I Was Born A Baby (How About YOU?)

 In a recent webinar a prominent editor proudly insisted that frequently-reported advice about writing rhyming picture books is WRONG:  Writing in rhyme CAN sell, and does. But it MUST be well-done. No, perfectly done. That, and it must also be the best possible way to tell the story/content.

In other words, there are markets for rhymed text, but you'd better be good.

I sang the praises of one such excellent rhyming picture book in this prior post about BLACK GIRL RISING. In that case, the text is lyrical, lilting, and uplifting, an ideal choice for this inspiring text and theme.The rhyming text served the purpose of that book ideally.

HARPER, BYR.  2022

In today's example the rhymed text  is a perfect fit, too, but with entirely different purpose and impact. I WAS BORN A BABY is written in rhyme by Meg Fleming, with googly-eyed, stop-action-style illustrations by Brandon James Scott, whose work sets the tone perfectly.

Several reviews have referenced the full text as reminiscent of CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM in its irresistible, often ear-worm-y patterns and grin-worthy sequences of words and ideas. This is, actually, a concept book; one aimed at learning and grouping terms for "young" creatures.  Endpapers feature those ubiquitous circles in singlets (hedglets, owlets, and puggles) while animals with names in common- such as PUPS and CALVES and CUBS gather together into larger circles.

A fun introduction before the title page indicates that the contents are "mostly" true, with no animal names being changed from correct science terminology. Two clarifications are provided,  seemingly at the request of the animal characters involved. This sets the stage for what little audiences and adult readers will know is going to be a read-it-again-romp. 

With so few words in the full text I hesitate to quote many of them, but that comparison to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a valid one without suggesting it is derivative. It makes for a read-aloud then read-along gem, including a pattern of "No way, no how! That can't be true!" followed by several repeating lines. The extra large trim size, the adorably-sized and-posed young animals, the large, crisp font, and extensive white page backgrounds encourage connection and participation. The humor is subtle and clever, throughout, avoiding adult exhaustion when the  anticipated multiple requests to "read it again" ensue. The side-eye, half-closed lids of a few animals (interior and on the back case cover) are a nod to the patterns that unfold and to the mix of predictability and surprise. 

The other often-quoted "rule" for rhyme writers is to AVOID AT ALL COSTS the dissatisfying effects of slant-rhyme or near-rhyme. We all know these are used often in song lyrics, but for young audiences it is reportedly confusing and leads to mis-hearing or mispronouncing words. Even so, with this simple text, the musicality of its patterns and the readily recognizable critters who are named in those rhyme-stretches work elegantly and naturally. This is one of those exceptions that make the rule. 

My prediction is that this is just the start of multiple versions of the book, and potentially some musical/video song versions, too.