How did you get started in children’s books?
I got started writing children’s books through a previous career, namely theatre. I was a playwright and a performer before I was an author and a poet. Sometimes I still think about picturebooks as miniature plays. Similarly, I pay attention to the characters and their actions, the possible settings, and the dialogue.
What (or who) inspires your writing or art?
I feel inspired by the performance of the writing and often think about how the book will be received/audienced by the readers/viewers after it is in print or when it is being performed.
What was your favourite book as a child? Why?
I have several favourite childhood books. I loved Arnold Lobel’s Owl At Home; it was hilarious and character driven. I loved P.D. Eastman’s Are You My Mother? too, because it was filled with curiosity and danger. Later on in grade school, I loved Judy Blume books because I felt that she spoke to my own experiences; it felt like she wrote her books just for me.
How can teachers use your books in the classroom?
As an educator and a teacher or teachers at Brock University, this is not a brief answer. I do offer suggestions for teachers on my website, kariwinters.com. The best thing to do is to contact me. I am happy to share numerous ideas.
What are you looking forward to most during TD Canadian Children’s Book Week?
Oh! This is an easy question. I am most excited about…THE AUDIENCES!!!! I love performing the books and feeling the joy of the story, and especially seeing that joy on the faces of the children.