Questions, Compassion, and Flamingos: Inside Patti Bonesteel’s Literary World
Interviewed by Katie Barr
Children are famously the toughest critics. Having spent decades with
them, what is the one “secret ingredient” you learned that keeps a child from
closing a book halfway through?
You are absolutely right about children being the toughest critics. They can be brutally honest. When it comes to wanting the truth about something, ask a child. I think the best way to keep a child interested in a book, whether it’s a picture book, or a chapter book is to stop and ask questions. That way they are engaged and you can see what they are thinking. It promotes critical thinking skills, and will lead them to asking questions, too.
For example, my books are researched and fact based with more text and dialogue than most picture books. When a parent and child, or a teacher and their students read together; stopping and asking questions not only helps them stay engaged, but it also helps them learn and appreciate the acts.
An example from my first book, The Flamingo with Two Left Feet, I might stop at the very beginning and ask why do you think Fernando is upset? Later on in the book, I might ask why the bullies made fun of Fernando? And even later in the book, I wonder how the shrimp makes their feathers pink? All of these can lead to more discussions and discoveries.
If you could go back to your first year of teaching with the books you’ve written now, how would you use Fernando or Barkley to handle a ‘difficult’ day in the classroom? Fernando had no self confidence whatsoever. We’ve all been there at one time or another.
Maybe they have no confidence in math, or they don’t like going to gym because they can’t play ball like the others. Maybe they have a hard time reading, or they just can’t seem to put words together to say what they mean. Fernando overcame his self doubt with the help of a supporting and encouraging mother. Fernando also learned about practice and patience. He also learned that being himself is a good thing to be.
So, with students having problems, teaming them up with others generally makes the problem easier to handle. Whether it is academic or personal, working with someone eases the burden. We can get so much more accomplished when working together.
How do you approach explaining such ‘heavy’ adult concepts to children without losing the whimsical nature of a picture book?
Difficult adult concepts, but child like ones, too many of us can relate to some struggles Being bullied, or having low self esteem. Anger and disappointment. Struggling with changes in life. Struggling with being different than others, or suffering a loss.
I think my approach is using some humour with easy and meaningful dialogue between the characters. And, again discussions as you read together. And in the case of picture books, the illustrations are also helpful to convey emotions.
You’ve adopted the mantra that one is ‘never too old to dream a new dream.’ What has been the most surprising ‘growing pain’ of starting a new career after two decades in another?
In my particular case, it wasn’t such a stretch to go from teaching students to writing for students. I am still teaching, but doing it through my writing. I always liked writing and being creative. And, I have obviously read many children’s books over the years. But, I believe the biggest growing pain has been … how do I get my books into the hands of parents and children, educators and students. So, it is still a work in progress. But, I believe in what I am creating and I will see where this next chapter in my life takes me.
In a classroom, you are the authority. As an author, the reader is in control. How has it felt to move from a role where you give the answers to a role where you provide the ‘fable’ and let the child find their own answer?
In the classroom, I was the authority. But authority does not mean I was always the one in charge, or the one that had all the right answers. My style of teaching was allowing the students to question and discover, whether it was through a history, science, math or reading lesson. I loved doing projects with the kids where they were put into groups. They had roles to play and they had to critique their progress and make a plan to change or stay the course.
So, in my writing, I am the reader. If you were to watch me writing, you might see me acting out the characters. How would Amari look if she was disappointed? Then I paint the picture I visualize, into words. How would Remi feel when he finally makes a decision? How does Bobby feel when Peyote finds him?
In Ramona and Izzy, you bring together two different species of sloths who are both grieving. In a world that often highlights our differences, why was it important for you to show that compassion doesn’t require a ‘perfect match’ in background or species?
You are so right, we do live in a world that highlights our differences. Whether it be skin colour, religion, intelligence, income, social standing, it’s there. We see it. But, it’s what we choose to do … with what we see. Learning to accept differences is wonderful. But, learning to appreciate differences, that’s where real growth begins.
Ramona and Izzy, I’ll Be Here for You is based on a true story out of Costa Rica where a three fingered sloth adopts a two fingered sloth. The guides couldn’t believe what they were seeing. Their thought was a passerby just picked up the baby and put her in the tree. Days later the two sloths were still together. So, they figured both sloths had suffered a loss and were helping each other. So, that tugged at my heart and I thought, I can build a story around this.
After researching facts, I found out that the two sloths are not the same species, or even in the same family. So, throughout the story, the differences are addressed. They laugh about them, but also learn to appreciate each other. Even when the two fingered sloth grows up and leaves with her mate, the two sloths know they will always be there for each other.
So if Ramona or Izzy were to see one of us alone in the forest “world”, what do you think they would say?
I visualise them reaching out their hands and saying, “Hi, I’d like to get to know you.” “Here, let me help you.” “You don’t have to do this on your own.” “I’m here for you.” That’s why adults can enjoy my children’s books too.
All content is original to The Literary Lounge.
Questions asked and original to Katie Barr. Answers provided by Patti Bonesteel, with minor proofreading edits. Featured Image sourced from here.
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