From Reluctant Reader to Celebrated Children's Author: An Interview with Tom Birdseye
Today, Tom Birdseye's funny novels, picture books, and nonfiction works leave many readers eagerly turning pages. But according to Birdseye, when he was in elementary school, both reading and writing were very difficult for him.
"I was not a good speller," he states in a Suite 101 interview. "I had problems learning how to read. And when I handed in my papers, they came back looking like they'd been in a car wreck with red marks all over them."
Fortunately for Birdseye, an encounter with J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit helped excite him about reading while a college course taught by a professional writer made him realize his own skill at storytelling. Since that time, he's published several award-winning books and spends much of his time visiting schools to help demystify the writing process for children.
I got to speak with Tom Birdseye and learned about his ideas about child literacy, his author visits, and his own favorite books.
Michael Jung: As a former reluctant reader, what are the best ways you've found to turn kids on to reading?
Tom Birdseye: I think you hook the reader by grabbing their interest. I was a reluctant reader and I picked up The Hobbit because I told this kid in college that I'd read it. And it grabbed me quickly - it sucked me into the story. I was hooked.
I think what I'm trying to do is offer a good story to kids that will feed their desire for more. I don't think state standardized testing leads kids into becoming better readers. I think that the best way to get a kid motivated and excited about stories is to get good books in their hands and let them enjoy that experience of being swept away by a story. And by reading a lot that'll make them better readers.
I'm not saying that any sort of traditional instruction in schools is unnecessary. It clearly is. But I think that ultimately the best way to get kids going is with a really great book.
MJ: You visit a lot of schools to talk about your books and being a writer. What are some of the most interesting questions kids have asked you during these visits?
TB: You get a lot of questions on, "Where did you get the idea for that?" And every once in a while some kid will ask, "How much money do you make?" And the teacher will be going, "Jared! No!"
But I welcome questions that are kind of personal and quirky - "Have you ever had a good bike wreck?" "What color is your dog?" "Do you like pizza?" "What's your favorite color?" Because what I try to do in my school visits is to demystify the writing process and the kids' notion of writers.
When I was a kid I thought writers were these mythical people who could do this thing I couldn't. And I find a lot of kids still have the feeling that writing books is not a skill that they can learn. And I try to make sure they understand I'm just a guy and writing is something I've worked really hard at.
MJ: Any favorite children's books you'd like to recommend?
TB: Oh gosh! Yeah - as a writer I'm drawn to books that startle me and are innovative in some way or another. Things like Lois Lowry's The Giver. And sometimes things just ring so true, [Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's] Shiloh for example.
When I taught fifth grade, I wanted a book to read aloud to the kids. So I went in the library and the librarian handed me a book that I'd never heard of by an author I'd never heard of - it was The Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson.
And I made the mistake of not reading it to myself first - I just thought I'd dive into it with the kids. But that just amazed me - the power of that kind of writing and I think that story - that was thirty years ago but that story still holds up beautifully. It remains one of my favorites despite how old it is. Katherine Patterson is one of my heroes.
Learn more about Tom Birdseye's books by visiting his website.
Arizona based freelance writer Michael Jung is the Children's Books Feature Writer for Suite 101, an online magazine. Read more of his author interviews with Tom Birdseye and other children's authors by visiting him at http://childrensbooks.suite101.com/
Reviews
Attack of the Mutant Underwear
Tom Birdseye
Fifth-grader Cody Carson is new to town and determined to become a "new me," a changed kid. The old Cody found himself caught in one embarrassing situation after another, most notably being sprawled onstage in his underwear. The new Cody is determined to be cool and makes some real strides in building friendships, improving grades, and acting responsibly. Of course, he slips along the way, making for some believable situations and realizations. The journal format allows him to include feelings, not just events, and is painfully honest about the ups and downs of preadolescence. As the title suggests, there is a good deal of " bathroom" humor, including stinky feet and burping contests; but that, too, is reflective of Cody's age. Some parts of the book become tedious, like his on-going battles with his sister, especially over cleaning the cat's litter box, while other parts are downright hilarious (his 12-step guide to "Creating a Really Good Disaster") or poignant (his wishing some of his classmates would invite him to shoot hoops). Cody is a real kid and readers (especially boys) will identify with him. Both the title and cover will draw readers to this book. 2003, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Peg Glisson (Children's Literature).
- Georgia Children's Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Georgia
- Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award, 2006; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Louisiana
- Sunshine State Young Reader's Award, 2006-2007; Master List; Grades 3-5; Florida
ISBN: 0-8234-1689-5
ISBN: 978-0-8234-1689-9
Attack of the Mutant Underwear
Tom Birdseye
Cody Lee Carson leaves his old self behind as he starts at a new school for his fifth-grade year. The new Cody is a brilliant author who keeps a journal to record this stunning transformation, but changing is not easy. Has Cody really left his old self behind? Tom Birdseye has created another funny story sure to join his growing list of award winners including the Recorded Books I'm Going to Be Famous (RB #94770). n.d., Recorded Books, Unabridged CD - Library Edition; C3563, $30.75. Ages 5 to 11. Reviewer: Recorded Books (Recorded Books, LLC.)
