Day 11: Second-person POV
Welcome to day 11 of 40 craft lessons from 40 picture books.
You would read and read, and the story goes nowhere. This is when you make up your mind and return the book to the library, wondering who on earth a publisher has invested in such a mediocre book.
The above text is written in second-person POV, and believe it or not, an entire novel can be written this way. In adult books, second-person POV isn’t frequent, but in picture books, we see it more often. One reason could be that picture books are supposed to be read aloud. Reading aloud a text with second-person POV feels like speaking to the child, not reading a book. Moreover, second-person POV creates a sense of intimacy for the reader, as if they are the main character of the story.
The text and illustration of Big Bath House (2021, Kyo Maclear, Gracey Zhang) take YOU first to a day at Baachaan’s house and then, together, to the bathhouse. The book takes you on a tour of a Japanese bathhouse.
Wouldn’t first-person POV bring the same intimacy? Yes and no. The first-person POV suits stories with a strong, distinctive inner voice, while the second-person POV suits stories that aim to bring the reader into experiencing something firsthand.
Wouldn’t first-person POV bring the same intimacy? Yes and no. In my opinion, first-person POV suits stories with a strong, distinctive inner voice, while second-person POV serves stories that want the reader to experience something firsthand.
Hint: Don’t confuse the second-person POV with direct speech.
I hope reading this blog post has given you new ideas. See you tomorrow for Day 12. If you would like to read these 40 craft lessons on WhatsApp, please join the channel.
there are real gems in 2d person-like Dr Seuss’s ‘You’re only old once.’. often works particularly well for high concept. thanks for reminding us of the option.