GENRE: Character Driven, SEL, Body Positivity
WORDS: 556
Query:
Dear PB Party Judges, Agents, and Editors,
Thank you for the opportunity to share my 556 word humorous, character-driven picture book, AMALDA CATCHES AIR. It will appeal to anyone who feels like they just don’t fit, both literally and figuratively.
Amalda, a rhinoceros of a certain size, builds herself the perfect car to enter in the Annual Car Show—sleek and shining like the winners every year before. But when she rips her itchy seat, dents the roof with her horn, and overloads her tires, Amalda starts to realize that perfect may not be perfect for her. AMALDA CATCHES AIR has the humor and joy of being yourself found in This is a Moose by Richard T. Morris & Tom Lichtenheld, as well as the heart and body acceptance of Giraffe Problems by Jory John & Lane Smith.
I have a B.A. in Creative Writing and have written nonfiction articles for High Five Magazine, as well as essays for the adult market. I am a member of SCBWI, Inked Voices, and the 12×12 Picture Book Challenge. Like Amalda, I’m terrible at being uncomfortable and have vowed never to squeeze myself into something too small ever again.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Excerpt:
Amalda wanted a perfect car that everyone admired.
A car that zipped and zoomed and sparkled in the sun.
A car that would win the Annual Car Show.
So Amalda built it herself.
Red paint and chrome bumpers like last year’s winner?
Check.
Classic white-walled tires like the winner two years ago?
Check.
Sleek and shining like every winner?
Check and check.
Perfect. This was going to be her year.
What inspired you to write this story & what do you have in common with it:
As a bigger kid, I often felt like I didn’t fit in—literally. I didn’t fit in my friends’ clothes, spaces, or even their shoes (I have big feet!). I felt like a rhinoceros in a room full of bunnies. It was only when I got older that I decided to make my surroundings and clothes fit ME. I did not need to fit THEM. It is so joyful not to feel uncomfortable all the time, not to mention incredibly freeing. I hope Amalda’s story can inspire kids who feel like they don’t fit either
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