Monday, September 24, 2012

Agent Pitch Finalist #2 - The Artsy-Fartsy Spider

The Artsy-Fartsy Spider
Picture Book
435

Query:

Spencer is an artsy-fartsy spider who spins...a potter's wheel.   But because he is teased by the other spiders, Spencer is determined to prove that he can be a creepy crawling, web-spinning, fly-catching spider like everyone else.  He follows a How-To book on spinning webs.  But after failing to spin a spider-worthy web, Spencer decides to release his frustration as his artsy-fartsy self.   As a result, he spins the most intricate web designs anyone has ever seen and ends up attracting more than just the approval of his peers.  The Itsy-Bitsy Spider meets Michelangelo in THEARTSY-FARTSY SPIDER.

First 150 Words (not including illo notes):

Spencer was not your typical spider.

Spiders crawl.  Spencer cartwheeled.

Spiders are creepy.  Spencer was cuddly.

Spiders spin webs.  Spencer spun...

...a potter's wheel.

"He’s an artsy-fartsy spider!” teased the other spiders.  “How are you supposed to catch a fly with that?"

Spencer stared hopelessly at his art pieces.

“Bet you can’t even spin a web.”

“Can too!” said Spencer.    He wanted to prove that he could  be a normal web-spinning, creepy crawling, fly-catching spider, like everyone else.

Spencer dusted off his textbook, SPIDER SENSE, and turned to Chapter One.  [Illo: Page reads: Chapter 1―Silk Spinning Skills.  Eight steps to spinning a web.]

“This makes sense, ” said Spencer.

He spun, spiraled, and wove.

“Tada! ” said Spencer.  [Illo: An unusual web with large circles built into the pattern.]

“What's that? ” The other spiders snickered.

“A web, of course.”  Spencer admired his creation.   

“Does it work? ”

Spencer hung around and waited.  A juicy mosquito danced around.

It whizzed right through Spencer's web.

“Spencer can’t catch a single fly!” The spiders laughed.  

5 comments:

Linda Glaz said...

Idon't handle children's but this sounds absolutely adorable!

Tricia Lawrence of Erin Murphy Literary said...

This is cute! I'd love to see this (and if you have two or three other PB manuscripts, please do send them along). Check with Deana for submission information. Thx!

Tricia Lawrence of Erin Murphy Literary said...

Adding sub info: Please send this manuscript and two or three other PB manuscripts if you have them (as .doc attachments) and paste your full query for all the manuscripts in the email to tricia@emliterary.com with the subject as GUTGAA and author name and title of this manuscript. Thx!

Romelle Broas said...

Thank you, Tricia, for giving me this opportunity! I will work on my submissions now. You should hear from me within the next couple of weeks (or sooner, if you prefer).

Deanna, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to host this fabulous contest.

I am thrilled and honored by your generosity!

Romelle Broas said...

Linda,
Thank you for taking the time to comment on everyone's submissions. That is very kind and thoughtful of you.