Hello Everyone. I've written a 65-stanza humorous poem for children. It's done in a proper ballad form, with great attention to meter and rhyme. Since it took me a year to write it and it’s a fairly substantial meal, I hope to see this work come out as a book, rather than a poem for a children’s magazine.
The storyline concerns a pre-schooler who constantly misbehaves at his daycare and, in due course, is appropriately (and “humorously”) punished for his misdemeanours. I had initially envisioned the work as a picture book—and certainly it should be heavily illustrated—however I’m told by a retired elementary teacher friend that it would be better enjoyed by kids in grades 2 to 4, maybe even grade 5. I realize that each age group prefers stories about kids their own age or greater, but, hopefully, the humor and the poetic form will permit it to reach these older children.
I just have a small problem, which will come up when I try to market the work, and it’s this: How do I refer to this work? Should I call it a chapter book? Or should it be still be called a picture book, irrespective of the fact that it’s now aimed at older kids in grades 2 to 4?
I’m really at a loss, and any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks. Don.