What's Happening?
Philip Stead has revealed the cover for his upcoming middle grade novel, 'A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic: Or, Like Lightning in an Umbrella Storm.' The book, published by Holiday House/Neal Porter Books, features a unique structure with out-of-order chapters and 24 morals, and includes Stead himself as a character. The cover design process was challenging due to the lengthy title, which Stead insisted must be fully displayed. To achieve the desired look, Stead enlisted the help of his seven-year-old daughter to create a custom typeface from her handwriting, which was then enhanced with embossed gold foil. The novel marks Stead's transition from picture books to middle grade fiction, inspired by his previous work on Mark Twain's unfinished notes for 'The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine.' Stead's meticulous approach extended to the book's interior layouts, ensuring each chapter ended on the same page side to aid reader navigation.
Why It's Important?
The release of 'A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic' signifies a new chapter in Philip Stead's career, expanding his repertoire from picture books to middle grade novels. This transition highlights Stead's versatility and ability to adapt his storytelling skills to different formats. The novel's innovative structure and design reflect Stead's commitment to creating engaging and immersive reading experiences. The involvement of his daughter in the cover design process adds a personal touch, showcasing the intersection of family and creativity. As Stead ventures into middle grade fiction, he opens up new opportunities for collaboration and exploration within the literary community, potentially influencing other authors to experiment with unconventional formats and storytelling techniques.
What's Next?
Philip Stead is already planning his next middle grade project, a three-book detective novel series in collaboration with Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell. This new venture indicates Stead's continued interest in exploring long-form storytelling and expanding his creative horizons. Additionally, there is potential for a sequel to 'A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic,' as hinted by Stead's editor, Taylor Norman. These upcoming projects suggest that Stead is committed to further developing his skills in middle grade fiction, potentially leading to more innovative and engaging works that could influence the genre.
Beyond the Headlines
The creation of a custom typeface from his daughter's handwriting for the book cover highlights the importance of personal connections and family involvement in artistic endeavors. This approach not only adds a unique aesthetic to the novel but also emphasizes the value of nurturing creativity from a young age. Stead's meticulous attention to detail in both the cover and interior design reflects a broader trend in publishing where authors are increasingly involved in the visual aspects of their books, ensuring that the form complements the content. This holistic approach to book creation may inspire other authors to consider the visual elements of their work as integral to the storytelling process.
