Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Patricia Vermillion!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Patricia Vermillion
Patricia Vermillion is a librarian and author born in Mississippi. She has earned numerous degrees, including an MLIS from the University of North Texas. She has authored four children’s books: Hound Dawg, A Reading Partner for Emerald, Where Are the Monarchs, and Texas Chili? Oh My!
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About the Book: Dear Ms. Guadalupe: Letters to My Librarian
What do dinosaurs and librarians have in common? Curiosity, questions, and the power to inspire young minds! In Dear Ms. Guadalupe: Letters to My Librarian, students are introduced to the fascinating Technosaurus and the real-life work of paleontologist Dr. Sankar Chatterjee through a series of engaging letters from a second-grade student to the school librarian. Along the way, readers learn how to structure and write a friendly letter, complete with greetings, questions, facts, and a thoughtful closing.
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~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
A series of letters inspired “Dear Ms. Guadalupe, Letters to my Librarian,” exchanged between my grandson Joey and Robert Quackenbush, the award-winning children’s author and illustrator.
YABC: What research did you find most helpful?
While researching dinosaurs in Texas, I discovered Technosaurus smalli through paleontologist Dr. Sankar Chatterjee and his colleague Kendra Dean Wallace, who provided their research papers and photos.
YABC: Which fact did you find most interesting to learn?
In 1984, Dr. Sankar Chatterjee and his team discovered fossils and named them the Techno Lizard in honor of Texas Tech University. The Technosaurus is often called the mother of all dinosaurs.
YABC: How did you ensure that the book is engaging to your audience?
Dinosaurs and paleontologists always spark curiosity in young students.
YABC: If you could only write one genre for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I appreciate creative nonfiction that blends fictional elements with factual details. Conducting research is an essential part of storytelling, especially when it leads to new insights.
YABC: How do you keep your ‘voice’ true to the age category you are writing within?
I dedicated 30 years to my career as an educator and librarian, consistently making sure I engaged with materials suitable for my audience’s age group.
YABC: What can readers expect to find in your books?
My debut publication, ‘Texas Chili? Oh My!’, tells the story of the three little pigs set in a Texas-themed environment. It was written to help my first-grade students learn about Texas State Symbols.
“Hound Dawg,” my second publication, is a Southern-inspired retelling of “The Little Red Hen.” I researched facts about cotton and corn, as both are important to the story.
“A Reading Partner for Emerald” is inspired by a true story about a lizard in our library looking for a reading partner or a good book, illustrating the Reading Partner Strategy aimed at fostering positive reading habits.
Dear Ms. Guadalupe, “Letters to my Librarian” required research into letter structure and tone, teaching second- and third-graders how to create meaningful, well-organized personal correspondence while encouraging curiosity and research skills.
YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?
I enjoy indulging in frozen dark chocolate kisses and drinking several cups of coffee.
YABC: If you were able to time-travel, would you want to visit where your book is about?
Certainly. I plan to visit Texas Tech University and the Museum at Texas Tech University, and meet paleontologist Dr. Sankar Chatterjee and his colleague, Kendra Dean Wallace.
YABC: What’s your least favorite word or expression, and why?
I have a few least-favorite expressions, like “Cool,” “My Bad,” and “No Problem.”
Naomi Shihab Nye, my favorite poet, authored a poem called “You’re Welcome!” in her book “Amaze Me.”
“Where has courtesy gone? (MY GRANDMOTHER’S CHANT) People who don’t say “Thank you” are a mysterious tribe. Who do they think they are? People who say “No problem” instead of “You’re welcome” have a problem they don’t even know about.”
YABC: What do you do when you procrastinate?
Every morning, I begin my day by listing my goals, and I feel satisfied when I check them off. When I need a break, I enjoy curling up with a good book — it’s the perfect way to relax and recharge.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I am working on a project that features two boys: one with Down syndrome who assists his friend in overcoming speech difficulties using American Sign Language. It emphasizes the importance of support and compassion and showcases the achievements that can be possible for someone with Down syndrome.
~ Giveaway Details ~
Five (5) winners will receive a copy of Dear Ms. Guadalupe: Letters to My Librarian (Patricia Vermillion) ~US Only!
This looks like a great book to read. I have in mind one of my grandnieces, in particular, for this book. 🙂