Author and educator Kathy Stemke writes fun, educational books for children. Her titles include Moving Through All Seven Days, Trouble on Earth Day, and Sh, Sh, Sh, Will the Baby Sleep? She's also the author of the Wonderful Water Explorers series. In addition, she's a regular contributor to Helium and Associated Content. For more information about her work and her books, visit her website.
Thanks for the interview, Kathy. Did you always want to be a writer?
Yes, I’ve been writing as long as I can remember. I write poetry for self-expression. I’m working on a book of poems about life from a dancer’s point of view. Here’s an example:
An Empty Stage
Coiled torso frozen on an empty stage,
a living sculpture trapped in place
with no gown of tulle to hide her age
only weeping knees below her waist.
Framed in light, her insides groan
with pent up passion poised for release,
she now waits long and alone
for rhythm to carry her to peace.
But I remember her unencumbered
prance, so light for one held down
by unfulfilled dreams remembered,
floating above her tattered gown.
Tell us about your children's books.
My first book, Moving Through All Seven Days, was an outgrowth of a blog post. This book inspires movement as children learn about the days of the week. The lyrical rhymes also teach them how to spell each day! The activities at the end of the book are designed to reinforce the concepts as well as give impetus to movement exploration.
I plan to write a series of picture books with environmental themes. Trouble on Earth Day is almost ready to be released. This is a fun and educational story about a squirrel who helps a new friend while learning to recycle. This book is full of great recycling ideas, craft projects, and worksheet pages.
I recently completed the second book in this series titled, Wonderful Water Explorers. This book opens up conversation about water preservation with a story of a thirsty bluebird named Charlie, who has lost his ability to sing due to a lack of water. When he meets up with his squirrel friend, Shelby, they set out on an adventure to find fresh drinking water and to bring back singing to the forest.
Article comments
1 - Dixie Phillips
Kathy,
Bravo! Loved your interview!
The best is yet to come!
Hugz,
Dixie Phillips
2 - Vivian Zabel
Oh,Kathy, love the poetry and enjoyed the interview very much.
Vivian
3 - Kristi Bernard
Great interview Kathy. Congratulations! Your are a wonderful writer.
4 - kathy sremke
Thanks for your generous comments everyone.
5 - Terri
Great interview giving us insight into your successful career. Keep up the good work.
6 - Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Really a nice blog. Kathy, you're always so helpful to others. Glad I could come by to learn more about you.
Best,
Carolyn
Tweeting writers' tips @frugalbookpromo
7 - Mayra Calvani
It was a pleasure interviewing you, Kathy!
8 - deborah weed
Kathy,
You are such an inspiration and when you jump in, it is a leap with passion! Thank you for guiding all of us and continuing to write what is in your heart.
9 - Cheryl Malandrinos
Excellent interview ladies. Tour environmental series sounds so interesting and fun, Kathy. Make sure you let me know if you need reviewers.
Best of luck in all you do.
Cheryl
10 - Donna McDine
Kathy:
Wonderful interview. I'v enjoyed getting to know you even better. Congratulations on all your successes and best wishes for many more. I'll be Facebooking and Twittering your interview.
Regards,
Donna
11 - Dallas
Kathy, this is a fantastic interview! Reading about your writing journey gave me a wonderful boost of inspiration this morning. Thank you!
12 - Janet Halfmann
Great interview, Mayra and Kathy. Thanks for sharing it.
13 - Karen Cioffi
Wonderful interview!
Kathy, it's great that you're working on a book addressing environmental issues. We need more talented authors doing the same.
Karen
14 - Jennifer Bogart
Moving Through All Seven Days sounds very interesting. I have a weakness for titles combining education and fun (it's a common ailment amongst homeschoolers I'm afraid).
15 - kathy sremke
Thanks for all the great comments.