ISBN: 978-1-41937278-0
ISBN: 1-41937278-5
In this delightful story, presented as a diary, listeners meet Cody Lee Carson. As he begins fifth grade in a new school, he decides to reinvent himself. Narrator Johnny Heller shares Cody's challenging and difficult, but always entertaining, journey. Heller splendidly recreates Cody's internal dialogues as he encourages himself not to slip back to his argumentative and defeatist old self. Heller's portrayal of Cody's sometimes girlfriend, Amy, and his pesky little sister are particularly enjoyable. An excellent choice--every young person will see him/herself at least once in this fun story. S.G.B. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine 2004 (Orig. 2003), Recorded Books, Three cassettes, 3.5 hrs., Library Ed., $28.75. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Susan Baird (Audiofile, December/January 2005)
ISBN: 1-40257010-4
ISBN: 978-1-40257010-0
The Eye of the Stone
Tom Birdseye
Jackson Cooper's friends think he is a coward, and his father is acting weird. It takes a journey to an ancient world of danger, romance and evil for Jackson to understand himself and others. Magically transported by a mysterious black stone, Jackson finds himself in a primitive world of bows and arrows, intriguing customs and mind-boggling adulation. In Timmra, he is somebody, with phenomenal power, a beautiful girl, a tattoo and a chance to fight for justice. Has his sudden ego-boost blinded him to reality and made him an unwitting accomplice to evil? Readers will rapidly turn pages to find out. Jackson's nightmarish and bloody battle with Baen, a satanic beast, is especially riveting, although the intensity of Jackson's rage is never made wholly credible. If Jackson had more anguish over his problems with friends at home and if the strange actions of his father were clarified, the ensuing events would be more logical. Despite this weakness, and despite cover art that doesn't do justice to what is inside, readers will be gripped by the action and conflict of Jackson's other-world adventure. 2000, Holiday House, $15.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Betty Hicks (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8234-1564-3
ISBN: 978-0-8234-1564-9
A Kids' Guide to Building Forts
Tom Birdseye
Illustrations by Bill Klein
If there's a kid's fort to be built and it's not in this book, then it doesn't exist. This compendium of easy-to-follow instructions with accompanying illustrations is all you need to build a variety of forts indoors and out--whether beach, snow or in practically any room in your house. The book opens with brief history about forts. Then you're on your way to building everything from simple desk forts and lean-to designs to dome forts and teepees, snowball forts, igloos and sand forts. It even includes creative ideas for furniture and other interior finishing touches. A family favorite! 1993, Harbinger House, $10.95. Ages 8 to 14. Reviewer: Marilyn Bagel (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-94317369-8
ISBN: 978-0-94317369-6
Look Out, Jack! The Giant is Back!
Tom Birdseye
Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand.
Remember Jack, the boy who outsmarted a giant and relieved him of his coins, magic harp and golden egg-laying hen? Well, it seems that the giant has a brother who is even bigger and meaner and wants revenge. "Wham blam hickity hack! I'm gonna get that boy named Jack! He now be living, but soon he'll roast! I'll spread him with mustard and eat him on toast!" Mr. Giant has followed Jack and his mom to the mountains of North Carolina. There, the giant is dished up some southern hospitality...three hundred seventy-three platters of fried chicken, six hundred pounds of mashed potatoes, and all kinds of other goodies. The greedy giant eats it all, including the dishes. He is so full that when Jack makes his escape with all his loot, Mr. Giant cannot move. But the giant is clever and has one more trick up his sleeve, or should we say sock? In a lively, upbeat style comes a rollicking tale full of humor and repetition. The imaginative artwork will be hugely appealing to the young at heart. 2001, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Laura Hummel (Children's Literature).
The happy ending after Jack cuts down the beanstalk is only the beginning of a new Jack tale. For the giant's big brother follows Jack and his mother to America, eager for revenge, and with his own rhythmic chants to shake the windows. But clever Jack manages to outwit the giant after a close call, and to have some fun with the reader while doing it. Hillenbrand's mixed media, double-page scenes illuminate the narrative while adding many comic details--a flower-smelling skunk, Jack's mother hiding in the outhouse, and more. The lighthearted use of tints of color and fluency of line fill the pages with action to match the lively text. 2001, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
- Parents' Choice Award Recommended 2001 Picture Books United States
- Patricia Gallagher Picture Book Award Winner 2004 Oregon
- Storytelling World Awards Winner 2002 Stories for Pre-Adolescent Listeners United States
- Patricia Gallagher Picture Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Oregon
- Young Hoosier Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades K-3; Indiana
ISBN: 0-8234-1450-7
ISBN: 978-0-8234-1450-5
Oh Yeah!
