Sara R. Hunt

© Cindy White Photography

Interview

What was your favorite book when you were a child?

I loved to read as a child. Some of my favorites were: From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume, and A Bargain for Frances by Russell Hoban.

What’s your favorite line from a book?

One that I remember and quote to my daughters frequently is, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” A quote by Eleanor Roosevelt in a Kit book from the American Girls Collection.

Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?

I read a lot of children’s literature with my daughters. We really enjoyed the Sharon Creech books, especially Walk Two Moons. (My favorite author when I was young was Judy Blume.)

Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?

I have always loved children’s books – as a child I was a voracious reader. That passion was rekindled when my first child was born and I spent countless hours reading stories … “again, again!” 

When I was a book editor at American Girl, my three daughters were constant inspiration for, and frequent testers of, my book projects, giving new meaning to the concept work-life balance. When you write about something that you love, it doesn’t feel like work!

Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?

I will share the two most valuable pieces of advice that I received: Read, read, read. The best writers are those who read a lot! And, write about what you know and love!