Author describes the experiences and inspiration that led her to write about the Pilgrims. (ARH)

Offers an appreciation of the Devil in Natalie Babbitt's "The Devil's Storybook"--a likeable, clever, and feeling man, who is a much more endearing character than the colder devil in Babbitt's "The Devil's Other Storybook." (ARH)

Recounts the beginnings of an author-illustrator of children's books, describes her studio, where she gets her inspiration and ideas, and explains why she prefers to draw animals instead of children. (NKA)

Provides a brief biography of Yoshio Abe, the Japanese-American writer, and describes his three-volume novel, "The Man of Dual Nationality," part of which is presented in translation in this issue. (KH)

Comments on society's view of children as innocent and how this causes censorship of children's books in an attempt to protect them. Concludes that society has unrealistic expectations of books. (SRT)

The author of "Tuck Everlasting" and "Kneeknock Rise" recalls the children she knew in her childhood and how they influenced her writing. (FL)

A noted author of children's books discusses some of the events that inspired several of her works. (FL)

An author of young adult literature discusses the methods he uses to "research" his books. (FL)

Zelinsky relates thoughts on his career beginnings, motivation, and illustrations. Discusses the illustrations in such books as "How I Hunted the Little Fellows,""The Maid and the Mouse and the Odd Shaped House," and "Emily Upham's Revenge." (EL)

Presents an eulogy of Ellen Raskin, author of "Figgs and Phantoms" and "The Westing Game," by a close friend. (CRH)

A disturbing deterioration has been noticed recently in the editing of history books. They have mistakes in grammar, word usage, style, and punctuation. Specific examples are provided. (RM)

This interview with a successful composer, writer, wife, and mother of five covers her start as writer of children's books, relationship of her stories to her own life, the writing of dialogue, transition of "Freaky Friday" to film, working with publisher, influence of her childhood, and attempt of literature to influence attitudes. (EJS)

Provides overview of dictionary publication in United States from Noah Webster's "A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language" (1806) to "Webster's Third New International Dictionary" (1961). Competition between Webster and Joseph Worcester, additional publication challenges to Webster's popularity, and practices in…

Notes that "The Stone-Faced Boy" illustrates author Paula Fox's clarity of insight and graceful writing. (FL)

Discusses the book, "The Tidy House: Little Girls Writing," by Carolyn Steedman, which is an account of the writing of a story by three young girls and the story itself. (FL)