Dipping into the Darkside

Darkness in children's literature

Note: In this post, we discuss Jon’s book I Want My Hat Back. He reads the whole thing aloud here.

Another note: The Looking at Picture Books Shop has wonderful gifts for picture book lovers.

And, as usual, Jon and Mac had the following conversation over text.

Mac: Hi Jon.

Jon: Hi Mac.

Mac: Today’s mailbag question comes from Priscilla:

I’d love to hear about writing picture books that dip into the darkside. What makes it work for kids and acceptable to gatekeepers? I want to be less nice in my work. How do I get others to play along?

Jon: Hmmmmm.

Mac: So I think we both have “dipped into the darkside,” as Priscilla puts it. But, Jon, since in your first book the characters eat each other, maybe you should start.