The author of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, What Mommies Do Best, and many other children's literature favorites, Laura Numeroff will be part of the panel at the IRA Annual Convention's general session on Wednesday, May 2. She shared her thoughts about writing, reading, and teaching with Reading Today. 

Reading Today: What got you interested in writing books for children and/or young adults?  

Laura Numeroff: My parents always read to me when I was a kid, which turned me into an avid reader. I loved that children's books were not only stories, but also included art. When I was nine, I started writing and illustrating my own books! I loved it so much, that that was the moment I decided to be a children's book author and illustrator.

RT: What do consider your best book to date and why?

LN: My latest book is The Jellybeans and the Big Art Adventure! One of the reasons I love this book is that the Jellybeans go to an art museum so it brings back wonderful memories of going to the Brooklyn Museum with my father. So many children are so nervous to draw because they don't think their work will be any good. This will show them that everyone can draw. It also encourages art projects that kids can do together. I'm hoping it will encourage parents to take their children to art museums so they can discover all aspects of art, not just drawing with crayons. 

RT: What can attendees at IRA Chicago expect to hear from you? 

LN: I'll be talking about my books, how they're being used in classrooms and libraries, what it's like to be a children's author, and maybe telling some jokes!

For more information about the 2012 IRA Annual Convention in Chicago from April 29 to May 2, visit www.iraconvention.org. 

Laura Numeroff Will Be There…Will You?