An Interview with Eileen Spinelli

Earlier this week I reviewed Heatwave, a picture book by Eileen Spinelli. As I enjoyed the book so much, I decided to interview the author.

Where did the idea for this book come from?

My sister Tina and I were talking one day about "when we were young"--and how we grew up without air conditioning. That led to other memories--like our Aunt Rosewho used to keep her perfume in the refirgerator. I decided it might be fun for kids to hear about those times when one had to be rather creative about keeping cool.

The story takes place over a number of days, with the temperature rising all the time. Why did you decide to pace the story in this way?

Every story needs an arc. This story didn't have a big plot as such...so the rising temperature seemed a good way to build "suspense".

In this story, the text is packed with images that are wonderfully vivid. Are these images ones that you have seen, heard, and felt?

Directly from my childhood. They were real.

Recently I experienced a short heat wave here in Oregon and it was interesting to see how people donned hats, paddled in the river, sought out shade, and walked slowly to deal with the heat. It just goes to show that we can still be affected by the weather. Do you think some of us are too cut off from the seasonal changes that unfold outside our homes?

I do. (Though I would be lying if I said I didn't appreciate air conditioning). I guess it's a matter of experiencing both. Spending time outside...splashing under a sprinkler...reading in the shade of a back yard tree...gardening...picnics in the park...heading for the beach...these and other activities like it are important ....lest we isolate/insulate ourselves too much. We need the sun, the light summer breezes, the camaraderie of being out and about with friends...the scent of garden mint...the sound of the waves...the sparkle of the river....the cool of grass under our bare feet...

How do you and your family enjoy the summer months?

We spend much of the summer at Chatuauqua Institution in New York State ...where there is a lake...and where most of the events and activities take place in the outdoor amphitheater and other open air venues. We eat meals on our balcony. We walk everywhere--no cars allowed! Children play ball and violins in the square. Adults eat ice cream cones. It's got an old fashioned feel to it in the best sense.

Have you considered writing a book about a winter storm?

I have a book coming out giving equal time to winter!

Thank you very much Eileen. You can find out more about Eileen and her books on her website.

Hot, Hot, Hot

We have had some very hot days here in Ashland this summer. The Fourth of July was blistering, and during the day I frequently found myself seeking out shade, spraying myself with water, sticking my feet in the river, and drinking cold water. These singularly low tech cooling off methods reminded me of a book that I read and reviewed recently. The book, Heatwave, describes what takes place in a town during a very hot summer week. The story is set in a time when people did not have air conditioning units in the homes and offices. They have to find other ways to get survive the hot days and night.

Here is my review:

Heat Wave
Eileen Spinelli

Illustrated by Betsy Lewin
Picture Book
Ages 3 to 7
Harcourt, 2007, 978-0-15-216779-0
Lumberville is in the grip of a heat wave. There are no air conditioners, so everyone in town swelters in the heat. On Monday, the move theatre closes and Abigail and Ralphie Blue set up a lemonade stand. Tuesday is even hotter, and some of the residents in the town resort to taking long cool baths and showers. By the time Thursday rolls around it is so hot that Mr.Blue shaves off his beard, and the Pettibone sisters put their perfume and makeup in their icebox. How much hotter can it get?
In this delightful picture book, Eileen Spinelli perfectly captures what it was like to live in a time when there were no air conditioners, when people had to find all kinds of creative ways to stay cool. She shows her readers how the heat unifies the people in Lumberville; it brings them together as they all try to find some relief from the heat.
Throughout the book, Betsy Lewin’s illustrations beautifully compliment the narrative. In particular, she brings the humorous touches in the story to life.

If you have creative ways to keep cool please tell us about them.