The Neighborhood News Online

Barbara Bottner Favorite Children's Author

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Category: Featured Resident

Published on Thursday, 18 February 2010 21:51

Written by Renee Montgomery

It must be the Adams first law-of-physics that our charming neighborhood should attract a charming children’s book author. Barbara Bottner, five-year resident of Western Heights is the author and/or illustrator of over 36 books for children and young adults.

Barbara bespeaks creative energy.  She once described her early character Myra: “There seemed to be so much to write about. Myra is not only imaginative and enthusiastic, she is overly so.  But I believe going overboard is a risk at the core of the truly creative.”  Polish puppets, ceramic ostriches, Chinese gongs, Tibetan mandalas are but a handful of the wonders adorning Barbara’s magical home, shared with physician husband Gerald Kruglik and “Girlfriend,” their golden retriever.

Barbara’s successful career writing books, TV, film and short stories spun naturally from her first jobs as teacher, painter, actor and set designer: “Early on I taught first graders in Harlem.  I loved the children and challenge but I missed making art. While painting sets off Broadway, I was bitten by the acting bug and toured in Europe with an off-Broadway troop. A need for a change of creative climate and a broken leg inspired my first book for children.”  Soon major publishers recognized Barbara’s work, pairing her with award-winning illustrators and commissioning her to produce several Early Readers.  “Wallace’s Lists,” co-written with Gerald Kruglik, “Bootsie Barker Bites” “Raymond and Nelda” are just a few of her fun titles.  Forthcoming are “Miss Brooks Loves Books,” and other titles. Now, besides researching a new novel and revising a middle grade book, Barbara helps new authors navigate the market, and she is also working on a degree in spiritual psychology.  Local treasure Barbara Bottner.  Information about her publications can be found here:

http://barbarabottnerbooks.com

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