Scribble and his author/creator engage in a continuous conversation as the blobby little character makes his way through his story. Starting at the beginning, Scribble endures challenges like confronting a monster and crossing the River of Questions, before eventually coming to the end. His wish for a friend is granted, but he himself must work to make that wish a reality...
A sweet little meta-fictional picture-book, Scribble & Author was created by Israeli author/illustrator Miri Leshem-Pelly, and offers the picture-book set an entertaining guide on how to structure a story. It isn't clear to me whether this is an English translation of a book first available in Hebrew, or if the author wrote it in English, but leaving that question aside (I've tagged it "children's translations," just in case), I found it engaging. It reminded me a bit of Adam Lehrhaupt and Magali Le Huche's recent This Is a Good Story, which also offers a picture-book adventure that teaches about story structure, and the different parts that go to make up the whole. Recommended to anyone who enjoys meta-fictional picture-books, as well as to those searching for children's stories that encourage creativity and storytelling in young would-be writers.
This is not your average tale, but packs deeper meaning behind lighter fun.
Scribble is scribbled into existence by Author and unsure what to do with his sudden life. When Author asks what Scribble would like to have the most, the answer is quick -a friend. But Author doesn't just make Scribble's wish come true. First, Scribble must follow a path from beginning to middle to end, and experience a few adventures.
In many ways, this is two books in one. Scribble is a super cute character going on an adventure, which is sure to thrill young readers/listeners. She's full of imagination, tells Author exactly what she thinks and has a few clever tricks up her sleeves, which make her a joy to cheer for as she goes up against one challenge after other. On the other side, Scribble's adventures have more meaning buried in them than meets the eye. Slightly older readers will realize that Scribble isn't really following her own path but is being lead by Author through a basic plot structure: Beginning, a middle with challenges to overcome which strengthen the character and resolve, and an ending which may not be what the main character has in mind but pulls at the heart-strings and makes the story complete.
That makes this book suitable for two types of audiences. Kids ages 3 and up will find the story simple cute. The writing is perfect for this audience, not only in the wording but in the little amount of text. Some of the text appears in speech bubbles, while other phrases are printed as usual. There are always only a few lines, making this a quick read which leaves no lapse for boredom. The illustrations are bright, simple and accompany the story at all the right moments. Scribble is hard not to like, and kids will flip through the pages again and again.
On the other side, this book teaches the basic structure of a plot. It gives a light-hearted example of how the basic story structure is laid out, and opens the door for class discussions.
Summed up, this is a clever book which kids as well as older readers are sure to enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
I just finished another really cute book that made me smile. Honestly I read this one out loud to my little girl. My little girl has four legs but she loves to be read to. I think it's safe to say we both enjoyed this cute story to keep going and not give up, because you can do it!
Scribble is a cute little will scribble that has set out on a journey to tell or write a story. I love how Scribble may take a step back every now and then but then plunges forward using what ever materials that she may have on hand. I have to say I love the little boat. What an incredibly cute idea.
I know this book says it is for the age of 4 plus but I honestly think even older children and possibly even adults may find some motivation out of this cute story.
I think the author and illustrator of this adorable motivating story has done a wonderful job. The illustration are creative, well done, and easily captured my attention. I think your little reader will enjoy them as well. There are a few places that made me laugh with the creativity of Scribble.
If you are looking for a motivational book for the child or children in your life I recommend this one. I know it about writing a story but I do think that "You can do it" attitude could easily apply to many different situations.
I was given the opportunity to read this adorable story and it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you.
This is rather a different type of book. It's the journey of a scribble and the story is being told by the author, or I think it is. Perhaps scribble is telling the story through the author. Perhaps scribble is the author. That's for you to find out. It all starts with a spot, some lines and. WaLa, Scribble! You start at the beginning and Scribble helps the reader create the journey. Where do you go next.? Maybe a friend? The book is definitely different, but a little tale of friendship and using your imagination. It's about challenges and over coming them. If you have an idea, go for it. If you have questions, and you will have many questions, then go to The River of Questions, because all questions have answers. There will be challenges and you may not think you can do it, but YOU CAN DO IT!You will have fears, but YOU CAN DO IT! Just use your imagination and YOU CAN DO IT!
I found the book to be mainly a reminder that no matter what you face, YOU CAN DO IT! Not a lot of substance to it other than that. A simple, yet informing little book that is presented in a different manner. Since it is for the age group of 4 year olds, it is a good little book to present how not to quit, face your fears and find answers to your questions. Teaches a lesson, YOU CAN DO IT!
I received a copy of this book from the author and PUYB and voluntarily decided to review it.
Scribble & Author by Miri Leshem-Pelly This is a super quick story to read. It's about Scribble who is a scribble and Author who actually is writing the book and also made Scribble. In the story Scribble basically comes to life and wants a friend. Author takes Scribble back to the beginning of the story and helps Scribble overcome his fears on his journey to find a friend.
This book helps with overcoming fears in a way that makes Scribble think for himself. I personally love children's books that include a lesson of some sort and this ones gently takes on fears. Miri Leshem-Pelly has done a great job with this book and the illustrations are really fn as well. They each feature some type of art giving Scribble a situation to overcome, like climbing a mountain. Each picture also includes some sort of an art supply like paintbrush, tape, and even pencil shavings.
I was given my copy of the book from the Author for reviewing purposes. These are my own thoughts on the book though.
Scribble is a character in this story that helps guide us on how to write a story. Scribble helps set up each phase of the story and how it might be written or things to think about for that part of the story.
The book has a quirky side to it in how Scribble approaches each section of the book - will it be scary? happy? sad? Anything is possible as long as the writer doesn't let challenges or problems stand in the way.
I thought this was a good way to help new writers create their story and is good for anyone whether they are young or old.
If you want a happy book about creating a story, get this book! With a thumbprint "writer" and a few other tools like a pencil and its shavings, a roll of tape and eraser, a background watercolor setting and some scribbles, a story emerges, just right for taking young writers on a journey to write their own wonderful stories. What a fun book!
Unpopular opinion, but I was not a huge fan. Typically, I love creative children’s books, and I’ll give Miri Leshem-Pelly credit for creativity, but this particular story was just “eh” to me. Maybe it was the illustrations, or the fact that the “story line” would go over most children’s heads...I’m not sure. So, just 3 stars for me.
This is an adorable little story. It's a conversation between a cute little Scribble and the Author who created her. We learn about the beginning, middle, and end of the story, and we see Scribble overcome her fears as she travels the path.
The illustrations are well done, with plenty of obstacles for Scribble to overcome, and with actual art supplies shown creating/removing the obstacles.
I look forward to sharing this story with my grandchildren.
Cute little meta-fiction tale about imagination, perseverance, & friendship. I don't imagine that it's something I'll be using for Storytime but it'll work well as a one-on-one story.