Tom Birdseye
Illustrated by Ethan Long
Our narrator and his friend Jared play the game of trying to scare each other while camped out in the backyard. Each boasts of bravery while describing possible horrors: spiders, snakes, crocodiles, saber-toothed tigers. The reply is always "Oh Yeah?" They raise the ante to fire-breathing dragons plus going without their stuffed animal friends. The arrival of "a big, hairy, kid-eating monster" sends them diving back into their tent. But they must go out again to save their animals. Courageously they face the "monster," which looks a lot like a pet dog, then insist that they are really brave. "Oh yeah?" "Yeah." Long visualizes these scenes of accumulating "horrors" in a stylized manner, using colored pencil and acrylics for texture, primarily reds, yellows, and black for emotional impact, with exaggerated shapes to enhance the feelings. Shrubbery and trees are cutout flat shapes with saw-toothed edges that echo the teeth of the imagined dragons. The double pages are carefully laid out and designed. Readers can recognize familiar fears while they laugh. 2003, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8234-1649-6
ISBN: 978-0-8234-1649-3
She'll Be Comin' Round the Mountain
Adapted by Tom Birdseye and Debbie Holsclaw Birdseye
Illustrated by Andrew Glass.
This traditional song gets a new treatment from the pens of the authors and illustrator. What a rollicking frenetic song it is! "She" is Tootie, a longtime friend of Oma and Opa Sweet whom the twins, Petunia and Delbert, have never met. It is announced that she will be "comin'round the mountain for a visit." And it is through the familiar and adaptable lyrics of this song that Tootie is described for the children. It is the twins' question, "How will we know it's her," that invokes the song. The lyrics are spontaneous, and this book cannot be read, it must be sung. Glass' colorfully energetic pictures depict the mountain people and the excitement elicited by a visitor. 1994, Holiday, $15.95. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Judith Gravitz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8234-1032-3
ISBN: 978-0-8234-1032-3
Soap! Soap! Don't Forget the Soap!: An Appalachian folktale
Retold by Tom Birdseye
Illustrated by Andrew Glass.
Tom Birdseye treats us to a homespun version of the Appalachian folktale. Plug Honeycutt is the most forgetful lad in Sassafras Hollow. Only a mama could love a boy who couldn't remember his name if it were pinned on him. On his way to the store he greets people with exactly the wrong string of words. Each one tries to impress on him the correct thing to say. Will he ever remember to buy the soap? A super read-aloud with an outrageous cast of characters. The artist's palette of yellows, oranges, browns and greens fill the pages with sunshine. 1996 (orig. 1993), Holiday, $15.95 and $6.95. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature).
Plug Honeycut has such a poor memory that some folks in Sassafrass Hollow say he'd even forget his own name. No one is as forgetful as Plug! One bath day, Plug's mama sends him to the store to buy some soap. Plug doesn't want to forget, so all the way to town he calls, "Soap! Soap! Don't forget the soap!" But on the way, Plug gets distracted and forgets what he is doing! Will he remember why he is going to town? Will he remember to buy his mama's soap? Plug's scrapes and scratches will give you a good laugh. Category: Folklore; Humor. Grade Level: Primary (K-3rd grade). 1993, Holiday House. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Julie (BookHive (www.bookhive.org)).
- Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 1997; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
- Black-Eyed Susan Book Award Winner 1997 Picture Maryland
- Golden Sower Award Winner 1996 Primary Nebraska
- Show Me Readers Award Winner 1996 Grades 1-3 Missouri
- Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award Winner 1996 Washington
- Golden Sower Award, 1996; Nominee; Primary; Nebraska
- Texas Reading Club, 2005; Texas
ISBN: 0-8234-1005-6
ISBN: 978-0-8234-1005-7
Soap! Soap! Don't Forget the Soap! An Appalachian Folktale
Retold by Tom Birdseye
Birdseye's retelling of this Appalachian folktale centers upon a young boy's quest to remember to buy soap and the ridiculous events associated with fulfilling the assignment. Stechschulte's narration sounds pleasingly smooth and American, like a media broadcaster's. He switches into stereotypical Appalachian accents, with a slight nasal twang and controlled delivery, as he gives each character's part vocal intonation. As Plu, the boy hero of the tale, Stechschulte adds just the right mix of innocence and ignorance. Keeping the accents from becoming outlandish or overdramatized, Stechschulte remains clearly understandable, presenting no listening difficulty even for the youngest listener. P.A.J. (c)Audiofile, Portland, Maine 1996 (Orig. 1993), Recorded Books, One cassetes, 15 min., Book pak, $10.00. Reviewer: Pam A. Johnson (Audiofile, February 1998)
Deep in the mountains of North Carolina, there once lived a young boy with such a poor memory that he sometimes forgot his own name. Now, Plug Honeycut's mother loved him. So she was the only one who had enough faith in her son to send him on an errand. Leaving their hilltop cabin, he started toward the distant country store to buy some soap. As Plug trudges along the path, over the hills and streams, he also follows the erratic trail of his elusive memory. The result is a folktale that is sure to have listeners laughing out loud at the adventures Plug meets on his quest and the unforgettable result of his journey. Former teacher Tom Birdseye is a favorite author of young readers. His fun-filled stories, including I'm Going to Be Famous (RB# 94770) and Just Call Me Stupid (RB# 94852), appear on school reading lists across the country. Soap! Soap! won the Nebraska Golden Sower award for children's fiction. n.d., Recorded Books, Unabridged Cassette - Library Edition; 94922, $15.75. Ages 5 to 11. Reviewer: Recorded Books (Recorded Books, LLC.).
