WEBVTT 0 00:00:06.110 --> 00:00:06.460 Hi, 1 00:00:06.550 --> 00:00:06.840 everyone. 2 00:00:06.949 --> 00:00:08.069 I'm Laura Baus, 3 00:00:08.270 --> 00:00:12.500 publisher of Children's Book Insider and co-owner of Write for Kids Online. 4 00:00:12.909 --> 00:00:15.409 And I am very happy 5 00:00:15.710 --> 00:00:18.430 for our first Write for Kids instructor 6 00:00:18.430 --> 00:00:22.020 Spotlight to welcome author illustrator Violet LeMay. 7 00:00:23.409 --> 00:00:26.209 Violet has written and illustrated 8 books and 8 00:00:26.209 --> 00:00:29.770 has illustrated over 40 books by other authors. 9 00:00:29.950 --> 00:00:31.940 Her work has won many awards, 10 00:00:32.209 --> 00:00:34.000 including the Hofer Grand Prize. 11 00:00:34.569 --> 00:00:36.130 And a native of Saint Louis, 12 00:00:36.209 --> 00:00:36.610 Missouri, 13 00:00:36.689 --> 00:00:39.130 Violet and her family have lived all over the. 14 00:00:39.264 --> 00:00:41.115 US and all over the world, 15 00:00:41.345 --> 00:00:42.215 including China, 16 00:00:42.424 --> 00:00:43.095 Malaysia, 17 00:00:43.125 --> 00:00:44.525 and her current home, 18 00:00:44.625 --> 00:00:45.494 New Zealand. 19 00:00:45.625 --> 00:00:47.615 And we're all very jealous for that. 20 00:00:48.025 --> 00:00:48.424 Um, 21 00:00:48.584 --> 00:00:50.935 a Maker of Dresses is her latest picture book. 22 00:00:51.185 --> 00:00:51.305 Now, 23 00:00:51.345 --> 00:00:52.895 Violet is also, 24 00:00:53.145 --> 00:00:53.534 yes, 25 00:00:53.705 --> 00:00:55.854 please hold that up if you would like your book. 26 00:00:56.830 --> 00:00:58.130 Because it's amazing. 27 00:00:58.389 --> 00:00:59.540 There we go. 28 00:00:59.869 --> 00:01:00.290 Um, 29 00:01:00.509 --> 00:01:03.799 Violet is also the instructor for our Write for Kids sessions workshop. 30 00:01:03.950 --> 00:01:05.349 Don't be afraid of the dark, 31 00:01:05.510 --> 00:01:06.269 how conflicts, 32 00:01:06.470 --> 00:01:06.959 setbacks, 33 00:01:07.029 --> 00:01:08.550 and emotional upheaval 34 00:01:08.949 --> 00:01:10.819 can make your writing come alive. 35 00:01:11.589 --> 00:01:12.500 And 36 00:01:12.739 --> 00:01:13.360 bonus, 37 00:01:13.620 --> 00:01:15.459 she is the creator of all the wonderful 38 00:01:15.459 --> 00:01:18.540 characters on our right for Kids online website. 39 00:01:18.620 --> 00:01:18.819 So, 40 00:01:19.019 --> 00:01:19.410 Violet, 41 00:01:19.540 --> 00:01:19.819 welcome. 42 00:01:19.830 --> 00:01:21.569 I'm so happy to have you here today. 43 00:01:22.139 --> 00:01:22.309 Oh, 44 00:01:22.419 --> 00:01:22.699 thank you, 45 00:01:22.819 --> 00:01:23.059 Laura. 46 00:01:23.139 --> 00:01:24.569 It's always so nice to see you, 47 00:01:24.739 --> 00:01:26.489 and I'm just so glad our 48 00:01:26.779 --> 00:01:29.419 paths crossed years ago and that we're still friends, 49 00:01:29.470 --> 00:01:30.980 and I'm happy to participate. 50 00:01:31.059 --> 00:01:31.730 So thank you. 51 00:01:32.300 --> 00:01:32.540 Yes, 52 00:01:32.739 --> 00:01:32.860 well, 53 00:01:32.900 --> 00:01:33.779 that's all great. 54 00:01:34.220 --> 00:01:34.599 Um, 55 00:01:34.680 --> 00:01:34.919 now, 56 00:01:35.050 --> 00:01:36.980 your write for Kids workshop, 57 00:01:37.040 --> 00:01:38.430 Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, 58 00:01:39.120 --> 00:01:40.629 explains how 59 00:01:41.400 --> 00:01:43.309 conflict and emotional upheaval 60 00:01:43.599 --> 00:01:45.510 can actually make our writing 61 00:01:46.199 --> 00:01:49.360 stronger by using these elements in our stories. 62 00:01:49.680 --> 00:01:50.319 Um, 63 00:01:50.330 --> 00:01:54.629 other than the obvious plot device of adding conflict and tension, 64 00:01:55.000 --> 00:01:55.190 uh, 65 00:01:55.199 --> 00:01:56.150 for the sake of, 66 00:01:56.239 --> 00:01:56.440 you know, 67 00:01:56.680 --> 00:01:58.010 escalating the plot, 68 00:01:58.239 --> 00:01:58.739 how can, 69 00:01:59.599 --> 00:01:59.800 sorry, 70 00:01:59.959 --> 00:02:04.629 darker topics actually make our books more compelling and relevant to our readers? 71 00:02:05.519 --> 00:02:05.989 Well, 72 00:02:06.279 --> 00:02:10.038 I think that um life has both light and darkness in it. 73 00:02:10.538 --> 00:02:14.350 And I think the best analogy for this is 74 00:02:14.880 --> 00:02:17.589 a flavor profile that life is bittersweet, 75 00:02:17.699 --> 00:02:18.149 and 76 00:02:18.399 --> 00:02:22.429 I like to think of darkness as adding a bit of salt to the sweetness. 77 00:02:22.800 --> 00:02:22.979 Um, 78 00:02:23.000 --> 00:02:24.570 I think a tiny bit of salt, 79 00:02:24.639 --> 00:02:26.199 it not only cuts the sweet, 80 00:02:26.279 --> 00:02:26.750 you know, 81 00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:28.869 but it adds a depth of flavor. 82 00:02:29.080 --> 00:02:33.009 And my favorite visual for this is a chocolate covered pretzel, 83 00:02:33.050 --> 00:02:34.880 which I made a little little visual, 84 00:02:35.210 --> 00:02:35.520 um, 85 00:02:35.529 --> 00:02:36.809 but if you can't see it here, 86 00:02:36.970 --> 00:02:37.770 if you're not watching, 87 00:02:37.850 --> 00:02:39.050 you can just imagine that. 88 00:02:39.250 --> 00:02:41.440 If you are eating a chocolate covered pretzel, 89 00:02:41.690 --> 00:02:42.919 every time you take, 90 00:02:43.169 --> 00:02:44.720 you crunch into that salt, 91 00:02:44.970 --> 00:02:45.309 for me, 92 00:02:45.320 --> 00:02:47.720 it's just like this little explosion of amazing 93 00:02:48.330 --> 00:02:49.080 flavor 94 00:02:49.250 --> 00:02:51.000 when it mixes with the sweet. 95 00:02:51.330 --> 00:02:51.610 Um, 96 00:02:51.649 --> 00:02:54.529 I think that magical explosion is what happens when you 97 00:02:54.529 --> 00:02:56.649 add a little bit of darkness to your writing. 98 00:02:56.990 --> 00:02:57.770 And it also, 99 00:02:57.789 --> 00:02:57.990 um, 100 00:02:58.000 --> 00:02:59.880 is a great way to raise the stakes, 101 00:03:00.649 --> 00:03:02.089 which we're always being told to do, 102 00:03:02.130 --> 00:03:02.410 right? 