Meet KC's Children's Authors
From picture books to poetry, KC is home to many talented authors!
Are you looking for books about strong girl heroes? Do you want a story about kids who love libraries? Guess what? Kansas Citys very own LOCAL AUTHORS can provide you with these and much more!
Stephen T. Johnson: KU Grad Stephen T. Johnsons award lists are long. His ability to cover such a wide range of styles and audiences is stunning. Perspective books Alphabet City (a Caldecott Honor) and City By Numbers teach kids about art and new ideas and ways of looking at everyday objects. For little kids? My Little Red Toolbox, My Little Blue Robot and My Little Yellow Taxi! How fun! Hoops and Goal are great for the sports oriented. And New Yorks Bravest is an historical look at one of the first urban legends, dedicated to the firefighters of 9/11.
Lisa Campbell Ernst: Lisa is the master of Fractured Fairy Tales. Her titles such as Goldilocks Returns, Little Red Riding Hood and The Gingerbread Girl turn these familiar stories around with a delightful twist. Little Red Riding Hood takes place on todays prairie, and includes a yummy recipe for Wheatberry Muffins! I also like her version of This is the house that Jack built called This is the Van that Dad cleaned! I just giggle thinking about it! Ages 4-8.
Brad Sneed: Heres yet another Kansas example of when one person is given too many gifts. Writing and Illustrating are two different talents. Hes got both. Mostly found as an illustrator, his pictures always come from a surprising perspective for little readers. His most recent book, The Boy who was Raised by Librarians, made me feel like I should go work in a library. I also like Smoky Mountain Rose and his Aesops Fables collection. Check out the cover - - right from beneath the rabbits nose! Ages 4-8.
Marsha Diane Arnold: What happens when two local talents combine? Marsha Diane Arnold and Brad Sneed have teamed together in two charming books The Bravest of them All and The Pumpkin Runner. Her latest book, Roar of a Snore, is a great read-aloud accumulative tale. Hugs on the Wind is about missing Grandfather bunny. I think circle of life books should be part of every familys library. Arnold hails from Kansas, but now lives in California. Ages 4-8.
June Rae Wood: A favorite title, recently reissued in paperback, is called The Man Who Loved Clowns. A touching story that captures the conflicting feelings of a 13 year old girl whose 35-year old Uncle Punky has Downs Syndrome. This book is followed by Turtle on a Fence Post. Complex issues of grief, change, and sacrifice are woven into her books. Ages 10-14.
Jenny Whitehead: And lastly, the poet. Jenny Whiteheads wonderful book of poetry Lunch Box Mail and Other Poems captures the essence of childhood. Listen to these titles: How to Hide A Bad Haircut, Supermarket Spies and Lunchroom Rules. A fabulous read-aloud book. Whiteheads latest is Holiday Stew: A Kids Portion of Holiday and Seasonal Poems. Even adults will learn something about all the holidays in this poetry collection! Ages 4-8.
Julie Hubble lives in Leawood and cant write poetry at all. But she likes to read it!