiling, Books to the sky, My pile of books is a mile high. How I love them! How I need them! I'll have a long beard by the time I read them.” - Arnold Lobel
podcast & video host | writer | journalist
A blog by Ashleigh Young
Knowledge Is A Weapon - Arm Yourself
spreading the word on delightful children's literature
Ain't nothing but a party!
and beyond
one librarian's journey into storytimeland
Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. -- Margaret Mead
A KidLit Journey...
Sharing Information About Writing and Illustrating for Children
THAT BANNER MOUNTAIN GIRL
Mais plus tant que ça maintenant !
illustrated miscellany
Children's book reviews and my musings on diversity
Children's Author
a resource for kindergarten teachers, parents and students to ask questions and share ideas.
Children's Book Review Site
2016 Picture Book Debuts
Children's Picture Book Lover and Illustrator
A Splash of the unusual through textiles, photography and illustration.
"When you love what you do you’ll never have to work a day in your life."
Highly illustrated books for all ages
coffee
Inspiring Discussions on Art, Film and Animation.
Reader, Writer, Miner of Moments
...as we write, draw, and blog.
Authors & Illustrators Wild About Kidlit!
a vegan couple: eating; running; living–minimally.
The Official Blog of the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of SCBWI
A place for Quattrones, Betteridges, and Praticos to share our family stories, history, and heritage.
Children's books, kid's apps...
Artist, Illustrator, & Writer of Nature, Critters, Children's Illustration, & the Human Condition
Literary musings from the champion of the odd little book
julie rowan-zoch 
Good question, Julie. Two that come to mind are “A Sick Day for Amos McGee” by Stead/Stead and “Dust Devil” by Anne Isaacs and Paul Zelinsky. Seems there are a lot so if you have that story to tell, you might as well tell it, right?
LikeLike
Must be! Just found another new one at the library: It’s Monday, Mrs. Jolly Bones! By Waren Hanson and it’s delightful!
LikeLike
Very good point, Julie. I like Miss Penny and Mr. Grubbs, by Lisa Campbell Ernst.
Giny
LikeLike
Just put it on hold – thanks Giny!
LikeLike
Just speculating…but I think it has something to do with showing the MC grow and change through the story. No one blinks twice when a child MC grows due to a discovery, from overcoming a challenge, etc. But an adult MC? Is it still relatable from a child’s perspective? It can be, but I am wagering editors are reluctant to take that risk unless it is an outstanding MS or from an established author. Would love to read more opinions on this Julie!
LikeLike
I would say adults can grow and change too, esp when we are dealing with small situations. And I know they say child-like protags are ok, but if you read Mrs. Lovewright you’ll see how it works despite her stubbornness! In the end, I guess, a good manuscript is good, despite the details!
LikeLike
Nice post Julie. I’m taking a break, but still am looking at books. Am catching up with MG and YA novels I want to read and review. Find it hard to keep up with this genre during the year. I’m enjoying it. And I’ve reviewed some other PBs that others did for PPB that I want on my blog.
Cathy — For example, they did with the Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. It was an outstanding MS. And, it was a bit quirky.
LikeLike
Yes – another one! Hope you are enjoying your break too, Patricia.
LikeLike
Good point! I wonder about this all the time. “Old” people are often cast as the mc. There are plenty of historical, biographical, and fantasy picture books featuring grown-ups.
Maybe we don’t realize we write them differently. Maybe the editors don’t give them a chance regardless of how they’re written.
I guess that’s a great lesson: Work EXTRA hard on your hook and beginnings to win the editor over when you’re using an adult MC.
Excellent food for thought. Thanks.
LikeLike
The age of the protagonist in picture books could be a great study for child psychology too! Thanks for chiming in, Joanne.
LikeLike
Pingback: Blow A Kiss: Book Review and Craft Activity for Kids | Picture Books Help Kids Soar