Last fall I was privileged to read Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story . It was a CYBILS nominee in the Nonfiction Picture Book category. Have you read it? What a wonderful story of courage as a slave, Robert Smalls escapes and becomes a Civil War hero. A great story about rising up from unbelievable odds.
Janet has graciously donated both this book and Little Skink’s Tale to the Bridget Zinn Auction. I wanted to know more about her so I asked a few questions.
How long have you been writing/ illustrating?
I have been writing pretty much all of my life, but I have been a children’s book author for about ten years. Before I became a full-time children’s author, I was a daily newspaper reporter, the managing editor of a national children’s magazine called Country Kids, and a creator of coloring and activity books (Mickey Mouse, Lion King, Batman, etc.) for Golden Books. But being a children’s author had always been my dream, so I am delighted to be living that dream now!
When you aren’t illustrating/writing, what might we find you doing?
Two days a week, my husband and I have our 2-year-old and five-year-old grandsons, so those are busy, fun-filled days. I also enjoy working in my garden, exploring nature, visiting new places, and spending time with the rest of my family.
Who influenced you as a writer/illustrator?
One of my biggest influences is animals and nature. Most of my books are on these themes. I grew up on a farm in Michigan and spent many hours with my mother and dad in the fields, barn, and garden. My dad was what I call a “farmer’s farmer” and I think his love of animals and the land rubbed off on me.
What is your current project?
I am working on my tenth book for Soundprints, which publishes books on animals and nature in association with the Smithsonian Institution. My ninth book with them, Little Black Ant at Park Street, is coming out this summer. Good Night, Little Sea Otter will come out from Star Bright Books next spring and a second book from Sylvan Dell Publishing, the publishers of Little Skink’s Tail, will come out in 2010.
What books are on your nightstand?
Right now I am reading From Slavery to Freedom by John Hope Franklin. I also have a huge, ever-changing stack of children’s picture books in my living room that I share with my grandsons.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration all around me-in nature, in what people do and say, from my children and grandchildren, in events, in experiencing new places. Often research for one story leads to another.
What was your favorite book as a child? As a teen? As an adult? Any particular genre stand out?
I grew up in a home without many books, so my favorite story as a child was from one of my parents’ old schoolbooks: Rumpelstiltskin. As a teen I liked Little Women and Wuthering Heights. As an adult, two of my most memorable books have been The Negro in Our Historyby Carter G. Woodson and The Underground Railroad by William Still. From the time my children were young until the present, my favorite books have been children’s picture books.
Favorite time of the day to work?
Probably the afternoon, but I’m not really fussy.
Chocolate: white, dark, or milk?
Dark
Coffee or tea or —?
Herb tea once in a while, but mostly water or juice.
Dance: Funky chicken or the tango?
My husband and I square dance-great exercise and an activity where we meet some of the friendliest people in the world.
Thank, Janet. I see that you list on of my favorite teen books, Wuthering Heights. Love that story. Love dark chocolate as well. You can bidd on either of the books that Janet has donated at the Bridget Zinn Auction. If you have not read Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story, put it on your short list to read.
Nonfiction Monday is being round-up at ACPL Mock Sibert.
Happy Reading.
MsMac
