Another Squiggly Story, written by Andrew Larsen and illustrated by Mike Lowery. Kids Can Press, 2022. $21.95 ages 4 and up

 

"Things I Know 

* The difference between 
the big dipper and the 
little dipper. 
* How to find the North Star
* Facts about Mars
*the difference between 
a great white shark 
and a hammerhead"

My granddaughters are delighted that Another Squiggly Story is published. It is an engaging sequel to A Squiggly Story (2016) which they really enjoy. Now a few years older, the narrator continues his journey toward being an author. 

His imagination has him constantly daydreaming about the things he loves. When Mr. Lopez tells the class that the assignment for next week will be a story about themselves, he is perplexed. His classmates immediately make a decision for their writing. He has not one idea! As he did in the first book, he consults his older sister. Surely she can help him. 

First of all, she lets him know that what he is about to write is called an autobiography because it is a 'story BY you ABOUT you'. He is in charge of whatever he writes. To help, she shows him her autobiography written when she was in Mr. Lopez's class. He decides on a title: THE STORY OF ME BY ME! It's hard work, and she is willing to help with advice about editing, and anything else he might need. 

In class, after the weekend, he shares his title. To help with the writing process, Mr. Lopez suggests brainstorming - a chance to talk with a partner about ideas each has. Thinking is hard. First drafts are the work of the day when he returns to school the following day. He decides to make a list of things he likes, as his sister has suggested. That writing turns into three lists! 

A walk with his sister helps him make connections between his three lists in hopes that he will find a story to tell about himself. Talking to his friend helps him add important details. It will take some time, but with practice and thought there is a story to be told. That is the process we call writing. Perhaps a third squiggly story is in the future. 

Mike Lowery's cartoon drawings add context for the process, and will encourage readers to give an autobiography a try. Listing is a fine way to start.