Interviews with Authors, loaded with info and insights on creativity and writing. ( )

Marvelous series of interviews by Leonard S. Marcus with some of the picturebook greats. The book is filled with many charming anecdotes, insights into the mind of an artist, talk about the publishing industry and small history lessons. Just one example, or I would go on for many inches:

Eric Carle speaks of his collaborations with Bill Martin Jr., author of "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?," among many others. "One morning," Carle tells Marcus of Martin, "he came down from his hotel room to breakfast and said, 'Eric, what do you think of this? "Da da da da da DAH." Or should it be: "da da DAH da da DAH?"' 'Bill, what are you talking about?' I asked. 'Oh, my next book. I usually do the rhythm first, before I do the words.' Isn't that wonderful? Therein lies the secret of his success. His books are *all* rhythm -- heartbeat!" ( )