103 00:03:02.490 --> 00:03:02.800 Um, 104 00:03:03.009 --> 00:03:05.410 I read this wonderful book years ago called Write 105 00:03:05.410 --> 00:03:08.000 Your Novel from the Middle by James Scott Bell. 106 00:03:08.289 --> 00:03:09.360 And in that book, 107 00:03:09.369 --> 00:03:12.360 he reminds us that in every great story there is 108 00:03:12.850 --> 00:03:13.759 threat of death, 109 00:03:13.929 --> 00:03:14.759 either physical, 110 00:03:15.130 --> 00:03:15.410 professional, 111 00:03:15.449 --> 00:03:16.330 or psychological. 112 00:03:16.410 --> 00:03:16.720 Of course, 113 00:03:16.729 --> 00:03:18.529 he wrote that book for adults, 114 00:03:18.679 --> 00:03:20.880 but I think it's true all the way through. 115 00:03:21.210 --> 00:03:21.479 And, 116 00:03:21.490 --> 00:03:21.770 uh, 117 00:03:21.779 --> 00:03:25.050 so that little bit of darkness will help raise the stakes also. 118 00:03:25.550 --> 00:03:25.559 Hm, 119 00:03:26.110 --> 00:03:28.339 that's an interesting way of looking at it and we can. 120 00:03:28.710 --> 00:03:28.910 You know, 121 00:03:29.110 --> 00:03:30.750 death can be something very different. 122 00:03:30.789 --> 00:03:32.059 It could be losing a friend, 123 00:03:32.380 --> 00:03:32.589 uh, 124 00:03:32.630 --> 00:03:34.380 in a children's book or 125 00:03:34.630 --> 00:03:35.320 not getting, 126 00:03:35.509 --> 00:03:35.830 you know, 127 00:03:35.949 --> 00:03:38.460 you wanted to win that contest and you didn't win it. 128 00:03:38.550 --> 00:03:39.020 So, 129 00:03:39.149 --> 00:03:39.580 you know, 130 00:03:39.789 --> 00:03:40.559 you can 131 00:03:41.110 --> 00:03:43.100 consider those sort of deaths 132 00:03:43.910 --> 00:03:44.089 in a, 133 00:03:44.190 --> 00:03:45.059 in a way. 134 00:03:45.350 --> 00:03:45.630 Yeah. 135 00:03:45.710 --> 00:03:45.820 Yeah. 136 00:03:47.270 --> 00:03:47.460 Yeah. 137 00:03:47.550 --> 00:03:47.740 But, 138 00:03:47.750 --> 00:03:48.869 but they can mean everything. 139 00:03:49.029 --> 00:03:49.080 They, 140 00:03:49.110 --> 00:03:51.169 and they should mean everything to the protagonist. 141 00:03:51.229 --> 00:03:51.509 If, 142 00:03:51.830 --> 00:03:51.979 like, 143 00:03:51.990 --> 00:03:54.070 when my son was small and lost his little toy, 144 00:03:54.190 --> 00:03:56.509 none of us could sleep for 3 days because it was missing. 145 00:03:57.130 --> 00:03:57.369 You know, 146 00:03:57.610 --> 00:03:58.600 just stuff like that. 147 00:03:58.929 --> 00:03:59.490 Mhm. 148 00:03:59.649 --> 00:04:00.080 Yeah. 149 00:04:00.289 --> 00:04:00.619 And, 150 00:04:00.770 --> 00:04:00.929 you know, 151 00:04:01.029 --> 00:04:04.610 like Mo Willems is great at capturing that with some of his picture books, 152 00:04:04.649 --> 00:04:06.399 like the Knuffle Bunny books where it's like, 153 00:04:06.690 --> 00:04:09.119 she lost her favorite toy and 154 00:04:09.850 --> 00:04:10.199 it, 155 00:04:10.250 --> 00:04:10.570 it's, 156 00:04:10.679 --> 00:04:12.050 it's the worst thing in the world. 157 00:04:12.070 --> 00:04:13.160 And it's so true, 158 00:04:13.320 --> 00:04:13.570 you know, 159 00:04:13.729 --> 00:04:14.600 every kid 160 00:04:15.029 --> 00:04:16.488 reading that story or having that story 161 00:04:16.488 --> 00:04:19.380 read to them understands exactly what that's like 162 00:04:19.790 --> 00:04:22.920 100% and all the way up through all stages of childhood. 163 00:04:23.010 --> 00:04:23.309 Yeah, 164 00:04:23.809 --> 00:04:24.450 absolutely. 165 00:04:25.170 --> 00:04:30.029 So a lot of aspiring authors I know are wary of weaving darker topics 166 00:04:30.029 --> 00:04:32.019 into their stories cause they think kids 167 00:04:32.019 --> 00:04:35.079 aren't emotionally capable of handling it. 168 00:04:35.529 --> 00:04:35.869 Um, 169 00:04:35.950 --> 00:04:38.190 but haven't children's books always used 170 00:04:38.190 --> 00:04:40.950 darkness to create emotionally rich tales? 171 00:04:40.989 --> 00:04:41.950 I'm thinking like, 172 00:04:42.320 --> 00:04:42.700 Uh, 173 00:04:42.709 --> 00:04:42.750 uh, 174 00:04:42.760 --> 00:04:47.290 Grimm's fairy tales to classic middle grade novels like Charlotte's Web 175 00:04:47.519 --> 00:04:49.149 and Bridge to Terabithia, 176 00:04:49.320 --> 00:04:52.429 and even more recent picture books like The Rough Patch 177 00:04:52.679 --> 00:04:54.470 and Lubna Pebble. 178 00:04:54.880 --> 00:04:55.529 And 179 00:04:56.079 --> 00:04:56.470 these, 180 00:04:56.559 --> 00:04:56.760 you know, 181 00:04:56.880 --> 00:04:59.750 acknowledge that life is sometimes very difficult, 182 00:04:59.839 --> 00:05:00.549 and 183 00:05:01.220 --> 00:05:04.760 generations of readers have felt seen and understood with these books. 184 00:05:04.910 --> 00:05:04.920 So, 185 00:05:06.299 --> 00:05:11.679 what are a few ways that writers can get past this reluctance they may have, 186 00:05:12.059 --> 00:05:12.339 uh, 187 00:05:12.380 --> 00:05:15.329 if they want to write emotionally complex stories? 188 00:05:15.950 --> 00:05:15.959 Mm, 189 00:05:16.260 --> 00:05:17.649 it's a great question because I, 190 00:05:17.779 --> 00:05:18.019 for me, 191 00:05:18.140 --> 00:05:20.850 it's a great question because I am reluctant to add 192 00:05:21.179 --> 00:05:22.059 darkness to my work. 193 00:05:22.140 --> 00:05:24.570 I'm reluctant to add darkness to my life in any way. 194 00:05:24.630 --> 00:05:25.260 I just don't, 195 00:05:25.339 --> 00:05:26.730 I don't want it in my life. 196 00:05:27.059 --> 00:05:27.540 Um, 197 00:05:27.950 --> 00:05:28.760 And the course, 198 00:05:28.880 --> 00:05:29.049 you know, 199 00:05:29.200 --> 00:05:30.640 covers all of this in great detail, 200 00:05:30.679 --> 00:05:31.480 but just briefly, 201 00:05:31.559 --> 00:05:33.790 I'll just zip zip through some 202 00:05:34.100 --> 00:05:35.109 pointers here. 203 00:05:35.359 --> 00:05:36.679 I think the first thing is, 204 00:05:36.920 --> 00:05:37.980 especially if you 205 00:05:38.320 --> 00:05:40.519 have an idea for a book that just 206 00:05:40.880 --> 00:05:42.239 tackles a dark topic, 207 00:05:42.279 --> 00:05:43.709 just head on and you, 208 00:05:43.920 --> 00:05:45.739 you have reservations about writing it. 209 00:05:45.880 --> 00:05:48.470 I would ask yourself a couple of questions. 210 00:05:48.679 --> 00:05:49.119 First of all, 211 00:05:49.200 --> 00:05:52.839 does the darkness really need to be the main thing in the story? 