Author: A True Story [Paperback]

Helen Lester (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 26, 2002 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

So begins the story of Helen Lester, author of Tacky the Penguin and many other popular books for children. By sharing her struggles as a child and later as a successful author, she demonstrates that hurdles are part of the process. She even gives writing tips, such as keeping a "fizzle box." Helen Lester uses her unique ability to laugh at her mistakes to create both a guide for young writers and an amusing personal story of the disappointments and triumphs of a writer's life.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Lester's lighthearted look at how she came to write children's books will give aspiring authors of any age a lift and encouragement to persevere. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4. A picture-book autobiography that looks at the genesis of a writer from childhood to first publication, with all of the setbacks along the way. Jaunty cartoons add just the right tone to this inspirational success story.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (August 26, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618260102
• ISBN-13: 978-0618260102
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 7.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,212 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #8 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > Literary
  • #11 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > Literary
  • #54 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > General

More About the Author

Helen Lester has published The Wizard, the Fairy, and the Magic Chicken in 1983, in collabroation with Lynn Munsinger. They have also worked together on the hilarious Tacky the Penguin series and many other wildly funny and popular titles, including the award-winning Hooway for Wodney Wat. Helen Lester is a full-time writer who makes her home in Pawling, New York.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a must-read for every student who struggles in schoo, November 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Author: A True Story (Hardcover)

This enchanting book must be read to every class of learning disabled students, and should be in every elementary classroom as well. Ms. Lester shows, with amusement and the touching words of a small child, that writing can be fun-for anyone! Even if writing is a struggle, it can be enjoyed. This book will make students with problems know it's okay to be different, and that they can still go on to a productive, happy life. That is so important, as so many adults are scarred by the unhappy times they spent in schools, attempting to learn what was for them, almost impossible. I feel almost all students would enjoy this book. Thank you to Mrs. Lester for saying what so many needed to hear.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Honest and Inspiring, August 12, 2007

By 

S. Bullock (Estero, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Author: A True Story (Paperback)

This is Helen Lester's true story of how she became a writer--from struggling in grade school to becoming a published author (many times). It's inspiring because it shows that writing is not simple--even for those gifted with the pen, but that it takes time and effort and a lot of rewrites. I would recommend it to anyone trying to show a child that writing does not always come easily, but that even the toughest writing struggles can be overcome with perseverance. It also explains the illustrator's job and how good illustrations help sell stories. Helen Lester's fiction books are hysterical and this companion "biography" is a must if you are a fan of her works.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource, October 25, 2007

By 

S - See all my reviews

This review is from: Author: A True Story (Paperback)

This book shows children what many professional writers know. Writing isn't easy, but it is rewarding. I adore this book and how people of all ages and skills can relate to it.