Behind the Pages with Seven Leading Children's Book Authors

By Judy Molland

Mercer Mayer, author of the beloved Little Critter children’s books, fared terribly in the subject of English when he was a schoolboy. So did Avi, the prolific author of Thea True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Nothing But the Truth and more. Bill Martin, who penned the oft-recited Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, didn’t even learn to read until he got to college.

Just in time for the summer reading season, we’ve collected personal reflections and tidbits from seven popular children’s book authors, from Mayer and Martin for the youngest set to Avi and Lois Lowry for middle-schoolers. If your kids aren’t so enamored with the prospect of reading this summer – which educators say is important for their continued academic success – these fun author facts just might prompt them tao open a book.

Seven noted children’s book authors share their childhood memories and influences:

Bill Martin Jr.
Mercer Mayer
Sharon Creech
Nikki Grimes
Avi
Kate DiCamillo
Lois Lowry

Bill Martin Jr.

Born in Kansas in 1916, Martin now lives in Texas. Of the numerous children’s books he has written, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, illustrated by Eric Carle, sold millions of copies and remains his all-time best seller.

Best subject at school: “Listening. Yes, listening! I learned so much by listening to the great books my teachers read to me. And, as a poor reader, listening to my teacher teach is what allowed me to learn about the subjects of the day.”

Worst subject: “Reading. You see, I never learned to read until I got to college. That is why I now write the types of books that are easy for kids to read. I want every child to be a reader.”

Favorite childhood book: “I loved Peter Rabbit.”

Best birthday present: “In 1994, I moved from New York to Texas. I was having a house built in the woods of east Texas, and on my birthday (March 20) I saw my new house framed out. It was a wonderful sight!”

Favorite movie: “I love many cartoons. Shrek is my favorite movie at the moment.”

Favorite food: “Swordfish. Followed by chocolate ice cream!”

Earliest writing memory: “I don’t remember my earliest. But my favorite has to be the morning I wrote Brown Bear. I was riding a train from Long Island to Manhattan and heard the wheels of the train crying ‘Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?’ Then I seemed to hear the answer ‘I see a red bird looking at me.’ By the time I got to Grand Central Station, the book was finished.”

Where his writing ideas come from: “I get my ideas from things that happen to me (Caddie the Golf Dog), from memories of childhood (The Ghost Eye Tree) and from current events (I Pledge Allegiance).”

Achievement he is most proud of: “The Bill Martin Pathways to Literacy workshops. For almost 40 years, these summer workshops have brought teachers and authors together to celebrate teaching, learning and books.”

Bill Martin Jr. book he recommends: “Not fair! That is like asking a parent which child they like best! I love all the books I have written, but always the one I am working on at the moment. My next book is Chicka, Chicka 1, 2, 3. It comes out this fall.”