Laurie Wallmark | The Children’s Book Review | October 18, 2015
Laurie Wallmark writes exclusively for children. She can’t imagine having to restrict herself to only one type of book, so she writes picture books, middle-grade novels, poetry, and nonfiction. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts. When not writing or studying, Laurie teaches computer science at a local community college, both on campus and to students in prison. The picture book biography, Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine (Creston Books, October 2015), is Laurie’s first book.
Latest published book …
Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine is my debut picture book.
You wrote it because …
I want children, both boys and girls, to realize that all people, regardless of gender or personal circumstances, can follow their dreams.
Best moment …
There were so many “best” moments, but one of them was when the first professional review for Ada was a Kirkus starred review. They called it a “splendidly inspiring introduction to an unjustly overlooked woman.”
Your special place to write …
I’m boring. I usually write at a desk in my office.
Necessary writing/creativity tool …
A computer is my necessary writing tool since I have difficulty writing by hand. My necessary creative tool is instrumental music playing in the background.
Favorite bookshop …
Whatever bookstore I’m in at the moment is always my favorite one. But if I have to choose, it’s The Book Garden in Frenchtown, New Jersey. The owners, Caroline and Robert, are so knowledgeable and welcoming. I’ll be having my book launch party with them on October 25 from 1 to 3. If any readers are in the area, drop by. I’d love to meet you.
Currently reading …
Paper Hearts by Meg Wiviott
All-time favorite children’s book you didn’t write…
How can I choose a favorite? Is it a picture book or a novel? Poetry or prose? Fiction or nonfiction? It’s like choosing a favorite child—impossible!
An author you idol …
Again, it’s an embarrassment of riches. There are so many talented people in children’s literature. I can’t narrow it down to just one favorite author.
Favorite illustrator …
Now this question is easy. My favorite illustrator is April Chu, of course. April’s amazing illustrations in my picture book brought Ada Lovelace to life.
A literary character to vacation with …
Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series would make a perfect travel mate. Not only is she intelligent, well-read, and resourceful, but the undetectable extension charm she put on her bag would allow us to bring an unlimited number of books.
Connect with Laurie Wallmark …
LaurieWallmark.com | Facebook | Twitter
Written by Laurie Wallmark
Illustrated by April Chu
Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine is a picture-book biography of the world’s first computer programmer. Ada was born two hundred years ago, long before the invention of the modern electronic computer. At a time when girls and women had few options outside the home, Ada followed her dreams and studied mathematics. This book, by Laurie Wallmark and April Chu, tells the story of a remarkable woman and her work. Kirkus Reviews describes the book as a “splendidly inspiring introduction to an unjustly overlooked woman.” [starred review]
Ages 5+ | Publisher: Creston Books | October 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-1939547200
Available Here:
Laurie Wallmark Blog Tour
Join Laurie as she travels from blog to blog to introduce her debut picture book, Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine. All stops are listed at: http://lauriewallmark.com/blogtour.php.
Discover more books like Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine, by Laurie Wallmark, by checking out our reviews and articles tagged with Biographies, Non-Fiction, Technology, and Women’s History; and be sure to follow along with our Writing and Reading Life series.