Author and library member Lynne Barasch considers herself lucky to create picture books because "it combines my love of words and drawing. I enjoy taking complex ideas and unraveling the puzzle to fit in picture books."
She has both written and illustrated ten titles and has also illustrated the work of other authors. The subjects of her books include the youngest licensed radio operator in the US (
Radio Rescue); a young girl who writes to Albert Einstein for help with math homework
(Ask Albert Einstein); and one of the first female sushi chefs in New York City
(Hiromi's Hands).
According to Ms. Barasch, her books are based on real-life or historical events. Barasch says "All stories begin with the real things you have read, heard, or experienced." As a child, Ms. Barasch enjoyed reading books by Albert Payson Terhune, Frances Hodgson Burnett, and Rudyard Kipling.
She has won numerous awards for her books, including honors from Bank Street College, the Smithsonian Institue, the American Library Association, the New York Public Library, and School Library Journal. Barasch's advice to aspiring young authors is to "know that a story can be about anything. You can find stories to tell just by looking around!"
NYSL Books:
- Barasch, Lynne, Ask Albert Einstein Juv. 530 B (2005)
- Barasch, Lynne, Country schoolhouse Juv-E B (2004)
A grandfather relates to his grandson tales of the small country school he attended in the 1940s.
- Barasch, Lynne, First come the zebra Juv-E B (2009)
When two young Kenyan boys, one Maasai and one Kikuyu, first meet, they are hostile toward each other based on traditional rivalries, but after they suddenly have to work together to save a baby in danger, the boys begin to discover what they have in common.
- Barasch, Lynne, Hiromi's hands Juv. 92 SUZ (2007)
- Barasch, Lynne, Knockin' on wood: starring Peg Leg Bates Juv. 92 BAT (2004)
Presents a picture book biography of Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates, an African American who lost his leg in a factory accident at the age of twelve and went on to become a world-famous tap dancer.
- Barasch, Lynne illustrator, Owney, the mail-pouch pooch Juv-E K (2008)
In 1888, Owney, a stray terrier puppy, finds a home in the Albany, New York, post office and becomes its official mascot as he rides the mail train through the Adirondacks and beyond, criss-crossing the United States, into Canada and Mexico, and eventually traveling aroud the world by mail boat in 132 days.
- Barasch, Lynne, Radio rescue Juv-E B (2000)
In 1923, after learning Morse code and setting up his own amateur radio station, a twelve-year-old boy sends a message that leads to the rescue of a family stranded by a hurricane in Florida. Based on experiences of the author's father.
- Barasch, Lynne, The Reluctant flower girl Juv-E B (2001)
Afraid of losing her best friend, a little girl does everything she can to stop her big sister's wedding.
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