From: Jane Botham <JBOTHA>
Date: Fri, 20 Jun 1997 11:17:47 -0500

I have a story about Charlotte Zolotow books. A fellow librarian friend, when her daughter was six, had a conversation with her regarding which author or illustrator they would enjoy meeting. The mother was surprised because the daughter wanted to meet "that lady who wrote OVER AND OVER.

I wasn't surprised when she told me the story. Charlotte's books are the kind of books children hear and read and think about!! Although I certainly use thse titles in story hours, I think they lend themselves to adult and child sharing the experience. They are such satisfying experiences they are the stories want to read over and over---and think about. I often use MY GRANDFATHER LEW when someone asks for a book for a child who is experiencing death for the first time. And I hope it is read and the adult doesn't talk afterwards, just lets the child begin to think and perhaps talk about it if the child wishes. It's the thinking that's important.

Charlotte is a valued friend of mine. We have known each other for over twenty years. The first time we met, we talked about our families and I talked of the happy childhood I had with a huge family. She asked me at that time if I would consider writing. She has never asked again. She simply says, if I tell a story,
"That's another story you could write, Jane". And because of that persistent voice, perhaps one day I will!

Jane Botham, Coordinator of Children's Services Milwaukee Public LIbrary
Received on Fri 20 Jun 1997 11:17:47 AM CDT