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ENTRY TYPE:
WORK TITLE: GOODNIGHT, VEGGIES
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PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.dianamurray.com/
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STATE:
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: American
LAST VOLUME: SATA 334
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born in Ukraine; immigrated to United States; gained U.S. citizenship; married; children: two daughters.
EDUCATION:Graduated from college.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Graphic designer, art director, and writer. Formerly worked in the fashion industry, including for Theory.
MEMBER:Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
AWARDS:Barbara Karlin Grant, SCBWI, 2010.
WRITINGS
Contributor of poems to anthologies, including And the Crowd Goes Wild! A Global Gathering of Sports Poems, edited by Carol-Ann Hoyte and Heidi Bee Roemer, FriesenPress (Victoria, BC, Canada), 2012, and to periodicals, including Spider, Ladybug, Highlights, and High Five.
SIDELIGHTS
SUBMITTED IN SGML FORMAT
Diana Murray is an author of children’s books. Her family moved from Ukraine to the United States when she was two, and she subsequently lived all around the New York City area, meanwhile gaining citizenship at age nine. She enjoyed drawing as a youth, and after studying both child psychology and art in college, she worked for a number of years in the fashion industry, often experimenting with photography and design layouts. It was after her first daughter was born that she fell in love with the art form of writing for children, especially in rhymed verse, and transitioned into a new career.
Speaking with Jena Benton, Murray related how her own exposure to literature during childhood was tenuous, in part because her parents were not native speakers of English: “My mother used to read me a Russian version of Thumbelina, which I remember fondly. I also listened to books on records. But that’s about it. I do recall reading dictionaries and encyclopedias just for fun. … I always loved libraries, though. The quiet. The smell of books. The endless possibilities.” Having found her niche as a writer, Murray now lives with her family in a suburb of New York City.
Among the three titles Murray published in 2016 is City Shapes, which follows an African American girl as she appreciates the shapes all around the city she calls home. In Horn Book, Robin Smith noted, “Part concept book, part celebration of urban life, this engaging volume encourages children to slow down” and appreciate the sights around them. A Kirkus Reviews writer declared that the “rhyming text and brilliant multimedia collage” combine to create “a seamless interdependence of art and text.” Barbara Auerbach, in School Library Journal, deemed City Shapes “a colorful look at city life as well as a fun way to teach shapes to young children.”
Ned the Knitting Pirate is a paean to doing what one loves, even if others scorn it, as is the case with Ned and his knitting hobby. The other pirates think it silly, but the tables turn when a sea serpent attacks and Ned’s handiwork come in handy. A Kirkus Reviews writer called the book “a rollicking and rhyming adventure filled with delightfully seaworthy words,” while a Publishers Weekly reviewer observed, “Writing verse that hits every metrical accent with a rousing beat is no easy task, but Murray crafts her rhymes as conscientiously as Ned works on his knitting.”
Murray introduces a loveable young witch to whom many children will be able to relate in Grimelda: The Very Messy Witch, illustrated by Heather Ross. Grimelda likes living in a highly cluttered home just fine, until she cannot locate an important ingredient for a recipe, pickle root, prompting some boisterous housecleaning. Simran P. Gupta, in Horn Book, appreciated the “playful, singsong rhymes” in Grimelda, and Melisa Bailey, in School Library Journal, likewise affirmed that “children will love the Seussian rhymes that don’t miss a beat” in this “fun” book. The witch returns in Grimelda and the Spooktacular Pet Show, in which Grimelda hopes her cat Wizzlewarts can outshine Blaze, a fire-breathing dragon. She ponders getting a different pet, but Wizzlewarts helps her find just the right spell to make the pet show an occasion to remember. A Kirkus Reviews writer lamented that “Murray never addresses Grimelda’s original lack of faith in Wizzlewarts, who surely must feel inadequate and unloved,” but a Publishers Weekly reviewer affirmed that “Murray’s sturdy rhymes offer lots of readaloud entertainment” and that “readers will be tickled by the topsy-turvy details” in the illustrations.
Murray returns to the heightened perception that simple wandering can bring with Summer Colors! A young girl and boy start on their porch, appreciating the sun and sunflowers, then head into the lush forest, where a thunderstorm rolls in and eventually drives them back home. Along the way, the metered, onomatopoeia-laced verses place end-rhyme emphasis on colors that are highlighted in the illustrations. In School Library Journal, Rachel Forbes called Summer Colors! “a fun and beautifully painted concept book.” A Kirkus Reviews writer appreciated the celebration of rural life and declared that “the pace of the rhyming text perfectly matches the action” in this “chipper frolic through nature’s colorful palette.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Horn Book, March-April, 2016, Robin Smith, review of City Shapes, p. 74; September-October, 2016, Simran P. Gupta, review of Grimelda: The Very Messy Witch, p. 73.
Kirkus Reviews, April 15, 2016, review of City Shapes; May 1, 2016, review of Ned the Knitting Pirate; May 15, 2017, review of Doris the Bookasaurus; August 1, 2017, review of Grimelda and the Spooktacular Pet Show; March 1, 2018, review of Summer Color!
Publishers Weekly, March 21, 2016, review of City Shapes, p. 72; June 6, 2016, review of Ned the Knitting Pirate, p. 82; August 1, 2016, review of Grimelda, p. 67; June 26, 2017, review of Grimelda and the Spooktacular Pet Show, p. 179.
School Library Journal, April, 2016, Barbara Auerbach, review of City Shapes, p. 136; July, 2016, Gay Lynn Van Vleck, review of Ned the Knitting Pirate, p. 59; September, 2016, Melisa Bailey, review of Grimelda, p. 111; May, 2018, Rachel Forbes, review of Summer Color!, p. 70.
ONLINE
Diana Murray website, https://www.dianamurray.com (July 10, 2018).
GROG, https://groggorg.blogspot.com/ (March 7, 2018), Tina Cho, “Interview of Diana Murray on Writing Beginning Readers and Her New Book, Pizza Pig!”
Heather Ayris Burnell website, http://frolickingthroughcyberspace.blogspot.com/ (September 7, 2012), “How Diana Murray Got Her Agent, Plus an Interview with Brianne Johnson of Writers House.”
Jena Benton website, https://jenabenton.com/ (July 21, 2017), “Simply 7 Interview with Diana Murray.”
Rhyme Revolution, https://rhymerev.com/ (November 30, 2017), Sherri Jones Rivers, “2017 Best in Rhyme Top 10: Doris the Bookasaurus,” author interview; (January 25, 2018), Manju Howard, “2017 Best in Rhyme Top 10: Grimelda and the Spooktacular Pet Show,” author interview.*
ABOUT:
Diana Murray writes poetry and books for children. Her award-winning poems have appeared in magazines including Spider, Ladybug, Highlights, and High Five, as well as several anthologies. Diana recently moved from the Bronx to a nearby suburb, where she lives with her husband, two children, and a motley crew of pets. She is represented by Brianne Johnson at Writers House literary agency.
