But what about nonfiction picture books? When
an author has just 32 or 40 pages to work with, how much space should be
sacrificed to back matter? And should the back matter consist of the same sorts
of research-assisting information as books for older readers?
I do think that a page or two of back matter
is often a good idea even in picture books. It’s the perfect spot for
background information that provides context for young readers with limited
knowledge of the world. A general note about the author’s process is also
helpful because it pulls back the curtain to reveal how professional writers
work. And that can inform students’ own writing habits and techniques.
Should a picture book author also include source
notes or bibliographies? IMHO, no. Why waste the precious space when the young
audience lacks the skills to follow the research trail.
For example, for my book Feathers: Not Just for Flying, the research came from personal
observations of birds all over the world (which kids can’t repeat), from interviews
with scientists (which kids can’t repeat), and from articles in science
journals (which kids lack the skills to read).
For No
Monkeys, No Chocolate, the information came from observing cocoa trees in
Costa Rica, from reading journal articles, and from picking the brain of
co-author, Allen Young. Dr. Young is the world’s leading expert on cocoa tree
growth and fertilization. Again, kids can’t repeat this kind of research on
their own. So rather than wasting valuable real estate listing all the articles
I read and scientists I spoke with, it seemed best to simply explain my process
in a few sentences.
In some cases, it might make sense to include
age-appropriate materials that can expand upon a book’s general topic. But not
for the two books I mentioned above. There are no other books or websites that
focus on non-flight uses of feathers or the microhabitat of a cocoa tree—for
adults or for children. And if a second or third grader wants a general book
about chocolate or feathers, let them type the words into an internet browser or
a library database themselves. The results of their own exploration will be
much more satisfying.
Interesting that this should be your topic today. As I was working on my Wednesday post, Aston's new A Nest is Noisy has no back matter page but the Chronicle Website has a teacher's guide which does provide some additional information. That can be an option for when you want to provide some more for teachers and readers but not use precious space.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good option. Another possibility is to include info on the author's website or blog. But I really think unpacking my research and writing process is more valuable for elementary readers than listing specific sources. I love the author and illustrator notes that Jen Bryan and Melissa Sweet wrote for The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus.
ReplyDeleteI agree Melissa - I really like to share how the author/illustrator came to write the book. The "behind the scenes" story and learning is always really interesting for children and will lead them to research other things as it strikes them. It is also great modelling for students about being curious, critical and interested in their world.
ReplyDeleteYes, understanding the process--its joys and its frustrations--can really help young writers.
ReplyDeleteThis leads me to a question: I thought that picture book text often targets the younger crowd, but serves as an intro for older kids. Then the back matter adds resources/biblio info for older kids who want to read more. I do like the addition of the author's note, as well.
ReplyDeleteFor No Monkeys, No Chocolate, Feathers, and many other NF PBs, the research is beyond what the students can do. Elementary students can't read scientific journal articles, and they shouldn't contact scientists. If I used books written at a student's reading level, I might include them, but at least so far, that hasn't been my experience. My picture books, most science picture books, are about finding ways to share sophisticated concepts with children in a way that is fresh and appealing. So I'm generally not overlapping with other books written for children.
ReplyDelete