Rosemary Wells

In over 60 picture books, Rosemary Wells addresses universal childhood experiences with wit, humor, and good cheer. Ms. Wells' irresistible characters invite readers to explore their own feelings as they commiserate with a protagonist's plight and celebrate each triumph. In a special session at the Festival geared towards educators, Wells will talk about the importance of reading to children and the craft behind creating her beloved children's and young adult books. Born in New York City, Wells grew up in a house "filled with books, dogs, and nineteenth-century music." Her childhood years were spent between her parents' home near Red Bank, New Jersey, and her grandmother's rambling stucco house on the Jersey Shore. Most of her sentimental memories, both good and bad, stem from that place and time. Her mother was a dancer in the Russian Ballet, and her father a playwright and actor. Wells says, "Both my parents flooded me with books and stories. My grandmother took me on special trips to the theater and museums in New York." Wells' career as an author and illustrator spans more than 30 years and numerous children's books. She has won many awards, and has given readers such unforgettable characters as Max and Ruby, Noisy Nora, and Yoko. Wells wrote and illustrated Unfortunately Harriet in 1972. One year later she wrote the popular Noisy Nora. "The children and our home life have inspired, in part, many of my books. Our West Highland white terrier, Angus, had the shape and expressions to become Benjamin and Tulip, Timothy, and all the other animals I have made up for my stories." Her daughters Victoria and Beezoo were constant inspirations, especially for the now famous "Max" board book series. "Simple incidents from childhood are universal," Wells says. "The dynamics between older and younger siblings are common to all families." But not all of Wells' ideas come from within the family circle. Many times when speaking, Wells is asked where her ideas come from. She usually answers, "It's a writer's job to have ideas." She admits, "I put into my books all of the things I remember. I am an accomplished eavesdropper in restaurants, trains, and gatherings of any kind. These remembrances are jumbled up and changed because fiction is always more palatable than truth. Memories become more true as they are honed and whittled into characters and stories."

At the Festival: Red Boots (Baby Max and Ruby) Clean Up Time (Baby Max and Ruby)

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