Sandy Brehl
What is your earliest memory of picture books?
I was born into a family of talkers, storytellers, and readers. In those long ago days there were fewer books for kids. Even so, I learned to read early and I devoured every bit of print I could find: cereal boxes, newspapers, comic books, even the little joke wrappers on bubble gum pieces. My public library was far away, but I loaded up with books whenever I could get there. I read any books I could get my hands on, over and over again. I still have a few of my earliest family books, and I treasure them.
How do picture books impact the whole child?
I grew up in a storytelling family of readers, but I never thought about being a writer. At school visits I tell young folks how lucky they are to learn and be supported in authentic writing activities in school. My school days were HEAVY on worksheets, very old text books, and tightly scheduled routines that rarely changed. I was lucky to grow up at a time during which PLAY and STORIES were the meat and potatoes of life outside of school. And though I basically liked school and did well, it was the PLAY and STORYTELLING life that shaped me and created the memories I carry with me to this day. With four kids in my family and countless kids in the neighborhood, we could always find a co-conspirator to turn any day into an adventure. The transformation of publishing for picture books has been one of the joys of my life, but I will always treasure the very few storybooks that my mom and dad would read to us every night of my childhood.
What is your favorite thing to do outside in nature?
Currently (as a very old lady!) gardening and walking are my favorite pastimes outdoors, while writing and reading and thinking fill hours of every day
How do you connect to the 4 P’s philosophy?
I feel the 4 P’s go very well with an absolutely fantastic organization. If you haven't yet included it to given them a shout-out, I highly commend THE GREEN SCHOOLS CONSORTIUM of MILWAUKEE. They are doing a fantastic job at bringing environmentally sound and financially supported change to urban Milwaukee playgrounds. Many Milwaukee area schoolyards are covered in crumbling asphalt and offer little if any green space. Actively engaging the kids in design and learning and hands-on service are essential elements in their collaborations. Learn more here: https://www.gscm.refloh2o.com
What’s coming up?
As a retired educator who used picture books with every age and every day, I post reviews, interviews, and reflections about picture books on my long-running blog, here: http://unpackingpicturebookpower.blogspot.com Folks on Twitter can check things out @PBWorkshop and @SandyBrehl
