Vanderpool Family Left to Right. Top row: Luke and Paul, middle: Mark and Clare, bottom: Lucy and Grace.
First-time children's book creators Clare Vanderpool and Erin Stead learned on Monday that they'd made history by winning the Newbery and Caldecott Medals, respectively. SLJ caught up with them to talk about this whirlwind week and what's in store for the future.
Clare Vanderpool, Newbery winner for Moon over Manifest (Delacorte).
You've had a few days for all this to sink in. How has your life changed?
This whole experience has been amazing. Things have been very busy with lots of phone calls, emails, travel, and to-do lists. But much of my life is the same. My kids still need to get to their games. Laundry is ever present. My parents are very proud, but they were proud before the award was announced too. My next big thing I'm looking forward to is going to Frontenac, KS, (aka Manifest) to share in the excitement with them.
What's winning a Newbery for Moon over Manifest beenlike for you?
I'd have to put it in a close second category to having a baby. But it's about as shocking as if you had a baby and didn't know you were pregnant. My kids are very excited about the whole thing. They have gotten lots of congratulatory comments from friends and teachers. A lot of their friends have read the book, so it's an experience they can share.
Take us back to Monday morning, right when you got the call at home in Wichita, KS.
I was doing what it seems like I'm always doing... cleaning the kitchen. The Newbery Committee called and told me the news and yes, when they said Newbery Medal, the tears started rolling. Then I was able to go down the street to tell my parents, my sister, and my brother was in town from Virginia, so I got to tell him in person. I texted my boys. They're in high school and are not supposed to have their cell phones on them, but I knew at least one of them would. My sister and I went over to tell my daughters at their school and we had a great moment telling them.
What's your week been like since that phone call came in?
Oh my word. Lots of phone calls, emails, interviews, a trip to New York to celebrate with the great people at Random House. It was a wonderful experience getting to celebrate in person with my editor, Michelle Poploff, and my agent, Andrea Cascardi. These are two wonderful women who are so good at what they do and have become dear friends.
Is there any advice this week that was particularly helpful?
With an active family, my writing, and now many new opportunities before me, there is a certain amount of juggling and prioritizing that will have to take place. The thing I most appreciated hearing this week was from my friend Cy (that's C.Y. not sigh) who gave me a big vote of confidence saying, "You know who you are. You have your priorities straight, and you'll figure this out as you go along." That was so good to hear.
Did you ever think you'd win a Newbery on your first try as a children's book writer?
Uh, that would be a "no." It is a wonderful honor, but I feel like I'm accepting it on behalf of the characters in the book—the people of Manifest, KS. Moon over Manifest is a story that I will always be proud of because it is based on a real town (Frontenac, KS) and is rooted in the lives and spirit of a real community of people with great dignity and character. The citizens of Manifest will be very touched by this recognition, and I'm sure there will be a full write-up in Hattie Mae's News Auxiliary.
What were you doing before writing this book?
What I'm always doing—cleaning the kitchen. I started writing Moon over Manifest in 2001 when my children were ages one, three, five, and seven. So I was also changing diapers back then. I was really doing all the normal things like walking my kids to storytime at our nearby bookstore, taking them to the pool, driving on field trips. And all the while, catching moments here and there to write. Those were good times.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a middle grade novel about a Kansas boy who gets uprooted from his home and sent to a boys' boarding school in Maine because that is nearest to where his Dad is stationed during the days just after World War II. It is a story that involves a journey, a quest really, that he and a new friend embark upon together.
Left to Right: Erin Stead and Clare Vanderpool
Erin Stead, Caldecott winner for A Sick Day for Amos McGee (Roaring Brook).
Is winning the Caldecott everything you thought it would be?
My life has quickly changed in the short term, at least. I am suddenly very busy! For the long term, we'll see what develops. I have a lot to absorb. It's more than I thought it would be in my wildest dreams. I knew I had wonderful people around me, but they have proven themselves to be more generous and loving than I could imagine (and I say that with a blubbery teary face).