212 00:05:53.179 --> 00:05:53.190 Um, 213 00:05:53.809 --> 00:05:54.010 you know, 214 00:05:54.130 --> 00:05:57.730 nobody wants to eat a bowl full of salt if we go back to the salt analogy, 215 00:05:57.769 --> 00:05:59.980 or can you just sprinkle in a little bit 216 00:06:00.649 --> 00:06:04.880 using all the other ingredients also to temper the salt with sweet and, 217 00:06:04.890 --> 00:06:05.239 uh, 218 00:06:05.250 --> 00:06:07.730 maybe you can just come at it tangentially 219 00:06:08.649 --> 00:06:09.410 instead of straight on, 220 00:06:09.450 --> 00:06:10.119 but you could, 221 00:06:10.690 --> 00:06:10.920 like, 222 00:06:10.929 --> 00:06:11.200 uh, 223 00:06:11.209 --> 00:06:12.309 some of the books you just mentioned, 224 00:06:12.350 --> 00:06:14.040 definitely tackle these topics head on, 225 00:06:14.049 --> 00:06:15.929 but you don't have to if it makes you uncomfortable. 226 00:06:15.970 --> 00:06:17.929 There are other ways to approach it. 227 00:06:18.269 --> 00:06:18.720 Um, 228 00:06:18.799 --> 00:06:20.040 if you're writing picture books, 229 00:06:20.239 --> 00:06:24.029 another thing to keep in mind is that you can let the art do a lot of the talking, 230 00:06:24.399 --> 00:06:25.760 which when I was reading, 231 00:06:25.880 --> 00:06:26.029 um, 232 00:06:26.040 --> 00:06:27.000 the books you just mentioned, 233 00:06:27.160 --> 00:06:27.410 Laura, 234 00:06:27.480 --> 00:06:29.390 Lubna and Pebble and the Rough Patch, 235 00:06:29.799 --> 00:06:31.149 I noticed that immediately, 236 00:06:31.329 --> 00:06:31.480 um, 237 00:06:31.559 --> 00:06:35.549 how much of the story is told by the art and how the style of the art 238 00:06:35.760 --> 00:06:38.239 and the representations of the characters. 239 00:06:38.630 --> 00:06:38.649 Were 240 00:06:39.579 --> 00:06:43.859 unreal and therefore there was just a bit of separation from reality 241 00:06:44.079 --> 00:06:46.369 just because the art is fanciful 242 00:06:46.700 --> 00:06:47.329 and um 243 00:06:47.859 --> 00:06:48.429 just very, 244 00:06:48.459 --> 00:06:48.890 very, 245 00:06:48.899 --> 00:06:50.970 very helpful in the realm of picture books. 246 00:06:51.380 --> 00:06:53.130 And then books for older kids, 247 00:06:53.540 --> 00:06:54.829 I think you can, 248 00:06:54.899 --> 00:06:57.100 if you're clever about it and put your head to it, 249 00:06:57.140 --> 00:06:57.730 you can 250 00:06:58.339 --> 00:06:59.690 boil down your 251 00:07:00.100 --> 00:07:03.079 topic to the essentials and figure out a way to 252 00:07:03.350 --> 00:07:05.739 fantasize it or turn it into an allegory. 253 00:07:06.380 --> 00:07:07.019 Um, 254 00:07:07.269 --> 00:07:09.890 just anything that you can do to 255 00:07:10.339 --> 00:07:11.850 step back from reality, 256 00:07:12.179 --> 00:07:12.410 um, 257 00:07:12.500 --> 00:07:13.929 if it makes you uncomfortable, 258 00:07:14.200 --> 00:07:14.339 uh, 259 00:07:14.420 --> 00:07:15.250 to approach it. 260 00:07:15.500 --> 00:07:16.230 And also, 261 00:07:16.299 --> 00:07:16.850 I think 262 00:07:17.279 --> 00:07:17.799 something for me, 263 00:07:17.899 --> 00:07:19.820 something that helps me a lot because I have 264 00:07:19.820 --> 00:07:23.209 written and illustrated books about some serious topics, 265 00:07:23.540 --> 00:07:26.010 is to always remember your audience. 266 00:07:26.339 --> 00:07:29.540 I think it's a great idea to imagine the book published and in 267 00:07:29.540 --> 00:07:32.660 your hand and you're at an event reading the book to little kids, 268 00:07:32.739 --> 00:07:33.339 which happens, 269 00:07:33.459 --> 00:07:33.859 you know. 270 00:07:34.380 --> 00:07:34.720 And, 271 00:07:34.739 --> 00:07:35.290 uh, 272 00:07:35.299 --> 00:07:35.619 I mean, 273 00:07:35.779 --> 00:07:39.220 I'm just saying that this book right here that I wrote and illustrated, 274 00:07:39.260 --> 00:07:40.690 Alicia Ramirez was an artist, 275 00:07:40.700 --> 00:07:41.209 is a very, 276 00:07:41.260 --> 00:07:43.730 very serious book about a very serious topic. 277 00:07:44.500 --> 00:07:46.570 And I did read it to kids all over 278 00:07:46.899 --> 00:07:50.209 during these book tours and the first time I read that book out loud to an audience, 279 00:07:50.299 --> 00:07:50.660 it was, 280 00:07:50.859 --> 00:07:50.980 you know, 281 00:07:51.019 --> 00:07:52.899 it was an interesting experience for me. 282 00:07:53.380 --> 00:07:55.369 For sure and uh emotional, 283 00:07:55.380 --> 00:07:55.929 and 284 00:07:56.179 --> 00:07:59.730 I think it's helpful to imagine yourself in that situation because 285 00:07:59.869 --> 00:08:01.890 because then before you've written the book, 286 00:08:02.140 --> 00:08:06.410 you can think about how you would relay this topic to a small child. 287 00:08:06.660 --> 00:08:07.890 It might just help 288 00:08:08.220 --> 00:08:08.649 you, 289 00:08:08.660 --> 00:08:12.940 help spark your creativity to find a creative way to approach the topic, 290 00:08:12.959 --> 00:08:14.809 which I feel comfortable with. 291 00:08:14.899 --> 00:08:16.660 I found a way to approach it in this book, 292 00:08:16.670 --> 00:08:18.329 and I know that you can too. 293 00:08:18.660 --> 00:08:19.100 Um. 294 00:08:19.809 --> 00:08:21.709 I think it's important to use 295 00:08:22.320 --> 00:08:24.339 joyful creativity and humor 296 00:08:24.769 --> 00:08:26.559 all across the board for all ages, 297 00:08:26.600 --> 00:08:27.989 but especially with little kids. 298 00:08:28.040 --> 00:08:28.190 Like, 299 00:08:28.239 --> 00:08:29.149 for example, 300 00:08:29.549 --> 00:08:30.230 um, 301 00:08:30.600 --> 00:08:31.329 let's say 302 00:08:31.880 --> 00:08:33.630 you have a fire breathing dragon, 303 00:08:33.640 --> 00:08:35.869 but maybe instead of burning down the town, 304 00:08:36.359 --> 00:08:37.109 the fire, 305 00:08:37.200 --> 00:08:37.359 you know, 306 00:08:37.440 --> 00:08:39.808 scorches the marshmallow trees or whatever like that. 307 00:08:39.900 --> 00:08:43.200 Like you can find clever ways of softening things so that they're still 308 00:08:43.200 --> 00:08:46.190 serious and dark and super serious to the characters in the book, 309 00:08:46.359 --> 00:08:47.840 but not so serious that 310 00:08:48.000 --> 00:08:48.789 they would be, 311 00:08:48.919 --> 00:08:49.510 you know. 312 00:08:50.799 --> 00:08:53.380 that you just couldn't