Liz Scanlon's ALL THE WORLD.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 9:32AM 
One very important aspect of writing for children is to do so in such a way that the child feels that they are part of the story. A writer attempts to craft phrases that stem from the private place within a child's budding persona. A few good writers have achieved this delicate and difficult task and Liz Scanlon is one of them. In her latest picture book (which, in my humble opinion, will stand the test of time) Liz does more than make a child feel part of a story, she's caressed their spirit. And I will tell you why I know this to be true.
Saturday I attended her launch at BookPeople along with a ba-zillion other excited folks. During which Liz sat down on a small stool in the middle of a pool of at least 75 wiggly, chatty little ones. And, when she began to read a true hush fell over the rug-rat crowd. She spoke slowly and smiled often, engaging in eye contact as she turned the pages. Even the adults crowded on the periphery were wide-eyed, leaning in to catch Liz's every word.
Then the magic happened!
She read, "All the world can hold quite still," then carefully turned the page to read, "Nanas, papas, cousins, kin..." and a little boy, who could contain himself no longer shouted out, "I have a Nana!" While a quiet chuckle wave rippled through the crowd, Liz found that boy's eyes, smiled and said, "You do...and she's in the book!" That boy simply beamed! From his three-year-old-ish perspective, Liz had written that book for him, about him, to him. He was central to the moment the minute she began to read, a moment made magical because of Liz's All the World, so lovingly written and delightful to behold.
Reader Comments (3)
"All the world is all of us."
I agree, Debbie! It was a magic moment -- an unanticipated benediction for the children and adults in the room.
It sounds like it was a lovely day, Debbie! I feel like I was there, too, after reading your description.
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