KIDS' WRITERS Janet Grant. Toronto, ON: Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1990. 64pp., paper, $11.95. ISBN 0-88902-851-6. Canadian Lives series. CIP. Subject Headings: Authors, Canadian (English)-20th century-Biography-Juvenile literature. Women authors, Canadian (English)-20th century-Biography-Juvenile literature. Children's literature, Canadian (English)-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-6 / Ages 8-11 Reviewed by Gwen Maguire. Volume 18 Number 4 1990 July Kids' Writers gives some very interesting and detailed background information on the lives of four wellknown writers of children's literature. Beginning with the success story of Dennis Lee and his much loved and forever popular Alligator Pie ¹, the author traces the growth of each writer from childhood dreams to success as adult writer. The story of Jean Little, writer of From Anna (Fitzhenry, 1977) and Mama's Going to Buy You a Mockingbird (Viking, 1984), and her lifelong struggle with a visual impairment is inspirational. Children will truly enjoy reading about how Robert Munsch, as a young child, used to daydream about being Superman and how he loved telling stories. Books like The Paper Bag Princess ², Mud Puddle (Annick Press, 1981), The Dark ³, Mortimer 4, and Love You Forever 5 all began as stories Munsch loved to tell. Last but not least is the courageous story of Lucy Maud Montgomery, who wrote the unforgettable Anne of Green Gables. The language is simple, straightforward and easily understood. The book succeeds in giving the reader a real sense of having met the authors. Kids' Writers provides much insight into the lives of these artists and is a celebration of their many successful books as well as a declaration of the frustrations and rejections they sometimes encountered. I believe this book is an excellent choice for any Primary and elementary classroom and a must for any children's library. Gwen Maguire, St. John's, NF. ¹ Reviewed vol. XVI/2 March 1988, p.58. ² Reviewed vol. IX/4 July 1981, p. 280. ³ Reviewed vol. VIII/1 Winter 1980, p.55. 4 Reviewed vol. XI/4 July 1983, p. 174. 5 Reviewed vol. XV/2 March 1987, p.78.