An Interview with
Peter H. Reynolds

Student: "How did you write such a good book?"

Peter: "Well, first, thanks for saying it was 'such a good book'! That makes me happy. The North Star is a special book to me and perhaps that is why it came out the way it did. When you have a special story that comes from the heart - the result is usually very good!"

Student: "How long did it take you to write The North Star?"

Peter: "Great question! The idea came to me in a few seconds, and it took only an hour to roughly jot the idea down in my home journal. I sketched out the story in simple line drawings. Making the actual book took much longer because I tested the story with friends, students, and teachers, and had to draw and paint all 120 images in the book! Then it took a few months to layout and print the book. So, it took about a year from start to finish."

Student: "Do you like animals?"

Peter: "I love animals. In The North Star there is a cat, a bird, a rabbit, a frog and a few mystery animals hiding in the swamp if you look very carefully. I travel too much now to have an animal, but when I stop, I would like to get a dog."

Student: "Will you write any other stories that help you learn about yourself?"

Peter: "Yes! Another great question. "Thinking stories" are my favorite kind. My new book, The Dot (due out this fall from Candlewick Press) is a story about discovering the creative spirit tucked inside each one of us. There will be two sequels to that book that explore that idea more. AND I plan on two more sequels to The North Star!"

Student: "How do you come up with your ideas?"

Peter: "My story ideas usually start with a mission. Like, wanting people to appreciate reading and books. I just wrote a story about that idea called The Very Last Book. Sometimes I get inspired by a doodle I have done on a napkin - like The Blue Shoe, which I wrote for my daughter, Sarah."

Student: "Do you collect anything?"

Peter: "Wow! These are original questions! Hmmm. Well, I collect children's books. I also collect my own doodles! Sounds funny, but I often draw on scraps of paper, backs of envelopes, whatever is handy, and so I have loads of little drawings that might otherwise get thrown away if I did not tear them out and collect them. I have old tin boxes that I save them in."

School Counselor: "What else would you like us to know about you that no one might think to ask?"

Peter: "I think it is important to find great friends who share your mission, your ideals, your values. The people we hang out with influence us. Choose good people to hang out with and your journey will be one that you will be proud of. I wish everyone a wonderful journey. I truly believe the future looks bright when I see young, innovative students THINKING about the voyage ahead."

During the 2002-2003 school year, an elementary school counselor in Maine interviewed me through e-mail, using questions provided by her students (all but the last). The interview was featured in her school's guidance parent newsletter, which was a fun way for parents and kids to learn more about me. The kids' questions were great, and I had a wonderful time answering them. I thought you might enjoy learning more about me from that interview too, so I decided to share it here. Enjoy!