Can you tell us what you and you husband, Philip, the author of the book, were doing when you heard the news?
On Monday morning, we were beginning to bundle up to take the dog for a little walk and buy some milk before watching the live feed of the awards. The phone started ringing, and to be perfectly honest I have a terrible habit of not answering the phone. Philip, in his infinite wisdom said, "You better answer that!" and then walked out the door to let the pup out. He wanted to give me some space for what he thought might be a big moment. I answered the phone and as Ms. Judith Zuckerman introduced herself and the committee and then delivered the news, I started trembling. I had no words or feeling in my feet and I was sure that I must have misunderstood. I called [editor] Neal [Porter] and had him repeat everything. I don't know what I'd do without him. After a short moment, with a deep breath, I ran down the street to the park to tell Phil.
What do you remember from the phone call?
The phone call from the committee was blurry and brief, but they told me to relax for the next two hours and then my life would change. And we did. We went out and bought our favorite coffee and watched the live feed on the couch, cheering for everyone.
What've you done since then?
On Monday evening, we flew out of Ann Arbor, and I think I have been speaking on the phone ever since. I was able to go to a very casual lunch with Neal, our friend George O'Connor [also an author/illustrator], amid all the fray, and that was lovely. The publisher took us out for a beautiful lunch and had a toast at the offices. I'm back in Ann Arbor now visiting with friends and slowing down a little.
What's the most important thing you learned this week?
A friend of ours is friends with Mr. David Small and wrote him an email asking him how winning the medal changed things for him. I'm going to terribly misquote him, but he said if he had to sum it up in one sentence, that it helped him feel confident when he was feeling less so. I think, if this ever settles in, that will stick with me as well.
Did you ever think you'd win a Caldecott on your first try as a children's book illustrator—and at the age of 28?
Philip and I both work very hard and do a lot of research. I think when we set out to make a book we both try to make the best book we can possibly make. We think about every corner of the page, the design, the trim and, in order to do that properly, I think you have to have moments when you feign confidence. Like you're talking yourself up, "This is going to be the greatest book ever!"
But no. To be perfectly frank, I did not.
How did you guys decide to collaborate?
Phil and Neal cooked up the idea to collaborate, and you just can't say no to those two.
Who came up with the idea for the book?
Philip came up with the idea of the book knowing what I draw in my own personal work. Once the first idea of the story is set, we are a team. I live with the text all day long, getting to know the characters and what I think about them before my pencil hits the paper. There is a constant dialogue between the two of us, knocking ideas back and forth about one another's artwork.
What were you doing before you worked on this book?
I was a children's bookseller and an assistant at HarperCollins Children's Books. They were both extremely educational jobs, and I was able to work with great people.
Care to name some of illustrators you admire?
It was an honor to be named with Bryan Collier and David Ezra Stein, Carll Cneut, Sebastian Meschenmoser, Evaline Ness, Andy Runton, Aaron Renier, Komako Sakai, Tao Nyeu, Red Nose Studio, Philip Stead. In truth, I could name one hundred at least. I have talented and dear personal friends Nick Bruel, George O'Connor, and Jason Chin who are endless sources of inspiration.
Where did you study art?
I studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art and School of Visual Arts for a brief time.
Is that where you and Philip met?
Philip and I actually met in high school in Michigan.
Any plans to collaborate again?
I am working on a book with Philip right now entitled Bear Has a Story to Tell. I have a book coming out next winter about the coming of spring, written by Julie Fogliano. Philip has a book he illustrated coming out this spring called Jonathan and the Bog Blue Boat, which is phenomenal.
So are you going to move back to New York?
Oh, New York! We once had plans to move back to New York, and every time I visit I get a little heartsick. I miss my friends and love the community of booknerds I know there. For now, though, at this moment, there are no plans to move back. We are very happy in our 100-year-old barn next to town and the woods.
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