What was your initial inspiration?
While perusing the children’s poetry section in my library one day, I happened upon Robert Frost’s book, STREET POEMS. This oldie but goodie, published in 1971, contained brief poems about objects seen in the city. I found the book fascinating because each poem was embellished with simple black lines. Together, text and lines created pictures which resembled each poem’s topic.
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THE WAY THE STORM STOPS by Michelle Meadows, illustrated by Roseanne Litzinger (Henry Holt, 2003). In this every-beat-just-right debut picture book, Meadows crafts for young readers the beauty, excitement, awe, scariness, and comfort of a storm. Litzinger’s soft art is just right for a rainy day or night. Wonderful and rare multicultural pre-K book with a universal theme. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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SNUGGLE MOUNTAIN by Lindsey Lane, illustrated by Melissa Iwai (Clarion, 2003). Emma *really* wants a pancake breakfast, but oh! there’s so much between her and that plate. Warm, evocative illustrations. A perfect story for preK readers from a promising debut picture book writer. This interview was conducted via email in 2003.
What was your initial inspiration for creating this book?
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RIVER FRIENDLY, RIVER WILD by Jane Kurtz, illustrated by Neil Brennan (Simon & Schuster, 2000). An exquisitely written and illustrated picture book of poems inspired by Kurtz’s own family’s experience during the flood in Grand Forks. Ages 6-up. This interview was conducted via email in 2000.
What was your initial inspiration for creating this book?
I had just been stunned by the Red River flood of 1997 and had seen our (ultimately torn down) house one time when I flew off to speak at IRA in Atlanta.
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FANNIE IN THE KITCHEN: THE WHOLE STORY FROM SOUP TO NUTS OF HOW FANNIE FARMER INVENTED RECIPES WITH PRECISE MEASUREMENTS by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter (Atheneum/Anne Schwartz, 2001). Marcia’s not the least bit pleased when Mama hires a mother’s helper who isn’t Marcia herself. After all, Marcia does such a good job making the floor-to-ceiling candles and polishing the oil lamps (despite breaking one or two).
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PIECES: A YEAR IN POEMS & QUILTS by Anna Grossnickle Hines (Greenwillow, 2001). Poetry fans and quilt lovers simply must own and will treasure this book, crafted in glorious and loving detail. Opening the cover is like sinking into an exhibit and reading, all in one. Of particular note is a two-and-a-half page spread, The Story Behind the Quilts, which offers an insider’s look behind the scenes at Anna and the family tradition that inspired her.
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GEOGRAPHY CLUB by Brent Hartinger (HarperCollins, 2003). Russel Middlebrook has a secret from even his best friends at high school, that he’s gay. But an online chat offers an opportunity to meet up with another gay teen–who ends up being one of the best-looking athletes in school. These two cautiously connect with peers and then seek a place to be themselves,
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Bruce Hale is a highly recommended speaker. Visit him online for information about his life and Chet Gecko, Detective as well as events, writing a story, cartoon strips, and more! This interview was conducted via email in 2004.
What was your initial inspiration for creating these books?
I was living in Hawaii at the time (1997),
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SHAKE IT, MORENA! AND OTHER FOLKLORE FROM PUERTO RICO by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, illustrated by Lulu Delacre (Millbrook, 2002). A lively author-illustrator team treats young readers to the songs, riddles, stories, and games of their own Puerto Rican childhood. The colorful illustrations reflect the diversity of the people and the charm of their many traditions. Excellent choice for classrooms. Ages 4-up.
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FAT KID RULES THE WORLD by K.L. Going (Putnam, 2003). This strong, sometimes funny, often touching teen novel is the story of Troy Billings—an overweight and emotionally isolated guy whose life seems worthless until he meets quasi-homeless guitar master Curt. In no time, Troy finds himself the socially recovering drummer in Curt’s new punk rock band. Problem is, Troy can’t play the drums and Curt,
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