Matthew
In the footsteps of Young Larry
August 25, 2020
My wife and I just dropped our son off at college, and like his big brother before him we (gently) knocked him on the head and told him it was time for him to fend for himself, as Larry’s mother did to Larry and Roy. Your books have been such a big part of the life of our family. Thank you Daniel and Jill!
Daniel replies:
It is for us to thank you. Those books would be as nothing if nobody read them, let alone liked them, and named their sons Larry and Roy.
Robert Allwright
Fan letter
August 25, 2020
I am writing about how much I love your books. My favourite one is either Lizard Music or The Snarkout Boys and the Baconburg Horror. I love the surreal stories and the quirky subjects. I managed to convince the teacher at my school to add one of your books to the school library, and my friends have agreed to try your books out. I am 12 years old and live in England and my american mother introduced me to your books.
Daniel replies:
There are many of my books available as audio downloads on this very website. They are all read by the author, but on the other hand they are free of charge. Interesting that you live in England and have an American mother, whereas I live in the U.S. and had an English mother. Actually, on second thought, it's not very interesting, after all. Thank you for liking stuff I wrote and taking time to tell me so.
G g
Thanks for all the books.
August 25, 2020
Much thanks for the body of work you’ve shared over the years!
Read Lizard Music as a brat. Decades later hunting it down again had me smiling from the first page to the last. Going on from that to discover the rest of your body of work has been a treasure haul for me and my pockets of free reading time. Norb was great!
Hope this message, and life overall, finds you well; cheers!
Daniel replies:
Understand that I wrote all that stuff to amuse myself and earn a modest living. It has always surprised me when people turn up who have read and even liked some of it. The very cool thing is that those people are always so nice! I don't know if it's people who read my books, or just people who read books. I don't know...but it's an honor to have anything to do with you.
Janet Harrison
Thank you for The Blue Moose
August 23, 2020
Dear Daniel Pinkwater,
I have been doing a beloved project with third grade students for decades based on your story, The Blue Moose. Often I’ve had students return to visit me, and they invariably ask, “Are you still doing The Blue Moose, Ms. Harrison?!”
I would love to send you one of the activity books that a student did…now that I will soon be retiring after 32 years. Loads of creative and artistic pages….
Please let me know where to send.
Janet Harrison
Daniel replies:
I suppose you know there exist a couple of hard, but not impossible, to find titles: RETURN OF THE MOOSE, and THE MOOSEPIRE. I believe there are instructions for mailing to me somewhere on this website, but maybe you can take a couple of pictures of an activity book, and post them here, so everybody can enjoy. Thanks for being a loyal moosist.
Alex
New book question
August 17, 2020
My family and I love your books and even have named our cat Neddie after the neddiead book. We have read nearly all your novels and have been wondering for a while weather you are still going to make The Adventure of a Dwergish Girl as a sequel to The Adventures of a Cat-Whiskered Girl. We have enjoyed the book so much and would love to read another.
Daniel replies:
Not a sequel, and not a pre-quel as such, but you might recognize the protagonist. Characters of mine have a way of migrating from one book to another, and bits of story, not precisely matching up, do seem to fit together, sort-of. So somewhere in the future may be a book set in Poughkeepsie, where...let's call the character Molly...has not been thrown into the loony bin, and has never yet met anyone with cat whiskers. BUT....maybe that book will take place 40 years in the past, or in the future, so it couldn't be a quel of any sort. At the same time, I'm thinking about a book wherein someone with cat whiskers, who's been traveling in space with her doppelganger, comes back. If any of this confuses you, you should try being me.
Edith P Hicks
looking for a book you reviewed years ago
August 17, 2020
Mr Pinkwater – I was introduced to you thru Weekend Edition and so loved listening to you and Scott Simon talk about children’s books. You have a soothing and playful voice and just hearing it calmed me.
You reviewed a book years ago about a father and son who went into space. I think the son went first and the father followed the son. Somehow they got separated – the son took off further into space alone (my memory of the story is so vague, my description of it may be way off) . The son had only been gone a short period of time from his perspective but what he didn’t realize was when he returned to find his father it was actually years and years in the future and is father had already died because time had passed much more quickly for the father relative to the son’s experience of time. The story taught kids about the complex concept of the space/time relationship – in particular that an object in motion experiences time at a slower rate than one at rest and the closer an object gets to the speed of light, the slower the rate times passes for the object.
I have been obsessed with finding that book off and on for 20+ years. Do you remember it? I don’t even know if it is in print anymore. At this point, I would just like the know the name of the book and the author.
Any help you can provide would be appreciated.
Daniel replies:
Not only do I not remember that book, I am pretty sure I never read it or discussed it on the air. It sounds like quite a good book, not unlike something I would like to have written, only I don't remember doing that either. Maybe Scott talked about it with someone other than me. Maybe he wrote it.
Josh Pachter
Alan Mendelsson?