put it in a book for a little child, 313 00:08:53.679 --> 00:08:54.119 um. 314 00:08:55.039 --> 00:08:56.150 I think in 315 00:08:56.419 --> 00:08:57.659 for in books for older kids, 316 00:08:57.820 --> 00:08:59.219 especially middle grade and young adult, 317 00:08:59.260 --> 00:09:01.260 you can make it a mystery and find a clever way 318 00:09:01.260 --> 00:09:04.780 to conceal the super dark thing until it is finally revealed, 319 00:09:04.820 --> 00:09:06.169 the dark secret at the end. 320 00:09:07.559 --> 00:09:09.739 And ultimately I think you just need to assess 321 00:09:09.739 --> 00:09:11.760 yourself and where you're at in your life, 322 00:09:11.960 --> 00:09:12.320 and, 323 00:09:12.330 --> 00:09:12.570 you know, 324 00:09:12.690 --> 00:09:13.400 your mental health, 325 00:09:13.450 --> 00:09:14.280 which is so important, 326 00:09:14.450 --> 00:09:15.440 and just ask yourself, 327 00:09:15.530 --> 00:09:16.159 is it, 328 00:09:16.409 --> 00:09:18.349 are you the person to write that book at that time, 329 00:09:18.369 --> 00:09:19.130 cause maybe you're not, 330 00:09:19.190 --> 00:09:20.520 and that's totally fine. 331 00:09:21.010 --> 00:09:22.250 There's nothing wrong with that. 332 00:09:22.859 --> 00:09:23.440 Um, 333 00:09:23.619 --> 00:09:27.340 I saw this quote the other day by Serena Williams that really stuck with me. 334 00:09:27.700 --> 00:09:29.250 Whatever fear I have inside me, 335 00:09:29.299 --> 00:09:31.929 my desire to win is always stronger. 336 00:09:32.260 --> 00:09:33.299 Such a great quote, 337 00:09:33.309 --> 00:09:36.559 and that really summarized my thought on this, 338 00:09:36.619 --> 00:09:37.409 which is, 339 00:09:37.780 --> 00:09:38.020 OK, 340 00:09:38.140 --> 00:09:39.340 here's a little chart I made, 341 00:09:39.390 --> 00:09:40.770 ambition over fear. 342 00:09:41.099 --> 00:09:42.890 So I feel like the very, 343 00:09:42.940 --> 00:09:43.169 very, 344 00:09:43.219 --> 00:09:44.369 very best books 345 00:09:44.739 --> 00:09:46.700 all have a dash of darkness in them. 346 00:09:47.260 --> 00:09:51.640 And if you are an aspiring writer who really wants to get your work published, 347 00:09:51.840 --> 00:09:54.320 perhaps it's the secret ingredient that would just 348 00:09:54.599 --> 00:09:56.559 help your book have that edge over the others. 349 00:09:56.599 --> 00:09:57.909 It's so competitive, 350 00:09:58.239 --> 00:09:59.590 just like Serena Williams, 351 00:09:59.760 --> 00:09:59.880 you know, 352 00:09:59.960 --> 00:10:01.169 is competing in this sport, 353 00:10:01.200 --> 00:10:01.479 you're, 354 00:10:01.530 --> 00:10:05.469 you're competing and so give yourself that little bit of edge, 355 00:10:05.909 --> 00:10:06.320 um. 356 00:10:07.320 --> 00:10:09.390 If your ambition is greater than your fear. 357 00:10:09.559 --> 00:10:11.450 If your fear is greater than your ambition, 358 00:10:11.520 --> 00:10:12.359 then just wait 359 00:10:12.840 --> 00:10:13.469 until the, 360 00:10:13.479 --> 00:10:16.070 until the table shift and you're more comfortable doing it. 361 00:10:16.599 --> 00:10:16.950 Sure, 362 00:10:17.070 --> 00:10:17.469 sure. 363 00:10:17.700 --> 00:10:18.590 Or you, 364 00:10:18.679 --> 00:10:20.849 you don't have to write a dark book either. 365 00:10:21.000 --> 00:10:21.390 You know, 366 00:10:21.599 --> 00:10:24.719 it's perfectly acceptable to write a funny story 367 00:10:25.280 --> 00:10:27.270 for the sake of humor and entertainment. 368 00:10:27.679 --> 00:10:28.429 100%. 369 00:10:28.479 --> 00:10:28.869 And actually, 370 00:10:28.880 --> 00:10:31.419 this one that I just wrote has zero darkness in it. 371 00:10:31.479 --> 00:10:31.909 There's nothing. 372 00:10:32.119 --> 00:10:32.479 There's no, 373 00:10:32.599 --> 00:10:34.119 there's not even a conflict in this book, 374 00:10:34.159 --> 00:10:34.679 honestly, 375 00:10:34.799 --> 00:10:35.260 but um. 376 00:10:36.179 --> 00:10:36.190 Yeah, 377 00:10:37.140 --> 00:10:37.150 OK, 378 00:10:37.179 --> 00:10:37.190 OK. 379 00:10:38.849 --> 00:10:39.729 But you're right, 380 00:10:39.799 --> 00:10:40.479 um, 381 00:10:40.650 --> 00:10:41.460 giving and 382 00:10:42.450 --> 00:10:46.789 it does give your book a bit of a an edge because it gives 383 00:10:47.049 --> 00:10:48.359 it a hook. 384 00:10:48.770 --> 00:10:50.469 People will talk about it. 385 00:10:50.929 --> 00:10:54.500 If it's about something substantial that 386 00:10:54.770 --> 00:10:57.760 uh that has an emotional component to it 387 00:10:57.929 --> 00:10:59.369 that people care about. 388 00:11:00.030 --> 00:11:00.440 And, 389 00:11:00.450 --> 00:11:00.650 you know, 390 00:11:00.729 --> 00:11:04.289 it seems that even very young children are often aware of what's going on 391 00:11:04.289 --> 00:11:06.369 in the world and certainly in their 392 00:11:06.369 --> 00:11:09.000 neighborhood or their school or their community, 393 00:11:09.250 --> 00:11:10.710 if they might see a, 394 00:11:10.739 --> 00:11:13.679 a protest going on down their street and 395 00:11:13.890 --> 00:11:14.609 ask their parents, 396 00:11:14.770 --> 00:11:15.580 what is that about? 397 00:11:15.650 --> 00:11:16.299 So they're, 398 00:11:16.729 --> 00:11:19.200 even if you're shielding young kids from 399 00:11:19.500 --> 00:11:20.619 the news, 400 00:11:20.890 --> 00:11:24.729 there's so much other methods of communication these days that, 401 00:11:24.799 --> 00:11:26.359 that they pick up on things. 402 00:11:27.359 --> 00:11:31.270 How can books help children understand and process current events, 403 00:11:31.590 --> 00:11:31.989 uh, 404 00:11:32.169 --> 00:11:33.210 especially young kids, 405 00:11:33.320 --> 00:11:33.559 um, 406 00:11:33.599 --> 00:11:36.719 and is there a way to do that without getting political? 407 00:11:36.919 --> 00:11:37.039 You know, 408 00:11:37.119 --> 00:11:39.520 I'm speaking specifically current events. 409 00:11:39.559 --> 00:11:39.869 Now, 410 00:11:39.880 --> 00:11:42.070 your Alicia Ramirez was an artist, 411 00:11:42.440 --> 00:11:44.710 I think it's a really good example of this. 412 00:11:44.960 --> 00:11:47.859 And if you want to say a little bit what it's about, 413 00:11:48.000 --> 00:11:48.229 uh, 414 00:11:48.239 --> 00:11:48.989 feel free. 415 00:11:50.010 --> 00:11:50.320 OK, 416 00:11:50.469 --> 00:11:50.669 sure, 417 00:11:50.750 --> 00:11:50.950 thanks, 418 00:11:51.070 --> 00:11:51.309 Laura. 