Joel Edward Stein
Joel Stein is a former staff writer for CTB/McGraw-Hill. A member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, he lives in Florida with his wife, son, two birds, and a tortoise. His books include A Hanukkah with Mazel, The Pigeon Man, and The Capture of Rafael Ortega.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
My mother read Hans Christian Anderson stories to me before bedtime. And I would ask to hear THE UGLY DUCKLING over and over again.
What’s your favorite line from a book?
‘Clever people and grocers weigh everything.’ — Nikos Kazantzakis
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
There so many favorites that it would be difficult to say who the top three were. Each and every author is unique and enjoyable. However, for writers of children’s books; Patricia Polacco, Eric Kimmel and R J Palacio are particularly enjoyable. I’d also have to include Han Christian Anderson, Lewis Carol, Sholem Aleichem, and Isaac Bashevis Singer among my favorites.
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I’ve always loved stories. And I thought that maybe someday I too would enter the world of imagination and create a place where interesting and exciting things happen. My characters take me on adventures, share their emotions, and along the way … teach me lessons. Hopefully, they will do likewise for my readers.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Read a lot. Write a lot.
