Robert Munsch is known as a Children's author who writes books that appeal to both kids and adults. His universal appeal makes his books worth considering to determine how he achieves his effects. An analysis of three of Munsch's books will now be completed. These books are Stephanie's Ponytail, Andrew's Loose Tooth, and 50 Below Zero. All three of these books were illustrated by Michael Martchenko. By considering the technique, style, meaning, and humor, some effective techniques in Children's literature will be observed.

             The technique is similar in all three books, with all three storylines having a similar pattern. The technique is based on establishing repetition, providing a variation on the repetition, and then using the repetition that has been set up to conclude the story with a twist. In Stephanie's Ponytail, the repetition begins as Stephanie tells her mother that she wants a ponytail coming right out the back. When she goes to school with the ponytail, the other kids tell her it is ugly. Stephanie replies that she likes her ponytail. The next day, the other kids have a ponytail just like Stephanie's. This pattern repeats three times as Stephanie moves her ponytail from behind her head, to the side of her head, and then to the top of the head. This sets up a regular pattern to the book. It is also important to note that as well as the events being the same, they are always expressed in similar ways. For example, each morning when Stephanie gets her ponytail starts with her Mom asking "Stephanie, would you like a ponytail coming out the back?" and Stephanie replying "NNNo." This is added to though as the book continues. On the first morning, this is the only question asked. On the third morning "Would you like one coming out the side?" is also asked. On the fifth morning "Would you like one coming out the top?" is added. This technique is important because it allows the storyline to expand and become more complicated, but also keeps the storyline familiar.