Interview with Author Melissa Stewart

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
I have written about 130 books about science and nature for kids, and I feel very lucky to have such an awesome job. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do. I get to read and write about interesting things all day long. I can set my own schedule. And since my office is just ten steps from my bedroom, I can even work in my pajamas if I want to. How cool is that!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK.
My latest picture book, A Place for Frogs (Peachtree, 2010), is part of a group of books that describe the efforts of scientists and ordinary citizens to save endangered animals and their habitats. These books began with A Place for Butterflies (Peachtree, 2006). A Place for Birds was published in 2009, and A Place for Fish is scheduled to come out in 2011. Two more books are in the works.

In each of the books, every two-page spread has two levels of text—a simpler main text and a more sophisticated extended sidebar. This format is perfect for a young child reading with a parent or teacher. The books are also ideal for Reading Buddy programs, which pair a first or second grader with an older child. Each student can read text written at his or her own level. Then they can look at the beautiful art created by the uber-talented Higgins Bond and discuss the content together.

WHERE DO GET YOUR NONFICTION IDEAS?
They come from everywhere—things I read, people I talk to, experiences I have. I never know when inspiration might strike, so I carry a little notebook with me wherever I go.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE HARDEST PART ABOUT WRITING?
I’d have to say creating and maintaining voice. I write in a variety of different voices, depending on the topic, grade level, and the intent of the publisher. Switching back and forth between projects that involve different voices takes a lot of energy and concentration.

WHAT IS THE STRANGEST FACT YOU HAVE LEARNED?
Oh gee, that’s a hard question. I think it would have to be all the amazing ways other animals use spit—to build homes, to attract mates, to attack enemies, to paralyze prey, to cool their bodies, to heal wounds, to shoot prey out of the air. The list goes on and on.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
Thanks so much for maintaining this blog. It’s great to see a place where parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians can go to find great nature-themed books for kids.