Pat Thomas & Harold Underdown Pat Thomas Pat is the author of many wonderful picture books like Firefly Mountain, There are Rocks in My Socks, Said the Ox to the Fox, Red Sled and Stand Back, Said the Elephant. I must have read Stand Back, Said the Elephant 100 times when I taught first grade. I loved it, and so did my students! She is also an instructor with ICL. In Pat's
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Blog: Jean's Encouraging Words For Writers (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Pat Thomas, The Writer's Plot, Conferences, picture books, writing, writers, writing for children, Add a tag
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Author Interviews, Emily Jenkins, Aaron Blabey, Elizabeth Verdick, Social Graces: Books with a practical use, Phillip Hoose, Kathryn Otoshi, Trudy Ludwig, Patty Lovell, Carol McCloud, Hannah Hoose, Kathryn Cave, Martine Agassi, Pat Thomas, Bullying, Add a tag
By Phoebe Vreeland with Amanda Lynch, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 12, 2010
“Trudy Ludwig is an award-winning author who specializes in writing children’s books that explore the colorful and sometimes confusing world of children’s social interactions. She has received rave reviews nationwide from educators, experts, organizations, and parents for her passion and compassion in addressing relational aggression—the use of relationships to manipulate and hurt others.” ~ www.trudyludwig.com
TCBR: What inspired you to write about bullying?
Trudy Ludwig: When my daughter was emotionally bullied nine years ago by some of her peers in elementary school, I tried to find age-appropriate books in libraries and on the Internet to help teach her about relational aggression (the use of relationships to manipulate and hurt others) and how to deal with it. I even contacted leading experts and organizations for their suggestions. I learned that there weren’t enough resources available, so I decided to write children’s books to help fill this resource gap.
TCBR: Katie, the bully of your first book My Secret Bully, is the protagonist of your latest book Confessions of a Former Bully. Can you speak about why you chose this perspective?
TL: In my author visits at schools around the US, I had many children ask me, “What ever happened to Katie in My Secret Bully? Did she and Monica become friends again?” They also wanted to know if Katie ever got help to change her bullying ways. Their queries got me thinking about writing a book from the unique perspective of a former bully. So when I started to conceptualize Confessions of a Former Bully, it just seemed natural for me to have Katie pick up where she left off in My Secret Bully. My intent for this story was to show readers how Katie’s behaviors—both positive and negative—had a direct impact on her and others. I also wanted Katie to share the important lessons she learned about bullying and what it means to be a decent friend.
TCBR: What made you use the format of a diary for this last book?
TL: There’s something thrilling and intriguing about being allowed access to someone else’s personal diary, don’t you think? I remember, as a child, being tempted to read my big sister’s diary—not that I did, mind you, as she made sure it was securely locked at all times. I felt that the diary format, supplemented with Katie’s drawings and doodles, would be the perfect way for the reader to get inside the head of Katie and track her character growth as she gets help from Mrs. Petrowski, the school counselor.
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Jean,<br />I think it's wonderful that you got to spend quality time visiting and learning from a picture book writer you love.<br /><br />I have a thought--why not join Pat's world now, not when you grow up? I bet she'd love to have you as a playmate!
Jean, I totally agree! Meeting Pat Thomas was HUGE highlight for me. Thanks too, for putting my thoughts about picture books into words. Blessings, E
Hahahaha! I still haven't decided what I'm going to be when I grow up!<br /><br />But yes, what a joy to meet Pat. She's an amazing writer and a precious person. Made everybody feel right at home with her. Hey, maybe that's what I want to be when I grow up--a great writer who puts everyone at ease. :-) <br /><br />Thanks, Pat! Thanks, Jean!
Thanks, Vonda!<br /><br />I think your new-found ambition is amazing. But, I'll let you in on a little secret. I think you're already there.<br /><br />Jean
You are so welcomed, Edie.<br /><br />We writers are such a strange bunch, aren't we?<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Jean
I'm trying to join her, Linda. But the "umpires" won't let me in the game yet!<br /><br />I still have some basic skills to learn, I'm afraid.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Jean
When I grow up... I love that line, Jean! Thanks for sharing.
Love the summary of what makes picture books work. And yes, that interaction between adult and child is priceless!
Thanks, Joyce.<br /><br />ONE DAY I'll see my name on a shiny, colorful picture book jacket I pray!<br /><br />Jean
Thanks, Carol!<br /><br />My body is definitely a whole lot older than my heart!<br /><br />Jean