Hello, Picture Book Builders people.
Today, I wanted to focus on one way that I get picture book ideas. It’s a pretty straightforward strategy.
I will start with a setting. (As I am sure you know, a setting is where a story takes place.)
I will brainstorm a list of settings. For example:
•Family Reunion
•Barnyard
•Monster Academy
•Pond
•Prehistoric Times
•Royal Kingdom
•Zoo
•Concert Tour
•Parade
•School
•Fish Tank
•Forest
•Birthday Party
•Outer Space
Then I will choose one setting, think about that setting, and ask myself one of two big questions.
Big Question #1:
What can go wrong here?
(This question, when I focused on THE OCEAN as the setting, led to the creation of my book Nugget & Fang, illustrated by Michael Slack.)
Big Question #2:
Who doesn’t belong here?
(This question, when I focused on A ROYAL KINGDOM as the setting, led to the creation of my book Princess in Training, illustrated by Joe Berger.)
There is a recently released book that I think would serve as a fang-tastic answer to Question #2.
It’s called Farm Shark. This delightful, ridiculous book, written by Bill Canterbury and illustrated by Maddie Frost, has some of my favorite page turns of 2026.
I mean seriously. Who doesn’t belong on a farm? A shark! That’s who! Brilliant!
Please take a moment to soak up these spreads (and celebrate the joy of the page turn):
I’m not the only one who fell for this book hook, line, and sinker. Check out these reviews:
“Good-natured giggles, with a bit of bite.” —Kirkus
“The sudden arrival of an enormous shark tests the limits of a farm’s hospitality—and the reader’s ability to keep a straight face . . . An entertaining romp.” —Publishers Weekly
“Funnily written and straightforwardly drawn, this excellent storytime choice will have kiddos giggling, no tickling required.” —The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books
“[Readers] will appreciate the playful tone and ridiculous premise.” —School Library Journal
Since August is back-to-school time, I have a little homework for you:
- Give this idea-getting strategy a try.
- Read Farm Shark for the fun of it (and, um, to see if there are any survivors).
WINNER:
Congratulations, Janet Lawler! You are the winner of a signed-by-me copy of The Amazing Augustus.
Ha-ha!!! Farm Shark! Of course it’s hysterical. Thanks for sharing Tammi. I put it on my reading list.
Dating myself but it reminds of the SNL skit “Land Shark.” Love the spreads you shared. I can’t wait to read this one!
Oh, my! I LOVE it! That’s so funny! I really like how the story starts on the copyright page and title page. What a set-up! Also, thanks for the setting ideas! I just took some notes regarding an idea I had this morning. 🙂
I Love “Farm Shark”! Definately one of of favorite picture books of the year. It is on the top of my stack for storytime reads coming this fall.
Thanks for sharing this book and also how it’s such a great example of the juxtaposition that can create a fun story. I love the text in the illustrations! “Big Bucket O’Chum!” and “Fast or We’re Food.”
Hi Tammi- Awesome brainstorming advice! Thank you! I’m checking out Farm Shark. It sounds hilarious!
Ooo, I love this post, Tammi! I’ll give this challenge a try!
I love the idea of starting with a setting and thinking about what doesn’t belong. Funny is always a hit.
I am giggling at the Farm Shark sample, both the text and illustrations!
And you, too, Tammi, are a master at setting the stage (along with your illustrators) for “the joy of the page turn,” as evidenced by the two spreads in THE AMAZING AUGUSTUS beginning with “Watch me make my way through this dense, orange forest…”
Thanks for my raffle-winning copy of THE AMAZING AUGUSTUS, and for this tip about setting as a good starting point for story brainstorming. (i am reflecting back on some of my stories and realize I have done this occasionally, but I will do it in a more conscious way next time I am casting about for a new idea.)
Wonderful advice Tammi! Thank you. I’ll look for Farm Shark at the library–looks brilliant!
Thanks, Tammi. I love how you generate ideas. And FARM SHARK has got to be one of your best books ever!