More from Diana:
I moved here with my family from Ukraine when I was two years old. I have lived all over New York City from Coney Island to Manhattan and Queens. I spent much of my childhood drawing, dreaming of a backyard, and making up stories. My first job was at a sock store called “Leg Room”. Using my employee discount, I developed quite an impressive sock collection.
In college, I was especially interested in child psychology and art. After graduating, I spent many years as a graphic designer and art director, most recently working in the fashion industry (at Theory). I did lots of brainstorming for different concepts. This included photographing clothes hanging from trees and street signs, creating design-it-yourself gift wrapping, and laying out look books for every season. I believe my experience with design helps make me a more visual writer.
I discovered a new passion for writing while reading picture books with my first daughter. I became smitten with picture books for their simplicity, humor, philosophical depth and unique interplay of words and pictures. I especially love writing in rhyming verse, which feels like solving a puzzle in the best possible way. Also, nothing beats that special moment of closeness you get when you share a book with a child.
Want to know more?
Here are ten random facts about me:
1 My favorite color is black.
2 My favorite ice cream flavor is green tea.
3 My first pet was a dalmatian named Pebbles.
4 I love English Breakfast tea!
5 I believe crispy food is superior to soft food.
6 On childhood fishing trips, I sneakily saved the cutest worms from their terrible fate. I made them race before setting them free.
7 I enjoy yoga and running.
8 My favorite pizza is topped with mushrooms and olives.
9 I love glitter and sparkles.
10 Our current pets include a goldfish, two lizards, a parakeet, and a smarty-pants cockatiel named Bean.
Diana Murray grew up in New York City and still lives nearby with her husband, two daughters, and a spiky bearded dragon who loves listening to stories—especially about dinosaurs. Some of Diana’s picture books include Wild About Dads, Five Fuzzy Chicks, Doris the Bookasaurus, Grimelda: The Very Messy Witch, Ned the Knitting Pirate, and City Shapes. Her poems have appeared in magazines including Highlights, High Five, and Spider.
Diana Murray grew up in New York City. She still lives nearby with her firefighter husband, two children, and a fluffy pup-icorn. She is the author of over a dozen children's books including CITY SHAPES, GRIMELDA THE VERY MESSY WITCH, DORIS THE BOOKASAURUS, and UNICORN DAY (an IndieBound Bestseller). http://www.dianamurray.com
January 16, 2019
Birth Stories for Books: ONE SNOWY DAY by Diana Murray
I'm so happy to share the latest Birth Story for Books: ONE SNOWY DAY written by Diana Murray and illustrated by Diana Toledano. I first became familiar with Diana's work when I read NED THE KNITTING PIRATE, back when I was doing market research in preparation for submitting my own pirate story to publishers. I soon learned that she has MANY fun picture books. Today we'll hear from Diana about:
How One Concept Book Became Three
by Diana Murray
ONE SNOWY DAY (Sourcebooks, 2018) had a long, long journey beginning with the first draft of CITY SHAPES (Little, Brown, 2016) which I wrote around 2009. You see, CITY SHAPES sold in a two-book deal after I got my agent in 2012. There were some publication delays and it didn’t get released until 2016. Because it was a two-book deal, I began sending some options for a second book to the publisher around 2013. When you have a multi-book deal with a publisher, things move a little more slowly since you can’t send new work to other publishers until they’ve chosen your second contracted book. I found the wait frustrating since I’m very prolific.
Anyway, the editor chose a manuscript that the team was interested in around 2014. It was a manuscript about the four seasons. But when I spoke to her in detail about her thoughts on it, it turned out, she wanted a major rewrite. It would basically be a different manuscript entirely and I’d have to start from scratch. I was so nervous I wouldn’t be able to pull it off, but I finally garnered my strength and plowed forward. After discussing with my editor, I felt I knew what they were looking for. They wanted something similar to CITY SHAPES, a kind of companion book, even though the illustrator would be different. They wanted something lyrical, poetic, descriptive, and a bit more on the literary side.
So I sat on my patio (listening to the pitter-patter of a passing shower) and began to write SUMMER COLOR! (which was originally called “Summer Rain”). I deliberately set it in the country to contrast with the urban setting of CITY SHAPES. Going with colors as the concept seemed like a natural choice. I ended up loving the final result and felt fortunate that the collaborative process led me to a manuscript that I wouldn’t have written otherwise. Thankfully, the publisher loved it, too, and accepted it as their second book.
Now that my contract was fulfilled, I could do whatever I wanted. I thought, what the heck, maybe I should try a third concept book. I already had a city setting and a country setting, so this time I tried a small town setting with the concept of counting. Although all three books were concept books (not character-driven books with your typical problem/solution-based plot) they still needed to have a kind of story arc. For ONE SNOWY DAY, I used a day to night transition. In addition, the climax of the book involved a playful puppy stealing the carrot nose from the snowman. At that point, the numbers went from counting up to counting back down to one.
I sent it to the same publisher. My editor loved it, but it turned out, the publisher pretty much wanted an entire rewrite again. I adored my editor (and the whole team at Little, Brown), but after much thought, I decided not to accept the revision request. I felt that the story was solid, and although it didn’t fit with their particular list, I thought it might fit with the list of another publisher. After several years of writing, I had become more confident about knowing when something was generally working or not. This was a tough choice, but I’m glad I made the choice I did (and that my agent was supportive) because I ended up getting another offer from Sourcebooks and they had the same vision for the book that I did. Huzzah! It all worked out.
The book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrIsUpHXBhM
My journey with ONE SNOWY DAY was a good lesson in patience, hard work, self-reliance and tenacity.
Thank you, Dawn, for the opportunity to share my experience.
THANK YOU, Diana, for taking the time to share your experience. Your stories are so much fun to read. Thanks for providing a little insight about how they came to be! You've shown us the value of having a vision for your story and the importance of having confidence in your vision.
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Diana Murray is the author of over a dozen books for children, including CITY SHAPES (Little, Brown, 2016), GRIMELDA THE VERY MESSY WITCH (Tegen Books/HarperCollins, 2016), NED THE KNITTING PIRATE (Roaring Brook/Macmillan, 2016), PIZZA PIG (Step-into-Reading/Random House, 2018), and UNICORN DAY (Sourcebooks, 2019). Her award-winning poems have appeared in magazines such as Highlights, High Five and Spider. Diana grew up in NYC and still lives nearby with her husband, two very messy children, and a goldfish named Pickle. Find out more at http://www.dianamurray.com .
