Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

Don't put kids to sleep with boring author bios.  Photo Credit: flickrized on a CC License

All writers have a unique origin, whether they began their career as a grade five essayist or creating window displays for a toy store. 

There is value in young readers learning that an author is from the same city or has two cats at home. Knowing these details of an author’s life connects the creator to the audience. That’s all fine and dandy, but some authors push the envelope of creativity further.  Some "About Me" blurbs show as much inventive flare as the stories themselves.  

Lemony Snicket’s hilarious description of himself is pure joy after being subjected to "A Series of Unfortunately Boring Author Bios." I can’t even recall how I happened upon this brilliance, but I definitely encourage you to have a read:

"Lemony Snicket was born before you were and is likely to die before you as well. He was born in a small town where the inhabitants were suspicious and prone to riot. He grew up near the sea and currently lives beneath it. Until recently, he was living somewhere else."

You have got to love the vagueness of Snicket's description, complemented by its serious tone.

    and more…

1.  The Dark" by Lemony Snicket / 2. "Lemony Snicket: The Unauthorized Autobiography" by Lemony Snicket / 3. "Who Could That Be at This Hour?" by Lemony Snicket / 4. "A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket

It takes sufficient field notes to write the perfect author bio. Photo Credit: Thomas Huang on a CC License

I’m terribly fond of David Mackintosh’s quirky picture books. They show insight into human behaviour, but most of all – they’re funny.  My love for Mr. Mackintosh was confirmed when I read his darling bio on the book jacket:

"His first ever job was delivering blueprints to high-rise building sites and exploring unfinished skyscrapers wearing only shiny shoes and a tie for safety. He has shared a lift with an astronaut, is allergic to grass pollen and likes nothing better than cheering people up."

1. "What's Up Mumu" by David Mackintosh / 2. "The Frank Show" by David Mackintosh / 3. "Marshall Armstrong is New to Our School" by David Mackintosh / 4. "Rex" by Ursula Dubosarsky.  Contributors:  David Mackintosh

Amy Krouse Rosenthal adds some fun to the mix with an author bio that is both humorous and relatable, not unlike her books.

"Amy Krouse Rosenthal is a person who likes to make things. Some things she likes to make: Children's books. Grown-up books. Short films. Salads. Connections with the universe. Something out of nothing. Wishes"

   
 and more…

1. "Friendshape" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal / 2. "Chopsticks" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal / 3. "Little Pea" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal / 4. "Duck!  Rabbit!" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Do you read the author biographies on the book jacket? Are they mere marketing for adults or do kids enjoy them too?   

If you want to delve into this subject further, try the "Something About the Author" Database (SATA), accessible with your Toronto Public Library Card. It's a resource that hosts profiles of children's authors and illustrators.