Chris Grabenstein is an award-winning author of books for children and adults, a playwright, screenwriter, and former advertising executive and improvisational comedian. Winner of two Anthony and three Agatha Awards, he is also the co-author with James Patterson of The New York Times bestseller I FUNNY.
A former writer for Jim Henson’s Muppets and past president of the New York Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, Chris co-wrote the screenplay for the CBS-TV movie, The Christmas Gift, starring John Denver.
He lives in New York City with his wife, three cats, and a rescue dog named Fred, who starred in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on Broadway. You can visit Chris (and Fred) at www.ChrisGrabenstein.com
I was so impressed by the librarians and media specialists I met on my author visits to schools. They always had suggestions for what early visitors to the library should read next. I grew up without access to a good school or public library. So, this book is a Thank You note to all the folks out their making reading and learning fun.
Best moment …
Receiving an e-mail from a learning challenged student who had never finished reading an entire book before MR. LEMONCELLO. Then her parents wrote to tell me what a big achievement this was. My wife and I were in tears reading the emails.
Your special place to write …
My writing room. It would be the second bedroom in our tiny New York City apartment. The walls are covered with cork boards for me to post notes, pictures, maps, and floor plans of my worlds.
Necessary writing/creativity tool …
Coffee. Music.
Favorite bookshop …
Of course I love them all…from Books of Wonder here in NYC to Little Shop of Stories in Decatur,GA and Powells in Portland.
Currently reading …
A whole bunch of mysteries for a category of the Edgar Awards that I am currently judging.
All-time favorite children’s book you didn’t write…
Ferdinand the Bull
An author you idol …
Stephen King
Favorite illustrator …
Gilbert Ford! (He does the covers of some of my Random House books)
A literary character to vacation with …
Tom Sawyer. Mischief and imagination, a winning combination!
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Latest published book …