Simply 7 interview with Diana Murray–“Pizza Pig”
FEBRUARY 28, 2018 BY JENABENTON
Diana Murray, frequent visitor to my blog, has agreed to stop by for another visit. This time she has written a beginning reader for the “Step into Reading” series by Penguin Random House called “Pizza Pig.”
DianaMDiana Murray has published numerous picture books in the last few years and most recently won the “Best Rhyming Picture Book” award for one of her picture books released last year: “Grimelda and the Spooktacular Pet Show.” You can learn more about her at her website.
pizzapigcoverEde“Pizza Pig” is about exactly what you expect it to be about: a pig that makes pizza. Yet it has delightful surprises all along the way, from unexpected pizza toppings to unexpected restaurant guests. It will keep readers guessing every page what animal comes next and what their favorite topping might be. It also has a completely satisfying ending, with a little plot twist thrown in. The illustrations by Maria Karipidou are just as fantastic with details that readers will love to spend time perusing. There are side stories and characters to find, much like Lowly Worm in Richard Scarry’s books.
Welcome back Diana!
Me: “Pizza Pig” is your first leap into the “Step into Reading” series for Penguin Random House. What did you find different about its creation from the picture book process?
Diana: It’s somewhat similar to my experience with writing rebuses for Highlights magazine, except that there are page turns. Lots of attention to keeping the vocabulary simple, using repetition, and leaving the opportunity for helpful clues in the illustrations.
Me: How did you break into this series?
Diana: My agent sent the editor an exclusive submission. She liked it but wanted something more commercial, so I wrote something new with that in mind. The editor then brought the new manuscript to an acquisitions meeting, and happily, it was accepted.
pizzapigp1
Me: What gave you the idea of a pig making pizza? Why not a rabbit? Or a goat?
Diana: Funny you should ask! Because the pig started out as a dog when I first wrote this! The manuscript was called “Pizza Dog”. I chose a dog simply because kids love dogs. My own kids adore them. I also figured dogs aim to please, so it fit the personality of the character. The publisher asked if we could change it to a pig because they had too many dog books. I reluctantly agreed. After seeing the illustrations, I was pleased that I did! I liked the pig even better. I also prefer the alliteration in the title.
And it took me a while to figure out what kind of animal Turtle should be, as well. In the first draft, that character was a Badger. But I didn’t think that quite made sense. When I finally thought of a turtle it clicked because turtles are seen as being shy and quiet, which was just what I needed for the story.
Me: I love all the different animals that are included in the story and their different pizza topping preferences. Did any animals trouble you with their food selections? Were there animals that didn’t get included in the story?
slothDiana: I had so much fun thinking about what kind of topping each animal would want! And in cases where food preferences weren’t well known (or to add some variety), I could specify “how” the animal ate instead–such as “sloths” who like to “take it slow.”
I included a few omnivores, but I didn’t include many carnivores, except for fish-eating cats and trick-performing poodles.
Me: I love the ending of the story. Did you always have that in mind? Or did it evolve with revision?
Diana: Over time, I have learned not to start writing until I know what the ending’s going to be. This was no exception. I experimented with a picture book manuscript many years ago about a cow (named “Chef Moodette”) who knew the exact perfect dish that all her customers wanted, kind of like the movie “Chocolat”, but with animals. PIZZA PIG was inspired by that older work, but I made all the dishes based on pizza and I finally figured out an ending I was happy with.
Me: Being single for many years, it took me quite a while to learn to enjoy eating alone. I learned to not mind it. BUT I know that kids hate eating alone at school. Was this a gentle nudge to get kids to sit with each other during lunch, so no one is alone?
Diana: I didn’t think of it that specifically, but I sure hope so! I just wanted to generally show that you can reach out to someone with kindness, even if they’re different from you.
Me: If you could only have one food while stranded on an island, what would you have? Would it be pizza?
mouseDiana: It very well might be. I guess I’d be practical and get healthy veggie toppings. Ooh, or if I could have different toppings everyday, that would really be ideal! That’s what’s so great about pizza. The possibilities are endless. In fact, I think I’ll go have some breakfast pizza right now.
I have to agree with you; different toppings everyday would be ideal. Dear readers, if you get a chance, definitely check this book out. The book was released just yesterday! It’s super cute and the rhyme is fantastic! And while I’m sure I don’t need to mention again that the illustrations add lots of little details to watch out for as well, I must at least mention the mouse waiters! Super cute! Bon appétit!
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Interview of Diana Murray on Writing Beginning Readers and Her New Book, Pizza Pig! by Tina Cho
Welcome, author Diana Murray, to the Grog Blog. Congratulations on your latest book, Pizza Pig, a beginning reader from Random House.
1. How did you go about writing a beginning reader book? Did you research the style first and then try one? Did you contact the publisher first?
Yes, I read as many early readers as I could get my hands on. I found that “Level 2” books were my favorite, so that’s what I set out to write. I initially wrote a three-book series about an odd couple. My agent sent that to Heidi Kilgras, an editor at Random House. She said she loved the voice but felt the stories were too quiet for the Step-Into-Reading line. Each publisher’s line of early readers has it’s own feel. The SIR line is extremely commercial. Heidi wanted me to write something that would “leap of the racks”. Something that could compete with licensed stories based on popular TV shows. So I wrote a new manuscript with that in mind. Happily, my editor thought it was a good fit! Since then, I have sold her a second early reader which is tentatively scheduled to come out next year.
2. Where did you get the idea for Pizza Pig?
Many years ago, I started working on a picture book manuscript about an animal chef (a cow) who knew exactly what all her customers wanted. Her name was “Chef Moodette”. It was kind of like a PB version of the movie “Chocolat”. I never worked out the ending, though, so I just set it aside. That idea ultimately morphed into “Pizza Pig” and I finally figured out an ending that I was happy with.
3. How did you get in with Random House's beginning readers?
It was just a matter of my agent submitting my manuscript there. No real secret to it. I also received the publisher’s guidelines document which described specific rules for each level of reader (number of words per page, etc.) That was helpful to have.
4. What tips would you tell Grog writers on writing beginning readers?
Pick a level to focus on within a specific line. Pay special attention to word length and sentence complexity, repetition, and providing clues through illustrations.
5. How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing seriously for about 10 years. I joined SCBWI in 2007 and that’s when I first considered writing as my job (even though it was quite some time before I made any money doing it). But I have enjoyed creative writing and drawing since I was a child.
6. Can you tell us what you're working on?
I have a bunch of forthcoming books that I’m really excited about. As I mentioned, I have another early reader coming out with Random House. It hasn’t been officially announced yet, but I think I can reveal that it has to do with dinosaurs and math. This May I have a picture book coming out called “SUMMER COLOR!”, and in November, a book called “ONE SNOWY DAY”. Other forthcoming projects include, “UNICORN DAY!”, “GOODNIGHT, VEGGIES”, and many more.
