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Shelley Butler, “Still a Kid at Heart: Children’s Book Reviews”
Of the thousands of books published each year, only a few dozen cross any reviewer’s desk that make her say, “I wish I’d done that!” Shelley has been writing book reviews for five years now, but with a background in libraries, experience in writing and speaking about early childhood, a Parents’ Choice Award for The Field Guide to Parenting, and two kids of her own, children’s books have long been a part of her life and work. Aiming to bring some of the rare gems of children’s books to OUAT, Shelley hopes these will inspire great writers and wonderful illustrators to create a crown jewel or two or dozen of their own.
Jane Chase, "The Art Room"
While Jane is both illustrator and writer, she concentrates on illustration here. Wander around "The Art Room" with her each issue, and pay close attention. You'll find useful information on techniques, materials, and tips to make your work sparkle and keep you smudge-free. Jane's mission is to give a lot of information a little bit at a time. This is the column to read if you want new answers, new solutions, and new ideas. Let's say you're an aspiring illustrator and need some pointers; you'll find them in "The Art Room" with Jane. And you can be sure she's tried everything before she tells you!
Lisa Rowe Fraustino, PhD, "Not-a-Column"
It is, instead, Dr. Lisa's Ongoing OUAT Class, where she lectures about the techniques of writing. Every writer needs to learn the craft, and this is the best place in the country to do it. With Lisa as a teacher, you'll turn out well-plotted manuscripts with strong characters in intriguing settings speaking compelling dialogue, which results in a satisfying and believable ending. So dust off your backpack, get a good night's sleep, and get ready for class. Snacks are allowed, and you don't have to raise your hand to speak! However, you'll learn more if you listen!
Claudette Hegel, "Claudette—On Caldecotts and Newberys"
Claudette writes exclusively on these books and the selection process. They are her passion and delight. She’s read all of the “Medal” books, including the Honor books and owns a copy of each of 85 Newbery winners, 277 Newbery Honor Books, 69 Caldecott winners, and 219 Caldecott Honor Books. She has written Distinguished Children’s Literature: The Newbery and Caldecott Winners, The Books and Their Creators; The Newbery and Caldecott Books in the Classroom; and Newbery and Caldecott Trivia and More for Every Day of the Year. Claudette is so obsessed she’s even named her cat Cal-de-catt. Need info on these books? You’ll find it here.
Margaret Hillert, "Random Thoughts About Poetry"
Margaret is the author of more than 75 children's books. In her column she cites from her own work and points out things such as twist endings ("Beginnings make the initial contact, but endings can be memorable."). She advises on how to watch for "a sense of sound" which comes about through devices such as end rhyme, internal rhyme, near rhyme, alliteration, repetition, even line length itself. Mostly, however, she says when writing poetry, just play around with it, have fun, and enjoy. Good advice from a pro! Bring a sharp pencil and come play with Margaret.
Michelle Young Hubacher, "Teetering on the Totter:
Random Thoughts on Writing While Running the World"
Michelle is the daft neighbor up the street who occasionally throws a bright yellow dandelion onto your pristine lawn just for a giggle. Her slightly irreverent column will give you a smile, and you’ll probably see yourself in the daze she regularly finds herself. She’s been “writing for years”—collateral and promotional materials. Now she’s ready to pursue her dream of writing for children. So welcome to the ramblings of an over-scheduled, under-productive mother, wife, volunteer, taxi-driver, laundress, short-order cook, tutor, daydreamer and . . . oh, yeah . . . writer.
Paula Morrow, "Like a Child"
Two magazine editors for the price of one—that's Paula Morrow, former editor of Babybug and Ladybug (Cricket Publishing Group). She hangs out with us on the inside back cover. She loves children's literature, cares deeply about writers and illustrators, and has much to say. For those of you who read our magazine back to front, Paula's the one who will draw you in, offer you the "company chair," and chat with you for an entire page about your favorite topic, writing for children. Indulge yourself and read this page twice! You couldn't be in better hands.
Barbara Seuling, "In This Together"
(Hard to believe that all of this talent is in one magazine, isn't it?) Barbara, wildly popular conference speaker, writing teacher, former book editor, and author of many books, including How To Write A Children's Book and Get It Published (Scribner), lends her expertise as a columnist extraordinaire. She knows the ropes and the industry. Get out your highlighter, pour a cup of coffee, turn to Barbara's page, and count yourself lucky to soak up all of her acquired wisdom. This nurturing and informative column is worth the subscription price all by itself!
Charles Somerville "Known Professionally as Who Else®"
Charles works in a threadbare sweater, spirited away in a chill and lonely garret, by the light of one lone candle to draw us his goofy cartoons each issue—a comic strip and a Daily Grin or A Brown Bag Baloney. His work reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously. Whether he spoofs writing or illustrating you will see he draws from the heart and knows all our foibles, quirks, hopes, disappointments, and successes. Sooner or later, you'll laugh with Charles and say, "I've been there," or "That's me!" or maybe "That's the nut in my critique group!" or even, "Look! Another pierced and bearded rock singer has written a children's book!" Yup, Charles doesn't mess around. He nails it! OUAT's cartoonist in residence.
Ann Tompert, "Musings of a Dotty Old Lady"
Ann is a seasoned, well-published pro in the field of children's literature. She offers a resting place, a stop over spot, an interesting little corner of OUAT, where she dispenses opinions, color commentary, and bookish information. All this now from a dotty old lady's perspective. Look for inspiration here, too, as Ann knows writers seek encouragement wherever they can find it. Besides all that, she "muses" on . . . er . . . musing stuff—like are there too many book awards being dished out from every nook, cranny, and secret garden; when did writers know they wanted to be writers; and can we question why children have to solve the story problems without help from adults—that kind of musing writerly stuff. The teapot is always hot, the cucumber sandwiches are on the best china, and Ann's door is always open. Join her anytime.
Linda T. Snider Ward, “Unleashing The Artist”
Linda knows all two-dimensional art is a trick—a type of trompe l’oeil (French for “fool the eye”). Her column is about the many tricks and tools artists can use to help illustrators create a three-dimensional world on a two-dimensional surface. She gives hints and examples, explains how “good ol’ elements and principles of design” work, and reminds readers how to check drawings for problems. It takes research, study, and practice to gain confidence in yourself as an artist. Linda does the research; it’s up to you to study her page and ultimately, with her help, you’ll unleash the artist within.
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