Virtual ShopTalk - Exploring Rhythm and Rhyme in Picture Books
Jan 15, 2025
Online event
There is something special and memorable about a great rhyming picture book text, whether it is humorous or heartfelt. We’ll examine several picture books to explore how writers create great rhyme. We will learn how rhyme, rhythm, repetition, and refrain all work together to enhance a text. We’ll discuss writing “by ear” as well as understanding some of the technical aspects and terminology of writing metered verse, including rhyme scheme, perfect rhyme, near rhyme, meter, scansion, stressed and unstressed beats. A handout will be provided with notes, resources, and mentor texts for further study. We’ll apply our knowledge by writing some rhyming verses of our own, and discuss strategies for revision. A recording will be available to registered participants for one month after the event. PLEASE NOTE - You must register before the event in order to have access to the video.
Presenter Bio:
Carrie Finison writes picture books with humor and heart. In spite of all advice to the contrary, she has been writing in rhyme (and out) for many years. Her rhyming picture books include Dozens of Doughnuts; Lulu & Zoey: A Sister Story; and Pigs Dig a Road. She is also the author of non-rhymers including Don’t Hug Doug and Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School. She is a past winner of the Barbara Karlin work-in-progress grant from SCBWI, and the Peg Davol picture book scholarship from NESCBWI. In addition, her poetry has been published in children's magazines including High Five, Ladybug, and Babybug. She has served as the Rhyming Picture Books “Elf” for the 12x12 Picture Book Challenge program, and co-taught the Lyrical Language Lab course with Renée LaTulippe. When she’s not writing, Carrie enjoys reading mystery novels, trying new recipes, and curling up on the couch for family movie nights. She lives outside Boston with her husband, son, daughter, and two cats who permit her to write in their cozy attic office. Find her online at www.carriefinison.com or on social media @CarrieFinison