419 00:11:51.330 --> 00:11:51.469 Well, 420 00:11:51.630 --> 00:11:51.750 yeah, 421 00:11:51.869 --> 00:11:53.520 so this book Alicia Ramirez 422 00:11:53.869 --> 00:11:56.099 was an artist is a true story about this little girl, 423 00:11:56.229 --> 00:11:57.400 Alicia Ramirez, 424 00:11:57.789 --> 00:12:00.630 who was one of the victims of the school shooting in Uvalde, 425 00:12:00.750 --> 00:12:01.340 Texas. 426 00:12:02.729 --> 00:12:03.609 And 427 00:12:04.739 --> 00:12:06.650 The way I approached it was 428 00:12:07.299 --> 00:12:08.940 to tell the story of Alicia's life. 429 00:12:09.059 --> 00:12:12.049 She was an artist and show the ups and downs of being an artist, 430 00:12:12.859 --> 00:12:14.250 and her death, 431 00:12:14.340 --> 00:12:15.169 I'll show you, 432 00:12:15.380 --> 00:12:15.539 um, 433 00:12:15.549 --> 00:12:18.500 it's represented wordlessly at the end of the book. 434 00:12:21.640 --> 00:12:23.070 With just color 435 00:12:23.239 --> 00:12:24.070 and her art, 436 00:12:24.599 --> 00:12:25.390 um, 437 00:12:25.640 --> 00:12:26.270 and. 438 00:12:27.109 --> 00:12:29.239 And that's pretty much how the book ends. 439 00:12:29.520 --> 00:12:30.909 When an artist dies, 440 00:12:31.440 --> 00:12:32.750 her life lives on. 441 00:12:32.760 --> 00:12:34.510 Alicia's life lives in all of us, 442 00:12:34.549 --> 00:12:36.719 and Alicia lives in all of our hearts. 443 00:12:36.840 --> 00:12:38.830 So that's the last page of the story, 444 00:12:39.039 --> 00:12:40.669 but then when you turn the page, 445 00:12:41.549 --> 00:12:42.770 There's a section, 446 00:12:42.909 --> 00:12:44.830 there's an author's note which explains what happens 447 00:12:44.830 --> 00:12:47.059 to Alicia and a section called Let's Talk, 448 00:12:47.400 --> 00:12:50.390 which um gives discussion questions for parents, 449 00:12:50.549 --> 00:12:53.340 which really have more to do with art than anything else. 450 00:12:53.669 --> 00:12:54.130 But the, 451 00:12:54.150 --> 00:12:56.820 the issue is in the book and it's in the author's note. 452 00:12:57.150 --> 00:13:00.599 So it was just a way for me to honor Alicia and her art. 453 00:13:01.510 --> 00:13:05.219 And give parents the opportunity to use the book 454 00:13:05.669 --> 00:13:08.960 to broach the topic if they choose to with their children, 455 00:13:08.989 --> 00:13:12.030 because you could read this book to a child and never bring it up, 456 00:13:12.469 --> 00:13:12.780 um, 457 00:13:12.789 --> 00:13:16.900 but I just give parents the option to talk about it or not talk about it. 458 00:13:17.250 --> 00:13:17.260 Mhm. 459 00:13:17.270 --> 00:13:17.280 So, 460 00:13:19.919 --> 00:13:21.309 when you first read this book, 461 00:13:21.599 --> 00:13:21.869 uh, 462 00:13:21.880 --> 00:13:24.010 two groups of kids on the book tour, 463 00:13:24.280 --> 00:13:24.590 uh, 464 00:13:24.599 --> 00:13:25.080 what, 465 00:13:25.400 --> 00:13:26.469 what was the reaction? 466 00:13:26.599 --> 00:13:27.440 Did they 467 00:13:27.799 --> 00:13:31.469 ask questions about her death or did that kind of just 468 00:13:31.840 --> 00:13:32.830 not register 469 00:13:33.080 --> 00:13:33.469 with them? 470 00:13:34.599 --> 00:13:35.020 Um, 471 00:13:35.179 --> 00:13:35.299 well, 472 00:13:35.419 --> 00:13:35.739 I read, 473 00:13:35.820 --> 00:13:37.940 I don't even know how many times I've read the book in public, 474 00:13:38.020 --> 00:13:39.500 but let's just say 30. 475 00:13:39.580 --> 00:13:41.169 I think that's a pretty good estimate. 476 00:13:41.340 --> 00:13:41.650 Um, 477 00:13:41.780 --> 00:13:45.729 I got only one question about that from an older child 478 00:13:46.080 --> 00:13:46.609 once, 479 00:13:46.900 --> 00:13:47.289 um, 480 00:13:47.419 --> 00:13:49.500 but out of all the other hundreds of kids, 481 00:13:49.580 --> 00:13:51.380 because I read to big groups and small groups, 482 00:13:51.549 --> 00:13:53.099 schools and libraries and whatnot. 483 00:13:53.419 --> 00:13:53.429 Um, 484 00:13:53.890 --> 00:13:53.929 yeah, 485 00:13:54.010 --> 00:13:55.599 that was the only time it came up. 486 00:13:55.729 --> 00:13:56.799 Most of the kids 487 00:13:57.200 --> 00:13:59.690 were just interested in the illustrations and the art, 488 00:13:59.770 --> 00:13:59.929 and, 489 00:14:00.010 --> 00:14:01.049 and whenever I would, 490 00:14:01.169 --> 00:14:01.539 uh, 491 00:14:01.650 --> 00:14:01.849 you know, 492 00:14:01.969 --> 00:14:03.200 when you read the book at a school, 493 00:14:03.250 --> 00:14:04.169 you have it projected, 494 00:14:04.250 --> 00:14:06.559 the art projected up behind your head on a big screen, 495 00:14:06.770 --> 00:14:09.090 and whenever that wordless spread was projected, 496 00:14:09.130 --> 00:14:10.450 it was so cute because 497 00:14:10.929 --> 00:14:11.929 all the kids would just say, 498 00:14:11.979 --> 00:14:12.690 oh, 499 00:14:13.890 --> 00:14:15.690 there's this big reaction to it, 500 00:14:15.729 --> 00:14:17.080 which surprised me a lot, 501 00:14:17.450 --> 00:14:17.729 um. 502 00:14:18.489 --> 00:14:18.909 But yeah, 503 00:14:19.270 --> 00:14:19.820 it just. 504 00:14:20.859 --> 00:14:21.340 I don't know. 505 00:14:21.419 --> 00:14:23.210 It didn't come up except the one time. 506 00:14:23.820 --> 00:14:24.359 Yeah, 507 00:14:24.580 --> 00:14:26.460 but I mean that that says a lot, 508 00:14:26.500 --> 00:14:27.059 I think, 509 00:14:27.070 --> 00:14:27.549 um, 510 00:14:27.739 --> 00:14:28.659 that they were. 511 00:14:29.840 --> 00:14:31.880 More focused on 512 00:14:32.359 --> 00:14:32.900 the, 513 00:14:33.049 --> 00:14:36.780 the joyful part of Alithia's life that you 514 00:14:37.090 --> 00:14:38.409 chose to portray 515 00:14:38.770 --> 00:14:39.640 in the book, 516 00:14:40.169 --> 00:14:40.609 and, 517 00:14:40.650 --> 00:14:42.880 and the bigger meaning of what the book was about. 518 00:14:43.010 --> 00:14:44.130 And I think that's, 519 00:14:44.239 --> 00:14:45.799 that's really amazing, 520 00:14:45.890 --> 00:14:46.299 you know, 521 00:14:46.450 --> 00:14:46.830 and it's a, 522 00:14:46.890 --> 00:14:48.599 it's a great testament to your writing 523 00:14:48.849 --> 00:14:50.119 and your illustration, 524 00:14:50.330 --> 00:14:51.239 but also the, 525 00:14:51.250 --> 00:14:52.090 the approach that, 526 00:14:52.200 --> 00:14:55.479 that you advocate taking in these darker topics is to 527 00:14:55.770 --> 00:14:57.039 find the light. 528 00:14:57.900 --> 00:14:58.539 Um, 529 00:14:58.700 --> 00:14:59.849 in the darkness, 530 00:15:00.219 --> 00:15:01.330 100%. 531 00:15:01.539 --> 00:15:01.809 Yeah, 532 00:15:01.900 --> 00:15:03.530 the books that you mentioned, 533 00:15:03.619 --> 00:15:04.179 um. 534 00:15:04.919 --> 00:15:07.000 Lubna and Pebble and the Dark patch. 535 00:15:07.039 --> 00:15:07.400 I would, 536 00:15:07.599 --> 00:15:07.690 well, 537 00:15:07.719 --> 00:15:08.179 I'm gonna, 538 00:15:08.559 --> 00:15:10.229 I was gonna mention this later in this talk, 539 00:15:10.280 --> 00:15:12.190 but I would recommend anybody who's 540 00:15:12.719 --> 00:15:14.440 wanting to tackle a topic like this, 541 00:15:14.640 --> 00:15:15.630 especially in a picture book, 542 00:15:15.659 --> 00:15:19.000 would just really take a hard look at those books and dissect them and see 543 00:15:19.320 --> 00:15:21.039 how the team accomplished it, 544 00:15:21.099 --> 00:15:22.250 because it is a team 545 00:15:22.559 --> 00:15:22.919 effort, 546 00:15:22.960 --> 00:15:24.239 the art plus the words. 547 00:15:24.299 --> 00:15:24.450 But, 548 00:15:24.479 --> 00:15:24.909 um, 549 00:15:25.159 --> 00:15:25.239 yeah, 550 00:15:25.280 --> 00:15:25.580 you have, 551 00:15:25.679 --> 00:15:28.390 I think you just have to be a little bit clever and super, 552 00:15:28.400 --> 00:15:29.789 super sensitive. 553 00:15:30.030 --> 00:15:30.469 Yes, 554 00:15:30.640 --> 00:15:31.250 yes. 555 00:15:31.559 --> 00:15:32.450 I agree. 556 00:15:33.039 --> 00:15:33.630 So. 557 00:15:34.729 --> 00:15:36.979 What would you say to writers who are 558 00:15:37.330 --> 00:15:41.849 reluctant to tackle darker topics because they fear their book getting banned 559 00:15:42.419 --> 00:15:43.849 from schools and libraries? 560 00:15:43.989 --> 00:15:44.049 Uh, 561 00:15:44.090 --> 00:15:45.609 it's a big issue these days, 562 00:15:45.809 --> 00:15:47.020 especially in this country, 563 00:15:47.609 --> 00:15:47.710 um. 564 00:15:49.760 --> 00:15:50.130 I know. 565 00:15:50.200 --> 00:15:51.280 It is an issue for sure. 566 00:15:51.359 --> 00:15:51.729 Um, 567 00:15:51.960 --> 00:15:52.919 I personally, 568 00:15:53.039 --> 00:15:54.549 I don't worry about that because I, 569 00:15:55.200 --> 00:15:57.150 I feel like even if the book got banned, 570 00:15:57.190 --> 00:15:57.750 all 571 00:15:58.119 --> 00:16:00.799 publicity is good publicity and and independent bookstores 572 00:16:00.799 --> 00:16:03.549 are so faithful to support banned books, 573 00:16:03.559 --> 00:16:03.890 and 574 00:16:04.159 --> 00:16:07.229 I think kids are clever enough to figure out how to get books. 575 00:16:07.520 --> 00:16:07.789 But, 576 00:16:07.799 --> 00:16:08.469 um, 577 00:16:08.760 --> 00:16:10.030 but I do understand, 578 00:16:10.200 --> 00:16:10.510 uh, 579 00:16:10.559 --> 00:16:11.469 especially from the, 580 00:16:11.559 --> 00:16:13.080 the bookseller's point of view, 581 00:16:13.219 --> 00:16:13.280 the, 582 00:16:13.440 --> 00:16:13.599 you know, 583 00:16:13.640 --> 00:16:15.989 the publisher who's taking a risk with your book, 584 00:16:16.119 --> 00:16:17.650 that they don't want the book to be 585 00:16:18.000 --> 00:16:19.250 banned and um. 586 00:16:19.739 --> 00:16:20.020 You know, 587 00:16:20.140 --> 00:16:21.989 so it's definitely a valid issue. 588 00:16:22.539 --> 00:16:24.140 I think so there's two approaches. 589 00:16:24.260 --> 00:16:25.539 Either you just. 590 00:16:26.830 --> 00:16:27.690 Do it anyway. 591 00:16:27.780 --> 00:16:28.450 You're just 592 00:16:28.820 --> 00:16:29.890 afraid and do it anyway, 593 00:16:30.059 --> 00:16:30.429 um, 594 00:16:30.500 --> 00:16:32.090 which has been my approach. 595 00:16:33.219 --> 00:16:38.010 Or also my approach is just review all the different little tricks, 596 00:16:38.130 --> 00:16:38.340 um, 597 00:16:38.419 --> 00:16:39.010 that we've 598 00:16:39.349 --> 00:16:41.090 kind of touched on previously 599 00:16:41.500 --> 00:16:43.929 and figure out how to disguise your issue. 600 00:16:44.830 --> 00:16:48.030 So because that's what like for example with this Alicia book, 601 00:16:48.159 --> 00:16:48.429 yes, 602 00:16:48.539 --> 00:16:51.669 this is basically a book about a girl who was murdered 603 00:16:52.000 --> 00:16:53.909 by gun violence in the United States, 604 00:16:53.919 --> 00:16:56.750 but because of the title Alicia Ramirez was an artist, 605 00:16:57.039 --> 00:16:59.219 it wouldn't get flagged on a list, 606 00:16:59.799 --> 00:17:00.270 you know, 607 00:17:00.640 --> 00:17:01.030 so I, 608 00:17:01.080 --> 00:17:02.200 I think if you're. 609 00:17:03.609 --> 00:17:04.848 Sensitive and clever enough, 610 00:17:04.930 --> 00:17:05.400 again, 611 00:17:05.650 --> 00:17:07.069 you can find a way 612 00:17:07.449 --> 00:17:08.140 to 613 00:17:08.709 --> 00:17:11.180 approach the issue without 614 00:17:11.489 --> 00:17:13.640 tipping off or offending the people who, 615 00:17:13.689 --> 00:17:15.199 who would want to ban the book. 616 00:17:15.650 --> 00:17:15.949 Right? 617 00:17:16.329 --> 00:17:16.650 That's, 618 00:17:16.689 --> 00:17:18.020 that's a great tip. 619 00:17:18.489 --> 00:17:19.560 That's a great tip. 620 00:17:20.130 --> 00:17:20.400 Yeah. 621 00:17:21.089 --> 00:17:21.250 Uh, 622 00:17:21.410 --> 00:17:24.239 are there any new books that you've discovered recently that, 623 00:17:24.368 --> 00:17:25.089 uh, 624 00:17:25.368 --> 00:17:27.598 are great examples of 625 00:17:28.290 --> 00:17:30.439 weaving the dark and finding the light? 626 00:17:31.660 --> 00:17:32.000 Yes, 627 00:17:32.119 --> 00:17:33.790 I do have some examples here. 628 00:17:33.859 --> 00:17:35.119 I have a huge stack of books, 629 00:17:35.199 --> 00:17:36.310 so some are old and 630 00:17:36.520 --> 00:17:37.189 some are new. 631 00:17:37.400 --> 00:17:37.640 Um, 632 00:17:37.770 --> 00:17:38.229 OK. 633 00:17:38.439 --> 00:17:40.000 This one I just finished reading. 