7. For fun: What's your favorite pizza?
In my experience, Brooklyn pizza is the best, but I’ll eat pretty much any kind of pizza I can get! Especially if it has mushrooms on it.
Book Review: Pizza Pig by Diana Murray is a rollicking, rhyming beginning reader that begs to be read again and again. Little pizza lovers will enjoy all the fun and unique toppings. Pizza Pig pleases all his customers with his creative pizzas except Turtle. She doesn’t seem to like any of his pizzas. But when Pizza Pig comes up with a brilliant solution, readers will leave satisfied and encouraged to try themselves.
PIZZA PIG book trailer on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=dv_HGoYqBU4
Bio:
Diana Murray writes poetry and books for children. She is the author of CITY SHAPES (Little, Brown), GRIMELDA THE VERY MESSY WITCH (Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins), NED THE KNITTING PIRATE (Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan), DORIS THE BOOKASAURUS (Imprint/Macmillan), GROGGLE’S MONSTER VALENTINE (Sky Pony Press), and many other picture books. Her poems have appeared in magazines such as Spider, Ladybug, Highlights, and High Five. Diana recently moved from the Bronx to a nearby suburb, where she lives with her husband, two very messy children, and a goldfish named Pickle. For more information, please visit: http://www.dianamurray.com
Posted by Tina Cho at Wednesday, March 07, 2018
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Labels: beginning readers, Diana Murray, educational market, Pizza Pig, Random House Readers, writing beginning readers
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Author Spotlight: Diana Murray
July 30, 2018
Diana Murray banner.png
We're back from another summer vacation. Phew! Unpacking, I see two familiar faces - new books by children's author Diana Murray. Let's just say, it's not their first family vaca with us this summer. They might be ready for a rest!
The first Murray title I pull out of the bag is vibrant, lyrical picture book SUMMER COLOR!, illustrated by Zoe Persico (Little, Brown and Company, May 2018).
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SUMMER COLOR! celebrates the joy and beauty of our warmest season through the adventure of a pop-up storm. Murray’s poetic narrative presents color after color, giving each hue a stage upon which to sparkle and shine. From willows and lily pads, to deer and egrets, readers encounter familiar flora and fauna on each spread. As the impending storm draws near, the book grows more and more luminous. With brilliant contrast and great exuberance, Persico's art takes us directly into and through the drama of a summer day made complete by lighting crash and puddle splash. (Here's the book trailer!)
The second book to emerge from our canvas tote on unpacking day? Sweet, peppy early reader PIZZA PIG, also by Murray, illustrated by Maria Karipidou (Random House, February 2018).
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In PIZZA PIG, chef Pig makes pizza pies to-order for all of his regular animal customers. All goes swimmingly, until tough-to-please Turtle enters Pig’s restaurant. Art by Karipidou matches Murray’s cast of characters in both cuteness and cleverness. Bright, tight and paced just right, PIZZA PIG delivers a super fun and super delicious read – a great title for a child beginning to master early reading skills. (Watch the book trailer here!)
The author of these books, Diana Murray, is a writer I greatly admire for her musical, spirited, satisfying storytelling… as well as her versatility. PIZZA PIG is Murray’s first early reader, and she handily adapted her writing to this very different kidlit category.
As a writer currently transitioning a picture book manuscript into an early reader, I’ve been getting up to speed on the genre’s unique characteristics. A few questions keep popping up, and I thought Murray would be a fantastic person to touch base with, to see how she approached her work. To my delight, she was willing to share her experience!
So without further ado, here’s my latest Author Spotlight, with Diana Murray.
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3 Questions with Diana Murray
Picture books and early readers are very different literary forms. What titles served as mentor texts for you, as you approached PIZZA PIG?
I was especially drawn to “Level 2” readers, and I studied texts that my kids and I both enjoyed. Two books that we read over and over again and loved were CENTIPEDE’S SHOES by Charles Ghigna, illustrated by Bob Staake, and SHAMPOODLE by Joan Holub, illustrated by Tim Bowers. Both are written in fun rhymes. Another one we adored was PIRATE MOM by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Stephen Gilpin. But that one is Level 3 and written in prose. I should note that each imprint/line of early readers has a somewhat different style, so it’s important to look at books from the particular line you’re interested in. In general, for the imprints that have a lot of licensed books (Disney princesses and such) you need to write something super, duper commercial with lots of hooks. It needs to “jump off the shelf,” as my editor said.
In PIZZA PIG, you introduce so many fun animals, while also moving quickly to the conflict. What challenges and considerations came into play, to ensure that the pacing and story arc were just right?
Interesting question! I was initially worried that the conflict didn’t come soon enough. In picture books it usually comes by page three or four. But in this case, the conflict acts more like a climax. It was somewhat the same with SHAMPOODLE. In the middle of SHAMPOODLE, a cat comes into the dog salon and creates mayhem. In PIZZA PIG, the pig chef makes every pizza just right, until a shy turtle comes into his shop and he can’t figure out what she wants. The conflict is introduced later in the story, but acts as a sort of surprise to increase tension and action and to leave readers with a deeper takeaway message.
Both of your new titles have a lovely musicality about them. SUMMER COLOR!'s phrasing is longer and more languid, while PIZZA PIG is punchy and playful. How did you find the right tone and tenor for PIZZA PIG?
SUMMER COLOR! is written in anapestic tetrameter while PIZZA PIG is written in iambic tetrameter. Anapestic meter does come across as a bit more “languid,” while iambic meter can feel more “peppy.” Anapestic meter has a greater number of unstressed syllables which makes it seem slower and longer. When deciding which kind of meter to choose for a story, I always go with my gut. SUMMER COLOR! is somewhat lyrical while PIZZA PIG is humorous and jaunty, so the type of meter I chose for each felt right to me. Also, within SUMMER COLOR!, the pace is controlled by page turns. Splitting up stanzas between pages slowly stretches the text out, and then, when it comes to the rainstorm, there are some more text-heavy pages which feel quicker and denser. So there are other ways to control the pace besides the choice of meter.
How fantastic, Diana! Many thanks for giving readers (and writers) a look behind the curtain!
While reviewing Diana's bio, I learned that we share a love of green tea ice cream (my fave!). Diana Murray has written many books for children, including the Grimelda adventures (GRIMELDA: THE VERY MESSY WITCH and GRIMELDA AND THE SPOOKTACULAR PET SHOW), CITY SHAPES and new title ONE SNOWY DAY, which comes out in October 2018. Connect with Diana Murray on Twitter: @DianaMWrites
I'm excited to share... One lucky reader will win *autographed copies* of both SUMMER COLOR! and PIZZA PIG. Here's how you can enter to WIN these new books, signed by Diana Murray:
*** Win SUMMER COLOR! and PIZZA PIG ***
Simply...
