One of my favorite books and children’s authors, Miriam Young.
It’s Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week during this first, exciting week of February! Many public libraries are celebrating and/or hosting this event, from the Jacksonville Public Library in Florida to the Rogers Public Library in Arkansas to the Sloan Public Library in Iowa.
What a wonderful time for new and emerging children’s authors to finish a manuscript and have it illustrated. Writing for younger audiences is, indeed, a noble calling, and there can never be enough books for our little ones to enjoy. Illustration, too, is a magical art that can emblazon images in a child’s imagination forever.
Miss Suzy
I’m sure you can still envision book covers from decades past when you were a brand-new reader. I still recall Miss Suzy by Miriam Young and illustrated by Arnold Lobel, with the 50th-anniversary edition available at Barnes & Noble. What fond memories I have of reading this book by flashlight at night (when I was supposed to be sleeping)! The rhymes and rhythms were fascinating — and still are — and the illustrations greatly impacted who I am as an author today.
Miss Twiggley’s Tree
Also among my favorite children’s authors and illustrators, Dorothea Warren Fox
Miss Twiggley’s Tree by Dorothea Warren Fox, first published on January 1, 1966, is another all-time favorite. I have long since lost my copy, but vow to purchase another online. This charmingly vintage delight is worth the effort and belongs on my bookshelf for any future grandchildren that may come my way one day!
“Funny Miss Twiggley
Lived in a tree
With a dog named Puss
And a color TV.
She did what she liked,
And she liked what she did,
But when company came
Miss Twiggley hid.”
Children’s Authors — Do Your Books Need Editing?
It always helps to have a second pair of eyes. Contact me at melaniesaxton@icloud.com, and let’s discuss your project!