Denise Fleming

Denise Fleming won a Caldecott Honor for In the Small, Small Pond. She is the author and illustrator of over twenty picture books, including Buster, Lunch, Alphabet Under Construction, and Time to Sleep. Her newest books are Maggie and Michael Get Dressed and 5 Little Ducks—check out the book trailers! Discover related activities for all of her books at www.denisefleming.com. ***INTERVIEW*** Q: Where did you grow up? A: I grew up in Toledo,Ohio, where I live still. I am a midwestern girl. Q: What is your earliest memory of writing/drawing? A: It seems like I was always writing and drawing. I wanted to share my ideas from the beginning. A bit bossy am I. Q: What inspired you to write/illustrate your first book? A: I started collecting picture books in art school. I was crazy about the whole picture book format. I realized, as I was sharing books with my daughter, that making books is what I needed to do. Q: What are your hobbies and interests besides reading and books? A: I work in clay, create art from tin cans, and make art dolls. Right now I am working on combining all three media. I also dye and paint fabric for the dolls. Planting flowers and painting the outside of my house and studio is what I am busy doing right now. Q: What one or two words of advice would you give for young authors/illustrators? A: Experiment with different styles and media. *From Macmillan's Denise Fleming page.