I appreciate Moonbow so much and 100% believe in and love your goal of spreading the perspective of kids’ books as an art form. It makes me sad and frustrated that they are so often dismissed and I have that same “narcissistic” impulse -- I sometimes call it my control freak impulse -- to change minds. I’ve never been very outwardly rebellious but I feel like this is my form of rebellion. Oh, you think these are just “cute little stories?” I’ll show you! 😉 So anyway, thanks for sharing your vision and your passion. Can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve this year!
Thank you so much! Reading this helps keep me going, because I do, sometimes, feel silly. Especially being that I don’t write these kinds of books. Or any books! Like, who am I? But I still think it’s valuable to be a champion and a critic. Thank you! ❤️
So interesting you brought that up! A few years ago when I realized I wanted to make kids’ books, I stumbled upon the picture book proclamation by Mac Barnett and other kids book creators. One of their points is: “we need a more robust criticism to keep us original.” I’ve been thinking a lot about who should be doing that criticism. Yes, the creators can and should look at their work critically. But I think critical readers are even more important and useful in that arena. And in the realm of picture books especially, I haven’t seen a lot of literary analysis or criticism. Usually the stuff I see is more through the lens of “what is this teaching our kids” rather than a deep dive in to the literary merit of a story. Anyway my point is -- I think your vision and goal are very important and needed. By doing that work, you will inspire more critical readers and better books ❤️
Oh yes, I love Mac's picture book proclamation! You're right, that was something they said should be done more, and I do agree, I think it can't only be from the creators—that would be too insular. Thankfully, I don't put too much pressure on myself to be writing robust criticism. I'm more trying to find connections from other art forms and culture, or figure out how and why these books work, and what I mean by that word: "work". Thank you so much for these thoughtful comments and for reading! Means a ton!
Love it! And yes, just to clarify, I wasn’t expecting like academic, robust literary analysis or anything from moonbow (no pressure like that 😂, sorry if I came across that way) BUT I feel like the question of “how and why these books work” is an important part of a wider “robust” conversation. And readers have an authority to answer that question too. Not just the creators. Looking forward to reading more of your thoughtful approach!
Oh, don't worry, I didn't take it that way. Ha! That's just me making up for my insecurities. Don't worry! What you said was so genuine and kind! Thank you!!!
Hello! This is Kate from the Oly Oly Oxen Free Books. So glad you're writing and sorry I'm late to the game! You communicated that feeling of narcissism perfectly. I often notice myself feeling misunderstood, and therefore unique and special (stupid ego) for my misunderstoodness - all for this medium that so many have personal connections to. I often think about how great children's literature can be a model for how to communicate with children, and my obsession and need to impress its importance on others becomes a little more justified. Kids are capable of understanding weird, heavy, dark, light, complex and subtle themes and if they don't understand a book can be a perfect conversation starter for children and their caregivers. Anyway, love the attention you are giving these oft overlooked objects! The research is phenomenal.
Happy Birthday Moonbow!! 🎉🥳. I don’t even think I have the words to really express how much Moonbow newsletters have meant to me. I love how you make us think about ideas, people and books in such a fresh fun unique perspective. And I look forward to what the next year brings!! 🌝🌈
Happy #1, Taylor! Being the daughter of a children's librarian has impacted my creativity in more ways than I will probably ever be able to express, and I love the rabbits you're chasing here. Also, your motivation reminded me of something someone once told me: the more idosyncratic, the more universal. (I think Annie Dillard might get the original credit for that, which was passed on to me by another writer in that beloved and essential game of inspiration telephone that helps keep our balloons full.) Hope you celebrate with some cake that would inspire RW's Max to say "Delicious!"
Cate, thank you! You're so right (or Annie Dillard is, or whoever said that), but yes! Thank you for that reminder. I'm off to a kid's birthday party so maybe cake is in my future, and hopefully Max would approve!
Happy Birthday! I have to say that this newsletter is an absolute treat. I love children’s books and I love how you bring all these new and exciting things about them to share. The reason why I subscribed to this newsletter is because you bring something different. So when you get that thought that says “does anyone care” please tell it to shut up because yes, yes I do care! Whether it’s narcissism or not I’m here for it. I don’t want latest and greatest because that’s easy to find. I want unique and strange and magical. Thank you Taylor for your hard work!
Happy first year moonbow & Taylor! I have thoroughly enjoyed falling down each rabbit hole with you, it’s opened my eyes to new/old books, thoughts and has also meant new editions added to the ever growing book pile.
Thankyou, I can’t wait to see what wonders you find this year. 💙📚🌕🌈
Thanks, Helen! That's a lot coming from you: someone who makes children's books, sells children's books, and has an impressive book collection. Thanks for your support!
