Hey Captain,
It’s Razzlee from the old Genie days. Remember me? I’ve spent the last 4 years trying to relearn all of those things that got blown away with that little explosion in my brain. Just thought I’d pop in & see if you remeber me. It would be nice to hear from you again if you’re not too busy to say hello.
Razzlee! Hello! What do you hear from the madman veterinary?
On the sfgate web page for March 31, 2001, in the “Day in Pictures” section there is a picture of Chicken Man.
I am extraordinarily fond Mr. Pinkwater’s books. Intelligent and imaginative, and I wish they had been around when I was a kid. “Chinwag Theater” is played on my local public radio station (KCBX) at 7:30 on Saturday morning. That is my only day to sleep in, but I wake up just to hear the story. What a joy!
Where is KCBX, and do they know that you and 10 of your friends like the program?
Dear Mr. Pinkwater, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your books, I am a sixth grader in Mc Near Elementary in Petuluma, California. I was sick of reading all of the depressing children’s books that are basically the only kids books today.
Then while browsing for a more upbeat book at my local book store I saw one of my favorite teacher’s, my 5th grade teacher. I asked her for the names of some good books. She is also a big fan of yours and recommended Lizard Music. I loved it and asked her for another one of your books, she gave me your book of 5 novels. I first read The Snarkout Boys and The Avocado of Death. I really enjoyed it and my question is are there more Snarkout Boys and what are the names and how can I find them? I also love how the Chicken man always appears. I am now reading Alan Mendelsohn, The Boy From Mars and I also like it a lot.
Your are one of my favorite writers ever and you write funny, entreating, and unique books, so thankyou for that.
Your fan,
Dylan
That makes you one of my favorite readers ever. There would be far less point to it if it weren't for you and the other 999 neat people.
Dylan -- Make sure to check out ""The Snarkout Boys and the Baconburg Horror,"" which is long out of print but can be found in ""4 Fantastic Novels."" --Ed
i have a friend who is just starting to read your books.
i asked him what his favorite one is and he said.(and I quote)
“um whatsitcalled….um. uh, I’m not reall-Oh yeah!! Borjel!!”
(this was the way he said the title. I’m just spelling it phonetically)
when I had read Borgel, I said his name how it is spelled…
B-o-r-g (the hard “g”, like in “good job”, “galaxy”, and “gastrocnemious”)-e-l.
who is right?
-a krazed ape
p.s. I don’t know if you care, but when I graduate from college, I’m going to live on a houseboat off the Santa Monica pier, and eat nothing but fish, except when i go into Santa Monica and dine at the really really good restraunts there. the reason I thought of putting this in the message is because my uncle who introduced me to your books used to live in Santa Monica….
No greens? No grains? Wouldn't a salad and maybe some cornbread go nicely with those fish? And how about a bagel, maybe toasted, in the morning? I don't know of a fish-based beverage that is a really satisfactory coffee substitute. I'm not saying you can't do it, but someone once wrote that man cannot live on fish alone. I tried it once, but at least I had a bag of brown rice and some spices with me. As it was, I lasted about a day before I went to get a BLT. I had some experiences on the Santa Monica pier. The best one was when my father put a huge fish hook through his finger, and I knew what to do. Thanks for your post.
It's ""g"" as in gastronome. (cf. the audio version) --Ed.
Dear Mr. Pinkwater,
I was recently in Grand Forks, Minnesota, with a few friends of mine when we stopped to have dinner at the Blue Moose Bar and Grill. As we ate, I began to remember the story of the Blue Moose and asked my friends if they remembered ever reading any such books. All I knew was that I had lover the story and had to remember more. Well, lucky for me, my mother is a kindergarten teacher and my father is a elementary school librarian- what better resources? I asked them both if they remembered ever reading anything about a blue moose to me, and they were absolutely amazed that I could remember something so long ago- but if they were to take me to that old library (if it was still there) I know I could show them exactly where to find your book. This actually amazes me also, considering I can’t even remember what I had for breakfast. (Which is most definately my favorite meal of the day and most likely for me to remember…)
But anyways- does the Blue Moose Bar and Grill (in Grand Forks, MN) have anything to do with your book? (Quite a windup for a 14 word question, eh?)
Thanks so much for your time!
A huge fan-
Minna Furfaro
I was recently told that ""Bar and Grill,"" does not have to do with a grill on which one would grill meat, but a ""grille"" behind which the bottles of liquor could be displayed but not touched. This was told me in an old building that had been a tavern 200 years ago, and parts of the grille were still in place. To further answer your question, I have twice tasted bison--it was ok, but I couldn't stop thinking about the animal--but I have never eaten a moose or any part of one. Thank you for your intelligent inquiry.
