In 2010, the New York Times declared the picture book more or less dead. Today, though, they seem more vibrant and alive than ever, with varied voices, innovative illustrations, and compelling stories that encourage parents to luxuriate in this form rather than too-quickly moving to chapter books. What occasioned this reinvigoration? What can the history of literature broadly tell us about this specific moment in picture bookery?

This week, we discuss the Picture Book Proclamation, a manifesto published by several very big names in kidlit shortly after that NYT article, and we compare it to the moment of modernism's appearance on the literary scene. BJ Novak wasn't a signatory to this document, but his text nevertheless proves a seminal moment in the new picture book era, and we juxtapose its experiment in style and form with the iconoclastic and epochal works of high modernism. I love all my children equally, of course, but this episode is my favorite yet—I hope you'll join us for it!

Give it a listen, and if you like what you hear, give us a follow and review!

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Show graphics by Emily Tetrault. Theme and interstitials excerpted from Erik Satie's Gnossienne #1. All book images used under the Fair Use exceptions to exclusive copyright as defined under Title 17, subsection 107, of US Code.

Clearly no one needs to be told to read Margaret Wise Brown's seminal text Goodnight Moon, which is going stronger than ever as it approaches its 80th birthday. But what this episode presupposes is that maybe we all need to talk about how creepy the book can be, no matter how much our kids might love it. To do this, I dive into Freud's understanding of the uncanny, modulating it a bit to help understand why this cozy and sentimental book might rub us the wrong way as adults. I also make an admission perhaps even more embarrassing than that one episode with the macho man impersonation at the end of it!

Give it a listen, and if you like what you hear, give us a follow and review!

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Visit us at http://www.toddlingthestacks.com for previous episodes, info on the show, and what Adalyn is reading now!

If you like the episode, please subscribe and share with friends!

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@ToddlingTheStacks

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/toddlingthestacks/

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/toddlingthestacks.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588725012180

Show graphics by Emily Tetrault. Theme and interstitials excerpted from Erik Satie's Gnossienne #1. All book images used under the Fair Use exceptions to exclusive copyright as defined under Title 17, subsection 107, of US Code.

The great bibliographer Fredson Bowers once accused his graduate students of thinking that the editions they used in their textual criticism came down from Mt. Sinai. That might be a bit harsh, but do we really think about the process through which an author's words make it from their minds to our books? The number of other minds and hands through which those words are mediated?

In this edition, we look at Lois Lenski's The Little Train, a fine old picture book that's been through the wringer of multiple editions, examining some of the changes that happened along the way. Would this beloved and award winning author have approve of how her picture book is being presented 86 years later? One way to find out!

Also: send us your 90s picture book recommendations!

Give it a listen, and if you like what you hear, give us a follow and review!

---

Visit us at http://www.toddlingthestacks.com for previous episodes, info on the show, and what Adalyn is reading now!

If you like the episode, please subscribe and share with friends!

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@ToddlingTheStacks

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/toddlingthestacks/

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/toddlingthestacks.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588725012180

Show graphics by Emily Tetrault. Theme and interstitials excerpted from Erik Satie's Gnossienne #1. All book images used under the Fair Use exceptions to exclusive copyright as defined under Title 17, subsection 107, of US Code.