Mary Quattlebaum
Mary Quattlebaum writes poetry and heartwarming stories for kids. A Year on My Street, reviewed November 1996, is a delightful collection of 16 poems. Mary believes that sound and rhythm are important in all forms of writing, but especially in poetry. This is evident in her poem "Big Boys, Shooting Hoops" with all of the "b" words, and the pacing in "Double Dutch." She believes that poetry is a natural first form for writing and that kids respond to it.
It may look simple, but poetry takes work; an observation that a character makes in one of her books, The Magic Squad and the Dog of Great Potential. From her school programs, Mary notes that kids are very interested in the writing process, especially the revisions-and, yes, she tells them that grown-ups also have to write and rewrite.
Where does Mary's inspiration and information for stories come from? Her knowledge of magic comes from her husband, an amateur magician. As to the animals she writes about in stories such as The Magic Squad and Jazz Pizzazz and the Silver Threads (reviewed August 1996), Mary claims personal experience raising 8 gerbils and fish, plus growing up with lots of animals. Also, she judges an annual essay contest for the D.C. Humane Society which provides plenty of background material.
Mary's Master's thesis was a pilot program to teach literature and writing to senior citizens. In 1986, she decided to test out her idea and applied for a grant from the District of Columbia. That was the genesis of the Arts Project Renaissance, which is still running. Mary's closeness to other seniors is evident in her book Underground Train. It depicts a visit to grandmother and is dedicated to Mary's grandmother.
Going back to how she got started in children's books, Mary replied to an ad for a writing contest (Marguerite de Angeli Prize), and entered Jackson Jones and the Puddle of Thorns. It won and was published by Delacorte in 1994. The book continues to garner praise and recently was released in paperback. More books are coming, and a new picture book, entitled Aunt Cee Cee, Aunt Belle, and Mama's Surprise, about a young girl and her kooky aunts trying to plan a surprise birthday party, was recently published.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
To read more about Mary Quattlebaum, visit her website www.maryquattlebaum.com.
Reviews
Jazz Pizzazz and the Silver Threads
Mary Quattlebaum
Illustrated by Robin Oz
Most kids long for a pet, and Calvin is no different. When his friend Jenny gets a hamster for her magic act, he knows that this is the pet he has been longing for. Life is never simple. Pizzazz, the hamster, must live with Ms. Eva who takes care of Jenny, Calvin and his younger brother Monk every day after school. Pizzazz is lost and rescued, and Calvin ends up being triple-grounded. However, all turns out well; Calvin saves the day for the community talent show and ends up with the pet he wanted so badly. It's lots of fun with a cast of delightful characters. 1996, Delacorte, Ages 8 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-385-32183-X
The Magic Squad and the Dog of Great Potential
Mary Quattlebaum
Illustrations by Frank Remkiewicz
Calvin is a "C" kind of guy, a procrastinator who feels somewhat overshadowed by his talented and gifted younger brother and his neighbor Jenny, a top student in his class. When Calvin goes to the local pound, he falls for a rather large but untrained dog. He is appalled to learn that the dogs will be put to sleep if they don't find good homes. Calvin gets his baby-sitter to sponsor Train-a dog with great potential-and promises that within a month he will train the dog and find him a good home. Jenny's plans for a magic show, deadlines to complete a school project, and Calvin's struggle to realize his own potential are all intertwined in this entertaining and heartwarming story. 1997, Delacorte, Ages 8 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-385-32276-3
Underground Train
Mary Quattlebaum
Illustrated by Cat Bowman Smith
On the surface, this is just a simple story of a little girl taking a trip to visit her grandmother, but underneath there is so much more. Readers take a trip on the Metro--an underground train that goes "Rrruuummm. Whoooosshh." The rhythm, pace, and even the placement of the poetic text mimic the movement and sounds of the train. While our travelers are deep underneath the city, the streets above teem with activity. The parallel stories converge when the travelers arrive at their stop and emerge above ground to join up with Nana. Cat Bowman Smith's lively and amusing watercolors accurately capture the Washington Metro and all of the excitement of the little girl's trip. 1997, Doubleday, Ages 3 to 8, $14.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-385-32204-6
A Year on My Street
Mary Quattlebaum
Illustrated by Cat Bowman Smith
Sixteen poems are accompanied by fun-loving, action packed illustrations. Quattlebaum has captured life during a journey through the seasons on a street that could be found in any city. My favorite stops were "Taking My Double Dutch Turn" and "Bread for the Homeless Shelter." The rhythm in these poems echoes in the ear. They are filled with the joys, wonder, caring, and fun that should be part of every kid's life. 1996, Bantam, Ages 5 to 8, 13.95 and $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-440-41106-8
Added 1999
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If you're interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.