High concept children's books

Im talking stuff like iain m banks, alastair reynolds, peter hamilton, dan simmons, hannu rajainiemi. Highconcept is a type of artistic work that can be easily pitched with a succinctly stated premise. Id still love to see some examples of highconcept picture books, since almost all of them hook me right in. Concept books are typically the first informational books a child will read. The pitch for a highconcept book most likely precedes the work itself, and the idea is so creative that people lots of people will want to read it based off an incredibly brief description. With cherished classics and contemporary award winners, written and illustrated by the superstars of childrens literature, these books are sure to delight readers. What if writing a supernatural ya mystery comes as naturally as a quiet non fiction picture book. Books featuring asian americans, pacific islanders for kids and teens. Mar 05, 2015 ive taken math classes up to calculus and so i am always surprised when there are childrens books which introduce concepts i dont know about.

Think curious george, the velveteen rabbit, the berenstein bears, winnie the pooh or even fancy nancy. At the same time, some of us recognize that you cant tell writers that all you want are high concept submissions, because some of the great picture books out there are not high concept. It can be contrasted with low concept, which is more concerned with character development and other subtleties that are not as easily summarized. You may still be able to describe the story in a sentence, but it doesnt offer the instant understanding of a high concept pitch. How to build a compelling novel concept jane friedman. Spread the lovepitching a high concept novel can be the key to skyrocketing to the top of agents slush piles, according to angie hodapp of nelson literary agency. Perhaps you can be predictable in your unpredictability. If your goal is to write high concept picture books, that s what your stories have to do. If a person can tell me the idea in twentyfive words or less, its going to make a pretty good movie. The projects i like to work on have a great voice, a marketable hook, and fantastic. Settling in with married with childrens highconcept, lowstakes bottle episode. Books featuring asian americans, pacific islanders for.

You add characters with goals and fears and motives, and you add plot, via the obstacles that are going to arise between the. High concept writing for kids while raising them tara lazar. Aug 25, 2009 examine great highconcept hooks for childrens books by. Skull of disguises by michael karpovage, the lincoln myth by steve berry, inferno by dan brown, map of t. Shop by age, genre, series, and more to find the perfect childrens books for both little kids and big kids. Out of 3,600 childrens book titles published in 2012, ccbc found that only 3. Choosing high quality childrens literaturepicture book. Sep 04, 20 the highconcept concept stems from the movie industry where concept is kingbut more and more high concept is creeping into the world of childrens literature. But what is and isnt high concept fiction, and how do you go about pitching your high concept idea. But most importantly, their stories blend ordinary, everyday stuff with the extraordinary or outrageous. Capstone publishers and sports illustrated kids team up to. Chuck sambuchino august 25, 2009 whether youre writing a kids novel, adult genre novel or screenplay, youre ahead of the pack if you have a good hook.

If your pitch can be short and succinct, you will have a better chance at focusing your writing, whether or not youve got a high concept writing idea or not. Childrens poet laureate kenn nesbitt, childrens book. The premise is where your awesome concept idea starts getting personal. I write many posts about adult novellength fiction, however i do represent children s books as well and im going to share a bit of my wishlist. Many of the most recent blockbusters were based on childrens books and many more are slated for movie release in the near future. The five requirements are in descending order of importance. The industry wants the next big thing, and highconcept often delivers it. What is and isnt high concept fiction, and how do you. An insanely lurid adaptation of a dean koontz novel, demon seed has poor julie christie taken hostage by her scientist.

A high concept is a story concept that is strong enough that it will draw an audience without any other components. Highconcept narratives are typically characterised by an overarching what if. Sometimes a high concept can be based entirely around whos in it as opposed to what it is, with the implication that the stars unique style or talent will carry the. Some people include picturebooks that convey abstract.

The common belief is that its any movie that can be pitched in one sentence. Most importantly, we must choose the right book for the right child in the right situation. If youve got a coming of age story, where everyone is a regular human being that goes to a normal school, the girl breaks up with a bad boyfriend, but then realizes she was worthy without him, then thats probably not high concept. It is not dependent on casting, name director, execution, good word of mouth. The snowy day, corduroy, and clifford the big red dog are just a few of the beloved picture books featured in this list. Don simpson and the hollywood culture of excess new edition by fleming, charles isbn. Here are more than 60 carefully selected lists of multicultural and social justice books for children, young adults, and educators. The industry wants the next big thing, and high concept often delivers it. Kid wins a golden ticket to a mysterious candy factory. Picture books for preschoolers feature simple, yet timeless stories and pictures. Throughout the period, simpson and his partner, jerry bruckheimer, were the most successful independent producers in the history of moviemaking. The premise or logline is the core of high concept.

