Any Questions?

K-Gr 2—Authors are asked many questions at school and library visits, such as "How many books have you written?" and "Where do your ideas come from?" In answering the question "Where does a story start?" the author/illustrator in this charming picture book demonstrates the method she uses for inspiration. Explaining that a thought can travel in many directions or go nowhere at all, Gay shows how opening up her mind can trigger an idea for a story. She begins by composing and illustrating a tale entitled "The Shy Young Giant" and midway through invites three children to assist her in continuing the fiction. The story-within-a-story technique makes the writing process clear, informative and fun. The kids have such a good time writing and drawing that when the story ends, they're excited to begin another. Engaging illustrations, in watercolor, pencil, pastels, and collage, feature speech bubbles, handwritten notes, and childlike sketches. Gay's delightful creation reveals how the combination of children's natural curiosity and imagination can be the perfect springboard for a story.—Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI