A delicious twist: Combining Unexpected Topics in Rhyming Picture Books

Looking for a way to give your rhyming picture book a delicious twist? Something that will tantalize editors and appeal to a wide range of readers? Try combining unexpected topics!

​Think of that classic Reese's commercial where two people are walking down the street, one holding a chocolate bar and the other a jar of peanut butter. They collide, and one exclaims, “Your chocolate is in my peanut butter!” The other responds “Your peanut butter is in my chocolate!” When they sample the combination, they agree the flavor combination is delicious.
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Sometimes, when it comes to your getting your picture book manuscript noticed, you need a little peanut butter in your chocolate. As Deborah Halverson said in her 2024 State of the Children's Book Market presentation, "the way to get past editor pickiness is to have a fresh way into your topic." 

The Rhyme Doctors are big fans of combining unexpected topics to achieve that "fresh way." We do this in our own books: fashion mixed with careers (and a pinch of girl power) in Patricia Toht’s DRESS LIKE A GIRL illustrated by Lorian Tu-Dean (Harper Collins, 2019); science mixed with bedtime in Michelle Schaub’s DREAM BIG LITTLE SCIENTISTS, illustrated by Alice Potter (Charlesbridge, 2020), and science mixed with beach play in Eileen Meyer’s upcoming BUILD A SAND CASTLE, illustrated by Manica Musil (Reycraft Books,2025).  And we’re always on the lookout for rhyming picture books with unique flavor combinations to suggest as mentor texts.

One recent book that brilliantly combines unexpected topics is THE REINDEER REMAINDERS: A LESSON IN WORKING TOGETHER AND INCLUDING OTHERS by Katey Howe, illustrated by Marie Hermansson (Sourcebooks, 2024). Sadly, Katey passed away unexpectedly in 2024, but her spirit lives on in her hope-inspiring picture books. You can read more about Katey and her books in this Rhyme Doctor’s post and this one too.

​In THE REINDEER REMAINDERS, Katey expertly mixes math and social emotional learning topics such as friendship and inclusion, all in a pleasing rhyming narrative.
 
It’s the story of a class of a dozen reindeer preparing for a big showcase. The problem begins when a new student arrives, and the class needs to break off into groups. Here’s where Katey mixes in the math. She tackles the tricky concept of division by showing the reindeer trying different group combinations: 13 divided by 2, 13 divided by 3, 13 divided by 4.

Katey organizes her rhyme into couplets with seven iambic (think da DUM) feet, also known as iambic heptameter. This “rising meter” creates a bouncy rhythm that matches the can-do, problem-solving spirit of the story. (Check out this Rhyme Doctor’s post by Eileen Meyer for more information on iambic feet.)
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A DOZen REINdeer RACE to SCHOOL in EARly MORNing LIGHT,
Each LEAPing WITH exCITEment FOR the COMing SHOWcase NIGHT.

The effort to divide into groups presents a problem: one reindeer is left out every time. Katey uses clever word play and repetition by ending several of the spreads with the line:
 
 “Remain-DEER one!”
 
Next, Katie layers in the social emotional learning. Feelings of exclusion arise. So, the class must engage in empathetic thinking to brainstorm ways to make all the reindeer feel welcome. The story ends with a heartwarming solution that leaves readers with positive feelings about math (chocolate) and negotiating group dynamics (peanut butter.)
 
I hope REINDEER REMAINDERS inspires you with ways to mix some “peanut butter” and “chocolate” in your manuscript for a tasty result!

-Rhyme Doctor Michelle Schaub