Sep 20, 2009 can you name some books with a high concept and the concept as yes, this is a question i have asked and would love more clarity on. High concept is one of the most understood concepts in storytelling. A gripping, high concept, high octane thriller ebook written by dean crawford. If youve got a coming of age story, where everyone is a regular human being that goes to a normal school, the girl breaks up with a bad boyfriend, but then realizes she was worthy without him, then thats probably not highconcept. Learn about and purchase the best books and resources to support young children s learning and development. It can be explained in a sentence or two and will leave you wanting to read the book. A highconcept childrens book is one that takes a universal theme and puts a fresh, original. You may still be able to describe the story in a sentence, but it doesnt offer the instant understanding of a highconcept pitch. A highconcept children s book is one that takes a universal theme and puts a fresh, original, creative twist on it. Capstone publishers and sports illustrated kids team up to publish highconcept childrens books. The books, which are all part of series, feature high concept stories with illustrations on every page.

A story premise is the next step up from a story concept. When an agent says they want high concept, theyre looking for an idea that can be captured in just a title and a brief, pithy taglineand from that brief description. What high concept means nathan bransford writing, book. A man who battles his wife for custody of their children is one sentence, but its a million miles from being high concept. To inspire exploration some of the best science books inspire children to think for themselves, either by showing examples of famous scientists or by mapping out the thought process in an easily. High concept narratives are typically characterised by an overarching what if.

Just because a movie or book is high concept, it doesnt necessarily mean its high quality. When i first set out to write and publish childrens books, i saw over and. When it comes to being read aloud to at home, more that 8 in 10 kids 83% across age groups 617 say they loved or liked it a lot the main reason being it was a special time with parents. To honor the best books for young adults and children, time compiled this survey in consultation with respected peers such as u. This is why high concept books make such good films when adapted. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. I am looking for high concept picture books, contemporary, historical, scifi, and accessible fantasy ya. In fact, a clever picture book is one of the hardest things to write. These are the book blurbs that make publishers and potential readers go, wow, i never thought of that before.

Have you ever wondered how to write a childrens book, and if you have what it takes to create one. Writing for children is an extremely competitive business. Horror movies prone to be high concept by default the specific form of danger is the reason people show up. These books all have titles that establish their stories premises with attentiongrabbing snazziness. Easy tips for teaching kids phonics at home sign up for our newsletter. When reading concept books to children, it is a good idea to ask questions to assure that the concepts are understood. Looking for some more epic, high concept scifi ive been focusing on mostly fantasy over the past year and i want to throw myself into some big idea scifi again. Ill say its easier to have a high concept spec fic book. International journal of educational methodology, 4 4, 103 115.

High concept fiction for childrens or teen books writing. This article contains the single most important secret that you need to know how to come up with a high concept premise. Shop for children s books by age, series, author, subject and format. If the story concept is the bones, then the story premise is the first of the flesh. What hit and run was to hollywood financial impropriety, and what youll never eat lunch in this town again was to sex, drugs, and selfdestruction, high concept is to the evolution of today s driving business philosophy and simultaneous backlot grotesqueries of the contemporary entertainment industry. What exactly does an editor mean when heshe says they are looking for high concept picture books. Settling in with married with childrens highconcept. A gripping, highconcept thriller from the bestselling author of the martian. How to write a book that sells understanding highconcept. Michael hauge, a hollywood screenwriting consultant, offers this definition of high concept. Steven spielberg once said, i like ideas, especially movie ideas, that you can hold in your hand. To be equally obnoxious as anne marie, otto grows down is a high concept pb since it asks the question.

A high concept book is one that takes a universal theme and puts a fresh, original, creative twist on it. Tv rights optioned for turtons high concept murder mystery. Who of the following authorillustrator is noted for publishing popular concept books for very young children lewis carroll the first entertaining novel written for children, alice s adventures in wonderland, was written by. High concept book definded writing and illustrating. My comprehensive definition of high concept is comprised of five requirements, each of which is mandatory. Find bestsellers, new releases, award winners and our recommended books for kids at. Examine great highconcept hooks for children s books by.

