[Note- Here are the notes I took that day, edited for clarity]
Notes – Day 3 Session 2
Featured Session
1 1/2-hour session — limit 4 presenters
All Children
11/17/2017 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Room A412 Georgia World Congress Center
Holly Seplocha, Professor, William Paterson University; Molly Idle, author and illustrator; Steve Jenkins, author and illustrator; Robin Page, author and illustrator; Brian Selznick, author and illustrator
Be your child’s best teacher using children’s literature. Celebrating its 26th anniversary, this annual well-attended featured session brings award winning children’s authors and illustrators to NAEYC to share their experiences and expertise with teachers. The authors and illustrators, all leaders in the field, will present how they create their books, what children have said and asked about their books, and share strategies to use their books with children. Additionally, they will share their own journey as writers, writing for publication and experiences in working with children in school.
The session began with a video. Brian Selznick had been scheduled to appear, but health reasons left him grounded in a different city.
The video was very interesting, he gave a tour of his work area, which was fascinating as it was decorated with his inspirations and completed works. He then read to us his upcoming book “Baby Monkey Private Eye” (to be released Feb 27, 2018)
He said that he started with the question to himself “What would the funniest thing be?” – then he drew some quick pencil sketches on how the book might look.
His book has:
- repetitive words throughout
- simple sounds
- fun surprises hidden in the drawing
- Key at the end of the book – index – snacks – bibliography (which may or may not be real)
Fun idea and I’m excited to read the book again when it comes out.
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She led us through her childhood and her mother allowing her to use ‘grown up paints’.
Then she led us through the making of her concept and art for her book with no words- Flora and the Flamingo. She talked about the design challenges of various flaps and having ‘animation’ in the book. Throughout the process she said, “The best part was being taken very seriously”.
Then she talked about the evolution of the various sequels – kids in groups of three– which led to Flora and the Peacocks
Wanting to have lateral movement – Flora and the Penguin
Counting – Flora and the Chicks
Then being shy – opposites – Flora and the Ostrich: An Opposites Book
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They talked about their own childhood and the type of writing being done back then- things like “Dick and Jane” style or Golden Encyclopedia, book trails series
Then their son asked “What is the biggest animal” which led to Biggest, Strongest, Fastest which even includes scale for reference
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