Ann Patchett on Why She Writes Picture Books

C-SPAN — May 26, 16:08 PM — 1min

Ann Patchett: "I am at the bookstore one morning doing my job and in comes Robin Preiss Glasser.

Robin Preiss Glasser is on book tour for what was then the last of the Fancy Nancy series.

She was the illustrator for Fancy Nancy.

You don't get any bigger or more famous than that in children's literature, and she said, 'we've just sold the franchise to Disney.

I love your novels.

I want to work with you.

Would you write a picture book?

And I'll illustrate it.' And I said, I don't know how to write a picture book.

And she said, 'sit down.

I'll tell you, I'll figure it out.' And I loved Robin Preiss Glasser from hello.

It was one of those things when she walked into the door.

I just thought, this is my best friend.

And the only reason that I write picture books is because I want to hang out with her and go on book tour with her.

And when I go on book tour for my books, I'm a big deal.

When I go on book tour for a book I've done with Robin Preiss Glasser, I am the person standing in the back with a sheep puppet on my hand.

And the kids, it it's it's like Bono has come into first grade.

They lose their minds over her and she is a spectacular, talented, entertaining, brilliant person.

And that is why I write picture books."

SUNDAY: America's Book Club with Ann Patchett – 6pm ET on C-SPAN https://www.c-span.org/americas-book-club/guest/23/ann-patchett

@parnassusbooksnashville

Download the FREE C-SPAN Now App. https://www.c-span.org/c-spanNow/

Discover the C-SPAN Video Library at https://www.c-span.org/quickguide/

Explore C-SPAN's Free Educational Resources at https://www.c-span.org/classroom/

C-SPAN: Created by Cable in 1979.