1. "Like" this post (click the heart below)
2. Follow me (@anitraschulte) on Twitter
3. Retweet my pinned contest tweet by 8/3/18
(Submit a blog comment below and get a BONUS ENTRY!)
GOOD LUCK!
Interview with Diana Murray
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez Uncategorized May 17, 2019 7 Minutes
Hey everyone, thanks for joining us today, May 17, 2019, for this really special interview with my writing hero, Diana Murray! As many of you know, I just signed with my wonderful literary agent, Rebecca Angus. I can say with certainty that I would not have impressed her without Diana’s amazing guidance.
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Diana is one of those amazing women who defy the odds and writes picture books in rhyme (and oh so well, might I add) in an industry that practically screams “no rhyme!” Her picture books are exciting, fun, and also varied, ranging from pirates to witches to math to unicorns, and she’s not even close to done!
Thanks so much, Kaitlyn! I don’t really consider it defying odds. There are loads of rhyming picture books being published every day. On second thought…maybe it is defying odds in a way. You’re right. Because when you write in rhyme, you inevitably and quite frequently come across advice (both verbal and written) to quit writing in rhyme and write in prose instead. And that’s in a business that already has you on the verge of quitting every other day because of all the rejections, frustrations and setbacks. So in order to continue writing in rhyme, you have to be extremely determined and passionate about it. And that’s the key. Instead of not writing in rhyme, you write in rhyme more and more and more (if the passion is there), until it starts to come to you so smoothly that few would object.
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More about Diana:
Diana Murray is the author of over a dozen books for children, including CITY SHAPES (Little, Brown, 2016), GRIMELDA THE VERY MESSY WITCH (Tegen Books/HarperCollins, 2016), NED THE KNITTING PIRATE (Roaring Brook/Macmillan, 2016), PIZZA PIG (Step-into-Reading/Random House, 2018), and UNICORN DAY (Sourcebooks, 2019). Her award-winning poems have appeared in magazines such as Highlights, High Five and Spider. Diana grew up in NYC and still lives nearby with her firefighter husband, two daughters, and a smarty-pants cockatiel named Bean.
Diana, thanks for joining me today on the MathIsEverywhere blog.
Let’s start with you, what’s something you’d like to share? Anything at all that you’d like to share with my readers?
Since we’re talking math, I’d like to bring up DOUBLE THE DINOSAURS (Step-into-Reading, Random House), which is a book I have coming out next year, though it hasn’t been officially announced yet. This book doesn’t feature straightforward counting, but rather, the concept of doubling. It shows how quickly numbers can escalate and get out of hand and it shows the contrast of “nothing” vs. a great many things in a very visual way. And since they’re dinosaurs that are doubling, that further highlights the increasing mass and volume. I hope this book gets kids thinking about how fun and mind-blowing math can be, and I hope it makes them laugh, too. I’m really excited for it to come out. I wrote the first draft in a doctor’s waiting room.
Mind-blowing is the perfect summary! I can’t wait to read it, and thanks for giving us the inside scoop! My next question is how did your math story City Shapes come about? What’s your favorite thing about that story?
I lived in Manahattan for a long time, from the end of high school till my early thirties. During that time, I loved taking long walks (for miles!) through the city. I used to love the way the neighborhoods changed and each place had its own character. I loved observing, taking photos, drawing, and pausing to shop or eat at random spots. There is A LOT going on in the city at all times. My walks through the city inspired the book. My favorite part of the book is the hope that it will make kids notice shapes around them in their world. That it might encourage kids (and parents) to be more observant.
I love that! Observation is huge, and many people do forget to stop and look around. Now, your next book coming out is Unicorn Day. Congrats! It looks amazing! In another interview, you shared that it was inspired by your daughters. Do you know how they got interested in unicorns? Did you like unicorns as a kid? What do you think is so special about unicorns that has helped them remain so popular generation after generation?
My girls (like many) always loved ponies and unicorns. They used to play a game where a bunch of ponies got together with a unicorn. The unicorn shared its magic with the horses, taking them for rides through the rainbows and giving them magical gifts. And yes, I loved unicorns, too, especially as a teenager and young adult. I loved all kinds of fantasy fiction and anything involving magic. I was in theatres the day that “The Last Unicorn” movie came out back in the early 80’s! That was an exciting day. As for what makes unicorns popular, I feel they’re sort of symbolic of many aspects of childhood in general. Unicorns are full of goodness, positivity, beauty, unreserved energy, and the kind of magic that makes anything possible, not to mention cupcakes, glitter, and an explosion of color. They’re just plain awesome. What’s not to love?
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What’s your hope for this book?
I hope it will make kids think that reading is fun and I hope it will encourage them to make new friends and to embrace their own unique qualities.
That’s beautiful! I have to tell you when you posted that National Unicorn Day happened to be on your birthday, I realized it was the weekend of my niece’s birthday, and she loves unicorns so much, it made her whole week! Can you share the story about how you found out and what you thought about unicorn day?
When I was on submission with the manuscript, I decided to Google whether there was such a thing as “unicorn day” in existence, just out of curiosity. I figured there might be since there are so many unusual holidays these days. Sure enough, I found that Unicorn Day fell right on my birthday–April 9th! I thought that was so funny and rather kismet. And I actually got to go to a unicorn-themed party hosted by my publisher (Sourcebooks) on my birthday! It was so cool. Everyone was wearing a horn. So funny.
That’s so perfect! Speaking of your publisher, did you have a profession before being a full time picture book writer (the absolute dream!)?
Yes, I was a graphic designer and an art director. I really enjoyed it and had no idea there was something out there I would love even more! I feel incredibly lucky to have this job. Beyond lucky. Don’t get me wrong. It IS hard work. But I love the work immensely. Really, a cup of tea and some quiet time to work on revisions or a new story is my idea of a perfect Saturday night!
You and I met through Tara Leubbe’s Writing with the Stars Contest, and you were so helpful, empowering, and inspirational to me and many writers, how did you get involved in that and are there any other outreach like that that you like to do? Can you share anything about how you and your mentee did with the mentorship?
Tara Leubbe asked if I wanted to participate and I was happy to. Rachel Hamby just completed her mentorship, and I hope she found it useful. We worked on some revisions (mostly in relation to story arc) and tried to pinpoint her strongest manuscripts to go out with. She’s very talented and I hope to see her books on shelves one day soon! I’m not doing any other mentorships right now but I will be teaching a class on rhyming picture books through the Highlights Foundation.
That’s so amazing! I’ll be looking forward to seeing her books soon, too. For other picture book writers out there, do you have any advice on promoting books? What do you tend to do to help get the word out about a new book?
Everybody has different preferences. Personally, I like to do a lot of book festivals. I also do giveaways and use social media.
Like this interview! 😉 So excited to giveaway a copy of Pizza Pig. Do you have any advice on how you know which of your ideas will become a great picture book?
