S is for Story

A Writer's Alphabet

What is a first draft? What is a narrative? In S is for Story: A Writer's Alphabet, author and writing coach Esther Hershenhorn uses the alphabet to help explain, explore, and examine the tools, techniques, and strategies for those hoping to live the literary life. Writing terms and topics are explained using a two-tier format. C is for the Character, every story's star, the one for whom we cheer, we care, with whom we travel far. Specific genres, story elements (setting and plot), and the mechanics of how to write (including editing and revision) are covered, while quotes from famous authors provide examples of the writer's thought process. Budding writers of all ages will be inspired to put pen to paper (or fingers on keyboards)! Author, and writing coach, Esther Hershenhorn admits S is for Story is the book she wishes she'd owned as a little girl, dreaming of a writing career. She lives in Chicago, where she teaches Writing for Children at the University of Chicago's Writer's Studio and the Newberry Library. Zachary Pullen's character-oriented picture book illustrations have won awards and garnered starred reviews. He has been honored several times with acceptance into the prestigious Society of Illustrators' juried shows and Communication Arts Illustration Annual of the best in current illustration. Zak lives in Wyoming.

Format List Price Your Price Qty
$17.95 $17.95
$29.95 $29.95
Interest Level Grade 1 - Grade 4
Reading Level
Dewey 808.3
Lexile
ATOS Reading Level 5.8
Guided Reading Level
Language English
Publisher Sleeping Bear Press
Available Formats Hardcover (9781585364398), Paperback (9781585365111), PDF (9781585365982), Hosted ebook (9781627534260)
Copyright 2010, 2014
Number of Pages 40
Dimensions 11 x 10
Graphics Full-color illustrations
  • Teachers' Choice Award for Children's Books by Learning Magazine, Winner, 2011

A Review of "S is for Story: A Writer’s Alphabet" in Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Review

Humans began telling stories thousands of years ago, sharing tales and passing them on from generation to generation. Then people started to do something that changed human society forever; they began to write, first using pictures or symbols, and later using alphabets. Once writing was invented, people started developing ways to preserve the things they wrote. They pressed symbols onto clay tablets, wrote on sheets of papyrus, and then paper. Sheets of paper were sewn together to create books, but it was only after Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press that books became more widespread. Nowadays, thousands of people spend their working hours writing, and millions of people spend time reading the books and documents that writers have created.

In this wonderfully crafted alphabet book, the author delves into the world of writing and story-telling. For every letter of the alphabet she explores one aspect of writing. For example, on the page for the letter C, we learn about characters, “every story’s star.” A short poem briefly explains what characters are, and then a longer section of text looks at characters on a deeper level.

The topics mentioned in this book not only provide insight into the world of writing, they also serve as guide for readers who are interested in becoming writers. Thus we learn about drafts, editing, journaling, writing styles, plots, revisions, voice and more.

In addition to the poems and the sections of text, there are beautiful pieces of artwork on every double page spread. Writing tips and quotations from the writings of famous authors serve to give each topic another layer of interest.

At the back of the book, the author has a P.S, which offers up an interesting selection of facts about writing and writers.

S is for Story: A Writer's Alphabet - Teaching Guide

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Author: Esther Hershenhorn

A celebrated children's author, teacher, workshop facilitator, and writing coach, Esther Hershenhorn admits S is for Story: A Writer's Alphabet is the book she wishes she'd owned as a little girl, when she tucked away her dream of writing children’s books someday.  She hopes her abecedarian telling offers young writers everywhere the tools and means to discover and tell their good stories well.  Esther currently lives in Chicago, where she teaches Writing for Children at the University of Chicago's Writer's Studio and the Newberry Library.  A lifetime reader who still reads like a writer, she serves on the Board of Advisors of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.  Visit her Web site at www.estherhershenhorn.com. 

Illustrator: Zachary Pullen

Zachary Pullen’s picture-book illustrations have won awards and garnered starred reviews. He has been honored several times with acceptance into the prestigious Society of Illustrators juried shows and Communication Arts Illustration Annual of the best in current illustration. Zak lives in Wyoming.

Full-color illustrations