Virginia Kroll
Since I was small, I have been fascinated by different people, their appearances, their languages, and their cultures. My Catholic mother's father came from Poland and my Presbyterian dad's, from Germany. They taught us respect and tolerance for everyone-or else. After it was demanded of us, it became a part of me by choice. I especially strive to be like my father, who was a US Immigrations officer and the most magnanimous person I knew. Patriotism was also high on the list at our house. My parents both served in WW II, Fath (as we called my dad) in the Army and M.K. (my mom) in the Navy.
I grew up in a modest home with four siblings, a glorious, huge backyard, and a best friend who now lives in her parents' former home, right across the street from mine. We're not far away from each other; only ten miles. I never wanted to go far from home and still don't. I guess that I am rooted in the western New York area like an old maple tree. My happiest years were spent exploring with my friend, Babs Wilson Halvorsen, and my sister, Nancy. We watched birds, took nature hikes, and did lots of hands-on learning. We were seldom allowed to watch TV during the day and could at night sometimes-and only if our homework was done. We did love the Mouseketeers, which was allowed after school. Babs and I went to the library and read books together, then we acted out the parts of the characters for a week or two at a time, till our next literary adventure.
I attended Canisius College and University of Buffalo, got married, and had six children. They are Sara (36), Seth (33), Joshua (30), Hannah (23), Katya (20), and Noah(18). My granddaughter, Olivia, is 15, and my "surrogate" grandchild, Hannah, is 12.
I have always had animal companions-dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, degus, mice, rats, hedgehogs, fishes, birds, gerbils, hamsters, tortoises, and turtles. At present, my human family and I share our home with 36 creatures of varying species. I personally cannot imagine a home without some barking, meowing, chirping, squeaking, singing, purring-or all of the above.
I began writing because we were poor. I knew I had to do something to make a difference. I started out with magazine items in 1984 and have 1,753 items to my credit. In 1990, a magazine editor told me, "You should be writing books." I took his advice the following year, when my sixth and final child was a year-and-a-half old. Since 1992, I have had 54 children's books published, and I currently have 11 more under contract that will be released in the next two years.
I love speaking to schoolchildren and try to pass on the love of people and the respect for Nature with which I was blessed at a young age. I truly believe each of has a purpose in life. Mine? To be a pen in God's hand.
Note: Virginia Kroll is a former teacher whose students inspired her to write Faraway Drums. She is the award-winning author of such critically acclaimed books as Masai and I, an American Bookseller Pick of the Lists and a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 1992; Fireflies, Peach Pies & Lullabies; Hats Off to Hair!; Africa Brothers and Sisters; and Wood-Hoopoe Willie, which won an American Book Award for excellence in multicultural literature.
Contributor: Virginia Kroll
Reviews
Brianna Breathes Easy: A Story about Asthma
Virginia Kroll
Illustrated by Jayoung Cho
Brianna is coughing a lot lately and seems to be coming down with a cold. Running, jumping, dust, smoke, and many other things make it difficult for her to breathe. While practicing for the school play, Brianna has her worst coughing spell yet and winds up at the emergency room when teachers realize she is wheezing. At the hospital, Brianna along with her parents realizes this is no common cold. The doctor diagnoses her with asthma. Brianna learns about asthma triggers and treatments and how to control her disease. Armed with a peak flow meter, inhaler and medications, Brianna is back in school a few days later. She learns some of her schoolmates cope with asthma too. She also learns that when she keeps her asthma under control, she can do all the things she would normally do, and she gives a stellar performance two days later as the lead in the Thanksgiving play! Crisp, colorful yet simple illustrations will help young asthma sufferers understand what happens inside their bodies during an attack and familiarize them with procedures and equipment used during treatment. 2005, Albert Whitman & Company, $15.95. Ages 5 to 9. Revivewer: Kelly Roque (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8075-0880-2
ISBN: 978-0807-50880-0
Busy, Busy Mouse
Virginia Kroll
Illustrated by Fumi Kosaka
