I had the privilege of doing an e-interview (via email) with the author of Miracle in Sumatra, Jeanne McNaney. I did a review of Miracle in Sumatra last week. Here are the Q & A of our e-interview:
1.
Q: Could you begin by telling our us a bit about yourself? (mini bio/history as a writer etc.)
A: I had always loved literature, even at a young age, but I never thought I would become an author until I was a mother. I had always loved animals and nature but I never thought I would write a book based on them. I never realized I wanted to do something, until I became a mother, and realized this is my children’s future we are talking about. I wanted and needed to somehow make a difference no matter how small. Another thing about me, is that I have always loved horses and I ride with my daughters often.
2.
Q: You have written two children’s books, correct? Your first book, The Legend of the Honey Hollow, and now The Miracle of Sumatra. Both deal with environmental issues on a child’s level of understanding, could you share a bit about the books and why you chose those topics to write about?
A: I wrote The Legend of Honey Hollow because it saddened me to hear about all that was happening to the Polar Bears, and all the other bears. I wrote Miracle in Sumatra because I wanted people to understand more about what is actually going on in our world , and understand and feel for the poor apes. I have always loved animals and have always had a special place in my heart for apes. Apes are amazing!
3.
Q: Do you feel that it is important to teach children about environmental issues? If so, why?
A: Of course I do! Yes, I do think it is important, because children need to know about what is happening in their world.
4.
Q: What do you think parents can do to teach their children to be concerned about the earth and preserving its resources? Do you have some personal examples of what you do with your own children?
A: Parents should read to their children. They should also have discussions with their children about what is happening in the world. I often read to my children, and take them to places around the country to see what life is like for some people, and animals. (I recommend taking your kids with you sometimes when you travel.)
5.
Q: How are you and your family involved in environmental issues? And what are your greatest concerns for the environment? If you have any closing comments, please feel free to add them.
A: My family and I are all about doing simple things to help the environment. We clean up the neighborhood playground. We also do a lot of thinking, for instance while in Miami, there were many jellyfish washing up on shore, my family and I wondered if it had to do with the ph balance in the ocean, then we looked at solutions to help.
Thank you, Jeanne, for your time in sharing your thoughts with us.
