ANT ics with Picture Book Layers plus Smarty Ants GIVEAWAY

I’ve been ANTicipating today for ages because it’s SMARTY ANTS’ book birthday! One of the reasons SMARTY ANTS sold is because of its many layers. What types of layers do we find in picture books? There are numberless layers available to us–structures, themes, character journeys, plot, illustrations, pacing, voice, language, and heart. Also more concrete things like counting, bedtime, seasons, days of the week, emotions, shapes, and concepts. A picture book layer is anything that deepens the story, adds another hook, or makes the story more interesting for kids and adults.

Although picture book layers seem like they might nestle neatly on top of each other, they are usually more like a marble cake than a layered cake. The layers interweave, making each story more complex and nuanced and fun to read.

SMARTY ANTS layers include insects, rhyme, and puns (read the book to discover a double pun!)

The story also includes simple addition and teamwork as the ants build a house together.

SMARTY ANTS is skillfully illustrated by Erin Taylor. Her delightful depictions of the ants add a beautiful layer by using big things to make small things. A sock is a rug, a playing card is a table, butter containers are bathtubs. This gives readers the opportunity to notice repurposed items throughout the story.

SMARTY ANTS also includes layers of diversity, friendship, AND spoiler alert! There’s a twist ending!

Perhaps take some time to look at the stories you write or one of your favorite picture books.

What are the layers in this book?

What can you add to your own picture books to increase the hook?

Thinking about layers and adding to your own stories will only make them more fANTastic than they already are. I guarANTee it 🙂

*Win a copy of the book!

To enter, leave a comment through August 8th. If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, please include that in your comment and I’ll give you an extra entry. You must be 13 years old or older to enter and this giveaway is U.S. only.