GENRE: Character Driven, Lyrical, Foster care
WORDS: 485
Query:
Dear Agents, Editors, and Judges,
Thank you for participating in PBParty and for your interest in my manuscript. HOME OH HOME, a 485-word picture book, is targeted at ages 5-8 and is written in the form of a reverso poem* (the second half of the story has the exact same lines as the first half, but written in reverse order).
An ocean of emotion surges in Emma when she has to leave Mom and stay with a foster family. Emma’s sadness feels overwhelming, until the family’s dog nuzzles her way into Emma’s bed and her heart. Their friendship gives Emma strength until it is time to leave and return to Mom.
HOME OH HOME shows that it is possible to find joy and hope even in tough times. With the heart of Bear is a Bear and the form of Amah Faraway, HOME OH HOME provides an opportunity to discuss courage, poetry, and foster care, which is currently a hole in the picture book market.
This manuscript was inspired by some of the children we have been fortunate to foster and witnessing the lovely relationships they form with our dog.
I am an active member of two SCBWI critique groups, a member of The Writers’ Loft, and am a participant in 12×12, StoryStorm, and Courage to Create. I was one of the winners in the 2022 Fall Frenzy and #SunWriteFun writing contests, and a finalist in the 2023 Kidlit SpringFling contest. I have several other submission-ready manuscripts, should you be interested.
Thank you for your consideration.
*In case you are not familiar with reverso poems, Marilyn Singer has produced several excellent books of them. The line breaks are created such that the lines can be reversed.
Excerpt:
Home.
A swirl of emotion rolls inside Emma.
Things need to get sorted.
It’s time to leave Mom.
There will be visits, but it won’t be the same.
One more good-bye. Emma holds tight.
[With mom]
The social worker hugs Emma.
Emma whispers, “Thanks,” and takes a deep breath.
[Foster home]
DING, DONG.
The door is daunting.
Oh, the flood of Emma’s feelings!
Her shoulders droop.
Emma rubs her hands.
What inspired you to write this story & what do you have in common with it:
This manuscript was inspired by some of the foster children we have been lucky enough to host and witnessing the lovely relationships they form with our dog, Winnie. One child in particular developed a strong bond and she found great comfort in spending time with Winnie. Three years after the child left us, she still asks us to bring Winnie when we visit her.
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