Valerie Bodden
Valerie Bodden is a freelance author and editor. She has written more than 100 children’s nonfiction books and lives in Wisconsin with her husband and four children.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
What’s your favorite line from a book?
“When in doubt, go to the library.” –Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Do I really have to narrow it down to three? Jane Austen. Marie Lu. Jessi Kirby. J. K. Rowling. (I know. That’s four. I’m a writer, not an accountant.)
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I’ve always loved playing with words (it’s much less messy than playing with food). At first, I didn’t think it was possible to grow up and do that for a living—but it turns out it is!
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Read a lot. Then read some more. Write a lot. Then write some more. Keep working at it—even when it’s hard. And have fun!
