Myths are stories that explain a natural phenomenon. Before humans found scientific explanations for such things as the moon and the sun and rainbows, they tried to understand them by telling stories. Jane Yolen explainexplanationfind Change image and share on social
It seems like I've been writing since birth! I started writing poems before I got to school. I wrote the class musical in first grade - both words and music. It was about a bunch of vegetables who got together in a salad. I played the chief carrot! Jane Yolen birthbunchcarrot share on social
If a parent wants to talk about slavery or wants to talk about countries where bombs go off, they need to have a way - a setting - to have that conversation. And there are wonderful books out there for those kinds of conversations. Jane Yolen bombbookconversation share on social
In college, I wrote newspaper articles and songs. Then, on my 21st birthday, I sold my first book. It was a nonfiction book about women pirates - 'Pirates in Petticoats.' After that, I was a book writer for good. Jane Yolen 21starticlebirthday share on social
I write to satisfy the story or poem or piece of fascinating research that speaks to me. To rub a sore, to resonate with joy, to answer a question no one else has satisfactorily answered for me. Jane Yolen answerfascinatejoy Change image and share on social
I began as a journalist for my pocketbook and a poet for my soul. Jane Yolen beginjournalistpocketbook Change image and share on social
My youngest son becomes an award-winning nature photographer, and I cannot resist writing poems to his pictures. My daughter loves to cook, though I do not. Yet together, we write a cookbook with fairy tales. And now a second. Jane Yolen awardcookcookbook share on social
While I was in junior high, I wrote an entire essay in rhyme about manufacturing in New York State. In high school, I won a Scholastic poetry contest. Jane Yolen contestentireessay Change image and share on social
I read everything aloud, novels as well as picture books. I believe the eye and ear are different listeners. So as writers, we have to please both. Jane Yolen aloudbookear Change image and share on social
I think picture books should stretch children. I think they should be full of wonderful, amazing words. Jane Yolen amazebookchild Change image and share on social