A busy, happy, round-headed family goes through their daily routine, from sun-up to sundown. In the meantime, their household mouse gets ready for bed and rests quietly as the people go about their busy day. Then, when the last person is bundled into bed and all the lights are out, the mouse gets ready to have some fun of his own. The text, composed of rhymed couplets highlighting various everyday activities ("Teeth brushed. Baby hushed."), has a pleasant singsong rhythm. The illustrations of both the happy people and the friendly mouse are gentle, with soft colors and fuzzy edges. Observant readers will enjoy noticing how the human family's nighttime rituals relate to their daytime activities, as well as how the mouse's routine mirrors that of his human counterparts. 2003, Viking, $15.99. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Norah Piehl (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Choices, 2004; International Reading Association; United States
ISBN: 0-670-03527-0
ISBN: 978-0670-03527-4
Equal, Shmequal
Virginia Kroll
Illustrated by Philomena O'Neill
A small mouse observes a game of tug-of-war in the local playground. He thinks it looks like such fun that he takes the idea to his friends in the nearby woods. Using the rope left behind by the children in the playground, the animals proceed to tug. Mouse realizes the importance of both sides being equal just as the children had said as they played. The romp continues as a bobcat, a wolf, a rabbit, a deer, and a turtle also come by to join the game. The animals try several methods to have equal teams on each side of the rope, finally the seesaw helps them decide the weight for equally dividing the teams. This is a fun math adventure that will have kids chuckling as they read along. The animals are cute and laughable. The surprise ending will leave the reader with a smile in his/her face. The various definitions of the word equal are given on the last page. 2005, Charlesbridge, $16.95 and $6.95. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Barbara Youngblood (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5709-1891-0
ISBN: 1-5709-1892-9
ISBN: 978-1-5709-1891-9
Especially Heroes
Virginia Kroll
Illustrated by Tim Ladwig
Basing her story on a 1962 childhood memory, the author's unnamed narrator tells of the year when she considered heroes. Two things started her thinking: some children had parents who fought or were nurses in World War II and, says the teacher, they were heroes. In church classes, which "all the kids from Ebenezer Elemetary" attended, she thinks about martyrs. "Do you love anything so much that you would die for it?" asks the teacher nun. When she gets home, her father expresses his distress that a note from the teacher says she has been talking again in class. The girl also goes to Mrs. Hall, an African-American widow who lets children come and have cocoa and cookies. Her small brother Donald asks the good-natured widow if he will turn brown like her from drinking cocoa, and later gets in trouble for repeating "nigger," a word someone at school called Mrs. Hall. Later in the night, the family receives a call from "Jerry" and the father sets off with a baseball bat to drive away the punks who have broken windows in Mrs. Hall's house. Then, she considers her father a hero, maybe even a martyr. The last realistic watercolor painting shows her dreaming about five of her heroes and martyrs. Unfortunately, Mrs. Hall's speech is rendered with dropped n's, rural expressions such as "tuckered out," and ungrammatical constructions. The artwork captures some period-clothing details but one of the racist high school-looking boys has a contemporary-looking tattoo. The story makes a leaden connection between common decent acts and the kind of people who make them and sometimes become heroes. It also raises conversations about sacrifice, taking risks, and doing what's right, but at the expense of a tight, well-focused story. Was her father prepared to die for his protection of Mrs. Hall? Who are those people in the girls' dreams? What's the truth behind this story?--As only the jacket notes, the author's personal experience. Lose that and you lose the information. 2003, Eerdmans, $16.00. Ages 7 to 11. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0-80285-221-1
ISBN: 978-0-80285-221-2
Forgiving a Friend
Virginia Kroll
Illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye
Seth and Jacob race their bicycles until Jacob crashes into Seth's yellow dump truck. Seth is not concerned that Jacob may be hurt, but is angry that his brand-new truck is broken. Although Jacob apologizes, Seth shouts, "You get out and don't ever come back." When Seth talks to his mother, who is shown in front of a computer, she asks, "Is that how you'd want Jacob to treat you?" Later when Seth accidentally breaks Grandma's stained glass lamp, Grandma surprises him with her forgiveness and concern for his well-being. The watercolor and pen drawings show that Seth is white with yellow curly hair. Jacob has brown skin and black hair. Pictures in cartoon balloons show what Seth is thinking. Seth's only apology is the act of knocking on Jacob's door. But all is forgiven. This title is part of "The Way I Act" series. Children may find this story a little heavy-handed. 2005, Albert Whitman & Company, $15.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8075-0618-4
ISBN: 978-0-8075-0618-9
Girl,You're Amazing!
