I have always loved the word alchemy. It feels like an
appropriate word to consider when talking about picture books. One of the
definitions of alchemy is “a power or process that changes or transforms
something in a mysterious or impressive way.”
From my perspective, picture books are alchemical wizards
that take on a life of their own. Although try explaining that to your seatmate
on an American Airlines flight from Detroit to Omaha when they ask what you do
for a living. Many people outside of the kidlit community aren’t even aware of
the secret power of picture books. Their ability to transform, to transmute. To
make gold.
Over the years I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the
power of picture books first hand through my own books. I once received a
letter from a mother in New Zealand telling me her son had been afraid to go to
sleep at night because their neighborhood had suffered much destruction after a
strong earthquake shook their city. She went on to say that my picture book,
CLINK, gave her son tremendous comfort and it was the only story he wanted to
read at bedtime because the robots distracted him from his fear of the
aftershocks.
When I first began writing for kids over twenty years ago,
never in a million years could I have envisioned a real little boy halfway
around the world reading a book I wrote, yet alone one that might transform his
fear into joy.
I certainly never envisioned Grace for President creating a movement of sorts, one that has
spanned nearly ten years.
Where are the girls?
I’ve met them. All over the country.
Girls like Kenya in Missouri who wrote in her letter to me,
“Your book makes me want to be president, too.”
That’s the power of a picture book!
But here’s the thing. Picture books don’t just change
readers. They change the authors who write them. They change the artists who illustrate them.
They change the editors who publish them.
Picture books can, and do, have the power to change the
world. But not through policies, or treaties, or summit meetings. Picture books
change the world through unconventional, stealthy means.
Extra-long necks.
Fishy breath.
Spoooooky donuts.
Brilliant, artistic, wordless literature.
Fuzzy, little butts.
Paper airplanes.
Diving boards.
Every picture book, whether it’s shared on a lap or in a
library, creates a ripple effect we cannot often see. Sometimes the ripples are
big. Sometimes they’re small. But always, always
a picture book is a catalyst for change.
That’s alchemy.
That’s gold.
*****
Kelly DiPucchio is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-five picture books.
Some of her award-winning titles include, GRACE FOR PRESIDENT, GASTON, and
SUPER MANNY STANDS UP. Kelly has been a featured speaker at numerous
conferences such as ALA, IRA, and NCTE. She lives with her family in
southeastern Michigan. You can find her on the web at www.kellydipucchio.com
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