Why I Love Lyrical Picture Books with Pat Zietlow Miller

May 17, 2021 Stefanie Hohl

We are so excited to have Pat Zietlow Miller join us today to share information about writing lyrical picture books!

Pat Zietlow Miller knew she wanted to be a writer ever since her seventh-grade English teacher read her paper about square-dancing skirts out loud in class and said: “This is the first time anything a student has written has given me chills.”

Pat started out as a newspaper reporter. Then, she joined an insurance company – and then another – and edited their newsletters and magazines.

Now, Pat focuses on writing picture books. She's sold 23 books – including the New York Times bestselling Be Kind and the Golden Kite winning Sophie’s Squash – and is always working on more.

Her two upcoming books are Be Strong, a follow-up to Be Kind, coming Aug. 10, and What Can You Do with a Rock? coming Oct. 12.

First, let me be clear. I love all types of picture books.

To me, one of the coolest aspects of picture books is how many ways there are to structure a 32- or 40-page book to tell an effective, engaging story. Picture books can be a cumulative story, a story told in dialogue, a story with contrasting views, a stream-of-consciousness story, a series of poems that tell a story, or a classic story featuring a main character with a problem to solve.

But, if you sit me down with a stack of picture books and ask me to choose my absolute favorites, it’s likely a lot of them would be lyrical picture books. Those are also the sort of books I find myself writing lately.

So … what IS a lyrical picture book?

To me, lyrical picture books are picture books that focus on:

The beauty of the language.
The strength of feeling that language evokes.

Let’s break these focuses down.

Beautiful language.

Words are my favorite thing to play with (except maybe kittens). When I write picture books, I spend so much time arranging them and changing them until they are in just the right order.

A truly lyrical picture book is one where the words are arranged to such perfection that you could read the text out loud, without even thinking about what the words mean, and still be struck by the beauty of the sound. Lyrical language has a poetic feel and rhythm – whether it rhymes or not.

I had a lot of fun working and reworking the words in one of my books, Remarkably You, a rhyming ode to celebrating all the qualities that make people special. I’m not saying I reached perfection, but one of my favorite parts is:

Like maybe you’re funny. Or bookish. Or fast.
Or maybe you’re always decidedly last.
Perhaps you like counting. Or drawing all day.
Or finding invisible dragons to slay.
You have your own spirit, unparalleled flair.
So rock what you’ve got – every day, everywhere.

Two books that are lyrical in entirely different ways are Blue on Blue by Dianne White and Beth Krommes and My Cold Plum, Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood by Tameka Fryer Brown and Shane W. Evans. Both are an absolute joy to read aloud due to their lovely language.

Strength of feeling.

Lyrical books can have a traditional plot, but sometimes, they’re more about an emotion – encouraging the reader to think about or feel something. And the emotion that’s generated – whether it’s hope, laughter, nostalgia, or love – is what makes readers come back to the book again and again.

For example, I wrote When You Are Brave as a pep talk to myself when I faced a setback. The message of needing to have faith and persevere drove the story instead of a particular plot. I also didn’t name any characters, and talked directly to the reader, saying:

Sometimes, when everything around you seems scary, you have to be brave …

Eliza Wheeler, the supremely talented artist who illustrated the book, added a plot about a child moving to a new house, but that’s only shown in the art and never mentioned in the text. I wanted the text to be universal, so anyone of any age needing bravery in any situation could relate.

Two recent books that evoke feelings well are Watercress by Andrea Wang and Jason Chin and A House that Once Was by Julie Fogliano and Lane Smith. Watercress is based on a childhood memory of Wang’s and is told in beautifully crafted prose. House is fictional and told in moving rhyme. But both make the reader feel.

So, if you want to write a lyrical picture book, find an emotion that tugs at your heart. Then, play with language till you’ve evoked it in the most beautiful possible way.

Thanks for joining us, Pat!

You can follow Pat on Twitter at @PatZMiller or visit www.patzietlowmiller.com

Ten Favorite Lyrical Picture Books

May 3, 2021 Stefanie Hohl

Lyrical picture books use intentional word choice to create rhythm, imagery, and meaning. While some lyrical authors follow a narrative plot structure, others shape their message with language that taps into both intellectual and emotional understanding. Check out ten of our favorites below!