Virginia Kroll
Illustrated by Mélisande Potter
Upbeat rhymes affirm that girls can do anything and everything from "helping your brother with math he finds tough" to " seeing the puppies are fed just enough." The colorful, mixed media illustrations exude humor and extend the possibilities of what girls can become. Throughout this volume girls are friends, athletes, dancers, artists and caring family members. Teachers could use the rhyming pattern as an extension for children to write poems about their own gifts and strengths. Celebrate a girl and share this book with her, for there are no limits as to what she can become. This picture book is a strong purchase for home, elementary schools and public libraries. 2001, Albert Whitman, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Wendy Pollock-Gilson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8075-2930-3
ISBN: 978-0-8075-2930-0
Jaha and Jamil Went Down The Hill: An African Mother Goose
Virginia Kroll
Illustrated by Katherine Roundtree
What an adventure; the traditional Mother Goose rhymes written as if she had visited various countries in Africa. This book embodies traditional and contemporary life in African nations as depicted in colorful illustrations that will capture the imagination of a young child. The lyrics are refreshing, new rhymes, yet familiar enough to recognize the original counterpart. A brief glossary of unfamiliar words and correct pronunciation of names would have been helpful. 1994, Charlesbridge, $14.95, $6.95 and $15.88. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Dr. Judith Campbell (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-88106-865-9
ISBN: 0-88106-866-7
ISBN: 0-88106-867-5
ISBN: 978-0-88106-865-8
Jason Takes Responsibility
Virginia Kroll
Illustrated by Nancy Cote
When Mother asks, "Who's responsible enough to do an important job for me?" Jason says, "Me," before his younger brothers can answer. While Mother holds a baby, Jason is given the invitations to Grandma's birthday party to deliver to the mailbox. He stops to fly a kite with a friend. When he sees the mail truck, he rushes to give the invitations to the Postwoman, but falls and loses one down a drain grate. He tells no one about the lost invitation until it is noticed that Grandma's best friend is not at the party. Jason is in trouble. The resolution of the feelings of those concerned is lightly done and believable. Lively colored-in drawings of an extended family of Asian descent amplify and add background to the text. One of the "The Way I Act Books," this story with a message will be enjoyed by children and parents alike. 2005, Albert Whitman & Company, $15.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8075-2537-5
ISBN: 978-0-8075-2537-1
Motherlove
Virginia Kroll
Illustrated by Lucia Washburn
This book is a celebration of "Motherlove." Kroll's rhyming text, "Some mothers are furry./ Some mothers are purry;/all mothers are wonderfully warm," points out the common attributes of various mammal and bird mothers, while an accompanying prose text (with a much more advanced vocabulary) provides information about the distinctive characteristics of the various animals depicted, such as "Purring is a vibrating sound of contentment made in the throats of many cats, both wild and domestic." The page-filling illustrations of soft, cuddly, and even smiling llamas, lions, swans, and other animals are large and detailed in warm pastel tones. The attribution of human feelings to animal parents is problematic in a book that also stresses factual information. All mothers in the animal kingdom are not always "fantastic at loving," nor do they keep their young in their "hearts forever." 1998, Dawn Publications, $16.95 and $7.95. Ages 2 to 8. Reviewer: Linnea Hendrickson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-883220-81-5
ISBN: 1-883220-80-7
ISBN: 978-1-883220-81-5
Pink Paper Swans
Virginia Kroll
Illustrated by Nancy L. Clouse