August 15, 2020
Dear Mr. Pinkwater,
I am a dad in Virginia with a grown daughter in Arizona. When Becca was small, we read many of your books aloud together. Now, with the virus raging, we can’t visit each other, so we’ve been spending time reading old favorites aloud by phone. She recently read Borgel to me, and I’m now reading Alan Mendelsson, Boy From Mars to her. We wonder if there’s any chance you might ever consider revisiting either of these two marvelous sets of characters, and we wish we knew if the Fafner in both books is the same dog.
Thanks very much for the pleasure you have brought us in the past. We’re looking forward eagerly to Vampires of Blinsh and The Adventures of a Dwegish Girl (which we just pre-ordered).
Stay safe! Keep writing!
Regards from Josh and Becca
Daniel replies:
As accomplished readers, (of mine!), you have noticed that characters sometimes migrate from one of of my books to another. So, I can reply to your question with, "anything can happen." More to the point, thanks for sharing the charming account of yours and your daughter's telephonic read-alouds. I have always known that while I may not be such a great writer, for some unknown reason I get the greatest readers.
Kathy Jackson
Sleepover Larry StoryWalk in Athens, NY
August 4, 2020
Hi Mr. Pinkwater,
Our library has started a StoryWalk at our beautiful Riverfront Park on the Hudson River. We just installed one of your books, Sleepover Larry. I’ve heard you’re often in the Hudson Valley and thought you might like to see how we’re making picture books accessible to kids during this difficult time. We are changing out the books a couple of times each month so there’s something new for families to read together. The backdrop of our StoryWalk is the beautiful Hudson River.
Be well and Stay safe!
– Kathy Jackson
President, D. R. Evarts Library, 80 Second St, Athens, NY
Daniel replies:
I didn't know exactly what a storywalk is, so I googled and looked at pictures. I think it's a brilliant idea, and I am very much delighted a book of mine (and illustrated by the great Jill) is used in this way. If storywalks become a thing I might like to write something to be used this way on purpose. I have been in and around Athens, NY, and it is a neat town in a neat part of our neat state. Neat library too, apparently.
Tara Somerville
Did you know my mother?
August 4, 2020
Hello Daniel, my friend Siusla Gregory introduced me to your books about a year and a half ago. I have absolutely loved Fish & Whistle,, Chicago days Hoboken nights, The Snark-out boys & the avocado of death, and I’m currently reading Superpuppy and absolutely loving it. I also borrowed Usla‘s copy of The Agony and the Eggplant where I found out that you went to Bard College at the exact same time as my mother who then was Judith Goldstein and I believe she was a fine arts major. She passed away March 19 and I miss her so dearly so when I saw that you were at Bard the same time as her I wanted to reach out and find out if you knew her at all. One of the first books of yours I ever read was about that Jewish chicken named Yedda and I thought how funny that’s my great grandmother‘s name and now I can’t help but wonder if you knew my mother somehow. It’s ok if you didn’t but if you did let me know if you remember anything about her. And really it’s ok if you don’t remember, I actually take such joy in considering that, even if only remotely, she was maybe one of your influences. Much respect & gratitude, Tara Somerville
Daniel replies:
I do remember your mother! She was part of a sizable portion of the student body, especially females, who did not actually shun me, but did not seek my company while being perfectly friendly and polite. It was an expression of taste...I understood it at the time, and understand it today. So I remember a nice-looking young woman in some of my classes, who appeared to be a happy person and went around with a bunch of friends I also hardly knew. I'm pretty sure had you asked her if she remembered me, her report would be similar, but I am happy to be reminded of her...she was part of a time and place we all enjoyed and treasure.
Dan Blackley
Thank you
August 4, 2020
Dear Mr. Pinkwater,
I have enjoyed your books for years. I was given Lizard Music when I was a boy by the children’s Librarian and have read your books ever since. I wanted to say that I like your quirky sense of humor and your illustrations. I am 53 and teach in public school. Hope you and your family are doing well during the COVID19.
Sincerely,
Dan Blackley
Daniel replies:
Thank you for taking the time to share words of appreciation with this author. I wasn't depressed or discouraged, or anything like that, but your post made me feel much better!
Martin Dial
A thank you
July 21, 2020
Lizard music was my favorite book in third grade, I read it many times and all of your other books that i could find. I am now 49, and my wife is going blind. Last night she was trying to find an audiobook, I spent about 30 minutes trying to think of a book for her. Then Lizard music popped into my brain, I was able to find it. It was the most fun we have had in awhile, you sir did such a wonderful job reading it. Thank you so much.
Daniel replies:
You don't say where you were able to find it, so I will mention that there are a number of free audiobooks for download on this very website. I hope there may be others you'll both enjoy.
Rose
Teacher fired in Education of Robert Nifkin?
July 21, 2020
Hello,
Love your books. I recently read Education of Robert Nifkin, then convinced my mom to. We were both wondering about the same thing- towards the end it’s mentioned that a female teacher is fired. I don’t have the book in front of me, but the message is very much like “obviously she was fired, because of her actions from earlier”. Or something. We were wondering why she was fired. My mom thought there must have been a whole subplot where she seduced one of the characters or something, that got cut. Was this what happened? Or something wildly different?
