How I Put a New Spin on the Alphabet Children’s Book
Join author Michelle Dumont as she tackles how she put a spin on writing the ABC picture book through her Phoebe Cakes series.
I have a running list of story ideas for the Phoebe Cakes book series, a children’s series that includes my real-life handicapped bulldog. The idea for an ABC book made a spot on the list, but I didn’t find it particularly inspiring. If I was to write an ABC book, it would need to be unique. Besides, at the time I was working on a story involving Phoebe taking a summer road trip.
One evening while researching classic children’s books I came across One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Suess. My kids loved Dr. Suess when they were little, we read Green Eggs and Ham so many times I could recite it by heart. I adored his style of whimsical rhyming and that the rhythm of his stories never seemed forced.
While reading One Fish, Two Fish and admiring the amusing illustrations, I thought it would be fun to write something involving dogs in the spirit of Suess. What would it look like if a Japanese Chin could play a musical instrument?
Then I had an idea, J for Japanese Chin. Have you ever seen a Japanese Chin play the Mandolin? Or maybe O for Ori Pei. Have you ever seen an Ori Pei dance in a ballet? I knew I was on to something. I called Jennifer Taylor, who illustrated the first book, A Mardi Gras Tail, and asked if she was up to drawing an Ori Pei wearing a pink tutu. She was in!
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As I worked my way through the alphabet, I imagined Phoebe visiting some of New Orleans favorite attractions. The thought of Phoebe wheeling through Audubon Zoo with a Shih Tzu and riding the merry-go-round with a Basset Hound in City Park made me smile.
I momentarily worried it would be difficult finding dog breeds for letters V, X, and Z. I was both relieved and pleasantly surprised to learn there was a Mexican hairless dog named Xoloitzcuintli and a fluffy Italian breed named Volpino.
Now, as your child learns their ABC’s, if you find they have the ability to pronounce and spell all the dog breeds you may have a little genius on your hands. Woof! Happy learning.
Michelle Dumont lives in New Orleans with her family and four furry friends. A licensed Respiratory Therapist and Asthma Educator, she began writing following the advice of a friend. Like Phoebe, she loves long car rides, peanut butter and everything New Orleans.