ISBN: 0-78870745-0
ISBN: 978-0-78870745-2
Tarantula Shoes
Tom Birdseye
Ryan O'Keefe knows it's bad when you're the shortest kid in your class. To make matters worse, his parents moved the family from Arizona to Kentucky. Could things become worse? Of course! He'll be entering junior high in the sixth grade; everyone knows the seventh and eighth graders pick on the sixth. Is there any hope? Ryan believes his fate rests in a pair of $124.99 basketball shoes for which he hasn't the money. In this hilarious spin, eventually Ryan learns the importance of "things." 1995, Holiday, $14.95 and $3.99. Ages 9 to 13. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner (Children's Literature).
- Children's Crown Award, 1997-1998; Nominee; Grades 3-6; United States
- Iowa Children's Choice Award, 1998-1999; Nominee; Iowa
- Sasquatch Reading Award, 1998; Nominee; Washington
- Utah Children's Book Awards, 1997; Nominee; Children's Fiction; Utah
ISBN: 0-8234-1179-6
ISBN: 978-0-8234-1179-5
A Tough Nut to Crack
Tom Birdseye
Grandpa Ruben's tractor accident (he gets run over by his own tractor right before it crashes into his neighbor's breakfast nook) sends Cassie and her annoying younger brother to Kentucky to see Grandpa with their widowed dad. But the two men have been bitterly estranged for years: Cassie has never met her grandfather, and her father doesn't allow Grandpa's name to be mentioned in their house. Cassie is determined to discover the cause of the feud and bring about a reconciliation, but finds out that their mutual enmity is going to be "a tough nut to crack." Cassie makes a likeable narrator--impetuous, impatient, good-hearted--although she sounds a bit young for a seventh grader. Her growing friendship with Grandpa's neighbor, high-heeled, wise, and wily Vicky Higgins, adds depth to the story, and the short titled chapters with their punchy hook endings keep readers briskly turning pages. However, when it is finally uncovered, the origin of the decades-long feud just seems preposterous, given that the two men's hostility has survived the death of Cassie's mother and the birth of both grandchildren. If Dad is willing to come see Grandpa after his tractor accident, why wouldn't Grandpa have been willing to come see his son after his young wife's tragic death? Still, the ending skillfully avoids being overly neat, recognizing that real families can have real problems, but still endure. 2006, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
- Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, Supplement, 2007; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to Ninth Edition, 2007; H.W. Wilson Company; United States
ISBN: 0-8234-1967-3
ISBN: 978-0-8234-1967-8
Under Our skin: Kids Talk about Race
Debbie Holsclaw Birdseye and Tom Birdseye
Photographs by Robert Crum.
Through the eyes of six students, from different racial groups, we perceive how they feel and how they experience racial prejudice. Rosa, who is Mexican, thinks that some parents probably raise their kids to be prejudiced. Akram is Muslim. His religion is his culture. Akram says, that if he could, he would make people who are racist live together with different races and get used to them, then they would get along. Jenny is Chinese. She feels special because she eats with chopsticks, sometimes wears special clothes and celebrates special holidays. She likes meeting people from other countries so she can learn about their cultures. Tad is a white teenager. He feels that everybody is equal and that it would be boring to have just one race. His solution to racism is to put something in people's tea, a get-along potion. Janell is American Indian. She really enjoys the traditions and customs, the feasts and the powwows. She feels that if she could change the color of the skin of those who are prejudice, maybe they would see that racism is bad. Jason is African American. He feels it's not the color of your skin that matters; it's what's under our skin that counts. 1997, Holiday House, $15.95. Ages 10 to 13. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature).
- Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
- Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 1998; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
ISBN: 0-8234-1325-X
ISBN: 978-0-8234-1325-6
Added 4/28/09
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