Sincerely,
RH
Daniel replies:
also get questions like, "Did the character in your book grow up, meet a nice person, get married, and have children, also how many?" It's a book. It's fun to imagine the characters are real people and have a life beyond what the book tells, but as the author I'm only responsible for what I wrote. Nothing got cut, it's all self-contained, and it's not for me to locate the sentence or phrase or reference or colloquialism, or pun, or description that you and your mom may have missed, or misunderstood, or just at that moment there was someone at the door, or the microwave went ding. However, I will generously tell you that the female teacher in the book was fired because her mother had insulted the principal when they were both children, growing up in Michigan, and the principal had nursed a grudge, however the fired teacher was offered a job in a first-class school in a very nice suburb, with a substantial increase in salary, rented a lovely little house, loved her new job, met a wonderful person and got married.
Evie T
Klugarsh Mind Control
July 16, 2020
Hi Mr. Pinkwater,
My dad and I are rereading Alan Mendelsohn to bring us some happiness during the pandemic. I just wanted to ask you, how did you come up with the details of how mind control would work?
Also, did you ever have a friend that inspired the character of Alan?
I love how you make us ‘see’ the story, not just hear it. I hope you and your family are safe and well.
Evie T.
Age 12
Rhinebeck, NY
Daniel replies:
I knew Kevin Klugarsch, inventor of Klugarsch Mind Control, and as a matter of fact I purchased all rights to the method. I am planning to create a Klugarsch Kit, with printed certificate for when you have finished learning mind control and are a qualified mind control expert, CDs, the patented mind-control meter, and an instructional comic book. Look for it in your local drugstore.
I did have a friend who inspired the character of Alan Mendelsohn. Let me see, what was his name? I have it! It was Alan something. Something, something, something...um...Mendelsohn!
Thanks for the compliment. If I am a good writer it is because I was a good reader. What is a good reader? Well, you for example.
I know Rhinebeck well. It is a nice town.
The Wisdoms
Map of The Pinkwater Universe
July 16, 2020
Daniel,
My whole family are huge fans – probably because The Last Guru wormed into my brain into the 80’s and never left – so I have been introducing Pinkwater brain worms to my own boys – 8 and 12 – who LOVE your work.
We’ve noticed certain characters and storylines span from book to book – obviously with the books like the Snarkout Boys, but less obviously how Big Audrey – the Cat-Whiskered Girl – is introduced in The Neddiad then goes on to her own title. Are there any other books that are interrelated but aren’t so obvious by the title?
Or, does there exist a map of The Pinkwater Universe? In my imagination it would be magic and would look a little like a combination of the map from Time Bandits and a corn muffin, but it could be as simple as a list of grouped interrelated characters and books.
Thanks so much for all of your books! Wonderful!
The Wisdoms of Pennsylvania
Daniel replies:
I'm starting to get tired of explaining to people that I have no idea what I'm doing, in writing and in ordinary life. It so happens that human evolution has progressed beyond the point at which there may have been other deranged authors, some of whom, presumably, who knew how to write. Nowadays, if your taste runs a certain way...I won't characterize, not wishing to insult you...you're stuck with me, and for the better educated, that other writer, I forget the name. In reply to your question, I don't put those characters in the books, they just show up. Clever of you to notice.
[Webmaster's note -- you might want to check out the Hoboken Chicken Emergencyclopedia, which is somewhat akin to what you're looking for but sorely out of date!]
Charles May
SOBAOD Continuity Question
July 14, 2020
Dear Mr. Pinkwater,
I am currently reading your novel, The Snarkout Boys and the Avocado of Death, with my 10 year old son. He is autistic and we read together every night before bed to help him strengthen his verbal skills. He reads to me and I help him if he has trouble vocalizing. This book has been a great deal of fun I usually read a few chapters ahead to check for names or words my son may find difficult. Last night we read chapter 11 in which the boys meet Rat and her Uncle Flipping while attending the first night of the James Dean festival in which “every night the Snark theater was showing a James Dean film along with something else”.
In chapter 16 you have Winston and Walter going to the Snark the very next day to meet Rat and search for Uncle Flipping. You state that the boys saw “Gidget Goes Hawaiian” and “Gaslight”. Nether of these movies are James Dean films and would not be part of the James Dean festival. Ordinarily I would not care about such a continuity error; however my son, like many people on the autism spectrum, tend to get fixated on thing rather easily. Do you have an explanation you would like me to tell my son or do you mind if I do with the everyone makes mistakes stand by?
For the record he is very much enjoying the novel.
Hope all is well with you.
Thank you for taking the time to read and respond (if you chose so to do).
Sincerely,
Charles H. May
Chicago, IL
Daniel replies:
It's quite simple. James Dean, before becoming a famous actor had a small uncredited part as an extra in Gidget Goes Hawaiian. Practically no one knows this, but the person who schedules the films for the Snark Theater has an encyclopedic knowledge of film lore, and thus included the film just to enjoy partially informed people such as yourself saying, "But why is this movie in the middle of a James Dean festival?" whereupon the scheduler, who is also the owner of the theater, and the brother of the owner of the popcorn company that supplies the lobby snack bar, can explain that Dean appears for a total of 15 seconds in the movie.
