fiction Archives - Page 665 of 705

Duck, Duck, Dinosaur
by Kallie George (Author) and Oriol Vidal (Illustrator)

Three eggs in a nest begin to wiggle and wobble, until CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! It’s a duck . . . duck . . . DINOSAUR!

Meet Feather, Flap, and Spike. They’re three unlikely siblings who each want to stand out. But together, they make the biggest splash!

#kidlit Writing Lesson: the small details

“I’m funny, too!
I’m funny, too!” cried Flap.
But I am funnier,” said Feather.
And the ducklings kept arguing.

Picture book stories also jump back and forth between dialogue and description. This page begins with dialogue:

“I’m funny, too!
I’m funny, too!” cried Flap.

. . . and then another character answers . . .

“But I am funnier,” said Feather.

The description sums it up:

And the ducklings kept arguing.

Once again, each segment of dialogue or description is short and to the point.

The Terrible Two Get Worse
by Mac Barnett (Author), Jory John (Author), and Kevin Cornell (Illustrator)

Booktalk: The BIG Picture

On their own, pranksters Miles and Niles were pretty devious. Now that they’ve formed a pranking duo, they’re terrible! But their powers will be tested when their favorite nemesis, Principal Barkin, is replaced by his stern and cunning father, Former Principal Barkin. Now Miles and Niles will do just about anything to get their old antagonist back–including pranking alongside him.

#kidlit Writing Lesson: the small details

As the boys prepare for their first prank, the story jumps back and forth between dialogue . . .

“I’m bringing a gas mask,” said Miles. “And I’ll bring one for you too. I’ll bet you want it tomorrow.”

. . . and description . . .

Which is how we got here.

Back to dialogue . . .

“Are you sure you don’t want one?” Miles asked.
“Yes.”

. . .and more description . . .

Niles pulled a clothespin out of his pocket and used it to clip his nostrils shut. He winced a little, because it hurt.

Followed by more dialogue . . .

“The gas mask would be way more comfortable,” said Miles.

Notice that each segment of dialogue or description is short and to the point.