Suzy Davies's Blog: Book News - Posts Tagged "magic-realism"
What Makes a Good Ending in Children's Books
"The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen
Offensive tale of persecution and body fascism in which an ugly-looking bird is given a hard time wherever he goes. The only birds who take him in are a group of wild ducks, who are then promptly slaughtered. He just about survives a wretched, lonely winter and is willing his own death when he is saved by a sudden (and wholly unconvincing) transmogrification into a swan.
Rewrite: Joins Ugly Duckling Support Group; campaigns successfully for physically challenged ducks' rights; is ultimately accepted for what he is rather than conforming to meaningless notions of grace and beauty."
I recently read with interest an article in "The Guardian" that argued for a new kind of children's book. One which was not so bleak and pessimistic. Perhaps one that told a story with a happy ending?
My fairy story, "Luna The Moon Pig," was inspired by my old favorite children's books with Paddington Bear and Kipling's "Just So" stories. It is also a reimagining of "The Ugly Duckling" and one which allows a pet pig, Luna, to be a super-pig and just a pig, at the same time. My idea for the ending is that she is who she is! The difference is in her own new-found self-confidence! Although Luna does not join a pigs' support group and campaign for pigs' rights, Maria, the lead human character, is on a mission to raise awareness of piggies! Luna The Moon Pig shows that animal rights should be extended to include all animals who are sentient creatures. I hope you enjoy the ending when you read my book! Here are my ideas about what makes a great ending!
In my view, a good ending requires a number of things all working together - namely:-
Resolution
The plot should all come together at the end in such a way that obstacles or problems the characters face are resolved. If the ending is magical, it should have enough of a real dimension to allow readers to suspend disbelief.
Development
The ending should show forth how characters are transformed by their journey in the world of the book. After all, life only makes sense to the extent that we are in process and find meaning through our ability to connect with others and help to shape their lives, as our interaction with others shapes ours. There should be a sense of each character having agency and some power to create their lives.
Satisfaction
A convincing ending and one which resolves things and shows the transformation of characters will
satisfy. The best endings for children's books are ones which appeal to our need for some justice in the world, and a sense that the good guys can, and do, win!
A Surprise.
What I like to see is a surprise ending in a fairy tale which still satisfies all other criteria to make it the best ending. An ending should never feel incidental or tacked on. It should be holistic both to plot and character. A well-written book will give clues to the ending, but at the same time surprise and delight!
A Beginning.
For me, every ending contains a beginning. It is essential that an ending leaves a reader satisfied but full of anticipation about the next chapter ... the beginning of a new book in the series!
Offensive tale of persecution and body fascism in which an ugly-looking bird is given a hard time wherever he goes. The only birds who take him in are a group of wild ducks, who are then promptly slaughtered. He just about survives a wretched, lonely winter and is willing his own death when he is saved by a sudden (and wholly unconvincing) transmogrification into a swan.
Rewrite: Joins Ugly Duckling Support Group; campaigns successfully for physically challenged ducks' rights; is ultimately accepted for what he is rather than conforming to meaningless notions of grace and beauty."
I recently read with interest an article in "The Guardian" that argued for a new kind of children's book. One which was not so bleak and pessimistic. Perhaps one that told a story with a happy ending?
My fairy story, "Luna The Moon Pig," was inspired by my old favorite children's books with Paddington Bear and Kipling's "Just So" stories. It is also a reimagining of "The Ugly Duckling" and one which allows a pet pig, Luna, to be a super-pig and just a pig, at the same time. My idea for the ending is that she is who she is! The difference is in her own new-found self-confidence! Although Luna does not join a pigs' support group and campaign for pigs' rights, Maria, the lead human character, is on a mission to raise awareness of piggies! Luna The Moon Pig shows that animal rights should be extended to include all animals who are sentient creatures. I hope you enjoy the ending when you read my book! Here are my ideas about what makes a great ending!
In my view, a good ending requires a number of things all working together - namely:-
Resolution
The plot should all come together at the end in such a way that obstacles or problems the characters face are resolved. If the ending is magical, it should have enough of a real dimension to allow readers to suspend disbelief.
Development
The ending should show forth how characters are transformed by their journey in the world of the book. After all, life only makes sense to the extent that we are in process and find meaning through our ability to connect with others and help to shape their lives, as our interaction with others shapes ours. There should be a sense of each character having agency and some power to create their lives.
Satisfaction
A convincing ending and one which resolves things and shows the transformation of characters will
satisfy. The best endings for children's books are ones which appeal to our need for some justice in the world, and a sense that the good guys can, and do, win!
A Surprise.
What I like to see is a surprise ending in a fairy tale which still satisfies all other criteria to make it the best ending. An ending should never feel incidental or tacked on. It should be holistic both to plot and character. A well-written book will give clues to the ending, but at the same time surprise and delight!
A Beginning.
For me, every ending contains a beginning. It is essential that an ending leaves a reader satisfied but full of anticipation about the next chapter ... the beginning of a new book in the series!
A Fairytale is about to begin
"The Girl in The Red Cape" is about to launch on Amazon. Hold tight for a magical, mystical ride! The work of Hans Christian Andersen, and Clarissa Pinkola Estes inspired this book for children 8 years plus and their adults. Illustrated by accomplished artist, Michele Bourke, this fiction book is filled with snowy Alaskan scenes which depict Mushers and sled-dogs, wildlife and the beauty of Alaskan star-filled skies. Happy Holidays to all my readers, near and far, and Every Happiness in The New Year!
Amazon Book Review
5-stars for "The Girl in the Red Cape: A Mystical Sled Ride" by Suzy Davies, illustrated by Michele Bourke
Customer Review
Dan Santos
5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, the secrets of Little Red Riding Hood
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2020
From time to time the child in us revisits the fairy tales which have been there like forever. I don’t know about you, but I often wonder if a particular fairy tale holds meanings we missed as children. The temptation to reread it grows stronger when little details come to haunt us. Such is the case with Little Red Riding Hood.
It fascinated and even scared me the first time I heard it. A precocious (and frankly a little pain in the butt) kid, I began to ask questions. What illness did her grandmother have? Why didn’t an adult accompany her through the dangerous woods? What’s with the cape and the hood? Who was that girl anyway?
It seems I wasn’t alone in my search for answers to my troubling questions. Suzy Davies decided to tackle the revisit and answer many of the questions. As a parent, I could have predicted the first answer: the kid was a teenager. Sometimes that explains a lot of erratic behavior. But the author went further. She had a name: Stella. And she had an interesting story.
Suzy Davies built a modern day children's book around this traditional fairy tale. She has a tremendous imagination and knows how to tell a story. Moreover, she kept it within the realm of eight to ten year olds. So it is safe to share it with your little ones. And, oh yeah, it has illustrations!
So here’s your chance to begin answering all those questions. It’s a perfect early reader, or even a book to read to your kids at night. Do people still do that?
Customer Review
Dan Santos
5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, the secrets of Little Red Riding Hood
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2020
From time to time the child in us revisits the fairy tales which have been there like forever. I don’t know about you, but I often wonder if a particular fairy tale holds meanings we missed as children. The temptation to reread it grows stronger when little details come to haunt us. Such is the case with Little Red Riding Hood.
It fascinated and even scared me the first time I heard it. A precocious (and frankly a little pain in the butt) kid, I began to ask questions. What illness did her grandmother have? Why didn’t an adult accompany her through the dangerous woods? What’s with the cape and the hood? Who was that girl anyway?
It seems I wasn’t alone in my search for answers to my troubling questions. Suzy Davies decided to tackle the revisit and answer many of the questions. As a parent, I could have predicted the first answer: the kid was a teenager. Sometimes that explains a lot of erratic behavior. But the author went further. She had a name: Stella. And she had an interesting story.
Suzy Davies built a modern day children's book around this traditional fairy tale. She has a tremendous imagination and knows how to tell a story. Moreover, she kept it within the realm of eight to ten year olds. So it is safe to share it with your little ones. And, oh yeah, it has illustrations!
So here’s your chance to begin answering all those questions. It’s a perfect early reader, or even a book to read to your kids at night. Do people still do that?
Amazon Book Review
Humbled and thrilled with the most recent review for "The Girl in the Red Cape: A Mystical Sled Ride," Childrens Book, written by yours truly and illustrated by Michele Bourke.
From the illustrations to the creative and adventurous story, this is a beautiful book. Love that it has a strong female protagonist and is a whimsical and well-written page turner. If you enjoy Harry Potter or The Icabog, I highly recommend.
From the illustrations to the creative and adventurous story, this is a beautiful book. Love that it has a strong female protagonist and is a whimsical and well-written page turner. If you enjoy Harry Potter or The Icabog, I highly recommend.
Book News
"The Flamingos Who Painted The Sky," our new picture book is NOW fully available to bring in #Christmas #sunshine, #flamingo #sunsets, and #happiness #worldwide Illustrated by the talented Shirin Mass ...more
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