A Letter from Phoenix Farm (Meet the author)
Grade 1-4-- These autobiographical accounts read like conversations with familiar friends. The authors' words draw readers into their lives, and the excellent full-color photographs of home, working environment, and family help children participate in their worlds. Although each volume stands alone, the three of them reveal different approaches to writing and show how authors integrate their work and life in many ways. Rylant, for example, writes outside with pen and paper while Martin works at his computer. He travels frequently to tell stories while Yolen has reduced her travel because of other commitments. All three writers discuss not only their working routines but also their sources of ideas. Certainly these books would encourage children in their own creative activities. --Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MNCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.