I appreciate Moonbow so much and 100% believe in and love your goal of spreading the perspective of kids’ books as an art form. It makes me sad and frustrated that they are so often dismissed and I have that same “narcissistic” impulse -- I sometimes call it my control freak impulse -- to change minds. I’ve never been very outwardly rebellious but I feel like this is my form of rebellion. Oh, you think these are just “cute little stories?” I’ll show you! 😉 So anyway, thanks for sharing your vision and your passion. Can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve this year!
Thank you so much! Reading this helps keep me going, because I do, sometimes, feel silly. Especially being that I don’t write these kinds of books. Or any books! Like, who am I? But I still think it’s valuable to be a champion and a critic. Thank you! ❤️
So interesting you brought that up! A few years ago when I realized I wanted to make kids’ books, I stumbled upon the picture book proclamation by Mac Barnett and other kids book creators. One of their points is: “we need a more robust criticism to keep us original.” I’ve been thinking a lot about who should be doing that criticism. Yes, the creators can and should look at their work critically. But I think critical readers are even more important and useful in that arena. And in the realm of picture books especially, I haven’t seen a lot of literary analysis or criticism. Usually the stuff I see is more through the lens of “what is this teaching our kids” rather than a deep dive in to the literary merit of a story. Anyway my point is -- I think your vision and goal are very important and needed. By doing that work, you will inspire more critical readers and better books ❤️
Oh yes, I love Mac's picture book proclamation! You're right, that was something they said should be done more, and I do agree, I think it can't only be from the creators—that would be too insular. Thankfully, I don't put too much pressure on myself to be writing robust criticism. I'm more trying to find connections from other art forms and culture, or figure out how and why these books work, and what I mean by that word: "work". Thank you so much for these thoughtful comments and for reading! Means a ton!
Love it! And yes, just to clarify, I wasn’t expecting like academic, robust literary analysis or anything from moonbow (no pressure like that 😂, sorry if I came across that way) BUT I feel like the question of “how and why these books work” is an important part of a wider “robust” conversation. And readers have an authority to answer that question too. Not just the creators. Looking forward to reading more of your thoughtful approach!
Oh, don't worry, I didn't take it that way. Ha! That's just me making up for my insecurities. Don't worry! What you said was so genuine and kind! Thank you!!!
Hello! This is Kate from the Oly Oly Oxen Free Books. So glad you're writing and sorry I'm late to the game! You communicated that feeling of narcissism perfectly. I often notice myself feeling misunderstood, and therefore unique and special (stupid ego) for my misunderstoodness - all for this medium that so many have personal connections to. I often think about how great children's literature can be a model for how to communicate with children, and my obsession and need to impress its importance on others becomes a little more justified. Kids are capable of understanding weird, heavy, dark, light, complex and subtle themes and if they don't understand a book can be a perfect conversation starter for children and their caregivers. Anyway, love the attention you are giving these oft overlooked objects! The research is phenomenal.
Kate, thank you so much! This means so much to me, especially coming from you!
Happy Birthday Moonbow!! 🎉🥳. I don’t even think I have the words to really express how much Moonbow newsletters have meant to me. I love how you make us think about ideas, people and books in such a fresh fun unique perspective. And I look forward to what the next year brings!! 🌝🌈
You are the best. I hope one day I can read your own book for kids 🍒🤍🍒
Awe thanks, Hortense! No, you're the best!
Happy #1, Taylor! Being the daughter of a children's librarian has impacted my creativity in more ways than I will probably ever be able to express, and I love the rabbits you're chasing here. Also, your motivation reminded me of something someone once told me: the more idosyncratic, the more universal. (I think Annie Dillard might get the original credit for that, which was passed on to me by another writer in that beloved and essential game of inspiration telephone that helps keep our balloons full.) Hope you celebrate with some cake that would inspire RW's Max to say "Delicious!"
Cate, thank you! You're so right (or Annie Dillard is, or whoever said that), but yes! Thank you for that reminder. I'm off to a kid's birthday party so maybe cake is in my future, and hopefully Max would approve!
Happy Birthday! I have to say that this newsletter is an absolute treat. I love children’s books and I love how you bring all these new and exciting things about them to share. The reason why I subscribed to this newsletter is because you bring something different. So when you get that thought that says “does anyone care” please tell it to shut up because yes, yes I do care! Whether it’s narcissism or not I’m here for it. I don’t want latest and greatest because that’s easy to find. I want unique and strange and magical. Thank you Taylor for your hard work!
Thank you so much, Annie! That means so much. Thanks for being a part of this!
Happy first year moonbow & Taylor! I have thoroughly enjoyed falling down each rabbit hole with you, it’s opened my eyes to new/old books, thoughts and has also meant new editions added to the ever growing book pile.
Thankyou, I can’t wait to see what wonders you find this year. 💙📚🌕🌈
Thanks, Helen! That's a lot coming from you: someone who makes children's books, sells children's books, and has an impressive book collection. Thanks for your support!