Larry Tuxbury
Post #2033 – 20060813August 13, 2006
Hi, Daniel.
Have you written any essays about your writing process? I’m curious.
Daniel replies:
Well, yes, but I have an excuse.
Talk to DP Forum
Mayaj and Tally
Post #2032 – 20060813August 13, 2006
Hi!
My name is Mayaj and I have very recently introduced my friend Tally to your Wonderfulness. Our favorite will always be Young Adult Novel. Which brings us to our request: May we make shirts that say “MUNCH ON, LITTLE KEVIN SHAPIRO” and wear them? We only intend to make two, one for each of us, since we don’t know anyone else who might be worthy. We would love to make another one and send it to you, may we pleeeaaase? And if we can’t, can someone in… ermm… DP merchandise..(?) make them so we can buy them? As you can tell this is very important to us. I’d love to go on and tell you how your books personally taught me how to read English (I’m from Israel) but this is neither the time nor the place, right? Right. Anyway, we badly want those shirts (we are aspiring Wild Dada Duckettes), but we thought we’d better get permission. Since you own Kevin Shapiro. Which makes you a god by the way. Stopping typing now is a good idea.
Bye,
We love you!!! And your books, but mostly you!
Mayaj and Tally
Daniel replies:
Oh, that's a good idea! A Kevin Shapiro t-shirt. Maybe it could have a non-(tm) facsimile of Grape Nuts with the slogan, ""Munch on, little Kevin Shapiro."" Or let these two duckette candidates just do their own. How do you say Grape Nuts in Hebrew?
Dana Herrera
Post #2031 – 20060813August 13, 2006
Good Evening Daniel and Jill~
My name is Dana and I am a 3rd grade teacher. I have never taught 3rd grade before this year (I have always taught 1st) and I am very scared. When I looked at our summer reading list I fell in love with The Hoboken Chicken Emergency. I can not wait until the first day of school to find out the students reactions to your book.
I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions and if I could share some pictures from your web site with my students?
1. What inspired you to write the Hoboken Chicken Emergency?
2. Was Arthur a reflection of you as a child?
3. Can my students write to you and who do I send them to?
4. I have to teach about the Idiarod (spelling???) in Feb/Mar do you have any favorite organizations I can get information from?
5. Would you consider taking a trip across the Hudson to Princeton, NJ?
I know this last question is a huge stretch and I can not offer you any money (we are a Catholic school) buy I make a mean Pad Thai and I have a dog who thinks her life calling is to be a sled dog. She fails to realize she is a whole 22 lbs. and would pee all over if she saw that many people.
Thanks for taking the time to read my email, I am sure you get tons of them everyday. Have a great night and rub your puppies bellies for me.
~Dana
Daniel replies:
1. It is a true story. I changed some of the names, of course.
2. No, Arthur is the reflection of someone else.
3. Yes they can. I don't know to whom you should send your students. Maybe you should keep them where they are in Princeton, New Jersey. Princeton is a nice place.
4. Iditarod. One of my favorite organizations is the Royal Economic Society--but I don't think they are likely to have information about sled dog races.
5. I would consider it. Considering things is fun, and I do it all the time. However the offer of no money amounts to a non-consideration, as much as I am curious about mean food, and seeing your dog's tiny sled.
6. Thank you for writing to me. There are two very good sequels to THE HOBOKEN CHICKEN EMERGENCY, they are LOOKING FOR BOBOWICZ and THE ARTSY SMARTSY CLUB.
Karen Matheis
Post #2030 – 20060812August 12, 2006
Dear Mr. Pinkwater:
I’m writing in response to your recent commentary on the woodcut aritst Shiko Munakata, heard on NPR.
I’m not one to respond to something I hear on the radio, but I had to tell you how deeply touched I was when I heard this story.
I’m a printmaker who also has the “woodcut bug.” I was in a similar situation in college and took a printmaking course as a requirement for my degree. I immediately was drawn to this medium. I love the way you described the tools and the paper… it’s so accurate.
I first saw the artist Munakata in a printmaking book called: “The Japanese Print: A Historical Guide” by Hugo Munsterberg (1982). I LOVE his work. It seems incredible that people are not familiar his prints.
I wanted to send you one of my woodcuts prints, but don’t have an address for you. To describe my work: I like to use Hosho paper, and my cuts are quick. Perhaps I can e-mail these images to you?
