An 'indispensable' writing factor

 

“I could not write my books without the library’s help.  Even with the ease of Internet research, I find books to be indispensable when I am writing.  . . .  Books make me laugh, cry, and think.  . . . They help me make important decisions, and they provide endless entertainment.” – Peg Kehret

 

Born in La Crosse, WI on this date in 1936, Kehret said she always loved to write, and as a child wanted to be either a writer or a veterinarian.  So, she included animals in most of her books.   Now retired from writing, she still volunteers with animal rescue groups and is the recipient of the Henry Bergh Award from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA.)

  

A polio survivor – she beat three types of polio at age 12 – Kehret started writing while still in her teens, writing primarily for children and young adults.  She’s also written plays, radio commercials and magazine stories, winning more than 50 awards throughout her career.  Among her awards are the PEN Center Award in Children’s Literature, and the Golden Kite Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators.

 "I wasn't inspired so much by a person as by reading many good books," she said of her long and successful career.  "I loved to write and I wondered if I might be able to write material that others would enjoy."  Mission accomplished.