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Jun 6, 2023Liked by Rachel Michelle Wilson

You already know I think Steig was an absolute genius -- one of the greatest children's authors of all time, imo -- and his word choices were mind-blowing, I mean no one, NO ONE is better at this than him. And I adore you analysis of all three of these books, each of which I love for many different reasons (not least of which is their subverting of the dominant paradigm).

As for the ending in Wizzil: it feels right. It might not be as revolutionary as Rotten Island or Shrek, but I think it fits the characters and the story. It has truth in it, not in a saccharine way, but in an honest, sometimes-things-happen-like-this way that I like -- probably only because it's Steig, and I trust that he's not just ending it this way to, like, fit the trope, but because that's the way it really should have ended for Wizzil. (If any of that makes ANY sense 😂)

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Yes! I completely agree, Sarah. I love how you put it — couldn’t have said it better. Wizzil really is one of my favorite love stories because it leaves so much space for the reader. Steig never says, “These characters are lonely” and yet we subconsciously feel they are. Like Wizzil pestering her neighbor — seeking a human connection (albeit a misguided one). And so then when the ending arrives, it feels so satisfying. Like you said, this ending just feels right. But he didn’t do the typical “clearly state the character’s need set up” and I love that!

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Jun 6, 2023Liked by Rachel Michelle Wilson

Yes, exactly.

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Jun 10, 2023Liked by Rachel Michelle Wilson

Just found you ! 🙌

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Jun 7, 2023Liked by Rachel Michelle Wilson

Hey, girl. For some reason it says your video can't load. Not sure if that's happening to others too?

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Oh thanks for letting me know, Taylor! (And for watching ❤️) Okay so I did a test and had someone else do one and it looks like it is working now. I hope it works for you too!

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