How to write a childrens book in 9 easy steps complete. In hollywood, every movie starts out in the form of underlying material, such as a novel, a screenplay, a comic book or even a great idea. Many aspiring and even accomplished authors dream of writing a childrens book. Jun 16, 2010 in defining high concept, we talk about the premise of your story, not what happens in acts 1, 2 and 3. Jul 26, 2016 these books all have titles that establish their stories premises with attentiongrabbing snazziness. High concept is primarily a term used in pitching movies but these days, we find it a helpful shorthand to describe a certain kind of book. The leading digital library for kids offering unlimited access to 40,000 of the best childrens books of all time. High concept is a term thats been confused, misunderstood and misused by writers for decades.

Books with cinematic imagery are almost always high concept stories. High concepts can take several specific forms like. How to write a book that could become a bestseller for authors of fiction, nonfiction, and childrens books. Receive book suggestions, reading tips, educational activities, and great deals. I had the pleasure of attending the rocky mountain fiction. Using the life and career of producer don simpson as a point of departure, high concept takes readers on a journey inside the hollywood of the 1980s and 1990s. Examine great highconcept hooks for childrens books. High concept means that a novelmovietv shows plot can be described very succinctly in appealing fashion. Everyone says they are looking for a high concept book, but what. Shannon hitchcock writing a publishable picture book. Like imagery, high concept ideas spark emotion, but not just any emotion, usually it is a primal emotion. Science books can teach children different methodologies in conducting their own projects, instilling in them a greater sense of independence. Sign up for a free 30 day trial to instantly access high quality online books for kids, ebooks, audio books, quizzes, videos, and more. We just normally see realistic high concept in movies or in books with movie tieins.

Many of the most recent blockbusters were based on childrens booksand many more are slated for movie release in the near future. The high concept concept stems from the movie industry where concept is kingbut more and more high concept is creeping into the world of childrens literature. Throughout the period, simpson and his partner, jerry bruckheimer, were the most successful independent producers in the history of moviemaking, responsible for the hit films flashdance, beverly hills cop, top. They can make us laugh or cry by giving us a character we want to care about. These books are great teaching tools, but they teach while entertaining. Children s picture books often serve as an accessible source of high quality art for young children. Epic read amazing childrens books online unlimited. Once you learn what a high concept idea is and how to create exciting story loglines for your work. There are multiple criteria for selecting excellent childrens picture books. Even if a kids book doesnt have that central character, the language itself. Good childrens books, no matter how simple or complex, offer a sense of joy. The books clever high concept premise is the secret to its success. When the idea of high concepts is applied to nonfiction for kids, it can create breakout titles for an author. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read immortal.

Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read artemis. Maybe you have an incredible idea that you cant stop thinking about. Jul 30, 20 1 the book helps children learn ageappropriate concepts like colors, patterns, shapes, counting, time, the alphabet, opposites, seasons, butterfly lifecycle etc. Aug 15, 2012 i write many posts about adult novellength fiction, however i do represent childrens books as well and im going to share a bit of my wishlist. Get 10% off your first order at the scholastic store online when you sign up. Capstone publishers, the leading publisher of childrens books in the u. Generally, artwork plays a greater role in books intended for younger readers especially preliterate children. What is highconcept fiction, and how can i write it. School zone big preschool workbook ages 4 and up, colors, shapes, numbers 110, alphabet, prewriting, prereading, phonics, and more school zone big workbook series 1,441. The projects i like to work on have a great voice, a marketable hook, and fantastic writing.

It can be explained in two or three sentences and will leave you wanting to read the book. Using the life and career of producer don simpson as a point of departure, high concept takes readers on a riveting journey inside the hollywood of the 1980s and 1990s. Here are a few picture books that support my definition. But i dont think that a realistic high concept book is impossible. When i think of highconcept fiction, i think of blockbustermoviekindoffiction. On the other hand, a literary novel or a comingofage story isnt necessarily about a single concept. The naturals by jennifer lynn barnes, dreamology by lucy keating, the westing game by ellen raskin, cloud atlas by david m. A gripping, highconcept thriller from the bestselling author of the martian ebook written by andy weir. To be equally obnoxious as anne marie, otto grows down is a highconcept pb since it asks the question.