Jane has been writing for children since she was 22. She has written over 250 books and has received many honors and awards over the years including the Caldecott Medal for "Owl Moon" (illustrator John Schoenherr) in 1988, The Golden Kite Award in 1974 for "The Girl Who Cried Flowers and Other Tales", The Nebula Award in 1997 for her short story, "Sister Emily's Lightship". Jane is also an award-winning poet.
Jane's recent books, "The Perfect Wizard: Hans Christian Andersen" is a picture book biography of the Danish storyteller. This is a must read book. Quotes from Andersen's tales are included on every other page and are an exceptional touch. The illustrations by Dennis Nolan are superb! (Dutton's Children's Books, 2004)
Another recently published book by Jane Yolen is "Grandma's Hurrying Child" (illustrated by Kay Chorao). This is a touching book about a Grandma who is retelling the excitement of their birth to a grandchild.
Please visit Jane's website for an in-depth look at this great writer's life and contributions to literature.
1.SR: What was your inspiration for "The Perfect Wizard"? It is a wonderful biography.
Jane: Actually an editor called me up and said they wanted to do a picture book bio of Andersen and would I be interested. WOULD I!!!! I jumped at the chance.
2.SR: Did you decide on the picture book format for "The Perfect Wizard" or did your publisher make that decision? Do you know how this decision was made on the length and format?
Jane: The idea of it being a picture book was their idea, but the format--using the bits and pieces from Andersen's stories--was mine.
3.SR: You are usually a prolific author of wonderful fiction. How did you approach this project differently? Did you find nonfiction more or less challenging to write? Why or why not?
Jane: I actually began as a nonfiction writer and a journalist. My first book was about women pirates. And the research phase is always a delight to me. However,once I know my approach to a nonfiction book and the research is done, it is clear sailing, unlike fiction which continuously takes turns and detours I am not expecting.