Daniel replies:
Actually, I applied to graduate school at Lawrence, but the art building burned down, which I thought was sort of extreme. They could have just sent me a rejection letter. Some day I have to write up the story of when I bought a whole bunch of rice paper in Japan, and told the guy in the paper store I wanted to buy a brush too--and he sent me to the brushmaker, which turned out to be a whole unexpected adventure. I'd love to see your work.
Annie K.
Post #2027 – 20060811August 11, 2006
Dear DP,
It’s me again! I’m looking forward to buying more of you’re books. Just so you know I started reading your books only because you were on my summer reading list for school. I thought I would hate all of my summer books but I did not. And I’ve read mostly you’re books! It’s amazing about all the mysteries that you can write! I have one question. Is your favorite animal a chicken or is this just a huge idea that all your books would include a chicken? Just because I think that it’s a very good idea to stick to a perfect idea. You inspired me to make my own book. Even though I’m young I think that all of my books are interesting, but not as interesting as you’res!
Much hope with all your writing,
Annie K.
Daniel replies:
You got it! The chicken theme is just something I started--and they keep turning up! Besides, chicken is a funny word. Say ""chicken"" fifteen times fast. Makes you giggle, doesn't it?
Terry Cookro
Post #2029 – 20060811August 11, 2006
I’m a retired U.S. Geological Survey geologist who happens to be working for FEMA in Albany NY. I know you live in the Hudson River Valley (that’s why I thought of you today) which I find really beautiful, I just went to see FDR’s home and Val Kill -ER’s favorite home(which groan was closed….darn), and got a taste of the Valley. My question is: What would you suggest I do with several stories I’m writing and crafting for children.
Should I go for an online kind of workshop, or should I go to a “convention-type” workshop. With my job it is hard to go to a local community college.
One of my books is on a scientist, Susan Solomon, who has a mock up of herself in the Smithsonian (that happened when she was in her 30’s), now she is 50. She works at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Boulder, Colorado.
Another book is about a mule that helped a little girl put her bag of cornmeal back up on his back when it slipped off.
Anyway I have a million ideas and I hope that 60 years after I die, some little boy or girl picks up one of my books and is inspired. That is my goal.
I would so appreciate hearing what avenue you think I should use to get published.
Ciao, and thank you.
Terry Cookro
Daniel replies:
I don't know a lot about this topic. I never went to one of those convention type workshops. I also never participated in an online one--but I assume they have the advantage of not costing money. And, I never took a writing course. I taught one once, and it was pretty much useless. I'm not sure you can be taught to write--possibly a course or workshop may provide a few insights or useful tricks, but I think it's usually something one has to teach oneself. Plus you need talent or native ability, and the capacity to look at your own work objectively. Most people I've run into who express a desire to write and publish turn out not to have read widely or analytically--and most of them haven't written a lot either, or cultivated a critical eye. I suppose my stock advice to someone in your position would be to read your way through the children's department of a good library, finding books you admire and trying to understand their structure and the technique employed, and also to write a great deal, and critique your own work vigorously. Actually getting the stuff published is quite hard and a study in itself--there are probably thousands of websites that discuss strategies. Or...you can take what you already have, self-publish, or employ one of the print-on-demand publishers, and give the books away as Christmas presents. Would probably cost no more than going to one or two of those conferences.
Nell Ryan
Post #2026 – 20060811August 11, 2006
Dear Mr Pinkwater,
Hi my name is Nell and I am 10 years old. In my year 5 class we are researching ‘International Authors’. I am going to write a biograghy about you and in order to do this ihave a few questions to ask.
1. You went to Africa I know, but why did you like it the most?
2. When did you get Lulu? Why did you get a dog and where?
3. What year did you get Married?
4. When did you finish university?
Thank you for your time. If possible could you send a reply back. I really enjoyed your book ‘Fat Camp commandoes Go West’.
Nell Ryan
Daniel replies:
Hello, Nell --
1. I liked Africa because....because...well, first of all, it was a little like going back to the time when humans were a fairly new animal on earth. I traveled with the migrating herds, saw wild lions and leopards close up--so many beautiful animals. Got to know what it was like in a complete wilderness, how things felt, and smelled. And I was chased by rhinos! Saw elephants! And it just felt good to be there. And natural and comfortable! I loved sleeping in a tent and half-hearing the night sounds all around me.
