Valerie Rapp
Photo by Gene Skrine
Valerie Rapp is a science writer who tells stories about how people connect to nature, how nature works, and how people are going to survive in the 21st century. Valerie has worked in, studied, and written about the natural world for over 30 years. Her publications include six books, plus scientific publications and magazine articles.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
- Animal Tracks and Hunter Signs by Ernest Thompson Seton, published in 1958. I also loved a short biography of Geronimo, but I don’t know the title or author.
What’s your favorite line from a book?
- "Call me Ishmael."—Herman Melville, Moby Dick
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
- Susan Patron, The Higher Power of Lucky, winner of the 2007 Newbery Medal.Phillip Hoose, The Race to Save the Lord God BirdE. B. White, Charlotte’s Web and other classics.
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I love to tell stories about my own and other people’s adventures outside, and I love words. So writing down stories was natural for me.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
- Keep a journal about what you do, see, and think. Don’t worry about writing well—this journal is for you, not your teachers. Have fun with your journal—jot down field notes, make a quick sketch, ask questions, paste in leaves or seeds—whatever helps you observe and remember better.
