Dear Mr. Pinkwater,
I have long been a fan of your wonderful books. I started reading them when I was in the second grade. Lately, I’ve been reading some books by Kurt Vonnegut. I realize that his books are definitely geared toward adults rather than children, but I was wondering whether or not you were influenced by his works. I am currently reading Cat’s Cradle, and I found that the whole atmosphere is very similar to many of your books (like Yobgorgle or Lizard Music, two of my favorites). It had the same kind of bizarre, warped sense of humor that I like (although it was slightly older humor). Maybe you have no idea what I am talking about. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how much I love your books and style of writing.
P.S. Have you ever thought of doing a sequel to Fat Men from Space? It was the first of your books that I read. But it doesn’t seem to get much attention. I wonder why….
I admire Kurt Vonnegut and once met him, which was a big honor. (Check the picture gallery on this site for a photo of that occasion). Fat Men from Space is a highly popular book--probably the most read of all I have written. It's currently out of print, I believe, but I have been trying to persuade Simon and Schuster to bring out a refurbished and newly illustrated, (by Jill), edition. Trying for a year now. They need time to think about things.
