Thomas F. Yezerski, Author-Illustrator
I would like to give illustrator Tom F. Yezerski a special thank you for interviewing with us. Please read on to find out more about his informative picture book, MEADOWLANDS, A Wetlands Survival Story and his upcoming projects.
1. (Julie) The Meadowlands book is a focused and educational picture book which is a bit different from your previous books. What caused the shift in gears?
(Tom) I have always started my books with a deeply personal interest and then tried to think of a way to convey that love to readers in a constructive and entertaining way. So, Meadowlands is no different in that respect. However, you’re right that it is still different, and that’s because I try to tell each story in its best way, rather than fitting it into my style or a formula. In the case of Meadowlands, I found so much fascinating information that I couldn’t help but present it as non-fiction.
(Tom) From my own limited experience, it’s doing very well, thanks! The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (the state agency that oversees the region) and the Hackensack Riverkeeper (an environmental activist group) have both organized events for me to speak to the public about the miraculous environmental recovery happening here. The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times have both published stories about it, so word about our little urban wetlands is getting out there. Actually, at 23 square miles, it’s not so little.As for young readers, I have visited a few schools, and the kids have been inspiring. I was worried some of the younger ones might be bored, or the information would go over their heads, even though I tried very hard not to write the book like that. I’ve learned that kids love the factual information, they love the animals, and they are as delighted as I was to discover how we are all part of this amazing system. I think they also see the Meadowlands as a great underdog story. Here’s this place that’s been kicked around or ignored, and it’s actually very powerful.
3. (Julie) Just yesterday, I drove through the Meadowlands for the first time since I read your book. I personally felt more of an attachment to this once again flourishing area. I have you to thank for that. When I told my kids that we were going through the Meadowlands, they immediately recalled your book. Conventionally, picture books are thought of as stepping stones to chapter books. I think some parents inadvertently overlook the importance of picture books as educational tools and the spotlight that they shine on specific topics. As an adult, I learned from your book as I have from historical and biographical picture books. Imagine the impact on our children. Do you think that books like Meadowlands may change the way we perceive picture books?
4. (Julie) You’ve done your share of research on the Meadowlands. Since your book was published, have there been any other astonishing comebacks as you noted with the Osprey?(Tom) I just heard a bald eagle was spotted hunting in Kearny Marsh, and some nighthawks are nesting on one of the old landfills. It seems like there are new species appearing and old species reappearing all the time.
Thanks to Thomas F. Yezerski for forwarding a picture of his favorite in place to develop his writing ideas. Here he is standing in front of the Hoboken Library, “which is one of my favorite places to write. I’m not much for nooks or coffee shops. Being surrounded by books and studious people helps me keep focus.”
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