Franny Billingsley is the author of WELL WISHED (Atheneum, 1997), which was named one of Booklist’s Top Ten First Novels of the Year, and THE FOLK KEEPER (Atheneum, 1999), which was named a Notable Book in Children’s Literature and winner of the Boston Globe-Hornbook Award. This interview was conducted via email in June 2000.
What were you like as a child?
Continue Reading Interview: Children’s Author Franny Billingsley »
Francess Lantz was the author of numerous titles, including the novels FADE FAR AWAY (HarperCollins, 1998), STEPSISTER FROM PLANET WEIRD (Random House, 1996)(which was made into a TV movie on the Disney Channel), and the YOU’RE THE ONE series. This interview was conducted via email in September 2000.
What kind of reader were you as a child? What were your favorite books?
Continue Reading Interview: Children’s-YA Author Francess Lantz »
Esther Hershenhorn is the author of several books, including THERE GOES LOWELL’S PARTY (Holiday House, 1998), ILLINOIS: FUN FACTS AND GAMES (GHB Publisher’s, 2000), and THE CONFE$$IONS AND $ECRET$ OF HOWARD J. FINGERHUT (Holiday House, 2002). Her upcoming title is CHICKEN SOUP BY HEART (Simon & Schuster, October 2002). This interview was conducted via email in May-June 2002.
What books were among your childhood favorites and why?
Continue Reading Interview: Children’s Author Esther Hershenhorn »
Ellen Wittlinger is the author of HARD LOVE (Simon & Schuster, 1999), a Printz honor book, as well as LOMBARDO’S LAW (Houghton Mifflin, 1993) and NOTICING PARADISE (Houghton Mifflin, 1995). This interview was conducted via email in February 2000.
What sorts of books and authors did you enjoy as a girl?
I was an avid library user,
Continue Reading Interview: Children’s-YA Author Ellen Wittlinger »
Elaine Scott is the author of many nonfiction books, including FRIENDS! (Atheneum, 2000), TWINS! (Atheneum, 1998), and CLOSE ENCOUNTERS: EXPLORING SPACE WITH THE HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE (Hyperion, 1998). This interview was conducted via email in November-December 2001.
What were the earliest inklings that you would become a writer? Did it begin in your childhood or later in life?
Continue Reading Interview: Children’s Author Elaine Scott »
Don Tate’s first fully illustrated trade picture book is SAY HEY! A SONG OF WILLIE MAYS by Peter Mandel (Hyperion, 2000). Don has also illustrated a chapter book for Hyperion. This interview was conducted via email in November 2000. Visit Don Tate.
Could you describe your journey to becoming an artist? What were your original inspirations?
Continue Reading Interview: Children’s Illustrator Don Tate »
Newcomer Dianna Hutts Aston has burst on the publishing scene, debuting strong in a tough market for picture books. Her first was LOONEY LITTLE, illustrated by Kelly Murphy (Candlewick, 2003). This interview with conducted by email in 2003.
What were your earliest influences?
From the time I was little, my mom read to me. I have a photograph of the two of us,
Continue Reading Interview: Children’s Author Dianna Hutts Aston »
Diane Gonzales Bertrand’s novels include ALICIA’S TREASURE (1995), TRINO’S CHOICE (1999), and TRINO’S TIME (2001) Her bilingual picture books include SIP, SLURP, SOUP, SOUP/CALDO, CALDO, CALDO (1997), FAMILY, FAMILIA (1999), THE LAST DOLL (2001), and UNCLE CHENTE’S PICNIC (2001). Her books are published by Arte Publico. This interview was conducted via email in March 2002.
What role did books play in your childhood?
Continue Reading Interview: Children’s-YA Author Diane Gonzales Bertrand »
Denise Schmandt-Besserat is the author of THE HISTORY OF COUNTING, a non-fiction picture book illustrated by Michael Hays (Morrow, 1999). This interview was conducted via email in February 2000.
What first inspired you to write The HISTORY OF COUNTING for children?
I am professor of Art and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas at Austin.
Continue Reading Interview: Children’s Author Denise Schmandt-Besserat »
Debbie Leland is the author of AGGIE GOOSE RHYMES (Wild Run, 1998) and THE JALAPENO MAN (Wildflower Run, 2000), both illustrated by Ann Hollis Rife. She formed Wildflower Run Publishing in 1998. THE JALAPENO MAN was voted Favorite New Children’s Book at the Mid-South Independent Booksellers’ Trade Show. This interview was conducted via email in 2000. Visit: Debbie Leland.
Continue Reading Interview: Children’s Author Debbie Leland »