Meet the Authors and Illustrators: 60 Creators of Favorite Children's Books Talk about Their Work

"Meet the Authors and the Illustrators, Volume One" is both a mental and a physical tool for young readers because it has the potential to either spark or further encourage their interest in books. Photocopying individual worksheets is not prohibited, as noted in the copyright information, and would be instrumental as a classroom reference for every child. Suggested activities proposed by the featured professionals, coupled with the insight each has volunteered in their previously presented interview, foster an atmosphere of literary acceptance. A definition of writing styles, solutions for writer's block, the importance of researching and rewriting, as well as the source of an author's ideas are presented with each profile in a transcriptual style, answering the intuitive reader's silent questions. Favorite childhood authors, such as Dr. Seuss, produce juvenile memories, while more advanced novels invite the reader to explore for himself. One of the most valuable assets of this collaboration is its tangible insistence that authors and illustrators are indeed ordinary people, coping with the challenges of creativity in the same ways as young people. Photographs, biographical synopsis, and bibliographical summaries also provide familiarity, reinforcing the concept of average people with extraordinary talent. If an open book is an open mind, "Meet the Authors and the Illustrators" is an essential introduction to the halls of literature.

This is a terrific resource book! As a public library children's librarian, I am so often asked if I know anything about the kids' favorite authors. Now I have a reference book that helps me answer those questions! Many of our favorite authors are included, such as Tomie dePaola, Steven Kellogg , Chris Van Allsburg, and my personal favorite, Jean Fritz. "Meet the Authors and Illustrators vol I" has a wonderful, unique feature. The book is divided into two sections: Picture book authors, and Intermediate authors. Sixty authors are included! I can't wait to get Volume II!