What Do Authors Do? [Paperback]

Eileen Christelow (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

A sprightly text and colorful illustrations follow two creative people-and a talkative dog and cat-through the writing process step by step, from the inspiration for a story to the satisfaction of sharing the book with readers. Eileen Christelow based this instructive picture book on questions children asked during her classroom talks around the country. Simple enough for young children to understand, and with the entertainment value of fiction, "What Do Authors Do?" is children's nonfiction at its best.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Alternating informative commentary with humorous, action-filled cartoons, Christelow (Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree) light-heartedly explains how books are created and produced. "Authors get ideas for books at the strangest moments!" announces the headliner text; below, cartoon panels show neighboring authors watching their pets chase each other into a pond. After the authors take notes, make lists or outlines, read and research, and "listen and watch," the man ends up writing a chapter book about "a dog and a cat who travel around the country on a freight train" and the woman ends up writing and illustrating a picture book about a "dog-chasing cat who ends up a hero when he rescues a family from a fire." As the two deal with rejection, revision, working with editors, printing and production, deciding on a dedication, and even taking author photos, their cheerful pets react: "That's me!" says Rufus as his master writes; "Dumb magazine!" says Max as his mistress reads an unfavorable review. As its title suggests, this book emphasizes the author's role?for a more in-depth look at production, see Aliki's How a Book Is Made (1986), also for this age group. Although not every author follows the exact path Christelow outlines, she clarifies a sometimes complicated process?and makes it seem full of fun. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3?Christelow follows two next-door neighbors as they independently develop stories about their pets?the scruffy sheepdog, Rufus; and Max, his energetic feline adversary. Dialogue in cartoon balloons and brief text describe the writing process and the mechanics of publishing. The authors talk to one another, share their works-in-progress with family members (and their pets), and confer with other writers in a workshop. Readers follow this lengthy and complicated process through rejections, acceptance, editorial sessions, and rewrites, as each author perseveres to the happy conclusion. Because Christelow chooses to follow the "story" of two books rather than one, and includes technical details about printing, layout, proofing, and binding, there is much here for readers to absorb. Some of the material is covered in Aliki's How a Book Is Made (Crowell, 1986). Christelow's purpose?to answer the general question posed in the title by including just about every topic raised when authors visit schools or libraries?is accomplished in a humorous, sprightly manner, using the panel format of cartoon illustration to good advantage. Librarians and teachers introducing the writing process will find this title very useful. Young readers will appreciate the determination, patience, and hard work it takes to produce the books they enjoy, and will welcome the journey from idea to finished book.?Martha Rosen, Edgewood School, Scarsdale,
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (August 18, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395866219
• ISBN-13: 978-0395866214
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 10.8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,044 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #33 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Careers
  • #47 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Reference & Nonfiction > Language Arts > General
  • #60 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > Careers

More About the Author

Eileen Christelow has created numerous fun and funny picture books, including the Five Little Monkeys series, Author, and most recently, Letters from a Desperate Dog. She and her husband, Ahren, live in Vermont. For more information visit www.christelow.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What Do Authors Do?, June 22, 2000

By 

Ann Vollmar - See all my reviews

This review is from: What Do Authors Do? (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book for teaching children how books are created by an author and then published. It is a humorous account of the ways authors find their ideas and the rewriting necessary to create their stories. I plan to use it as an inspiration for my third graders as they write their own stories.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 6 traits of writing, July 16, 2010

By 

MegaMom - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: What Do Authors Do? (Paperback)

As a second grade teacher this shows the process that writers do in order to publish their stories. Sometimes the students get a little frustrated when they can't just do the story once. Also this book is a great example of the use of speech bubbles.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good childrens book, September 29, 2005

By 

Nihonkabu "Bibliophile" (Medfield, MA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What Do Authors Do? (Paperback)

This book is good for elementary aged kids. It explains how writers get their ideas and how they go about writing and publishing a book.