2. Lulu has been with us for almost 10 years. We have always had dogs--they're among our favorite friends. Lulu came from Baffin Island in arctic Canada.
3. 1969.
4. 1964. They were glad to be rid of me.
Annie K.
Post #2028 – 20060811August 11, 2006
Hi DP!,
Here are some questions I just want to know about you.
1. What is your favorite movie?
2. What is your favorite book:?
3. What inspired you to write very unique books?
4. What was your first pet?
5. Where did you go to college? (If you did go.)
6. What state and city do you live in now?
Thank you for your time,
Annie K.
Daniel replies:
1. Can't say--too many favorites to pick one.
2. Same answer. Can never pick one favorite.
3. I write books I would like to read.
4. Rhinoceros...no, that's wrong. Before the rhino I had a crocodile. No, that's not right either. Hm. I can't remember.
5. I went to college. Small liberal arts college in a very pretty part of the country.
6. I live in New York State, in the Hudson Valley, outside a small town.
Thank you for your questions.
John Whitmore III
Post #2025 – 20060810August 10, 2006
I read with dismay that the fine hamlet of Hoboken has had an altercation with a robotic parking machine (www.wired.com/news/technology/0,71554-0.html?tw=rss.index) and was struck with the thought: … but this is HOBOKEN! They don’t need software for a robot to move cars about, they HAVE A LARGE CHICKEN!
Friends assure me that the matter has already been brought to your attention, so just consider this a confirming report.
Daniel replies:
I used to keep my car in a garage in Hoboken. It was under a building, had a downward ramp to enter--and you can see a quick shot of it in On the Waterfront, when the car carrying Rod Steiger to be murdered by the mobsters goes down that ramp. There was the owner, called--but not to his face--The Gorilla, and his employee, or maybe his son, known as The Kid. I don't know if they had a name for me, but they called a friend of mine Hollywood or Wolfspit. The Kid was as close to an owner as the famous dog, Jolly Roger, had. No chickens or robots were involved.
Sallie Lowenstein
Post #2024 – 20060806August 6, 2006
Not much, I suppose. I stumbled on your delightful (and amusing) website not exactly by chance. I frequently listen to, and thoroughly enjoy, your reviews on NPR and had thought to see if I could send you a copy of my new picture book, but on reading messages to you and your messages back and other messages on the site, I decided just to write and tell you that your books are still some of my children’s favorites (and mine). My children are now 25 and 23 and still love your books for the free flowing imagination and the humor and all the good things children’s books should be made of and only sometimes are. My daughter and I still chuckle over The Fat Men from Outer Space and the accompanying picture of you, on the flap, dressed in the same checkered/plaid suit as the fat men wore. My son still recommends your books to his younger cousins, although he is pursuing a serious academic career in Modern European Diplomatic History. And I, who work with many children myself, tell them all, even when they are in high school (and sometimes when they are grownups) that if they have missed your books, they must read them! Such humor and imagination is too good to be missed by anyone.
So having said all this, I am delighted to hear you are releasing a new book! I look forward to it with delight.
Sallie Lowenstein
Daniel replies:
Thanks very much for your courteous and flattering remarks. As for your picture book, go ahead and have your publisher send a review copy, (at their expense--not yours), and take a chance with everyone else. I am author-blind, and publisher-blind, but not illustrator-blind, that would be silly, and I pick what is good, and will work on the program.
Meg Parsons
Post #2023 – 20060726July 26, 2006
I was wondering if there has ever been a video production of “Alan Mendelsohn, the Boy from Mars”, and if it might be commercially available.
I was also wondering if you could make an Alan Mendelsohn t-shirt available through one of the shops. I’d like to get one for my son, who is a college sophmore now, interested in teaching language arts at the middle school level, and considers “Alan Mendelsohn, the Boy from Mars” one of his favorite books.
Daniel replies:
Periodically there has been talk of a film version of Alan Mendelsohn. As to a t-shirt, what would be depicted on it?
