The Story of a Story
What is this book about?
If you’ve ever tried to write a story of your own, you know it’s not as easy as it looks. Words get tangled, pencils get broken, piles of pages get crumpled up. It’s so much easier just to read all the lovely stories other people have written. … But their stories aren’t your stories, and your tale is worth telling.
A mostly empty page
Then another.
And still another.
There are squiggles.
There are doodles.
But the words won’t come.
With the gentle reassurance of experience, two-time SCBWI Golden Kite Award Winner Deborah Hopkinson writes a story that encourages persistence, and celebrates the strength of every child’s unique voice and the story they have to tell. Charming illustrations by Hadley Hooper detail the child’s efforts—and the stroke of inspiration that helps him get going.
This is the perfect picture book for kids who love stories and have big ideas of their own. Young readers who don’t know where to start will be encouraged by the gentle humor, and a page of story-starting ideas offers the opportunity to expand the experience beyond the book.
Awards and Recognition
- Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices 2021, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Reviews
“A spare lyricism pervades this poetic picture book about writing by Hopkinson. … A gentle, luminous exploration for aspiring writers.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)
“[A] poetic narrative, with quiet, thoughtful illustrations.… Hopkinson’s words gently encourage readers to remember that this craft takes patience, but also how there is something remarkable about finding your unique voice. VERDICT A comforting read for anyone who writes … this book will ease young scribes into their next story.” (School Library Journal, starred review)
“Charming illustrations—made using pen, ink, and paint, and completed on Photoshop—are delightful to pore over.” (Booklist, starred review)
“Hopkinson’s story about a story, which closes with a writing … is genuinely inspiring, a tutorial on writer’s block that never patronizes the child readers at whom it’s aimed.” (The Horn Book)
“While the book is obviously targeted at aspiring writers, the message of persistence is applicable to the development of any skill. … Illustrations teem with texture and vibrant color … an easy go-to for an early language arts lesson.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books)
“An appropriate choice for a teacher, librarian, or educator introducing a creative writing unit….” (Kirkus Reviews)
author, Deborah Hopkinson
illustrator, Hadley Hooper
Neal Porter Books
Holiday House
ages 4 to 8, 2021
ISBN 978–0823444915