Dear Mr. Pinkwater,
I was watching this science show on P.B.S last night. The particular show was about the brain and mind. On the show, a man had invented a headband which was fitted with electrodes. The electrodes picked up electrical impulses from the guy’s brain and sent them to a transformer. The Transformer changed the impulses into radio blips which went to a receiver which was hooked up to a motorized steering wheel on his boat. By concentrating, the guy could move the steering wheel left and right. This guy was steering his boat with his mind! It was just like the telekinesis gained with State Twenty Six! Neat huh!
I wonder if he knows about drinking pickle juice to increase conductivity.
After reading the “review” you wrote for “Contentville” of your Werewolf Club #2 book, my initial reaction was to shout “Sell-out!” to the computer screen.
Then I thought “eh”. Half of your books have been commercial junk. Some readable, others not. Good for you. I hated the first Werewolf Club book, but what do I know? I’m ten years too old for it, for crying out loud! (Although, by that standard, uh never mind. What did I know back then?) At best, you like many good authors through the ages, straddle a thin line between high and low “art”. If the Greek aristocrats had loved bathroom humour instead of Oedipus, more low-brow garbage would have survived, and the world would be entirely different.
Anyway, I still consider it tacky to review your own work for that column, but, um, “eh.”
Here's the thing about high and low art, Justin--you, (and I mean me, the artist), can't always tell which is which. As to what Greek aristocrats loved more, and how much low-brow garbage has survived, I choose not to be the one to break it to you. Draw your own conclusions, in your own time. As to it being tacky for me to review my own book, I assure you no more tacky than what some of those regular reviewers are apt to do.
Dear Mr.Pinkwater,
I have been asking my parents if thay have any idea what a holyochkey is and thay don’t.If you can will you tell me pleas tell me?
A halyatchkie? It's like a booboo only more so.
Dear Mr. Pinkwater,
I was wondering if you’re going to write any more Snarkout Boys books. I was also wondering if the world’s greatest detective in the Snarkout Boys is Walter Galt’s father.
These are perfectly good things to wonder. I welcome you to continue wondering.
When I was little. I had a favorite book. The Toothgnasher Superflash. I’ve read you (Daniel Pinkwater) ever since. You wrote Roger’s Umbrella? That was a favorite too. Along with Young Adult Novel. Basically stated, I have a history of loving to read, and weird books especially. Just a question. How do you write riveting books without plotlines (or at least books without 99.9% of a plotline) (That is the books for older people)
-Jacques-Pierre, a Devoted Fan.
Plots are a crutch.
How come I never seem to catch you on Morning Edition or ATC anymore? I always get a kick out of your commentaries! Oh, and I have started reading your Larry books to my children.
I was never on Morning Edition. I fired myself from All Things Considered after 13 years. I do a regular bit with Scott Simon on Weekend Edition Saturday, about once a month. And there is my own radio program, Chinwag Theater, heard on a number of public radio stations, and soon to have a new co-host. Look around this website for announcements.
Dear Mr. Pinkwater,
I am a homeschooling mom in the midst of teaching Pinkwater philosophy to my nine-year-old son, Amos. It is his favorite subject. We laugh so hard, it hardly seems like school. Our favorite: Borgel. He reminds us of his late great grandfather. We think you should join forces with William Steig and create a picture book for the younger set, as my 4-year-old’s education would not be complete without you. We think you and he would have a lot in common.
That was my thought too. Hardly seems like school. I would rather be taken out of the curriculum, and put in the entertainment category. Homeschoolers are always too serious, in my experience.
Dear Mr. Pinkwater:
What does the Borgel look like? I’m doing a book report about the Borgel. It is one of my favorites.
Peter Selden
Age 9, 4th Grade
Nice try--but if you didn't fool me, you won't fool your teacher either. Maybe if you read a little of the book?
Have you heard about the Lizard Lover’s? This “club” has been in existence since 1980 (or somewhere near that). It is still alive today, mostly in Columbus, Ohio. Lizard Music is our guide to fine literature. I imagine our archives rival yours!
Reynold and Helena
I remember hearing of the Lizard Lovers Club--but I thought the Ohio authorities closed it down, and the members were sent to various facilities for deprogramming.
Have you ever thought about making a movie out of any of your books
Not really. Why spend energy converting something to a way lesser art form?