I think that’s where outside feedback becomes important. Because I’m not always sure until I share with others and hear their opinions.
That’s great advice! For some new writers the idea that the writer often isn’t a part of the illustrations is a bit nerve wracking, what’s your take?
Oh, it’s a wonderful thing. Seeing the illustrations is always the best part. The artist brings their expertise to the table. They have skills you don’t have. Just enjoy the ride! The collaborative nature of picture books makes them special and full of surprises. That being said, I’m very appreciative when the publisher shares sketches (through different phases) with me and lets me comment. It’s definitely beneficial to the final product. The text and illustrations have to mesh. There are inevitably some issues that pop up and it’s best to catch them early. In some instances, it might even be a better idea to tweak the text to match the illustrations, rather than the other way around. Basically, you just have to be open to the collaborative process. I always phrase things as suggestions, and I stay open to different opinions.
That’s a beautiful way to look at it, and I love how you’re so willing to adapt; publishers must love you! Finally, if you got the chance to spend an afternoon with your favorite author, would you rather: go outside and fly a kite or sit by the fire and have tea?
Sit by the fire and have tea! That sounds very cozy.
If you want to find out more about Diana, her books, or her workshops, check out her website: https://www.dianamurray.com/. Get out there and support your favorite authors! Buy, review, comment, share!
If you want to get in on the GIVEAWAY of Diana’s sweet and funny beginning reader Pizza Pig, make sure to comment below!
Also, side note for all my readers, if you want to get a book that helps your hubby to enjoy storytime with your tykes, get Diana’s Ned the Knitting Pirate. My husband and Dad both love this story almost as much as my daughter does!
Author Spotlight: Diana Murray
June 12, 2019
|
Brian Gehrlein
Author Spotlight: Diana Murray
Happy Tuesday and welcome to Picture Book Spotlight.
To begin, we need to have a serious talk. About subscription.
It's a problem facing hundreds of people and could potentially affect you as well. Recent studies have shown subscription to Picture Book Spotlight leads to increased knowledge of the kidlit industry. It can lead to free books signed by beloved authors and illustrators. Manuscript critiques by agents and authors. And the worst part...some fringe data suggests people have increased amounts of dopamine in their brain and have also experienced a terrifying sensation known as...laughter.
If you would like to develop a subscription problem, you can do that here. Good luck.
In all seriousness, I'm very excited to share today's Author Spotlight. Diana Murray is nothing short of a rhyming picture book superstar. A true Word Ninja Master. A Couplet Queen of the highest order.
If you haven't read one of her books you are, in a word, wrong. Please right that wrong as soon as you possibly can. And you can do that with Diana's new book! Unicorn Day was just released and is just to die for!
To thank you for reading this interview, Diana has a special giveaway for her fellow rhyming writers. So if you are also a poet (or are and don't yet know it) this post is for you.
Here's Diana!
Strong tea, a laptop, time alone.
What’s something you absolutely must have in your refrigerator or pantry?
Anchovies, garlic, sriracha, tea, walnut milk, chocolate.
Where do you feel most inspired and why?
My patio at the edge of our yard! I love the fresh air, the cool breeze, and the sound of birds chirping. Plus, I always wanted a backyard, ever since I was little, and I never had one till a few years ago.
I was introduced to poetry in high school. I had a wonderful creative writing teacher who was a big inspiration to me. At the time, I only wrote free verse. I also kept a journal for many years and liked to sometimes write down interesting bits of conversations that I overheard in coffee shops and such. When my first daughter was born in 2005, we started reading tons of children's books. I fell in love with the experience of reading together and with picture books in general. I started writing picture book texts in 2007 and joined SCBWI. I found the rhythm of metrical verse to be infectious. In a good way! Ha. And I enjoyed the challenge of getting things right. Met some other writers and joined a critique group that specialized in poetry. I still belong to that group now. This is a very condensed version of events. Everything seemed to take forever!
I’m so excited for Unicorn Day to come out! Congrats! The premise and everything I’ve read about it sound fantastic. Give us the elevator pitch of Unicorn Day.
Thanks so much! I’m really excited, too! Let’s see, elevator pitch: a horse wearing a fake horn sneaks into a magical unicorn celebration.
Even when I'm on vacation, I'm always working. Drives my husband a little crazy, but I just find my job so enjoyable! So, while in Sea World, I was inspired by watching (and swimming with) dolphins. I thought they seemed like "unicorns of the sea" because they were so playful and majestic, and had a sparkle about them. I started thinking of ideas for a book based on a dolphin party. But it eventually morphed into a unicorn party, because that let me push things over the top more. And I love stories with magic. My kids also used to play a game when they were little that involved a horse interacting with unicorns. So that was another piece of the inspiration.
What are you doing to celebrate and promote Unicorn Day?
I've been doing a lot of book festivals (like Maplewood, NJ; Kentucky; Poughkeepsie, NY; Hudson Valley, etc.). I wear my unicorn horn and give out rainbow unicorn horns with every purchase. Everyone keeps saying how popular unicorns are these days. I thought they were always popular! But anyway, yeah, I can certainly see that kids are drawn to the book cover.
Hmmm. Perhaps black with a rainbow horn and mane and silver hooves. But I would have to do some serious research if I were to commit to that. :)
I’ve recently been nerding out about story structure. I want to understand what makes stories work. As you have traveled along your journey, what have you picked up about story structure that you can share with us? What must a story have to truly work?
Yes! I feel that having a better understanding of story structure is what helped me write manuscripts that would finally sell. Picture books have a certain pacing that you get used to after a while. You just have to read a ton of them. There are lots of different kinds of structure depending on the book (whether it's a concept book, character-driven, cumulative, mirror story, etc.). Personally, I never start writing till I have some idea of what the ending will be. A book needs to end with some impact, even if it's a simple concept book. It's also great if there is a solid takeaway message that goes a little deeper.
For example, in CITY SHAPES, the final message is: it's great to explore, but there's no shape like home. Or sometimes there can be a sort of poetic device that makes the ending feel a bit richer. For example, in ONE SNOWY DAY, the story begins and ends with "ONE puppy" and is bookended by "millions of snowflakes." Another example of a "circular" story like that is GRIMELDA THE VERY MESSY WITCH. It starts with her losing something, and then ends with her losing the same thing again in a circular and unexpected twist. Twist endings are always a good thing.
Well, I could talk story structure forever, but I guess I just want to say that ensuring a satisfying ending is definitely a top priority. Also, if you have a largely plotless story, find a way to include a gentle arc (such as day to night transition) and some kind of surprise in the middle that can serve as a climax (such as when the dog steals the snowman's carrot nose in ONE SNOWY DAY).
