A Vermont author and bookshop co-owner discuss the people and animals that populate her popular books. Producer Paul Larson conducted this author interview, asking Bluemle about navigating through the publishing world. Bluemle has experience as an editor.
Author Bio
Elizabeth Bluemle is an award-winning children’s book author and co-owns The Flying Pig Bookstore in Shelburne, Vermont. Her books include 2007 Wanda Gág Read-Aloud Award winner, My Father the Dog (Candlewick, 2006), Dogs on the Bed (Candlewick, 2008), and 2010 Kid’ Choice Award Winner at Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum, How Do You Wokka-Wokka? (Candlewick, 2009). Elizabeth often travels to present at state and national conferences and visits classrooms to work with students on writing and revision and share her books with them. She lives in northern Vermont with her family and two adorable dogs.
Book Info
MY FATHER THE DOG (Candlewick Press, 2006)
Winner of the 2007 Wanda Gág Read-Aloud Award
Dads have a whole lot in common with friendly, lovable pups. They can be so similar, in fact, that the young narrator of My Father the Dog is suspicious. “My father pretends to be human, but I know he is really a dog,” she says. “Consider the evidence.” She proceeds to lay out an inarguable case, citing ball chasing, treat loving, occasional growling, outdoor pit stops, and much more funny, fetching qualities of loyal, lovable, family-protecting dads and the dogs they resemble. “Tail-wagging hilarity that’s simply doggone funny….” Kirkus Reviews (4/1/06)
DOGS ON THE BED (Candlewick Press, 2008)
What’s a family to do when the bed is overrun by dogs? Move over, of course! Join this family in a doggie-dancing rodeo as six exuberant canines keep their family awake as bedtime rolls near. In this rollicking, rhyming romp, Mom, Dad, and the kids settle in for a peaceful story before sleep — but their canine companions have other plans. Dog owners will recognize the familiar shenanigans pets engage in at bedtime: stretching out sideways, barking at outside noises no one else can hear, whining to be let out (and in again) all night long. But demands aside, adored dogs are still the coziest comforters around.
“The exuberant, rhyming text delights the ear as the hilarious illustrations engage the eye in this kid- and dog-friendly tale. Fun for sharing with a group or one-on-one.—Piper Nyman, Brookmeade Elementary School, Nashville, TN (School Library Journal, Jan. 1, 2009)
HOW DO YOU WOKKA-WOKKA? (Candlewick Press, 2009)
Winner of the 2010 Children’s Choice Award at Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum.
Some days you wake up and you just gotta wokka. Wokka what? Wokka-wokka! It’s about movement. It’s about individuality. It’s about gathering friends and joining the party. Say “HEY ” to your neighbors and get your dance on! With jazzy rhythms, silly rhymes, and lively images, the creative team behind My Father the Dog returns with a call-and-response for preschoolers that celebrates movement, dance, and community spirit.
Starred review: “This bouncy book is a joy as a read-aloud whether in a group or one-on-one, and kids and adults won’t be able to resist making their own nonsense rhymes and dances as they “wokka-wokka” through the book.–Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI (School Library Journal, Aug. 1, 2009)
Looking for a study guide? Here’s the teacher’s guide for all three books.
Web Resources
Website: Elizabeth Bluemle Author Website | The Flying Pig Bookstore Website
Twitter: Elizabeth’s Twitter Account | The Flying Pig Bookstore Twitter Account
Facebook: Elizabeth’s Facebook Author Page | The Flying Pig Bookstore Facebook Page