Topic: writing a pb in second person?

[EspressoChick]

Hello BlueBoarders,

I wondered if there are pb's written in second person narrative? Are pb's typically only written in third person? I am writing a pb, and for now the draft is in second person. I could change it, but I wasn't sure if second person narrative would be accepted by an editor. I thank you for your time and welcome your thoughts.

Abby

[LeslieG]

I haven't found it to be very common, but when done well (like anything else!) it can work fine. I just read Michael Black's A Pig Parade is a Terrible Idea, and his use of it is hilarious. I'd just be careful of being didactic with it.

[KatieC]

The "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie" books are in second person, and like was mentioned, if done well it can work   (no reason for the cherries, just like them!)

[CarrieF]

When a Dragon Moves In is also in the second person. And also (I think) Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten.

[Anne Marie]

VAMPIRINA BALLERINA is in second person, although you won't be able to see it until August 7.  But eeeeep!  That's two weeks!

[jennygoebel]

DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS, by Mo Willems is written in second person (as are a number of his books I believe)

[LoriA]

Just checked out a new PB from the library, and it's written in second person. It's called WHAT TO DO IF AN ELEPHANT STANDS ON YOUR FOOT (Dial, 2012). Really cute!

[Christine B.]

I was thinking of two classics -- THE LITTLE MOUSE, THE RED RIPE STRAWBERRY, AND THE BIG HUNGRY BEAR, and THERE'S A MONSTER AT THE END OF THIS BOOK.

I guess they are technically first person but I think they might be sort of what you're looking for in that the narrator is speaking directly to the reader, telling the reader what to do.

[LeslieG]

I couldn't help adding another one I just read by Michael Ian Black, The Purple Kangaroo. The entire text is a conversation with the reader, with the narrator trying to prove he can read minds. Very clever, very cute!

[eecoburn]

I think Shel Silverstein's Giraffe and a Half is also in second person.