No, I don't keep a journal. I do keep a blog, although it's a fairly mild blog. I'm always hoping that thousands of people are reading it (I should be so lucky!), so it's pretty tame.
But keeping a journal is a wonderful exercise for kids--for anyone, really. When I discovered that Teddy Roosevelt kept a journal as a child, I thought it would be fun to edit that journal and turn it into a children's book with a section on writing for kids. MY TOUR OF EUROPE BY TEDDY ROOSEVELT, AGE 10 is the result. I like to tell people that President Roosevelt and I wrote a book together.
Kids enjoy learning that the dignified-looking fellow sitting on Mt. Rushmore once got in trouble for jumping on the bed. I think it's important to humanize some of those bigger-than-life figures from history.
2. You also have wonderful quotes at your website. What is your very very favorite quote and author?
"The scientific theory I like best is that the rings of Saturn are composed entirely of lost airline luggage." (Mark Russell). Just kidding. The quote I try hardest to keep in mind when I'm dealing with unpleasant people is from Philo of Alexandria: "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle."
Who is my favorite author? Can't really say. That's like picking a favorite food. Chocolate? Salted peanuts? Mashed potatoes? It's hard to compare, and I wouldn't want to give up any of them. I have a list of several favorite authors on my website, but the list is always changing. Some that seem to stick around are: Annie Dillard, Jack Kornfield, Oliver Sacks, Diane Ackerman, Jared Diamond, A.S. Byatt, Richard Dawkins, Marilyn Robinson, Carolyn See, Anne Lamott, Wally Lamb, Julius Lester, Jane Yolen, and Patricia Polacco.
3. How did you develop your interest in science. Many of your books are science related. What science topic is your favorite? What topic would you like to write about in the future?
When I was growing up, no one, including me, noticed or encouraged my interest in science-although they were great about encouraging my nonexistent interest in dusting. It took me years to overcome that early conditioning and allow myself to read science books during the day instead of doing the dishes.
