KNOWHOW Things that go bump in the night - illustrated early readers (Part 3)
In this KnowHow series, Lynn Huggins-Cooper explores how to successfully write spooky stories for children - from picture books to YA - and will be featuring wisdom from a variety of authors and illustrators along the way!
In recent years, there has been an explosion of illustrated early readers - a lovely scaffolded segue for new readers that takes children from picture books supported by carers to more text heavy independent reads. In terms of spooky titles - there are many popular series in this early reader niche.
In the Amelia Fang series by author-illustrator Laura Ellen Anderson, readers visit the world of Nocturnia, where glitter and unicorns are the 'scary' things. Expectations are subverted, and the gothic and unusual is celebrated - with our heroine - Amelia the vampire - having many hilarious adventures along the way.
Cover of Ghoulia and the Doomed Manor
The Ghoulia series by author-illustrator Barbara Cantini is about a sweet little zombie girl, Ghoulia, who lives with her Auntie Departed and her greyhound, Tragedy. This series takes the reader through gently exciting illustrated adventures in a strange and gothic reality.
The Franny K. Stein: Mad Scientist series by Jim Benton lives in an ordinary house, in an ordinary street and is part of an ordinary family but as a 'mad scientist' she is into all things scary and in the course of her adventures she creates all manner of strange inventions.
So, what do these books have in common?
1. They are written as a collectable series with a recurring cast of characters
2. They are highly illustrated - many (not all) are written by author-illustrators for this reason.
3. The main characters may have spooky adventures and strange situations - but the scares are gentle.
4. The protagonists have relatable relationships with loved ones (often including weird yet wonderful pets), and they have adventures with elements that young readers can relate to - even when they are fantasy based. So - making friends, getting lost, moving house etc - along with spooky elements of course!
5. Characters often lend them selves well to merchandising, spin-offs and collectables - publishers are very aware of marketing when they commission these series.
6. Related to number 5 - these books are published *regularly* - so if you fancy having a go at creating your own series, based around characters for early readership, be aware that you may find yourself signing up for quite punishing schedules (the opposite of a problem, I hear you say...)
7. The titles work as part of a series but are all 'stand alone' books in their own right.
Be ready, if you approach an agent with this type of book, that they will in all likelihood want to see several titles in the series (although perhaps one as a finished, illustrated manuscript and the others less complete) to reassure themselves that they are working with someone that won't run out of ideas quickly.
So - if you love all things (gently) creepy, and like writing for this age group, why not turn your hand to creating a whole new series for young readers to enjoy? We'd love to see how you get on!
Next month, we'll look at creepy mid-grade reads - and will be hearing from some special guests!
*Header image: In-house collaboration between Ell Rose and Tita Berredo
* Other images courtesy of Lynn Huggins-Cooper
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Lynn Huggins-Cooper has written everything from picture books and MG series to YA novels. She has also written for children’s TV series, comics, websites, and as a features writer for the Times Educational Supplement. Lynn lectures on the BA (Hons) Creative Writing at Falmouth University.
She also co-organises SCBWI North-East with Lucy Farfort and lives in a tiny house next to 900 acres of forest in the far north of England.
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Ell Rose is the Illustration Features Editor of Words & Pictures. Follow them on Instagram and X (Twitter) and find their work at www.fourfooteleven.com
Contact them at illustrators@britishscbwi.org
Tita Berredo is the Illustrator Coordinator of SCBWI British Isles and the Art Director of Words & Pictures. Follow her on Instagram and X (Twitter) or www.titaberredo.com
Contact her at: illuscoordinator@britishscbwi.org
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