Friday Interview: Children's Author Kathy M. Miller
Friday, October 14, 2011 at 03:07PM  |
| Kathy M. Miller |
Her new book, Chippy Chipmunk: Babies in the Garden (October 2011), tells the story of this brood of chipmunks that come together after the four babies are born. It starts with Chippy, the father, waiting anxiously for his offsprings' arrival.
Once they finally come out of their burrow, they roam and explore the author's yard. A photographer by hobby, Miller captures all of their moods and moves from Chippy's bright eyes when he meets his babies for the first time to Rosalie's discovery of her reflection in a bird bath.
Chippy Chipmunk: Babies in the Garden is Miller's second book. Her first, Chippy Chipmunk: Parties in the Garden, released in September 2009, received 15 national awards including the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, the Purple Dragonfly Book Award and the Young Voices Foundation Award. You can also read a review of Miller's new book on my children's book website.
Miller recently took some time out of her busy book promotion schedule to chat with me about Chippy and her love of children's books.
Tell me about your background.
"I grew up in Ottawa, Ontario Canada. My British mother was an avid reader who filled our home with books. The highlight of my week was visiting our community library."
Why did you write Chippy Chipmunk: Babies in the Garden?
"After the release of my first book, Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden, I was always asked if I would do another book. I usually replied that I would love to, but I was at the mercy of what I could photograph. When a mother chipmunk brought her babies to my window – as if to show them off – I knew a sequel was in order! Kids are fascinated with chipmunks and the sequel gave me an opportunity to write about chipmunk families."
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Chippy Chipmunk: Babies in the Garden |
"Yes, I had a camera when I was a teenager, but I didn’t get serious until about five years ago, after my Mom died. I found nature photography to be a good source of healing. There are many beautiful things to observe that make you smile and even take your breath away.
Nature photography requires that you hyper focus for long periods of time. This was a good diversion from my grief! I used books, workshops, tutors and skills learned in my college art classes. To help me improve the quality of my images. It takes a lot of patience, practice and time to get good pictures."
What do you hope readers will get from this book?
"I hope they learn to identify backyard birds, and take an interest in other wildlife beyond chipmunks. It would be great to see children taking more of an interest in spending time outdoors. A camera will get kids engaged in nature as they look closely for things to photograph. Through observation they will hopefully become curious and build a connection to their natural surroundings."
"Carl Sams III and Jean Stoick, through their books such as the classic Stranger in the Woods, showed me how photography could be used for illustration. I was thrilled to get their endorsement on the back of my books!"
Do you have a favorite children's book?
"I loved The Cat in the Hat, Go Dogs Go and Horton Hears a Who. I found these highly engaging stories which I read again and again. I love the rhythmic use of language in the Dr. Seuss books."
Who is your favorite children's author?
"I love Shel Silverstein’s poetry as it is very silly and funny. They say it’s healthy to laugh, so perhaps we should start each day by reading one of Shel’s poems."
Is there one children's book that you think had a profound effect on children and society as a whole?
"I remember reading The Diary of Anne Frank and feeling a sense of shock and disbelief."
Where is your book available for purchase?
"My books are available through all booksellers, nature stores (like Wild Birds Unlimited.) and my website www.chippychipmunk.com"
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