As the oldest child in the family, I often read aloud to my three sisters and three brothers. We loved Curious George and Amelia Bedelia. Every two weeks we visited the nearest public library and checked out so many books we had to lug them to the car in a clothes basket. These treasures inspired our games of mustang and a series of tiny illustrated books about a girl and her donkey, based on Billy and Blaze.

Although I had studied language development and psychology at the College of William and Mary and received a Masters in Literature from Georgetown University, I didn't think about writing for children until I became a medical writer for a children's hospital. There my husband Christopher (a former kid magician) and I led a weekly volunteer project that combined magic and poetry to entertain sick kids and encourage their writing. So playful, solemn, and moving were their stories and poems that they triggered my desire to write for a young, creative audience.

Writing for young readers continues to be a wonderful challenge. The people, pets, and happenings of childhood and my current neighborhood are lively muses. I also enjoy writing for the Washington Post and various magazines as a free-lance writer, teaching creative writing, and spending time with my husband and daughter. And I love regular reunions with my large, extended family. Check out the opportunity to write and publish stories about your family reunion in the kids page of a national magazine.

"A sequence of eighteen poems tells of a little girl's experiences on a snowy late-winter day. The verse forms vary from deft rhymes ... to free verse to eloquent haiku, with the poetry inviting young listeners through strong emphasis on sound (internal rhymes and alliteration are rife) as it stretches their imagination through creative imagery...."
~The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (recommended book)

"The poetry inside is invigorating, just like a crisp winter day.... A book that provides something to smile about with each new reading."
~Booklist (starred review)

In this funny, fast paced sequel to Jackson Jones and the Puddle of Thorns, Jackson and friends struggle to save their city community garden from being bulldozed by developers. Set in Washington, D.C., with details about the historic Tudor Place gardens. "With a bouquet of well-drawn minor characters, Quattlebaum has created a warm neighborhood with a good-hearted boy at its center."
~Kirkus Reviews

"A spirited tale...of youthful activisim. Readers will relish the narrator's easygoing, everykid voice. A good pick for advanced primary-grade readers."
~The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

In 15 poems, 10-year old Jodie tells of her family's week-long reunion. "The volume is especially functional in classrooms, thanks to Quattlebaum's use...of verse formats...such as haiku, free verse, a sonnet, a ballad, and much more. One of the special joys of Family Reunion is the lovely use of watercolor and cut paper illustrations by Andrea Shine... (A) colorful poetry festival of the wonderful and wonder-filled moments of family celebrations."
~Illinois Association for Gifted Journal

"Like lazy summer days, the poems quietly roll into one another. The rhythms and rhymes...lend an easy tone to the text. Shine's dreamy watercolor and cut-paper collage illustrations perfectly depict the windswept setting and the members of this multicultural family."
~School Library Journal

"A toddler's unabashed adoration and the patience and wisdom of two unlikely foster parents spark the beginning of 11-year-old Ben's healing process in this story of growth and change.... Quattlebaum captures the essence of childhood when the family has unraveled, yet has peopled her world with survivors and infused it with hope."
~School Library Journal

During the Depression era, a poor shoeshine man reaches out to a needy child and receives a Christmas miracle. "This is a handsome book with evocative paintings that capture the despair of hard times as well as the human impulse toward generosity and hope...listeners who respond to fables will find the story touching."
~Booklist

Helped (and hindered) by her wacky aunts, a spunky girl plans the ultimate surprise party for her mother.

"Readers will be happy to hear this tale of teetering on the brink of party disaster over and over."
~Publishers Weekly

The sights and sounds of the Washington, D.C., subway are brought to young train-lovers and their parents in this bright, kinetic book, perfect for reading aloud.

"Just the ticket for introducing young readers to our nation's capital city."
~Publishers Weekly

Setbacks in (10-year-old Jackson's) budding business; a falling out with his best friend; being teased by a bully; and dealing with a conniving, prickly six-year-old neighbor add tension and humor and move the plot along at a swift pace.... Quattlebaum has created a winning cast of characters--both children and adults--and a savvy young hero whom readers will like--and respect."
~School Library Journal(starred review)

"In this engaging companion to Jazz, Pizzazz, and the Silver Threads, Calvin is a classic underachiever who is perfectly comfortable in his role.... But after he learns the fate of an animal shelter's unadoptables, Calvin sets out to make a difference. The writing features easily grasped sentence structure and a brisk pace ... and will speak to students who walk in Calvin's shoes."
~Horn Book

Every day nine-year-old Calvin Hastings wishes for a pet: "Something lively to pat, something friendly to hold, a warm buddy in animal skin." But somehow his parents have decided he is irresponsible. When his friend Jenny buys Pizzazz, a hamster, for her magic act, Calvin discovers the perfect pet--but surely Jenny will never give him up.

"Quattlebaum has written an enjoyable book that is populated with likable characters who are devoted to artistic and intellectual pursuits."
~Kirkus Reviews

Join the narrator of these 16 poems as she observes her neighborhood through the seasons. Meet the corner Sax Man, see the kids jumping rope, visit the local library, and feed the pigeons in these delightful, fun-to-read poems.

To order autographed books, contact Children's Literature.

For author appearances and workshops for children and adults, contact the Speakers Bureau.

For classroom guides for Mary's books, contact the Random House Teacher's Resource Center

For info. on Mary's books, writing games, and Washington Post articles, contact www.maryquattlebaum.com.