March 2007
Greetings!
If you're receiving this Newsletter, it's because in a moment of weakness and bad judgement, you signed up for it. If you've subsequently come to your senses and would like to discontinue this "service", it's only to your credit. Just let me know and I will compassionately oblige your un-subscription.
SOME THOUGHTS ON "CHILDREN'S BOOKS":
I've always found the line drawn (no pun intended) between children's books and many other books to be unfortunate and artificial, (especially for adults).
Would I read Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment" to a seven year old? No. But would I read Dr. Seuss' "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" or "Horton Hatches the Egg!" to a thirty year old, or a fifty year old? Most assuredly! Why? Because adults need that stuff as much, if not more, than children.
There is a much reported study that found that children laugh many, many times a day. (I can't remember the exact number, but it's a little less than two zillion.) By the time adulthood sets in, that number drops to almost nothing (3/8 of a chuckle a day).
Now, if you ever get the chance, watch an adult read a Dr. Seuss book out loud. And I mean one who is very out of practice at that sort of thing. First they'll be embarrassed, then they'll have trouble finding the rhythm, then they'll giggle a bit, find a beat and eventually the light switch will get turned on in their body, their face will brighten, as their body sways and arms wave. It's like watching somebody come home after a long, hard trip.
So my question is: at that point is it still a "children's" book? Or just a really good book? Or just really good?
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
"Big and Little" is the title of my newest book, due out in August from Robin Corey Books at Random House.
It's a novelty gatefold format that combines humor with the element of surprise. It's about a circus elephant and mouse, a high-diving board and a little glass of water. And it's the elephant who's going to be doing the diving!
The story was inspired by childhood memories of "circuses" my sister, two cousins and I used to put on. One event was the "strong men" lifting enormously heavy weights. The two older girls were usually the very "strong men" and would pretend to struggle and strain to lift the heavy weights, then bow and walk off. Then the two little boys (my cousin and yours truly) would walk on as janitors to clean up after them. We would lift the weights effortlessly as we swept up and would get some laughs. (You had to be there...)
Anyway, that sort of misdirection and "what you see is NOT what you get" informed this book.
Also, happily, two of my old Harper titles are back in print with Star Bright Books:
*"Snail Saves the Day!"
*"Three Cheers for Hippo!"
Both are very easy to read laughers.
And for Summer 2008, "The Ballad of Wilbur and the Moose" will be revised and reissued with Robin Corey Books/Random House. I'm very happy about that! The book is a hoot, if I do say so myself.
SOME FINAL THOUGHTS:
Over the years, the world of children's books has devolved into quite a rough and tumble business. Someone once referred to it as a bunny eat bunny world. And the famous saying, "It's so vicious because the stakes are so low", might also apply.
Having said that, I am very happy to be working in this field, some thirty years after signing my first contract. And I look forward to many more. Heartfelt thanks to all of those who have enjoyed the ride with me.
AND IN CONCLUSION
The End
Take good care,
John
(P.S. Please respect that this is copyrighted material. Thanks.)
