Best Wishes

Children's Literature

The prolific author of many early reading books, such as the "Henry and Mudge" series; the "Poppleton" series; and the "Mr. Potter and Tabby" series, as well as Caldecott award-winning picture books, and young adult novels, tells how she got her start in writing. While the author no longer lives in Appalachia, her early roots were in West Virginia and rural Ohio. Children love to see her son, the big dogs, the trailers, country roads, and the peaceful settings from which many of Rylant's books draw inspiration. Pictures show her walking, working, visiting, thinking, and observing—they suggest that much of writing isn't visible but happens inside us, a good thought for young writers to ponder. All in all, it's an excellent introduction to the writers' craft and a particularly good link for young readers to make with an author they are bound to love and understand how her life informs her art. No elementary school should be without this book as Rylant's many award-winning books cover the K-5 curriculum, and then some. 1992, Richard C. Owen Publishers,
— Susan Hepler

Children's Literature - Beverly Kobrin

In Best Wishes Cynthia Rylant comments that her grandmother still lives in the same little house children can read about in When I Was Young in the Mountains. One of the superlative "Meet the Authors" series written especially for elementary graders. Get the complete set.