I found it helpful to type out picture book texts (with pagination) in order to study their structure. You will notice patterns when you do this. Conflict almost always happens around the 2nd or 3rd page turn. Tension usually begins building on a certain page. You'll see. You can also try to copy the exact structure of the book with a different story of your own. Great exercise.
I’m very interested in your poetry style as a writer. And I may or may not have included your books as comps for some of my own projects. (cough) Okay, I have. (cough) I totally have. (cough) And you’re awesome. Do you have a particular meter that feels most at home to you when you’re writing, or is it dependent on the story?
I'm incredibly flattered! Yes, it's always dependent on the story. When I'm ready to begin writing, I try to write from the heart. I just see what rhythm pops out. After I have the first couple of lines, then I think about what kind of meter I've got going on, exactly. Sometimes, if I have one line I really, really want to use (like a perfect last line, for example) I might even do my best to write the whole thing to fit with the meter of that one line. I find it's really fun to match the meter to the tone of the story. Sleepy stories can feel languid and fast-paced stories can have more of a thumping beat. You can get a great deal of variety out of metrical verse and I adore the musicality.
What excites you the most about writing in rhyme? Why should picture book authors write in rhyme at all?
As I said, I LOVE the musicality. Writing in metrical verse is totally different from writing in prose. It's mathematical in the same way that music is mathematical. I've read that human beings developed an understanding of music before they even developed language. So I think poetry hits on a deep, visceral level. This can be true for free verse, as well, but that's a bit different. It's not as uniformly patterned.
Revisions! It is so darn hard to revise rhyming text. But I'm getting used to it. You can't tiptoe around because you're scared to break things. You just have to get in there and smash, and then rebuild. It reminds me of playing jenga or making a house of cards.
What words of encouragement can you offer picture book authors who are interested in dabbling in rhyme but maybe intimidated or who can’t turn their inner-editor off?
Don't let your inner editor cripple you. First, get it all out there. Get your words on paper. There will be a time to revise and analyze, but that will come later. It's just like any endeavor. If it interests you, then go for it. Why not? You can't be instantly fabulous at anything. Comes from practice and determination. And even after all that, some people will still say, "This sucks!" And that's OK, too. Can't be afraid of criticism. If you practice enough, you will be confident enough in what you're doing that you can let the criticism just roll off your back. OR, if it's constructive criticism, you can be open to agreeing with some things and disagreeing with other things. It's a process. A long one. If you're enjoying the process (despite challenges), then why stop? Challenges can be fun, right?
When you have a new story, does the rhythm and meter come to you or do you work it out in prose and then translate it into poetry later?
No, the rhythm always comes to me. HOWEVER, I almost always plan out the story arc (with page numbers) in prose first. I just make a short note about what will generally happen on each page. Then I go back and fill that in with verse. The outline keeps me on track and keeps the story arc tight.
I write one manuscript till it's done. I only stop working on it if I run into trouble or start to feel like my eyes aren't "fresh" anymore (which makes it hard to be decisive). Sometimes I'll set things aside for several years. Other than that, I critique work for others just about every day. That includes short poems. I also review illustrations that editors send me and stuff like that. I don't know how I balance things. I think my issue is more that I would rather be doing writer-related activities than ordinary personal chores. Hence my inspiration for GRIMELDA THE VERY MESSY WITCH! And I guess I'm quite prolific. I need to have at least one or two new manuscripts I'm working on at all times. I'm not happy unless I'm writing.
I really loved Pizza Pig! (I love all your books) Pizza Pig made me smile ear to ear (and also made me hungry). Are you currently developing any more early reader books? Also can we please have some more Grimelda books?
Thank you so much!! I love early readers. I think that stage when kids are learning to read is so cool. I have another early reader coming out next year, which is also a Level 2 with Step-into-Reading. It's called DOUBLE THE DINOSAURS. I'm really excited about it. And then I have two other ER texts that I'm thinking about submitting soon. Those are still a secret.
POTATO PANTS by Laurie Keller was hilarious!
I'm also dying to read LLAMA DESTROYS THE WORLD.
How funny does that look? My kids would love it.
And HOW TO CODE A SANDCASTLE got me thinking about how one might introduce an advanced concept like computer coding on a kids' level. I never would have thought of that.
MY NAME IS WAKAWAKALOCH and
WHERE IS MY BALLOON were also really funny and well done.
And FINDING TREASURE, for a recent poetry collection.
Anything coming up that you are looking forward to and would like to promote? That may or may not include unicorns?
Well, I'll be teaching a rhyming picture book class at Highlights Foundation this fall! I also want to mention a couple of recent poetry anthologies I'm excited to be a part of:
THANKU: POEMS OF GRATITUDE (Lerner/Millbrook), edited by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Marlena Myles, which comes out this September.
And MOONSTRUCK: POEMS ABOUT OUR MOON (Otter-Barry Books UK), which just released.
...they foster an early love of reading and help kids develop language skills, ponder life's big questions, understand everyday situations they may face, come to terms with emotions, and more.
Thank you so much, Diana!
Murray, Diana GOODNIGHT, VEGGIES HMH Books (Children's Fiction) $17.99 3, 10 ISBN: 978-1-328-86683-7
Even veggies get tired, it seems.
Illustrator OHora's adorable anthropomorphic veggies star in this bedtime ramble. The illustrations, appropriately created with 100% vegetarian paper and acrylic paint, portray veggies in brilliant realistic colors with thick, black-line details that pop against a pale sky or textured brown earth. A pink-segmented worm guide with a rakish hat and one sock and sneaker winds its way through an urban rooftop community garden as day ends, visiting every veggie preparing for bed or "snoozing, / beneath the moon so bright, // for nothing's more exhausting / than growing day and night." In Murray's playful rhyming text, "tuckered-out tomatoes" hum lullabies, cauliflowers cuddle, "beets are / simply beat," and "celery is snoring / as sunset disappears." With just two to nine words per page, the story makes for quick reading, but its steady rhythm, whimsical rhymes, abundant alliteration, and hand-lettered sleep-appropriate sounds to share like "zzzzz" and "snore! snore!" extend the read-aloud experience. The illustrations are equally charming, smiling faces on most of the vegetables matching the worm's grin. One rhubarb stalk improbably holds a book, reading aloud to some broccoli. The eggplants are revealed to have expansive dreams! Familiar garden creatures also hide in plain sight on most garden spreads. The human gardener, seen tangentially at the beginning of the story, has brown skin.
A bedtime veggie feast for the eyes and ears. (Picture book. 3-6)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2020 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Murray, Diana: GOODNIGHT, VEGGIES." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Jan. 2020. Gale General OneFile, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A611140275/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=25f3dde7. Accessed 2 Mar. 2020.
Murray, Diana FIVE FUZZY CHICKS Imprint (Children's Fiction) $16.99 2, 11 ISBN: 978-1-250-30122-2
These fluffy chicks are ready for action…or are they?
The day is about done on this busy farm. The sun has nearly set, and everyone is tired from a good day's work…except for five smiling, different-hued chicks who want to go for a run. "Five fuzzy chicks / run past the plow, / into the grass, / and under the cow. / The cow says, ‘Moo! Moo!' / The chicks say, ‘Cheep! Cheep!' / But the grass is so cozy… // one chick falls asleep." Four chicks run on and meet the pigs. After a dance, three are ready to proceed…but one falls asleep on a mossy rock with the pigs. The three play with Rover, a smiling terrier…but one finds the pooch too cozy to leave, and a snuggle occurs. Another finds the horse's hay too comfy to pass by, and the last falls asleep in the sheep's fleece. A determined "Mama Hen hurries / to gather her troop. / She scoops them all up… / …and runs back to the coop." And finally those five fuzzy chicks settle down in their cozy nest. Murray and Hanson have created what feels like an old classic that's simultaneously fresh and sweet. The watercolor-and-pencil illustrations, all full-bleed, are soft and just realistic enough to ensure recognizability. These fuzzy-edged farm animals sport big eyes and anthropomorphic smiles; the farming family, seen in only one scene, is white.
A bedtime countdown rhyme for every little farmer. (Picture book. 2-5)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2019 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Murray, Diana: FIVE FUZZY CHICKS." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Dec. 2019. Gale General OneFile, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A606964452/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=2b08ba24. Accessed 2 Mar. 2020.
Murray, Diana UNICORN DAY Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (Children's Fiction) $17.99 6, 4 ISBN: 978-1-4926-6722-3
Fabled equines party and play in a bright confection of a picture book.
"Hooray! Hooray! It's Unicorn Day!" In galloping rhyming text that mostly scans, a community of chipper, bright-eyed unicorns obeys the three rules of Unicorn Day: "Show off your horn," "Fluff up that hair," and "Have fun, fun, fun!" They dance, frolic with butterflies, and of course eat cupcakes. But then they discover an interloper: A dun-colored quadruped, with a horn suspiciously attached with string, is outed as a horse. He mopes off, but the unicorns come running after--"they don't want to lose a friend!"--and his horn is tied back on. With tension limited to a page turn, this very minor climax is resolved immediately. Then it's back to the fun, as lots of other creatures (human children, a rainbow octopus, a Yeti, and more) join the unicorn parade with their own tied-on horns. Is this an allegory about straight people at pride parades? An argument that appropriation is OK sometimes? Should one read meaning into the identity of the only brown "unicorn"? Or is it just a zany, philosophy-free, sugar-fueled opposite-of-a-bedtime story? Regardless of subtext, conscious or otherwise, kiddie readers hungry for fluff will be drawn to the bright, energetic illustrations as to cotton candy.
Give this to the sparkle- and cupcake-obsessed child in your life. (Picture book. 4-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2019 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Murray, Diana: UNICORN DAY." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Apr. 2019. Gale General OneFile, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A580520832/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=a7ef53c9. Accessed 2 Mar. 2020.
Murray, Diana ONE SNOWY DAY Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (Children's Fiction) $17.99 10, 1 ISBN: 978-1-4926-4586-3
The delights of snow-day snow-play in a small town are enumerated in this early concept book for tots.
Snow falls overnight. In early morning, one puppy barks and two small children wake up. All three smile as they look out the window onto the snow-covered grass. Rhyming text sets a gentle pace as they venture outside: The humans pull on four boots, then the trio pulls their sled past five pine trees. In this childcentric tale (no adults in sight), they are soon joined by a diverse cast of six friends eager to sled, make snow angels, and build snowmen. (The two protagonist children have light-brown skin and straight, blue hair.) The spelled-out numbers appear in large colorful type, but numerals are not included--a lapse. Blue and white dominate the wintry palette, and the white landscape gives readers' eyes plenty of space to focus on the items named and counted. A cozy feel is created by a series of soft, rounded shapes: puppy's bed, children's heads, snowballs, and pond. As the activities wind down, readers begin to count backward until the three are home again. The siblings enjoy two cups of cocoa and one puppy starts to doze.
Although far from unique, this gambol allows parents and children room to talk about seasonal weather and activities. (Picture book. 3-6)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Murray, Diana: ONE SNOWY DAY." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Aug. 2018. Gale General OneFile, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A548137930/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=ce73ec2e. Accessed 2 Mar. 2020.
MURRAY, Diana. Five Fuzzy Chicks. illus. by Sydney Hanson. 32p. Imprint. Feb. 2020. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781250301222.
Baby-Toddler--All the work on the farm is done for the day, night is on the way, and the farmers and animals are all ready to settle down--except for five little fuzzy chicks who just want to run and play. But very soon, one by one, each chick falls asleep amongst the animals, and ultimately Mama Hen rounds them all up and puts them to bed properly with a soft "Goodnight" cluck. The rhyming text has a wonderful poetic cadence, and the soothing, full-bleed pencil illustrations featuring friendly farm animals envelop readers in a visual hug. VERDICT This is a delightful storytime or bedtime read-aloud. Highly recommended.--Jessica Marie, Salem Public Library, OR
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2020 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Marie, Jessica. "MURRAY, Diana. Five Fuzzy Chicks." School Library Journal, vol. 66, no. 2, Feb. 2020, p. 48. Gale General OneFile, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A613048704/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=70b8e393. Accessed 2 Mar. 2020.
MURRAY, Diana. One Snowy Day. 32p. Sourcebooks. Oct. 2018. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781492645863.
PreS-Gr 1--This snowy picture book is a superb way to encourage counting strategies for young children during the winter months and is a great jump start for sequencing ideas to support curriculum development. Filled with a diverse cast of children, it begins with snow covering the ground and one dog barking. Each number is written out, which makes this a more challenging text for children reading on their own, and each number is set apart in color and font size. The dog wakes up his two kids, and there is a great scene of the three of them stretching in a downward dog pose for yoga as they get ready for the day. As the story progresses, the brother and sister meet their friends, sled, make snow angels, and throw snowballs. Once they build a snowman, the countdown from ten begins as they chase their dog, who steals the snowman's carrot nose, and pass items in their town. The illustrations are a combination of mixed media and digital. Although it is winter, the children's clothing and the colors in the sky are vibrant and match the energy of the text. There are many books on counting as it is an important concept for young children, but well-done addition requires children to count in two directions. VERDICT Recommended for all libraries serving young children, especially those where numerical concept books are in high demand.--Rachel Zuffa, Case High School, Racine, WI
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Zuffa, Rachel. "MURRAY, Diana. One Snowy Day." School Library Journal, vol. 64, no. 12, Dec. 2018, p. 69. Gale General OneFile, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A563769343/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=6d767a86. Accessed 2 Mar. 2020.