Customer Reviews

S is for Story: A Writer's Alphabet (Alphabet Books)

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If you are a young aspiring writer, you've probably already learned your ABCs, leastways if you've passed kindergarten, and want to learn about the ABCs of writing, this is one book you'll want to take a look at. You'll learn a bit about how the alphabet itself came about and then how the Egyptians invented paper to replace stone and clay tablets. We've come a long way since then and now we can even read books electronically online or by devices such as the Kindle. In this book you will learn about character development, drafts, editorial skills, genres, brainstorming, Journaling, writing styles, observation, plot, and much more. This is a book that you'll cherish and one day will want to emulate its brilliance in your own work.

"X is for eXpression-
well-ordered words held dear,
that best reveal
what one might feel
or see or think or hear."

I was surprised to see that this was not just another alphabet book, but rather one in which there were many unexpected words of wisdom to the writer hidden in its pages. The reader is in for a real treat when hints pop up from the likes of everyone from one of my favorites, Katherine Paterson, to J.K. Rowling. For example one tidbit from Paterson states that "the writer's job is to create round, not flat, characters. Know each story character from the inside out helps you to do just that." Each letter is graced by a sidebar of writers' thoughts and tips pertinent to the theme presented in the rhyme. The artwork, needless to say, is phenomenal and Zachary Pullen's wide-eyed children always have great appeal. This is juvenile literature, however if you are a writer, young or old, you just might want to grab up a copy of this book!

"S is for Story" is Esther Hershenhorn's imaginative, alphabetic appeal to young would-be authors everywhere who only need a bit of encouragement or even just permission to begin their writing careers. Here you will find succinct, clear definitions of the basic tools and terms of writers, from "G is for genre" to "R is for revision." Brightly bouncing illustrations of Zachary Pullen enliven each paragraph and letter. Sho knew that writing could be so accessible even for the young? Who knew how much fun writing and reading could be? "S is for Story" may be read either as a preschooler's alphabet book or an elementary school age child's introduction to writing terms and techniques. "S is for Story" is sure to boost literacy scores and library usage everywhere.