MOWMT March 21: Journey with Laura Renauld

Laura Renauld Embarks on a Journey

If you enjoy reading novels, you’ll notice that authors of longer-form fiction frequently use journeys as a plot device. It might be a fantastical quest, a summer road trip, or even a walk down the block. The literal journey in the story provides a scaffold for the internal journey where the characters change and grow. But does journeying work in picture books? You bet it does! Here are some great examples:

LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET by Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson (G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2015)

As CJ and his nana ride the bus to the last stop on Market Street, CJ’s growth journey moves from self-centered desires for gadgets and free time to an understanding of the beauty all around him. He just has to pay attention like his nana.

Highlights: A strong cast of diverse secondary characters; cityscape

TRUMAN by Jean Reidy and Lucy Ruth Cummins (Atheneum, 2019)

When Sarah takes the Number 11 bus for the first time, Truman, a small tortoise, gets tired of waiting for her to return. He decides to go after her, climbing out of his tank so he can make his way to the Number 11 bus, too. Truman’s journey across the apartment, including the “endless rug” causes him to doubt himself until a familiar object rekindles his resolve. Truman’s story ends with him feeling both brave and proud.

Highlights: Unique point-of-view; effective use of repetition

THE BOLD, BRAVE BUNNY by Beth Ferry and Chow Hon Lam (Harper, 2020) 

When Teetu needs a break from his large family, he sets off into the woods. At night. With a flashlight. “B is for brave. B is for bold. B is not only for … bunnies.” Teetu discovers the world is full of wonder, but having a family to share your discoveries with is wonderful as well. “B was for belonging.”

Highlights: A book plays a vital role in the inciting incident and the resolution; storyline diverges from the predictable “lost in the woods” plot

LOVE, Z by Jessie Sima (Simon & Schuster BYR, 2018) 

A young robot named Z goes on a quest to find the meaning of love when the other robots tell him that love “does not compute”. But everyone he meets has a different definition of love. Z’s literal journey leads to the discovery that he has felt love many times before, he just didn’t have a name for it.

Highlights: Literal quest narrative; complementary storylines evolve through the illustrations

In my seasonal picture book series, each of the Woodland Friends goes on a journey through the woods to ask questions, find encouragement, and discover new perspectives. The journeying framework I set up in PORCUPINE’S PIE became the template for the other stories. By using a woodland path as a repetitive element, a journey of discovery was built-in for each of my characters. 

As you step back into your own writing, plot a road trip, a first flight, or a trek across the desert for your character. You might reveal a journey of self-discovery along the way! 

Laura’s prize offering is a 20 min Virtual Author Visit. Use it yourself or give it to an elementary teacher for their classroom!

LAURA RENAULD is a former elementary school teacher and the author of the Woodland Friends picture book series, published by Beaming Books and illustrated by Jennie Poh. Her nonfiction picture book biography, Fred’s Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers, illustrated by Brigette Barrager and published by Atheneum, earned a starred review from Kirkus Reviews and was selected as a Parents’ Choice Recommended Book for 2020. When she is not writing, Laura can be found at the library, sharing her love of reading and writing during school visits, or playing with her kitty. Laura lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and their two story-telling sons. Please visit her website: www.laurarenauld.com. You can occasionally find her on social media, especially Instagram: @laurarenauld.

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