634 00:17:40.030 --> 00:17:41.390 It's a book for older kids, 635 00:17:41.880 --> 00:17:42.869 Rachel King. 636 00:17:43.400 --> 00:17:43.530 Um, 637 00:17:43.560 --> 00:17:46.989 I think that if I didn't mention allegory already and fantasy, 638 00:17:47.560 --> 00:17:49.310 allegory and fantasy are great ways, 639 00:17:49.319 --> 00:17:49.839 of course, 640 00:17:49.959 --> 00:17:50.349 to 641 00:17:51.319 --> 00:17:51.680 take a, 642 00:17:51.800 --> 00:17:53.520 take a current event and 643 00:17:54.650 --> 00:17:56.569 Put it in a in a different world, 644 00:17:56.589 --> 00:17:57.010 which 645 00:17:57.290 --> 00:18:00.119 therefore you can create distance between the reader and the event, 646 00:18:00.170 --> 00:18:00.689 right? 647 00:18:00.849 --> 00:18:01.050 OK, 648 00:18:01.170 --> 00:18:01.770 so this one, 649 00:18:01.810 --> 00:18:03.680 the Grimmings, 650 00:18:04.050 --> 00:18:06.560 such a great book that's based on a Celtic 651 00:18:07.130 --> 00:18:07.719 myth. 652 00:18:08.369 --> 00:18:08.800 So, 653 00:18:08.930 --> 00:18:09.359 you know, 654 00:18:09.650 --> 00:18:10.209 mythology, 655 00:18:10.250 --> 00:18:10.569 all that, 656 00:18:10.640 --> 00:18:11.010 very cool. 657 00:18:11.060 --> 00:18:14.400 It's super dark book but um very interesting and fun to read. 658 00:18:14.729 --> 00:18:16.479 This one I'm reading right now. 659 00:18:17.329 --> 00:18:19.719 I'm not a huge dystopia person, 660 00:18:19.760 --> 00:18:23.150 but this one was recommended to me and I'm reading it and enjoying it well enough. 661 00:18:23.319 --> 00:18:25.609 It's called The Ravens Eye Runaways. 662 00:18:26.560 --> 00:18:27.030 So far, 663 00:18:27.199 --> 00:18:27.569 so good, 664 00:18:27.640 --> 00:18:28.040 excellent, 665 00:18:28.199 --> 00:18:28.979 super dark, 666 00:18:29.359 --> 00:18:29.869 um, 667 00:18:30.040 --> 00:18:31.109 but entertaining. 668 00:18:31.479 --> 00:18:32.839 And let's see here, 669 00:18:32.880 --> 00:18:33.790 what else have I got? 670 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:34.199 Oh, 671 00:18:34.359 --> 00:18:35.680 I just started this one too. 672 00:18:35.760 --> 00:18:37.150 This is a middle grade book. 673 00:18:38.030 --> 00:18:38.780 It's new to me, 674 00:18:38.880 --> 00:18:40.250 but I don't think it's a newer book. 675 00:18:40.479 --> 00:18:41.180 Maybe you've heard of it. 676 00:18:41.569 --> 00:18:43.689 The tremendous Baron Time Machine. 677 00:18:43.739 --> 00:18:43.979 It's a, 678 00:18:44.040 --> 00:18:45.780 it's a tre the Baron series. 679 00:18:45.939 --> 00:18:47.619 These books are so fun and, 680 00:18:47.660 --> 00:18:49.900 and quirky and cool and so well written, 681 00:18:49.939 --> 00:18:52.089 and the voice for Middle grade is just perfect. 682 00:18:52.520 --> 00:18:52.969 But yeah, 683 00:18:53.020 --> 00:18:53.180 I mean, 684 00:18:53.219 --> 00:18:55.260 you can see even by looking at the cover art, 685 00:18:55.819 --> 00:18:57.209 that there's darkness in here. 686 00:18:57.270 --> 00:19:00.810 The kid is basically floating through a scary looking door, 687 00:19:00.949 --> 00:19:01.209 um, 688 00:19:01.219 --> 00:19:03.300 traveling through time and maybe space also, 689 00:19:03.390 --> 00:19:03.780 so 690 00:19:04.109 --> 00:19:06.369 it has a dark hook and super fun to read. 691 00:19:06.910 --> 00:19:07.189 Um, 692 00:19:07.329 --> 00:19:08.709 this one I mentioned in the. 693 00:19:09.780 --> 00:19:11.479 Class in the course, 694 00:19:11.849 --> 00:19:12.239 um, 695 00:19:12.369 --> 00:19:15.930 but just couldn't let this opportunity go by without showing it. 696 00:19:16.010 --> 00:19:17.650 So the mysterious Benedict Society, 697 00:19:17.689 --> 00:19:18.130 these books, 698 00:19:18.290 --> 00:19:18.479 uh, 699 00:19:18.810 --> 00:19:22.760 these were my absolute favorite to read to my son when he was growing up. 700 00:19:23.130 --> 00:19:25.609 We waited on tender hooks every time we finished one, 701 00:19:25.660 --> 00:19:26.489 waiting for the next one, 702 00:19:26.530 --> 00:19:27.839 and it would take years 703 00:19:28.250 --> 00:19:32.479 for the author Trent Lee Stewart to write a new one because they're not small. 704 00:19:32.810 --> 00:19:33.000 But, 705 00:19:33.030 --> 00:19:33.479 um, 706 00:19:34.119 --> 00:19:35.920 so these books are an allegory 707 00:19:36.369 --> 00:19:37.130 of politics, 708 00:19:37.170 --> 00:19:37.609 basically. 709 00:19:37.650 --> 00:19:39.410 I mean politics throughout time. 710 00:19:39.910 --> 00:19:40.719 Um, 711 00:19:40.910 --> 00:19:41.420 you know, 712 00:19:41.670 --> 00:19:43.949 and the kids are the protagonists and the kids 713 00:19:43.949 --> 00:19:46.020 are the only ones who can save the world. 714 00:19:47.489 --> 00:19:51.479 And the evil forces have taken over the media and it's just so perfect, 715 00:19:51.849 --> 00:19:52.199 but the, 716 00:19:52.250 --> 00:19:53.339 the cool thing about it, 717 00:19:53.349 --> 00:19:53.839 I think, 718 00:19:53.890 --> 00:19:56.599 is that no matter what side you're on politically, 719 00:19:56.810 --> 00:19:58.719 you think you're the good guy in the story. 720 00:19:58.810 --> 00:19:59.239 You must. 721 00:19:59.329 --> 00:20:04.040 I think it probably goes both ways and no matter what age of history you look at it, 722 00:20:04.290 --> 00:20:05.619 it just applies. 723 00:20:06.089 --> 00:20:06.209 Um, 724 00:20:06.219 --> 00:20:09.199 he did a terrific job of just boiling down politics 725 00:20:09.640 --> 00:20:10.969 and putting it in a world. 726 00:20:11.630 --> 00:20:15.160 In which the kids are the stars and the kids are saving the day. 727 00:20:15.369 --> 00:20:17.989 And this is proof that it works because it was, 728 00:20:18.089 --> 00:20:19.780 it's a series now on Disney Plus, 729 00:20:19.849 --> 00:20:20.239 so, 730 00:20:20.579 --> 00:20:20.810 um, 731 00:20:20.849 --> 00:20:22.589 proof that kids can handle it. 732 00:20:22.810 --> 00:20:23.040 Um, 733 00:20:23.050 --> 00:20:24.040 it's super dark. 734 00:20:24.209 --> 00:20:28.420 The kids are in constant threat of losing their lives and the whole world will just 735 00:20:28.729 --> 00:20:30.030 and if they don't save it. 736 00:20:30.089 --> 00:20:32.290 So you can't really get much more dark than that. 737 00:20:32.750 --> 00:20:33.050 OK. 738 00:20:33.170 --> 00:20:34.290 And then Kate DiCamillo, 739 00:20:34.609 --> 00:20:35.400 everything she's ever written, 740 00:20:35.530 --> 00:20:36.040 right? 