Maggid Jhos Singer
Post #2386 – 20080402
April 2, 2008
Comrade Pinkwaters–
So much thanks you for great literature writing! Ooh, sorry, I was abducted by my eastern European alter ego there for a moment, shake it off… So, my two 10 year old sons and I are thinking about going on a Pinkwater inspired adventure. We have heard that there are many bizarro and excellent eateries just off the New Jersey turnpike, and thought we might throw all gastronomic caution to the wind, in the style of our heros Walter Galt and Winston Bongo, and fly across country to sample these delights. Can you give us any recommendations? White Manna burgers sounded particularly Haimish McTavishy…. Thanks for the years of inspiration and salavation–Jhos, (and Michael and Gabe) Singer PS-Phooey on Chez Panisse!
Daniel replies:
Do not confuse literature-making with foolhardiness. I have always avoided the New Jersey Turnpike, whenever possible, and in general have been extremely cautious about venturing into the interior of NJ. You're lots closer to Route 66, (read The Neddiad), which in addition to being closer has the immense advantage of not being in New Jersey.
P Bliss
Post #2385 – 20080401
April 1, 2008
Hi Mr. Pinkwater,
I am an elementary school librarian and I have been able to interest children who were boared with chapter books and reading to “rekindle the flame” for reading – using your books – haha!!
Do you ever make tours through Texas? we would love to find out how to be in contact with you.
Thanks!
Daniel replies:
You are in contact with me now. I was conceived in Texas, and haven't been back since. One of the things my books are good for is reading--I am gratified you noticed.
Anthony Roth
Post #2383 – 20080331
March 31, 2008
Dear Mr.Pinkwater
I loved the book The Big Orange Splot. My favorite house on the peaceful street was the big red, yellow, and orange castle. And the alligator under Mr.Plumbean’s hammmock. And I love lemonade.
Sincerely,
Anthony Roth
2nd grade student
Daniel replies:
Thanks for your comment, Anthony. You make me want to read the book myself!
Anne Autrey
Post #2384 – 20080331
March 31, 2008
The Pickle RV book mentioned a few weeks ago sounds like a cross between several Pinkwater books. Research indicates it is “Chicken Trek: The Third Strange Thing That Happened to Oscar Noodleman,” by Stephen Manes. 1987, copyright, New York: Dutton. “Oscar spends the summer with his inventor cousin traveling around the United States in a Picklemobile eating chicken in the bag to win a contest, while being pursued by an angry woman with mystical powers, who is also determined to win the contest.” Doubtless it would have been twice as good if it were actually by D.P. Maybe four times as good.
Daniel replies:
I don't know--Stephen Manes is a seriously funny writer. Maybe one-and-a-half times as good.
Huy Nguyen
Post #2382 – 20080330
March 30, 2008
Dear Mr. Pinkwater,
My son is writing an essay about you. Would you give him three important dates in your life (i.e. first book, marriage,…)? (I’ve been searching online but so far I couldn’t find anything!)
Thank you very much,
Huy Nguyen
Daniel replies:
September 1959
June 1964
October 1969
Caitlin McCarthy
Post #2381 – 20080329
March 29, 2008
Dear Mr. Pinkwater,
I’ve always been a big fan of your work, particularly the title story in “Fish Whistle.” Today, while listening to NPR’s “Wait, Wait . . . Don’t Tell Me,” my family discovered a story about a group of scientists who have “[trained] fish to catch themselves by swimming into a net when they hear a tone that signals feeding time.” This concept seems very familiar. Check it out:
news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080326/ap_on_re_us/pavlov_s_fish
You should sue.
Sincerely,
Caitlin M.
Daniel replies:
The fish should sue! I hope similar mis-education is not being worked on students, fish or otherwise, at the University of California, or any other institution.
Andrew
Post #2379 – 20080327
March 27, 2008
A long time ago I ate lunch at the (real life) Magic Moscow for many years. More recently I’ve been working in midtown Manhattan. I once saw a guy selling ice cream from a truck who was wearing an $80,000 watch, and not a counterfeit one either. I got to know the ice cream truck guys a little bit and a lot of it is about fighting for their corner space and warding off competitors. I never found out anything that would explain the watch.
That was a few years ago. Given the trend in fine jewelry prices the watch would be worth even more now.
Daniel replies:
My watch is solar-powered, waterproof, shockproof, receives a nightly radio signal from the Atomic Clock in Boulder, Colorado, so it is accurate to within a ten-thousandth of a second, has a little light in it, has a calendar that shows day, date and year, and adjusts for leap years, also a stopwatch, and it cost $35. With the $79,965 I saved, I bought an enormous quantity of ice cream.