Angela Plagge
Post #2022 – 20060726July 26, 2006
I hope that this posting is not too serious for your forum. I was a fan before I even knew that you and your wife are dog lovers (Superpuppy and Uncle Boris…). Knowing of your interest in malamutes and dog training made me think of you when I was recently exposed to a website that has huge issues with sled dog racing and the Iditarod, (I believe the site is www.savesleddogs.com) I was wondering if you and your wife have any information or feelings about the alleged abuse of sled dogs. My first inclination is to think that this website is written by some super sensitive relatively uninformed person. I also realize that within every arena of life there are people who behave badly, sometimes very badly. I am a librarian and during the Iditarod we highlight the race. I would like to be able to continue to do so, but may not in the future depending on what I find out. I would appreciate any input that you can provide. Thank you.
Daniel replies:
I'm sure some sled dogs are abused, and some sled dogs are loved and cared for. Just like all dogs, they take their chances with humans.
We've never sledded, but we've lived with sled dogs for many years. One like Lulu, who is powerful, energetic, an independent thinker, with excellent perception and judgement, would probably make a great lead dog. But I doubt she'd work for anyone who abused her.
Robin Koontz
Post #2021 – 20060726July 26, 2006
Hi again!
I’m following up on our friend Derri/y and books – Burl (Mom) picked her out of Annie’s small herd of Icelandic mares in WV… or Derri picked her which is more likely as you know. My recollection is that she named her Derri for derriere because she had such a lovely rear end! They both looked good from behind 🙂
I’m delighted to send you my pop-up books and hope you enjoy them! However I haven’t figured out how to get them to you as I managed to lose your address. Do we send c/o NPR? My publishing contact is unsure. Thanks much!
Daniel replies:
Have your publisher send (at their expense, not yours!) to me.
You realize of course that a pop-up book is the least likely possible candidate for a radio review. Derry (or Derri) was callipygeous right to the end.
Nell Ryan
Post #2020 – 20060725July 25, 2006
Dear Mr Pinkwater,
Hi, my name is Nell and I am 10 years old. In my year 5 class we are researching ‘International Authors.’ I have chosen you. I am going to write a biography about you and in order to do this I have a few questions to ask.
1.What subjects did you study in school? Did you like it?
2.Where did you get the inspiration to become an Author?
3. Have you ever wrote any adult books? If not, why not? If so, what are they?
4. Have you ever been around the world to different countries? If not why not? If so, where to and when.
5. what books are you reading now?
6.What age groups do you reccomend your books for?
7. Apart from being on the radio, do you have any other hobbies or jobs?
8. What books did you read when you were young?
9. When did you start writing books?
Thank-you for your time. If possible could you please send a reply back as soon as possible.
From Nell Ryan.
Daniel replies:
Hello, Nell. Here are my replies to your very good questions:
1. I did not like school. For some reason I could never do math, and instead of helping me, or simply realizing there was something wrong
with my head, they hollered at me, and told me I was lazy and stupid, and would not let me take any science courses because I was an idiot.
Thus they sort of forced me in the direction of art which is a good field for idiots. However I loved college, and studied art there.
2. I liked typing. I liked to read. I liked, and like, putting sentences together. And I liked to write. But I didn't want to be an author. Everyone I knew thought I should be one. I resisted. But, I became one. Everybody was right.
3. I have written some stuff for adults, 3 or 4 books, and probably close to 1,000 articles and essays and reviews. I prefer writing for children because they are better readers.
4. Europe, Africa, Asia, at different times. Africa was my favorite continent.
5. I am not reading anything now. I find it distracting to read when I am writing, and I am writing.
6. I recommend my books for persons of every age. Some very young kids read my novels, and some adults read my picture books.
7. I am a very good dog trainer.
8. Books by Jules Verne, Alexandre Dumas, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens. Among others.
9. I started writing actual books, to be printed and read by people I never met, in 1969.
Russell Roberts
Post #2019 – 20060724July 24, 2006
Daniel, A friend of mine had her family dog put down this evening, the proverbial last trip to the vet. My friend was there with her two adult children, 18 and 21. It was profoundly sad in many ways, not least because the dog was a clear link to the good old days of childhood and family times. Hearing of their loss, and knowing their bond to their dear pet, I remembered hearing you read a story about a dog who would not succumb to the fatal medication until the master released him. Please post where that story, whether audio or in print, might be found. Thank you.
Daniel replies:
You're referring to the story of my dog, Anold. It can be found in the book Hoboken Fish and Chicago Whistle, from Xlibris, or on CD from the webmaster of this very website.