The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S. K. Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly

It’s Asiya’s first day of wearing hijab, and her little sister Faizah thinks she looks like a princess! When other students make unkind comments, Faizah remembers her mother’s wise words and the true meaning of hijab as she follows Asiya’s example of strength and grace. This beautiful story is written in lyrical prose with stunning illustrations. It’s a powerful reminder of the universal need for kindness, family, and inner strength.

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López

This lyrical picture book addresses every child who feels left out at some point. Perhaps it’s because they don’t go on trips like everyone else, or maybe their lunch is different, or it could be that the games kids play at recess aren’t games the child plays well. In warm, poetic ways, this story addresses the beauty and insecurity that coexists in those moments, while simultaneously offering hope for connection. This book is perfect for any child (and adult) who feels alone sometimes—which means all of us!

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr

Long past her bedtime, when the moon is bright, the narrator’s father takes her deep into the woods in hopes of witnessing a great horned owl. As Pa imitates an owl’s hoot and carefully moves through the trees, she listens intently, hoping for a chance to glimpse the beautiful creature. Poetic language and beautiful illustrations make this a perfect bedtime story.

Change Sings by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Loren Long

Poet Amanda Gorman’s intentional words remind readers that we all have power to effect change in the world. From helping with our hands to helping with our hearts, the lyrical text, vibrant illustrations, and use of metaphor reminds us that change need not be feared or avoided. We are the change!

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander

From athletes to musicians, soldiers, poets, and everyday Americans, this book pays tribute to the thousands of Black Americans who have survived, thrived, and refused to be defeated. Even in the face of difficulty, unfairness, and even death, this book uses poetic language and powerful imagery to remind readers that we can both fight injustice and retain hope for a better tomorrow.

My Heart by Corinna Luyken

Open or closed, small or large, heavy or light, the heart can experience all kinds of emotions. With smudged-art illustrations and an intentional use of minimal color, this lyrical story is both a visual and emotional exploration of the beautiful ups and downs that human hearts have the strength to hold.

Black Gold by Laura Obuobi, illustrated by London Ladd

Black Gold spins the legend of you, scooped by the universe from rich, dark soil, kissed by the sun and cradled by the moon, before being surrounded by love. With rich mixed media illustrations and empowering imagery, this story reminds readers that their creation is beautiful, intentional, and full of meaning.

Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer

As two children explore a forest, a seashore, and even the ground beneath their feet, they wonder– “are roots the plant’s toes?” And “are trees the sky’s legs?” With these and other questions (included in both English and Spanish!) this story inspires a sense of wonder and curiosity.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson

CJ’s not particularly happy as he and Nana ride the Sunday bus to the last stop on Market Street. Why don’t they have a car? He asks. Why can’t he have earphones? Why can’t a blind man see? The more questions CJ asks, the more Nana and his fellow passengers prove that the most beautiful things can often be found in places CJ never thought to look. Winner of the Newbery medal, this book inspires readers to find goodness and beauty all around them!

Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho

While some people have eyes like sapphires, the narrator’s eyes “kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea,” just like her mother’s eyes, her grandmother’s eyes, and her little sister’s eyes. With beautifully lyrical text, the narrator expresses her love and connection with the people she loves most. As she does, she realizes just how beautiful and powerful she truly is. A story of love and family, this book is a must-read for adults and children alike.

I hope you enjoyed these Ten Favorite Lyrical Picture Books!

For more great ideas, feel free to check out Top 10 Picture Book Biographies of Men or Top 10 Picture Book Biographies of Women.

And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss more great ideas and future blog posts!

Writing Lyrical Picture Books with Michelle Vatulla

May 1, 2021 Stefanie Hohl

We are so excited to have Michelle Vatulla join us today to share information about writing lyrical picture books!

