Maribeth Boelts

I remember feeling understood by many of the authors I read as a child, and that's been my hope as a writer...that a child would pick up one of my books and feel as though I "get" them. Their sense of humor. Their fears and insecurities. Their quest for independence, and their need for home to be a safe haven. My favorite authors did just that...Beverly Cleary, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Roald Dahl, Judy Blume and so many others. I'm indebted to all of them!

My recipe for writing a story is relatively simple and remains unchanged over the years...spend time with kids, listen to them, value them and remember who you were as a child. Then experiment with your ideas through a story or poem, and let it sit for a while, so you can re-read it with fresh eyes. If it still rings true, pursue it, but if it doesn't, go back to the beginning and try another idea.

I grew up in Iowa, in a rambunctious family of eight. A tomboy for sure (and still today), I fished the Iowa trout streams with my dad, went night crawler hunting with my brothers, and made forts in the woods. I dreamed of living in a tree, just like the boy in My Side of the Mountain, and I still look for the perfect tree today, truth be told.

Graduating from the University of Northern Iowa with a teaching degree, I became an early childhood teacher, and began writing stories I could share with my young students. Then in 1991, I took the plunge and became a full time writer. Married to my husband, Darwin, we are the parents of three children— Adam, Hannah and Will. We also have a dog named Dixie and a cat named Karmen, both adopted from our local animal shelter. Dixie was the inspiration for my newest book, Before You Were Mine, which tells the story of a young boy who wonders what his dog's life was like before he was adopted as a stray from the shelter.


					Dogerella illustrated by Donald Wu Random House, 2008 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0375833939 In this fractured fairy tale, poor Dogerella longs to be the royal pet of Princess Bea...but who would choose a mutt like her? Maybe Princess Bea!



					Before You Were Mine illustrated by David Walker GP Putnam's Sons, 2007 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0-399-24526-8 In this story, a young boys imagines what his dog's life was like before he was adopted from the shelter as a stray. Actor Candice Bergen has a written endorsement on the jacket: "This is a lovely and touching book to encourage people to rescue pets instead of buy."



					Those Shoes illustrated by Noah Z. Jones Candlewick Press, 2007 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0-7636-2499-6 Jeremy wants a pair of "those shoes"—but they cost more money than his grandmother can afford. When he finally gets a pair from a thrift store, he is faced with a real decision.



					Starlight Lullaby illustrated by Marisol Sarrazin Little Simon, 2006 ages 1 to 3, ISBN 978-1-4169-0633-9 Mother animals sing lullabies to their babies. This is a board book for toddlers and includes a push button light up star on each page.



					The Firefighters' Thanksgiving illustrated by Terry Widener G.P. Putnam, 2004 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0-399-23600-6 A busy city team of firefighters works together to cook a Thanksgiving meal. With all the fire calls, can their holiday be rescued?



					Sometimes I'm Afraid illustrated by Cheri Bladholm Zondervan, 2004 ages 3 to 8, ISBN 978-0-310-70657-1 From nighttime fears to being nervous about a spelling test, several children in this story learn to handle their fears. Christian perspective.



					With My Mom, With My Dad illustrated by Cheri Bladholm Zondervan, 2004 ages 5 to 8, ISBN 978-0-310-70644-1 A young boy copes with the changes due to his parents’ divorce. Christian perspective.



					Sarah's Grandma Goes to Heaven illustrated by Cheri Bladholm Zondervan, 2004 ages 5 to 8, ISBN 978-0310706564 A young girl experiences the loss of her beloved Grandmother. Christian perspective.



					When It's the Last Day of School illustrated by Hanako Wakiyama G.P. Putnam, 2004 ages 6 to 9, ISBN 978-0-399-23498-9 James is so excited for the last day of school, and plans all the things he will do to celebrate!



					Looking for Sleepy illustrated by Bernadette Pons Albert Whitman & Company, 2003 ages baby to toddler, ISBN 978-0-8075-0447-5 This is a bedtime book for little ones. It’s time for bed, but Little Bear isn’t sure if he’s sleepy enough. Papa helps him by bathing him, reading him stories, enjoying a snack, until Little Bear is sound asleep.



					The Sloths Get a Pet illustrated by Jan Gerardi Random House, 2003 ISBN 978-0-375-81229-3 request at your library This is a Step-Into-Reading Book published by Random House, Level 3. A lazy family of sloths adopt a rambunctious puppy and learn what it will take to give their funny new pet a real home.



					You're a Brother, Little Bunny! illustrated by Kathy Parkinson Albert Whitman & Company, 2001 ages 2 to 4, ISBN 978-0-8075-9446-9 Little Bunny has a baby brother! And he has a wide range of feelings about the new little bunny in his home.



					Big Daddy, Frog Wrestler illustrated by Benrei Huang Albert Whitman & Company, 2000 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0-8075-0717-9 This is a warm tale about the love between a frog-wrestling daddy and his wrestling son, Curtis.



					Little Bunny's Pacifier Plan illustrated by Kathy Parkinson Albert Whitman & Company, 1999 ages 2 to 4, ISBN 978-0-8075-4581-2 Little Bunny loves his pacifier, but he has his own plan for letting it go.



					A Kid's Guide to Staying Safe (a 6-book set) The Rosen Publishing Group, 1997 Staying Safe on the Streets, ISBN 978-0823950805 Staying Safe at School, ISBN 978-0823950799 Staying Safe Around Water, ISBN 978-0823950782 Staying Safe at the Playground, ISBN 978-0823950812 Staying Safe on Your Bike, ISBN 978-0823950768 Staying Safe Around Fire, ISBN 978-0823950775 Written at a second-grade reading level, these safety books are accompanied by full-color photographs.



					Little Bunny's Cool Tool Set illustrated by Kathy Parkinson Albert Whitman & Company, 1997 ages 3 to 6, ISBN 978-0-8075-4584-3 It’s hard for Little Bunny to share new things, especially when it’s a brand new tool set!



					Little Bunny's Preschool Countdown illustrated by Kathy Parkinson Albert Whitman & Company, 1996 ISBN 978-0-8075-4582-9 How many days until preschool begins? Little Bunny finds out in this picturebook for preschoolers.



					Summer's End illustrated by Ellen Kandoian Houghton Mifflin Company, 1995 ISBN 978-0395705599 request from your library The summer has been so wonderful—it’s hard to let it go. In this book for 4-8 year olds, a young girl has mixed emotions about the arrival of school.



					Grace and Joe illustrated by Martine Gourbault Albert Whitman & Company, 1994 ISBN 978-0807530191 request from your library A lonely preschooler finds a friend in her neighborhood mail carrier in this gentle, intergenerational story.



					Dry Days, Wet Nights illustrated by Kathy Parkinson Albert Whitman & Company, 1994 ages 3 to 6, ISBN 978-0-8075-1723-9 Little Bunny has a problem with bedwetting. This is a reassuring tale about a common childhood problem.