Mary Casanova and YOU: 07 (The Author and YOU) - Softcover

"This series indulges young readers' wishes to know more about the lives, ideas, and characters of their favorite authors. Mary Casanova, the award-winning author of often environmentally-themed picture books (including Utterly Otterly Day) and middle-grade adventure novels (e.g., Wolf Shadows), shares details and photos of growing up in Minnesota and becoming a writer. She also presents the stories behind her stories and her responses to letters from young readers, answering questions ranging from whether she has pets to how to get published." - Reference & Research Book News "When an author takes time out from writing to reflect on what made them the writer they are, it can be unaffecting or engrossing. This book is definitely the latter. It is candid, perceptive, and offers insight into the creative mind. The author's narrative about her life reads as easily as a novel, but it's all the more fascinating for knowing that it's true. The format for this series (The Author and You) is part biography, part examination of each book, and part behind-the-scenes research. For that reason, it serves a double purpose for fans of Mary's books and students who are writing reports. There are ample photos and book covers, as well as Mary's answers to reader's letters....Highly recommended." - Children's Literature Network

This seventh book in the Author and YOU series features the life and work of Mary Casanova, award-winning picture book author, and author of middle grade fiction. This title discusses her life and work and the researching, writing and illustrating of each of her books, books that often present challenges in nature and focus on relationships between people and the environment. Her most recent books, middle grade novels, include Jess-a book promoted by the American Girl publishers as their Girl of the Year (2006). The back story of each of Casanova's books will provide ideas for lesson plans and connections for the teacher to make for and with young readers. Mary Casanova and YOU gives readers the behind the scenes stories of Casanova's research and writing in her own words. She offers much information to help extend and enrich the reading experience and an intimate look at a writer and her work.