Sunday, January 22, 2023

A CONVERSATION WITH MARGRIET RUURS and a GIVEAWAY

 Margriet Ruurs was the author expert in the recent issue of Talking Story on "Libraries Without Walls." She has published a plethora of nonfiction picture books so I decided to ask her a few more questions. Here are her answers as well as a chance to win one of her award-winning books, My School in the Rain Forest.



INTERVIEW

CAROL: How did publishing My Librarian is a Camel impact your writing career?


MARGRIET: It’s funny. I loved having Boyds Mills Press as a publisher. They did several of my other books since then. But I had this particular manuscript rejected several times. In the end, it has become one of my most successful books so I learned to never give up, to keep submitting, and to believe in your writing. This book also led to many speaking opportunities because of its topic. And I’m passionate about books and libraries so I loved the ride.

CAROL: Can you speak about the global nature of your books? What inspires you? 

MARGRIET: Travel has enriched my life. I travel the world, mostly to speak at International Schools where students speak or learn English but come from a wide variety of backgrounds, different cultures, and countries. I learn much from these kids when I meet them and often they will inspire stories. Meeting kids in Pakistan, Mongolia, in Israel made me realize how similar we are, and how we share the same values and needs despite our different religions or customs. This made me write books like Families Around The World and Where We Live. I hope that these books help to bring awareness and respect for people who are different from what we know.


Margriet sharing books in Mongoloia.

CAROL: Can you talk about how your books are used in classrooms? Was that always your vision as an author?

MARGRIET: Because I spend a fair amount of time in schools as visiting author, and conduct writing workshops in classes, I know that books can be much more than ‘just a story’. I also hope that my books are not just entertainment for a short while, but that they help kids to grow and expand their knowledge. Books truly can be ‘windows on the world’. So adding teaching materials, supplementing with activities and ideas for busy teachers, can really help to increase the value of a book. 

I have often put classes in touch with each other around the world so that they can become pen pals and exchange information about their countries and their daily lives.

But also following an author visit, students will better appreciate the process that goes into the making of a book. How long do you do research? Which sources are reliable? I love telling students about the many years it took me to collect information and images for My Librarian is a Camel, and how I did not give up when it took years to get the actual information from a remote country where the librarian did not speak English. Students need to learn about online research and how to differentiate between reliable and unreliable resources.

My book Stepping Stones is about refugees and was illustrated in stones by an artist in Syria. Many schools have used it to make art from rocks and other natural objects. But also to write biographical stories. It has been used widely as a fundraiser and raised more than $100,000 for refugees.

I also have quite a few books about animals and wildlife (Wild Babies, Amazing Animals, and more). I love showing students how to make sure their information is correct and how to put information in a format to which the reader can relate. For instance, in Amazing Animals, I tell the reader how much the heart of a Blue Whale weighs. But how do you imagine what 400 pounds look like? When you tell the reader that the heart of a Blue Whale is the same size as a mini-van, or that a newborn black bear is the same size as a stick of butter… that is something a kid can picture, and thus it makes more of an impact.

Stories can also focus on real-life experiences. One of my books is called The Elephant Keeper. The publisher used an interesting format for this nonfiction picture book. They turned the picture book into chapters. The main story is about a young Kenyan boy who feared elephants but grew up becoming a much-respected elephant caretaker in an elephant orphanage I visited. The main story is illustrated with beautiful art. This is interspersed with facts about elephants where photos are used. So this book become a format that works on many different levels, in the classroom and beyond.

CAROL: What’s next?

MARGRIET: I’m working on all sorts of exciting projects, including picture books about each continent. I always have writing on the go. I love being able to follow my own interests and getting kids excited about research and writing. Besides working on manuscripts, I interview a Canadian writer or illustrator for a regular column in a magazine that goes to all schools in Canada. I also review books with global appeal for The International Educator, a print and online publication for educators at International Schools. 



Margriet with Dashdondog Jambyn who ran Mongolia’s mobile library
 and wrote many beloved books in Mongolian.

GIVEAWAY

Astra Publishing is donating a copy of My School in the Rain Forest to one fortunate winner. To enter, leave me a comment by January 26. Make sure you leave your email address and name if you are new to my blog. BONUS: Educators and librarians get an extra chance! U.S. address only.

Don't panic if you don't see your comment published immediately. It will publish after I approve it. 

23 comments:

Natalie Aguirre said...

That's great that Margriet can draw on all her travels in writing her stories. And it's so cool that she facilitates classrooms becoming pen pals. Since I don't have a middle grader or younger child to read this with, I'll let someone who does win Margriet's book. Thanks for sharing it this week.

Joyce said...

Another beautiful book!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Lois. I agree!!

Carol Baldwin said...

Yes, Joyce, It is!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thank you, Natalie, for leaving a comment and letting someone else win.

Danielle H. said...

I'm fascinated by this topic and can't wait to read it.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Danielle. You're on the list.

Emily Weitz said...

This book looks fascinating! I love learning about how different people live all over the world. I have some students at my school who came here from other countries, so I think this book would be such an interesting read!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thank you, Emily. You're in twice!

Greg Pattridge said...

What great insights from Margreit on the wonderful path she has taken with her books. The reading audience is the true beneficiary of her impassioned work. I'll pass on the giveaway but will be tracking down copies of her titles. Thanks for featuring your post on today's MMGM.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thank you, Greg, for the opportunity to share the books on your blog.

Trish said...

What an interesting topic!! I would enjoy this along when the grands!

Kathy said...

Thank you for interviewing this amazing author and telling about her books!

Kathy said...

Wonderful interview with Margriet and her fascinating books!

Carol Baldwin said...

"Unknown" please let me know who you are--I want to add your name to the giveaway list!

Carol Baldwin said...

You're in, Trish!! Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

Brilliant, and I love it! I grow up in a different country and I will be sharing my school experiences with my grands!
Thanks for including me, Carol!
Hewi Mason

Carol Baldwin said...

Hewi--You have many stories to share with your grands!

Valinora Troy said...

Great interview, and I have to say I envy Margriet's writing lifestyle! Sounds amazing, and her books sound great. Thanks for sharing!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thank you, Valinora. Margriet is an inspiration to all of us!

Rosi said...

Great interview with some wonderful writing tips. Thanks for that.

Patricia T. said...

What a wonderful way to see the world and to share little known stories. Bottom line we are all connected despite our race, religion, culture or continent. I love the idea of A School in the Rainforest -- makes me think of "The Rain School" PB. Loved the interview! Guess, I got in at the last minute of the draw. :)

Carol Baldwin said...

Yes, Patricia, you got your name in just in time! Thanks for the comment.

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