741 00:20:36.530 --> 00:20:36.569 This 742 00:20:37.130 --> 00:20:38.520 is the perfect one for this. 743 00:20:38.689 --> 00:20:38.969 Um, 744 00:20:39.010 --> 00:20:40.119 I think in the, 745 00:20:40.170 --> 00:20:41.089 in our class, 746 00:20:41.130 --> 00:20:42.280 we talked about 747 00:20:42.530 --> 00:20:44.619 the mysterious journey of Edward Tulane, 748 00:20:44.689 --> 00:20:45.270 which is incredible. 749 00:20:45.400 --> 00:20:46.130 Miraculous journey. 750 00:20:46.270 --> 00:20:46.469 Yes, 751 00:20:46.650 --> 00:20:47.579 it's journey. 752 00:20:47.760 --> 00:20:48.719 I don't have it. 753 00:20:49.369 --> 00:20:49.489 Yeah, 754 00:20:49.530 --> 00:20:50.209 I have the 755 00:20:50.530 --> 00:20:51.209 book digitally, 756 00:20:51.219 --> 00:20:52.089 but I couldn't hold it up. 757 00:20:52.170 --> 00:20:53.199 So I got this one, 758 00:20:53.369 --> 00:20:54.010 which I 759 00:20:54.369 --> 00:20:55.609 I might have also mentioned this. 760 00:20:55.650 --> 00:20:56.239 I can't remember, 761 00:20:56.290 --> 00:20:57.800 but the puppets of Panhorst, 762 00:20:57.969 --> 00:20:59.280 the puppets of Spellhorst, 763 00:20:59.489 --> 00:21:00.439 such a cool book, 764 00:21:00.650 --> 00:21:01.920 beautifully illustrated, 765 00:21:02.229 --> 00:21:02.780 um, 766 00:21:02.810 --> 00:21:03.880 dark and wonderful. 767 00:21:04.859 --> 00:21:05.180 OK. 768 00:21:05.219 --> 00:21:06.209 Front Desk. 769 00:21:06.459 --> 00:21:08.339 I don't know if you all have read Front Desk, 770 00:21:08.380 --> 00:21:10.420 but what a terrific middle grade novel. 771 00:21:10.500 --> 00:21:11.150 And it, 772 00:21:11.180 --> 00:21:11.260 it, 773 00:21:11.459 --> 00:21:13.089 it's based on a true story 774 00:21:13.420 --> 00:21:15.689 and definitely has dark elements in it. 775 00:21:16.290 --> 00:21:19.089 She tackles contemporary issues, 776 00:21:19.260 --> 00:21:21.530 all sorts of contemporary issues, 777 00:21:21.869 --> 00:21:22.369 um, 778 00:21:22.500 --> 00:21:23.369 and just 779 00:21:23.939 --> 00:21:24.739 so well done. 780 00:21:24.939 --> 00:21:25.300 Let's see, 781 00:21:25.329 --> 00:21:26.040 it's got 782 00:21:26.579 --> 00:21:28.290 at least one of the awards here. 783 00:21:28.579 --> 00:21:30.449 Children's literature Award winner. 784 00:21:30.780 --> 00:21:31.369 Amazing book, 785 00:21:31.500 --> 00:21:32.380 highly recommend it. 786 00:21:32.500 --> 00:21:32.699 Um, 787 00:21:32.739 --> 00:21:33.900 that is Kelly Yang. 788 00:21:34.959 --> 00:21:35.849 And then, 789 00:21:35.869 --> 00:21:38.660 because we should all be reading books for all ages, 790 00:21:38.739 --> 00:21:41.579 I just wanted to mention another one that's based on mythology, 791 00:21:41.660 --> 00:21:42.459 which I read recently. 792 00:21:42.500 --> 00:21:43.650 This is an adult book. 793 00:21:44.260 --> 00:21:46.969 It's in the US it's called Cassandra in Reverse, 794 00:21:47.180 --> 00:21:49.969 but in the UK it is the Cassandra Complex, 795 00:21:49.979 --> 00:21:51.250 which is the one I've got here. 796 00:21:51.459 --> 00:21:54.369 It's a time travel book and based on Greek myths and 797 00:21:54.619 --> 00:21:55.819 just very cool and 798 00:21:56.459 --> 00:21:59.569 interesting and dark and wonderful, 799 00:21:59.739 --> 00:22:00.020 yeah. 800 00:22:00.599 --> 00:22:01.750 That sounds great. 801 00:22:01.920 --> 00:22:02.640 That sounds wonderful. 802 00:22:02.760 --> 00:22:02.819 Well, 803 00:22:02.920 --> 00:22:05.020 thank you for those recommendations and 804 00:22:05.650 --> 00:22:05.890 You know, 805 00:22:06.010 --> 00:22:06.280 as, 806 00:22:06.369 --> 00:22:07.969 as you all probably have figured out, 807 00:22:08.089 --> 00:22:11.170 Violet's 90 minute right for Kids workshop, 808 00:22:11.250 --> 00:22:14.160 Don't Be Afraid of the Dark gives tips on how to add 809 00:22:14.770 --> 00:22:17.839 darkness and make your books more compelling, 810 00:22:18.180 --> 00:22:18.569 uh, 811 00:22:18.650 --> 00:22:21.489 and not be afraid of dealing with these issues for, 812 00:22:21.579 --> 00:22:23.290 for all ages of, 813 00:22:23.329 --> 00:22:23.660 uh, 814 00:22:23.689 --> 00:22:24.449 children's books. 815 00:22:24.650 --> 00:22:25.119 So, 816 00:22:25.329 --> 00:22:26.510 no matter what you're writing, 817 00:22:26.770 --> 00:22:29.459 you would learn a lot from this wonderful workshop. 818 00:22:29.609 --> 00:22:31.410 So if you're interested in that, 819 00:22:31.839 --> 00:22:34.349 You can go to the link on the screen or 820 00:22:34.630 --> 00:22:36.069 um below this video 821 00:22:36.239 --> 00:22:39.709 and follow that link and you will get a special discount on her workshop. 822 00:22:40.040 --> 00:22:43.469 And also be sure to check out all of Violet's work at 823 00:22:43.660 --> 00:22:44.359 her website, 824 00:22:44.369 --> 00:22:45.869 violet LeMay.com. 825 00:22:46.520 --> 00:22:46.790 So, 826 00:22:46.959 --> 00:22:47.359 Violet, 827 00:22:47.520 --> 00:22:49.400 thank you so much for being here with us 828 00:22:49.400 --> 00:22:51.750 today and giving us all this wonderful information. 829 00:22:52.199 --> 00:22:52.400 Oh, 830 00:22:52.520 --> 00:22:52.680 thanks, 831 00:22:52.800 --> 00:22:53.040 Laura. 832 00:22:53.119 --> 00:22:54.140 Thanks for the opportunity. 833 00:22:54.319 --> 00:22:56.040 Thanks to everybody for listening. 834 00:22:56.459 --> 00:22:56.829 Um, 835 00:22:56.910 --> 00:22:57.780 if you take the class, 836 00:22:57.949 --> 00:22:59.050 let me know how you like it. 837 00:22:59.170 --> 00:22:59.420 Um, 838 00:22:59.479 --> 00:23:01.550 you can find me anywhere at Violet LeMay. 839 00:23:01.579 --> 00:23:03.020 It's easy to find me on social media. 840 00:23:03.349 --> 00:23:03.939 Thanks. 841 00:23:04.239 --> 00:23:04.250 Great, 842 00:23:04.270 --> 00:23:04.780 great. 843 00:23:05.030 --> 00:23:05.109 Well, 844 00:23:05.150 --> 00:23:06.270 and thank you all for joining us, 845 00:23:06.329 --> 00:23:10.109 and I will see you in the next right for Kids instructor spotlight. 846 00:23:10.839 --> 00:23:10.849 Bye. 847 00:23:11.069 --> 00:23:12.790 Bye.