Author and library member Maryann Macdonald certainly has a lot of experience with children, having grown up in a family of eight sisters and brothers. "Having lived in close quarters with so many kids probably helps me understand children better," she says. As a child, Macdonald enjoyed reading
Mary Poppins,
The Secret Garden,
Winnie-the-Pooh,
Bed-knob and Broomstick and
Peter Pan. She also loved books about pioneers and the old West and "practically memorized [the]
Little House books."
Years later, Macdonald's pleasure of sharing books with her daughter inspired her to write her own stories. She has now written more than 20 books for children, including picture books, chapter books, easy readers, and a biography.
Macdonald often uses the "treasures in the [Library's] open stacks" to research her books, including the upcoming Little Piano Girl about jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams. Macdonald encourages young writers to "try to write something every day. Believe in yourself. Don't be afraid to be honest. People will respond to the truth they see in your stories."
NYSL Books:
- Macdonald, Maryann, Costume copycat Juv-E M Stack 8 (2005)
Every year Angela's older sister outshines her at Halloween, until one year Angela creates her own special costume.
- Macdonald, Maryann, Hedgehog bakes a cake Juv-YR M (1996)
As Hedgehog starts to make a cake, his friends stop by, one by one, and each has advice for the project.
- Macdonald, Maryann, Little piano girl Juv. 92 WIL (2010)
A child prodigy at the piano sprinkles her music with a little jazz. Based on the life of the twentieth-century jazz musician, Mary Lou Williams.
- Macdonald, Maryann, No room for Francie Juv-F M (1995)
There are six children in the O'Leary family, and when her Comics Club needs a place to meet, it seems as if Francie is the only one with no special place of her very own.
- Macdonald, Maryann, Pink party Juv-E M (2011)
Rose and Valentina's friendship is jeopardized by a competition over who can have the most pink things.
- Macdonald, Maryann, Rabbit's birthday kite Juv-YR M (1999)
After receiving a birthday kite from Hedgehog, impatient Rabbit learns that kiteflying requires a few lessons.
(Research and writing contributed by member Dan Rubins)
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