Here’s a little game
to get a stronger sense of voice in nonfiction writing. One of the books below
has a fun, joyful voice. The other has a conversational, confessional
voice. Which is which?
When the first fossil
bones of Iguanodon were found, one was shaped like a
rhino’s horn. Scientists guessed that the strange bone fit like
a spike on Iguanodon’s nose.
Boy, were we wrong
about Iguanodon! When a full set of bones was found
later, there were two pointed bones. They were part of Iguanodon’s
hands, not its nose!
Fourteen thousand
years ago
the north was mostly ice and snow.
But woolly mammoths didn’t care—
these beasts had comfy coats of hair.
Fuzzy, shaggy, snarly, snaggy,
Wonderful woolly
mammoths!
What elements give
each piece their distinct voice?
Boy, Were We Wrong About Dinosaurs by Kathleen
Kudlinski actually contains a confession and the author’s clear, and strong but
informal voice seems to be speaking directly to the reader.
The rhyme, rhythm, and fun word choice of Mammoths on the Move by Lisa Wheeler will
make any reader smile. It never ceases to amaze me that the author could
maintain this scheme throughout the book AND convey tons of great information
about the prehistoric creatures.
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2 Responses
I remember being amazed that the rhymes worked, too.
Both great books. I love how Kathleen says "boy were we wrong!" It totally involves reader in the science process. And I always love reading Lisa's books… and Mammoths was fun. I am amazed at how she can put so much info into rhyme. What a gift. I see both books as being "fun" because both have more playful voice than typical informational books.