Who among us hasn't been captivated when given the opportunity to watch origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding? Eight-year-old Janetta Jackson is fascinated by her neighbor, Mrs. Tsujimoto, as she watches this tranquil woman deftly produce a menagerie that includes swans, frogs, cats, and fish. In time, Mrs. Tsujimoto teaches her the graceful art form, but that is not all she learns from the aging artisan. A friendship that begins in admiration grows into an equal business partnership, combining Janetta's imaginative fingers and Mrs. Tsujimoto's creative mind. However, the greatest lesson learned by far is the value of friendship between young and old. Appropriately, the book is handsomely illustrated with angular full-color cut-paper collages. Easy-to-follow directions and step-by-step illustrations for making your own pink paper swan are featured on the last two pages. 1994, Eerdmans, $15.00. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Bagel (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8028-5081-2
ISBN: 978-08028-5081-2
She Is Born: A Celebration of Daughters
Virginia Kroll
Illustrated by John Rowe
Virginia Kroll sings a song of praise to girls everywhere in She Is Born. Into this lyrical tribute is woven fascinating information about how girls live, work, and play throughout the world. John Rowe's lush paintings capture the strength, vulnerability, and joy of girls just born and growing to womanhood. 1999, Beyond Words, $15.95. Ages All. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
The birth of a girl is celebrated in many different ways around the world. An emotional, fluid prose announces the birth from the voices of the doctor, nurse or midwife. Depending on her country/peoples of origin, she is bundled up in a variety of materials and welcomed. Her family will proclaim her birth with ribbons, cigars or balloons. As she grows she will be nourished by cornbread, rice or manioc porridge. She will grow up and then maybe she too will hear, "she is born" as she becomes a mother. Charming, almost spiritual, realistic illustrations grace this sentimental look at being female. 1999, Beyond Words Publishing, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Kristin Harris (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-88522-394-3
ISBN: 978-188522-394-4
With Love, To Earth's Endangered Peoples
Virginia Kroll
Illustrated by Roberta Collier-Morales
Calling forth the distinct traits of many traditional cultures of the earth, the author stretches our imagination on a journey to remote areas of the world, where modern lifestyles and commercial exploitation endanger ancient ways. The bright illustrations and dynamic borders do an admirable job bringing the text to life, which celebrates the deep qualities of the people in gently rhyming prose, and laments their disappearance. There are also interesting facts and details in smaller print on each page. We come to see how love of nature, creativity, resourcefulness and a sense of collective responsibility are characteristics shared by native peoples, and that these qualities are expressed in unique ways. A note from the author tells children some facts about endangered peoples, and how we can begin to change this trend by having respect for people different from ourselves. The last line is a quote from Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, "...my humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together." This would be an admirable addition to any social studies curriculum. It is part of the "Sharing Nature with Children" series, which includes teacher's guides with core curriculum activities. 1998, Dawn Publications, $8.95. Ages 9 up. Reviewer: Nancy Partridge (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-883220-82-3
ISBN: 978-1-883220-82-2
Wood-Hoopoe Willie
Virginia Kroll
Illustrations by Katherine Roundtree
A young boy and his grandfather explore their African-American heritage. This is a positive intergenerational story that concludes with a Kwanzaa celebration. Roundtree's illustrations truly complement the text. 1995 (orig. 1993), Charlesbridge, $14.95, $15.88 and $6.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-88106-409-2
ISBN: 0-88106-410-6
ISBN: 0-88106-408-4
ISBN: 978-0-88106-408-7
ISBN: 978-0-88106-409-4
Added 10/27/2006
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