Jack Prelutsky likes nothing better than to make people laugh. Lucky for us! His off-kilter poems and wacky rhymes can't help but put a smile on everyone's lips. This exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets will help you understand why this writer once thought poetry was hazardous to his health.For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Jack Prelutsky likes nothing better than to make people laugh. Lucky for us! His off-kilter poems and wacky rhymes can't help but put a smile on everyone's lips. This exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets will help you understand why this writer once thought poetry was hazardous to his health.To view the full version of this and other author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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The author of the Goosebumps series writes books that creep kids out, and boy do they love it! More than 220 million of his books have sold worldwide, a Guinness World Record. Watch this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets and meet the scarily creative, always funny R.L. Stine. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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The author of the Goosebumps series writes books that creep kids out, and boy do they love it! More than 220 million of his books have sold worldwide, a Guinness World Record. Watch this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets and meet the scarily creative, always funny R.L. Stine. To view the full version of this and other author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Eve Bunting is a storyteller who can't help but be spellbinding. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, the ever-charming Eve Bunting shares her literary roots in Ireland, her feelings about coming to a new country, and what it means to write books that "heal the world." For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Eve Bunting is a storyteller who can't help but be spellbinding. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, the ever-charming Eve Bunting shares her literary roots in Ireland, her feelings about coming to a new country, and what it means to write books that "heal the world." To view the full version of this and other author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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If a picture can speak a thousand words, Bruce Degen's illustrations can spark a thousand smiles. From sixth-grade, this illustrator of the wildly popular "Magic School Bus" series knew that art would be a big part of his life. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Degen talks about his early artistic roots, the inspirational value of fruit, and what it's like to collaborate with author Joanna Cole. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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If a picture can speak a thousand words, Bruce Degen's illustrations can spark a thousand smiles. From sixth-grade, this illustrator of the wildly popular "Magic School Bus" series knew that art would be a big part of his life. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Degen talks about his early artistic roots, the inspirational value of fruit, and what it's like to collaborate with author Joanna Cole. To view the full version of this and other author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Pam Muńoz Ryan isn't afraid of indomitable women. In fact, she's inspired by them! Just look at her 2000 Pura Belpre Medal winning book, "Esperanza Rising". In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, you'll hear how this author quickly learned the value of a public library and how she's always been surrounded by strong-spirited women, both fictional and real. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Pam Muńoz Ryan isn't afraid of indomitable women. In fact, she's inspired by them! Just look at her 2000 Pura Belpre Medal winning book, "Esperanza Rising". In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, you'll hear how this author quickly learned the value of a public library and how she's always been surrounded by strong-spirited women, both fictional and real. To view the full version of this and other author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Seymour Simon is a man in love with science. As a kid he was even president of the Junior Astronomy Club at the American Museum of Natural History. Now, this writer uses his talent to share his love of science with others. With over 200 children's books in print, he has covered topics ranging from oceans to trains to the human heart. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Nikki Giovanni is a woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind, and her writing is all the stronger for it. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, the poet and author discusses everything from Rosa Parks to reading with her son. She even clarifies the link between books, chocolate, and Harry Potter! For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Mark Teague likes to find humor in the everyday events of childhood. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Mark Teague talks about his books, the kids he meets when visiting schools, and his books "Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School" and "How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?" For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Henry Cole was once a beloved teacher, so much so that decades after he left teaching to pursue an illustrating career, a parent working for Reading Rockets fondly recalled Henry Cole's influence on his own, now-grown children. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Henry Cole talks about his teaching background, describes the book illustration process, and sketches a new canine character. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Pamela Duncan Edwards often teams up with illustrator Henry Cole to create alliterative children's books like "Some Smug Slug". In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Pamela Duncan Edwards talks about her years as a school librarian and the joys of her work. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Peter Sís is the celebrated writer and illustrator of Madlenka and the Caldecott Honor book Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Peter Sis talks about the winding path that led him to New York City, his father's Tibetan journey, and how his own children have influenced his work. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Laurence Yep writes books that draw from his Chinese American background yet speak to common feelings and experiences. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Laurence Yep discusses his love for his work and the gratification of writing stories. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Katherine Paterson is the Newbery Medal award winning author of "Jacob Have I Loved" and "Bridge to Terabithia". In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Katherine Paterson talks about her childhood, raising a family, the challenges of writing, and her favorite books for children. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Jon Scieszka (which rhymes with Fresca) is the playful and cheeky author behind "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" and "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales". In this exclusive interview with Reading Rockets, Jon Scieszka talks about his "weird" style and his concern about boys and reading. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Christopher Myers comes from a long line of creative storytellers. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Christopher Myers talks about his Brooklyn neighborhood, his work, and how reading touches every part of his life. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Patricia Polacco tells warm family tales drawn from her own childhood among an extended immigrant family of grandparents and cousins. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Patricia Polacco talks about writing and illustrating and the passing down of family history whose themes resonate with readers of all backgrounds. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Avi is the 2003 Newbery Medal award winning author of "Crispin- A Cross of Lead", and widely acclaimed for his works of historical fiction for middle grade readers. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Avi talks about the challenges of writing, his years as a librarian, and his symptoms of dyslexia. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Chris Van Allsburg is the author and illustrator of many celebrated children's books such as "The Polar Express" and "Jumanji". In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Chris Van Allsburg talks about his big breakthrough, his books, and their transformation into movies. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Lane Smith recently described his artwork as a mixture between his fine arts background and low-brow influences like Monty Python and Mad magazine. He has tried making children's books that are sweet and cute, but inevitably they take a turn toward the edgy. "I try to do serious stuff," he explains, "but it just comes out screwy." Lane Smith's unconventional approach has resulted in many fans, numerous bestsellers, and a prestigious Caldecott Honor. Smith has collaborated with author Jon Scieszka on many favorites, including "Math Curse", "Science Verse", "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!" and "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales". For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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In 2002, George Ancona received the Washington Post-Children's Book Guild Nonfiction Award for work that "has contributed significantly to the quality of nonfiction for children." In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, George Ancona talks about his photo-illustrated books and how he uses photography to offer insight into the everyday lives of children from different cultures. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Marc Brown is the author and illustrator of Arthur, everyone's favorite aardvark. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Marc Brown chats about his childhood, the Arthur television shows on PBS, and his friendship with the late Mr. Rogers. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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David Shannon is the writer and illustrator behind the eponymous "No, David!" books. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, David Shannon talks about his love for bright colors, his distaste for lima beans, and where he gets the ideas for his books. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Award-winning illustrator Bryan Collier began creating art at the age of 15. Using his signature style, a vibrant mix of watercolor and collage, he brings stories to life. He's already lent his talents to such books as "Visiting Langston", "Rosa", and his own book, "Uptown". Reading Rockets sat down with the artist for an exclusive interview. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Lois Ehlert's unique children's books, such as "Color Zoo", reflect her creative and curious mind. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Lois Ehlert discusses her early love for art and how she continually strives to create highly original children's books. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Did you know that Beethoven's favorite food was macaroni and cheese? Did you know that John F. Kennedy used to bark like a seal before giving important speeches? Well, if you read Kathleen Krull's biographies for young readers, you'll learn many such facts. Through solid research, lively writing, and juicy "gossip", Krull transforms iconic figures from the past into real human beings. "We're all secretly 'People' magazine readers at heart," she explains, "even though we might not admit it." For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Gail Gibbons writes the kind of non-fiction books that young children pore over. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Gail Gibbons discusses how she comes up with the idea for her books and the daunting task of explaining complex topics in a few pages. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Jane Yolen has written stories about toads in space, dinosaurs at bedtime, and much more. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Jane Yolen recites the first poem she ever wrote and talks about how to encourage creative writing in kids. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Nikki Grimes was born in Harlem, but grew up in many different parts of New York. As a foster child from a broken home, she moved from place to place, always saying goodbye to new friends. Reading and writing became her survival tools. When she had no one else to talk to, Grimes wrote poems and stories about the things that were bothering her. As an avid reader, she checked out library books by day and read at night by flashlight. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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"Blink your eyes and say click!" Cam Jansen, David Adler's heroine with a photographic memory, has captured the imagination of millions of readers. The prolific Alder has also written several picture book biographies for children, bringing historical figures to literary life. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, David Adler discusses the "Supermarket Room" of his teaching career, simple math methods, and the reason why Benjamin Franklin never wore a wig. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Betsy Lewin, the illustrator of Click Clack Moo, takes a playful approach to her work. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Betsy Lewin discusses her career goals as a child and the inspiration she gets from exotic trips abroad. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Lois Lowry is the highly acclaimed author of more than 30 books for young people. Over the years, she has received numerous awards, including two Newbery Medals. Lowry has written such a wide range of books that her body of work cannot be categorized easily. Her genres range from contemporary fiction to historical fiction to fantasy to autobiographical. Her audiences range from elementary school children all the way up to young adults. Some of Lowry's books are light-hearted, but others deal with serious and somber topics. Her most well-known novel, The Giver, is set in a future dystopia where sameness and conformity rule. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Lois Lowry is the highly acclaimed author of more than 30 books for young people. Over the years, she has received numerous awards, including two Newbery Medals. Lowry has written such a wide range of books that her body of work cannot be categorized easily. Her genres range from contemporary fiction to historical fiction to fantasy to autobiographical. Her audiences range from elementary school children all the way up to young adults. Some of Lowry's books are light-hearted, but others deal with serious and somber topics. Her most well-known novel, The Giver, is set in a future dystopia where sameness and conformity rule. To view the full version of this and other author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Brian Selznick feels that his illustrations are more authentic when he immerses himself in his subject matter. For the picture book Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride, Selznick spent six months in Washington, DC conducting research at libraries and museums. For his Caldecott-Honor-winning illustrations in The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins, he traveled to London to sketch, photograph, and climb inside the famous dinosaur replicas. For his best-selling 533-page illustrated novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Selznick watched old French films, interviewed experts, and traveled to Paris three times. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Brian Selznick feels that his illustrations are more authentic when he immerses himself in his subject matter. For the picture book Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride, Selznick spent six months in Washington, DC conducting research at libraries and museums. For his Caldecott-Honor-winning illustrations in The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins, he traveled to London to sketch, photograph, and climb inside the famous dinosaur replicas. For his best-selling 533-page illustrated novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Selznick watched old French films, interviewed experts, and traveled to Paris three times. To view the full version of this and other author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Since 1994 Robert Sabuda has taken three-dimensional pop-up books to new heights. Elaborate dinosaurs leap off the page. Colorful Christmas trees rise up and blink. Knights in shining armor joust before the king and queen. The ease with which these things twist, turn, and delight readers is the result of much trial and error. Robert Sabuda is a completely self-taught pop-up book artist. Without any guidebook or mentor, Sabuda has always had to challenge himself to find out what is possible. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Since 1994 Robert Sabuda has taken three-dimensional pop-up books to new heights. Elaborate dinosaurs leap off the page. Colorful Christmas trees rise up and blink. Knights in shining armor joust before the king and queen. The ease with which these things twist, turn, and delight readers is the result of much trial and error. Robert Sabuda is a completely self-taught pop-up book artist. Without any guidebook or mentor, Sabuda has always had to challenge himself to find out what is possible. To view the full version of this and other author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Jack Gantos' interesting life has provided the raw material for many of his books. The Jack Henry middle-grade fiction series was based on Gantos' own adventures as a boy, and the award-winning Joey Pigza books resulted from Gantos' interactions with children with ADHD. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Jack Gantos' interesting life has provided the raw material for many of his books. The Jack Henry middle-grade fiction series was based on Gantos' own adventures as a boy, and the award-winning Joey Pigza books resulted from Gantos' interactions with children with ADHD. For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Kadir Nelson is a naturally gifted artist whose extraordinary talent continues to develop and be discovered. Before the age of 30, Nelson had already illustrated children's books, sold paintings to celebrities, and worked on a movie directed by Steven Spielberg. In 2007 Kadir Nelson received a Caldecott Honor for his evocative illustrations in "Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom." In 2008 he won a second Caldecott Honor for his artwork in "Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad." For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Kadir Nelson is a naturally gifted artist whose extraordinary talent continues to develop and be discovered. Before the age of 30, Nelson had already illustrated children's books, sold paintings to celebrities, and worked on a movie directed by Steven Spielberg. In 2007 Kadir Nelson received a Caldecott Honor for his evocative illustrations in "Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom." In 2008 he won a second Caldecott Honor for his artwork in "Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad." For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Ashley Bryan is an eclectic artist who uses painting, poetry, music, collage, and prose to tell stories. Bryan fuses these seemingly separate art forms within his books for children. "I try not to accept walls and boundaries and definitions in a strict way," he says. "I would hope that everything I do is interrelated."Bryan is known for retelling African folktales in a distinct, rhythmic prose that is heavily influenced by African-American poetry. In 1981 his collection of Nigerian folktales, "Beat the Story-Drum, Pum-Pum," received the Coretta Scott King Book Illustrator Award.For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Ashley Bryan is an eclectic artist who uses painting, poetry, music, collage, and prose to tell stories. Bryan fuses these seemingly separate art forms within his books for children. "I try not to accept walls and boundaries and definitions in a strict way," he says. "I would hope that everything I do is interrelated."Bryan is known for retelling African folktales in a distinct, rhythmic prose that is heavily influenced by African-American poetry. In 1981 his collection of Nigerian folktales, "Beat the Story-Drum, Pum-Pum," received the Coretta Scott King Book Illustrator Award.For more author interviews, visit us at www.readingrockets.org, a national education service of public television station WETA. Funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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