Dianne Caravela
Post #2380 – 20080327
March 27, 2008
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Pinkwater,
I love your Werewolf Club books! Please make more than four. I can’t wait to read other books of yours. I am in second grade so these are easy reader books but they are still great. My favorite character is Billy Furball because I like what his mom puts on his sandwiches. So please write more Werewolf Club books.
Sincerely,
Dianne
Daniel replies:
I'm glad you like the Werewolf Club books. I think there are five in all. I might write more sometime...or something else. I like Billy Furball because I know people who are just like him.
Wojtaszek
Post #2378 – 20080323
March 23, 2008
I am writing to inform my childhood hero that I am now in Madison, Wisconsin studying astrophysics and send my kindest regards from the land of snow and cheese. I would like to to offer to treat Mr. Pinkwater and Jill to the dairy product of their choice should they ever happen to pass through the area.
Best always,
-M. Wojtaszek
Daniel replies:
Mmmm. Snow and cheese--an unbeatable combination. I fondly remember the cheese-cones at the county fair. And a melted snow on rye is always a treat. I, myself, once visited Madison, Wisconsin, and took note of a large university, which I suppose is still there. The people were kind to me, and dairy products were offered in abundance. It was about that time I saw that it would be my destiny to be a childhood hero. Naturally, I am proud of you.
Harrison
Post #2377 – 20080318
March 18, 2008
I love your books!!!!!!I am your bigest fan!!!!!!!You should write a book about pie loving llamas!!!!Can I have an autograph?????????????????
Daniel replies:
All the llamas I have ever net liked turnovers and crullers, also muffins--I didn't know they loved pie. Send me a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and I will send you an autograph.
Kiera Dymit
Post #2376 – 20080317
March 17, 2008
Hello! I am a 23 year old English teacher (7th grade) and I grew up with your books. As a kid, I would spend hours at the library grabbing random books off the shelf and reading them. Anyway, I read a book as a kid that I am 99% sure is one of yours, but no one can tell me the title of this book. It’s about a boy who travels with his uncle in a RV shaped like a pickle, and they go across the country going to every fast food restaurant in chain. The restaurant has a slogan that went “Cluck cluck, it’s in the bag!” There was a witch who could make their toes hurt. Anyway, if it’s a story of yours, then you’ll know it by now. Title??
Kiera
Daniel replies:
Not mine, but come back and tell us the title when you find out--I want to read it!
Josef
Post #2375 – 20080317
March 17, 2008
I’m a longtime fan of yours, Mr. Pinkwater, and I recently became interested in the art of graphic novelizations. Unfortunately, my ideas aren’t as creative as yours. Would you be offended if I were to adapt Alan Mendelsohn from its original novel-format? I could send you a finished copy before I showed it to friends, or strangers if I don’t have any friends.
the drawing-not-thinking man,
Josef Sipkins
Daniel replies:
I don't know--would you be offended if I sued you? I suggest you graphicize Treasure Island or some other book whose author is past needed it to contribute to his economic survival. Thanks for asking first.
Daniel Yim
Post #2419 – 20080316
March 16, 2008
Dear Mr. Pinkwater,
I have recently broken my wrist but that does not keep me from reading your boks. I bought the Neddiad and I love it. My favorite line is “Somebody eat that kid”.
-Daniel Yim a.k.a Bassoonfreak007
Daniel replies:
While your wrist is mending you might see if you can find a baritone harmonica and learn to play it one-handed. If you get good at it you will be the one called when the orchestra wants to play a piece that calls for a baritone harmonica. Hint: use chapstick before playing the overture to William Tell.
Mike Lapham
Post #2373 – 20080315
March 15, 2008
Daniel,
We have two 2 1/2 year olds and read The Orange Splot. I am curious whether the book has any relationship to the house in Upstate New York that was painted much like Plumbean’s (because he was angry at the town – Hoosick Falls or nearby). it stayed that way for years.
Thanks. We enjoy the book.
Mike, Amanda Jake&Becca
Daniel replies:
None whatsoever. I live in nearly upstate New York, and am familiar with the mentality you describe. Mr. Plumbean was not like that.
Lukas
Post #2374 – 20080315
March 15, 2008
Dear Mr Pinkwater,
I love your books because
they are funny and good. I like second grade ape
because the gorilla goes to school. Once
my class studied you. Me and my teacher
love you!
Lukas
Daniel replies:
I love readers like you because they are smart and good. I also like gorillas a lot. I am happy to learn that I was studied--it is good that you are learning to be psychiatrists in first grade!
