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Janie Writes a Play

Janie Writes a Play

Jane Yolen's First Great Story

Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight

Hardcover

Janie Writes a Play

About the Book

Based on a true story to the beginning of the storied career of children’s book author Jane Yolen, written by her very own daughter.

Janie Yolen loves to read, write, dance, and sing. So when her teacher announces Janie's elementary class will perform a play, Janie is thrilled. There's just one problem . . . the play is boring. With the support of her teacher and classmates, Janie rewrites the play, resulting in a hit class musical.

An inspiring and funny look at how a writer became a writer, told by another prolific author--Heidi E. Y. Stemple, Jane's own daughter!

Product Details

On sale: February 11, 2025
Age: 5-8 years
Grade: Grades K-3
Page count: 32 Pages
ISBN: 9781623543273
Reading level: Lexile: AD630L

Author Bio

Heidi E.Y. Stemple has written more than thirty books for children, including She Sells Seashells; Yuck! You Suck!; Whose Nest Is Best?; Bad Girls; and I Am the Storm. Heidi lives and writes in Massachusetts.

Madelyn Goodnight is a member of the Chickasaw Nation. Her work reflects her love of childhood. She holds a degree from Rhode Island School of Design and lives in Oklahoma. She is the illustrator of Powwow Day, The Pear Tree, and Look, Grandma!/Ni, Elisi!
www.madelyngoodnight.com

Reviews

A charming and warm new picture book about Jane Yolen is great for primary age students. Little Janie is in first grade and excited for the class play! She dreams of the music the acting and the dancing. But the script falls short and even though she has the lead it's boring. So, as she choreographs her carrots at dinner one night she realizes that she can write the play and make it better-and she does. A fun, picture book biography is a wonderful addition for classrooms and libraries. The story itself is sweet and simple, and children will relate to Janie's feelings. The artwork is the true star of this book. Whimsical and imaginative pictures show Janie’s ideas and feelings, and communicate them to the reader. The author includes a note at the back of the book with pictures of Janie Yolen's childhood and explains that this is a true story based on her life. This book is a good read aloud or independently read story.
Children's Literature