Michelle was born in Boston but spent most of her life in Erie, PA. After she received her Bachelor degree from Miami University of Ohio, she ventured back to Boston for her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northeastern University. Michelle currently lives in the beautiful rolling hills of North Pittsburgh with her Finnish husband, two golden retrievers, and two beautiful boys who are her true inspiration for writing.

Michelle’s debut picture book, THE STALKING SEAGULLS, was released by MacLaren-Cochrane Publishing on April 20, 2021. Michelle is part of the Western Pennsylvania SCBWI leadership team as their New Member and Critique Group Coordinator. She is also a proud member of the Twitter group #Newin19. Michelle is represented by T.J. Kirsch from JCH Literary. She is open for interviews and virtual visits.

What do we think of when we hear the word lyrical? Most of us probably think of music, hence the name “lyric.” But how does that transform into picture book writing? Is it all about the language and how that language allows the reader to create a vivid world inside their mind? YES!

The words you choose when you write a lyrical picture book need to be vivid and “alive” in order to paint an internal image in the reader's mind. The more descriptive, the better. Great writing devices such as similes, metaphors, personification, and onomatopoeia help with imagery. The more action shown, the easier it is for the reader to make a connection with the story.

Using lyrical language follows one of the most important “rules” in picture book writing: show, don’t tell. According to reedsyblog, “show, don’t tell” is a writing technique in which story and characters are related through sensory details and actions, rather than exposition. It fosters a style of writing that’s more immersive for the reader, allowing them to “be in the room” with the characters.

Thus, showing is about using description and action to help the reader experience the story. Telling is when the author summarizes or uses exposition to simply tell the reader what is happening.

Now you would think that lyrical picture books are all rhyming, but they are a mix of prose rhyming stories and poetry. For example, Jane Yolen’s Owl Moon is a perfect example of a lyrical writing style in prose. In her story, to make the reader know that her Pa is tall and the girl is little, she writes, “Pa made a long shadow, but mine was short and round.” She also allows the reader to relate to coldness by saying, “I could feel the cold, as if someone’s icy hand was palm-down on my back. And my nose and the tops of my cheeks felt cold and hot at the same time.”

Language is vital to get the reader actively involved in a lyrical story. Having the right rhythm allows the reader to enjoy the patterns of the language and enjoy reading the book aloud over and over. Julia Donaldson has created beautiful, heart-warming stories for years, using perfect rhyme and meter coupled with descriptive language. In her story, The Snail and the Whale, Ms. Donaldson uses vivid verb choices to describe a scene with water: “These are the waves that arched and crashed, That foamed and frolicked and sprayed and splashed The tiny snail On the tail of the whale.”

Lyrical picture books can also relay emotional or sentimental lessons. Some great examples of beautiful lyrical picture books are by Pat Zietlow Miller. Her books When you are Brave and Be Kind allow readers to relate to everyday situations and solutions to tough day-to-day issues.

This type of genre can be so fun to write! I love writing in rhyme, so when I find the perfect cadence to a manuscript, it’s exhilarating, and, of course, so fun to read out loud. Do not be fooled by the wonderful lyrical/rhyming picture books out there. Writing a story that has perfect rhyme and meter, along with a great arc and satisfying ending, is very difficult to accomplish. Rhyming books can also be a hard sell to agents and publishers, especially if they are not considered “perfect.”

Lyrical stories that are read to us as children often stay with us throughout our lifetime. We then read them to our own children. Here are some examples of lyrical picture books, old and new, that will certainly withstand the test of time and will be enjoyed for generations to come.

SOMEONE BUILDS THE DREAM by Lisa Wheeler

REMARKABLY YOU by Pat Zietlow Miller

OVER AND UNDER THE SNOW by Kate Messner

OWL MOON by Jane Yolen

IF YOU WANT TO SEE A WHALE by Julie Fogliano

AND THEN IT’S SPRING by Julie Fogliano

GERALDINE by Elizabeth Lilly

STERLING, BEST DOG EVER by Aidan Cassie

THE LITTLE ISLAND by Margaret Wise Brown

https://www.childrensbookacademy.com/blogfish/its-all-about-lyrical-language-in-picture-books