MO Day #20 Adam Blackman Explains Realistic Fiction

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by Adam Blackman

The submission guidelines of Cardinal Rule Press define realistic fiction largely in terms of what it isn’t. Characters are not animals. There is no magic. The other two stipulations are more affirmatory – characters are human beings and live in places that could be or are real. Having said all that, realistic fiction offers a lot of opportunity for creativity.

Since Cardinal Rule Press publishes realistic fiction picture books exclusively – and since I work there as Acquisitions Editor – I thought it could be helpful to point out different models of this genre using examples from CRP’s list, though of course you can find examples across book shelves and publishers. (One of the most notable and striking examples is Watercress by Andrea Wang and illustrated by Jason Chin, published by Neal Porter Books, which won both a Caldecott medal and Newberry honor.)

Raja’s Pet Camel by Anita Amin with illustrations by Parwinder Singh is a fun twist on a familiar pet adoption story. Instead of finding a cute puppy, Raja brings home an impish and delightful camel and tries to convince his father to keep him. The story, set in India, is specific to the place and culture. It follows classic story structure with a clear problem and action rising to a climax and is fun, energetic, and satisfying. The majority of realistic fiction stories follow some version of this structure.

Kindness is a Kite String by Michelle Schaub with illustrations by Claire LaForte is a poem that uses several metaphors about kindness. The text is general and the characters are identified and developed from spread to spread through the illustrations. While each metaphor/stanza could be left to stand alone, Schaub and LaForte show how the events link sequentially. In fact, it is this linkage, rather than the overcoming of a conflict, that brings about the celebratory conclusion.

This Could be You by Cindy Williams Schrauben with illustrations by Julia Seal is also a poem that follows a diverse set of characters exploring what they can be. Unlike Kindness, each spread shows unique characters and scenarios, highlighting a narrative unified not by character and action, but by theme: possibility.

As you’ll see from these titles and others, though the genre calls for “no magical realism,” there is plenty of room for magic, in the language and the interplay between text and illustrations. Aaaaand, if you choose to write in this genre, you can submit whether you’re agented or not to Cardinal Rule Press!

BIO: Adam Blackman is Acquisitions Editor of Cardinal Rule Press and nonprofit management professional of over 15 years. As a writer, educator, and father, he loves picture books of all stripes (and spots) and is eager to find stories that will help children grow into kind, empathetic adults.

Social media Twitter @Adamdblackman

PRIZE: Adam will be giving away a PB Manuscript critique to one lucky winner!