Tag Archives: Writing Process

Elem. – Author vs. Illustrator

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Lemke, Donald. Author vs. Illustrator. Illustrated by Bob Lentz. Capstone Editions, 2024. 978-1-684-46997-0. 40 p. $18.99. Grades K-3.

Presented initially as a “how to make a book” graphic novel, the readers watch how the author, Don, and illustrator, Bob, may not always agree when they work together. Bob narrates the story within the story about a self-inserted superhero saving the town of Sprinkletown from a ferocious beast. Don draws the pictures, which do not match Bob’s vision at all, and he self-inserts another superhero of his own. The book is complete with humorous puns, adorable illustrations, and the dual storylines of the author and illustrator’s writing process and the superhero book within the book.

THOUGHTS: Overall, this graphic novel is a great way to introduce the writing process and how authors and illustrators create books and work together. The messages about creativity, conflict resolution, and teamwork would be beneficial for both classroom and library lessons.

Graphic Novel 

Elem. – Bears Make the Best Writing Buddies

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Oliver, Carmen. Bears Make the Best Writing Buddies. Capstone Editions, 2020. 978-1-684-46081-6. 32 p. $17.95. Grades K-4. 

When Adelaide notices that her friend Theo is struggling during writing time, she decides to pass him a note of encouragement and enlists Bear to help Theo find his unique story. Bear is a comforting figure, full of tips about proper spacing and adding sensory details. Bear also helps Theo learn to “forage for new ideas” or take a break to regroup when writing isn’t easy. Leo learns about drafting and revision with Bear’s motto “rebuild, reimagine, rework.” By the end of the story, Theo is confidently writing with his classmates while Adelaide hints at a sequel. Brightly colored illustrations fill the pages with imaginary scenes of the trio fishing for new ideas, flying in hot air balloons, and hard at working writing. Diversity among characters is represented among the primary and secondary characters. Theo and teacher Mrs. Fitz-Pea are Black; Adelaide is white. Diversity is also depicted among their classmates with a two-page spread that shows children of various gender, ability and race holding up individualized heart artwork beneath the text “There’s nothing you can’t say when it comes from your heart. Because your voice is your voice – no two are the same.” This artwork is also beautifully replicated on the end pages.

THOUGHTS: This book is a thoughtful, positive introduction to the writing process for elementary students. Bear simultaneously empowers students to find, share and hone their individual writers’ voice while also modeling desirable writing buddy behavior. This book will make a fun engaging read aloud with plenty of opportunities to discuss writing with students.

808.02 Writing          Jackie Fulton, Mt. Lebanon SD
Picture Book