Toni Buzzeo: Teacher, Librarian, Children's Writer
Writer, award-winning children's librarian and book reviewer; Toni Buzzeo has immersed herself in the wonderful world of children's literature. She readily admits to reading hundreds of books for children in the course of a year. While Toni is very proud of her accomplishments in all areas of children's literacy, she thinks of herself first as a children's writer.
Toni loves living in the world of books. She has the distinct honor of being named "Maine Library Media Specialist of the Year" in 1999. In 1999 her first book, "Terrific Connections With Authors, Illustrators and Storytellers: Real Space and Virtual Links" was published. Jane Kurtz is the co-author and in addition to a professional collaboration she and Jane (an established author in her own right) (see Feb. 2004 article) have become good friends.
Toni began her career as a writer as a teen when she began to write poetry. Her start as a librarian also began at this time. She did an apprecticeship as a page at the Dearborn Public Library. She later became children's librarian at Baxter Memorial Library in Gorham, Maine. She also began to write books reviews at this time.
Finally, after years of writing for children, Toni's book, "Sea Chest", won the Society of Book Writers and Illustrators Barbara Karlin Grant for this work. She quickly sold "Sea Chest" to Dial Books for Young Adults and as they say, the rest is history. "Sea Chest" is a wonderful story about an amazing discovery. It also was a Jr. Library Guild selection in 2002. and won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award.
Toni's next book, "Dawdle Duckling" is a beautiful picture book illustrated by Margaret Spengler. It is also published by Dial Books in 2001 and is about a unique little duck who lives his life by his own rules. Toni's latest book is soon to be published, "Little Loon and Papa" (also Dial Books) is a charming story for very young readers. He works are excellent examples of super writing for children.
Toni's website is chock-full of information. Please visit and read about her and her works and interests in children's writing and literacy. Toni's professional books are excellent resources for library media specialists and teachers interested in literacy.
1. SR: As a librarian you have contact with children's literature. When and why did you become interested in actually writing for children?
TB: Children's literature has been a passion of mine for many years, from the time I was a Library Aide in the children's department of the Snow Branch of the Dearborn, Michigan Public Library by day and taking college courses at night in the early seventies. With both a bachelor's and master's degree in English, I have always defined myself as a writer, and it was a long-term dream of mine to combine my two passions.
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