Janie Writes a Play: Jane Yolen's First Great Story by Heidi E. Y. Stemple and Madelyn Goodnight - ADVISABLE

Janie Writes a Play: Jane Yolen's First Great Story by Heidi E. Y. Stemple, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK Charlesbridge/Imagine, 2025. $19. 9781623543273 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Young Jane Yolen was a writer even when she was still a little girl. She and her brother would interview people in their apartment elevator and turn it in to a newspaper they charged residents 5 cents for. When Jane anticipates the upcoming class play, she is so disappointed to find it less than exciting. No rising plot or big moment. So she spends the evening writing her own play for the class to perform. 

Jane Yolen is a really big deal. She wrote so many books - over 400) and has helped so many authors. I just don't know how relevant she is with today's picture book audience. I think this will be snatched up by adults - particularly librarians. However, as a story about a little girl who loves literature and sees the value in a plot, it's a fine story, so is still an advisable purchase. Jane Yolen is white. 

Lisa Librarian