Children’s book author Jane Yolen has passed away. She was a gifted author, and her books are well known. She made a huge difference in the lives of children – and me. I want to honor Jane with my memories of her.
I’d only been teaching a few years when Jane Yolen’s book Owl Moon came out. It was one of the best. By that time in the mid-80’s I had already become glued to good books, and very picky. Buying a book was a big deal on a preschool teacher’s salary, but I bought this book.
Children loved the story, and I read it to them over and over again. It was late in the fall, and I thought, ‘we could go owling, just like in the book’. We did! Parents loved it, and we heard an owl answer back. This was the first nighttime event anyone had done at school. Can you imagine being close to the woods at night -at school- calling for owls?
I wrote a blog post about going owling. Jane read the post and replied,
“In the end of course, fame and fortune don’t matter. It’s the child remembering your story with great fondness that is important. Only that.”
Jane was a presenter at the Eric Carle Museum years later. Hearing her speak was just wonderful. Better yet, her daughter was also speaking, and when she talked about Owl Moon I blurted out, “It was you! You were the little girl in the book.” She smiled. The audience did, too. After the presentation I had a chance to meet and talk with Jane Yolen. I told her all about going owling with my class after reading her book.
Oh, we talked and talked. Everyone in line to meet her was fascinated.
I’m a huge fan of Jane Yolen’s How Do Dinosaurs books. I think I’ve read every one, and I often give a stuffed dinosaur along with the book as a gift.
I can’t say enough about the dinosaur books. They are in rhyme, and perfect for 3-8 year-olds.
Great writers say important words. Jane Yolen said:
“Writers have ideas. It’s what they do with them that counts.”
“We need teachers to turn on the lights for us. It’s hard to read and write in the dark.”
“The author isn’t important. Their writing is.“
“Don’t write down to children. They will know and remember the words.”
Last year I was invited to Jane’s birthday party. Lucky me!
Here’s the best part; a child in my class who went owling came along to the birthday party. We were there a little early, so I dragged this shy child, now an adult, up to meet Jane Yolen. She was scared. I was not! Jane remembered the story of going owling, and there she was, meeting one of the owling chldren. It was a full circle moment!
Rest in Peace, Jane. You have made a difference.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
What a perfect tribute to an amazing author. How wonderful you got to meet her and have a chat. May she rest in peace knowing she made a difference.
Thank you, Darlene! She was one of the best.
Thanks for posting this lovely tribute and wonderful memories, Jennie.
I’m glad you enjoyed this, Dan. She was terrific.
That’s a lovely tribute, Jennie. Jane has left a wonderful legacy behind.
Best wishes, Pete.
Many thanks, Pete. She really has!
God Bless us, everyone
Amen!
What a wonderful tribute, Jenny! Jane Yolen contributed so much to us all. I have remarkable memories of reading Owl Moon to my grandchildren over and over. They were mesmerized every time.
I’m so glad you had the same Owl Moon experience with your grandchildren. What a wonderful book! Many thanks!
Indeed, a life well lived ❤️
Yes!
what a beautiful tribute to jane and all of her books, her legacy. how wonderful that you had a personal relationship with her, i’m sure she recognized a kindred spirit who understood the power of books and the impact they can make on children. she will be missed and her books will remind us –
Thank you, Beth. I’m so glad you enjoyed this. I was lucky to meet her and tell her my Owl Moon story. I think she knew I was vested in children and good children’s books. Yes, the power and impact are remarkable.
A lovely tribute Jennie!
Thank you, FR!
Heartfelt tribute. I used to read “How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?” to my daughter all the time. She loved that story so much. What a beautiful legacy.
Thank you! I’m glad you read one of the dinosaur books to your daughter. They’re so good!
What a worthy memorium of a wonderful children’s author.
Thank you so much, Jacqui!
A heartwarming story that truly expresses the connection between author and audience. What a special memory to embrace!
Thank you for your lovely comment, Pam!
Lovely tribute to Jane!
Thank you, Cathy!
I loved “Owl Moon” and have thought of that book many times, since we have great horned owls that winter in our area. I don’t know how many times I’ve read the book to my classes, but anyway, I’m glad Jane Yolen wrote it.
I’m sorry to hear that she is gone, but she has definitely left her mark. And how lucky for you, Jennie, that you got to meet her!
I’m so glad you read this wonderful book to your classes. I’m sure those great horned owls bring back memories of the book. I’m glad Jane wrote it, too. She definitely left her mark, and I was very lucky to meet her. Thank you, Anneli.
Beautiful, beautiful Jennie. I love how you’ve wholeheartedly honored Jane. ❤️❤️❤️
Many thanks, Vicki! 💕
A lovely tribute to Jane, Jennie. Thank you.
Thank you, John. I’m glad you enjoyed this tribute.
😀
What a beautiful tribute you’ve given Jane! This quote of hers is my takeaway from your tribute: “We need teachers to turn on the lights for us. It’s hard to read and write in the dark.”
That was my favorite quote! She was more than an author, she understood.
Kindred spirits!
😀
“The Emperor and the Kite” is one of my favorites.
Yes!
Oh how cool! Loved her books.
I’m so glad!
i appreciated you words as much as you did with your special connection with Jane. Spreading the joy of stories to thousands of children.
Thanks so much, Pete!
What a blow to the book world! Love the picture books you mentioned. Jane was a treasure.
Lovely tribute, Jennie.
Yes on all counts! Many thanks.
I would have loved to have gone owning as a child. What a great idea and very exciting to meet the author of this book.
I would have loved owling, too. It’s a true story, which makes it even better. I was very excited to meet the author – twice! Thank you, Robbie.
I gathered it was a true story. Thanks, Jennie 💓
Lovely you made that connection, Jen. Owl Moon is a treasure.
Alice Collins
I was the lucky one! Owl Moon will always be a treasure. Thanks, Alice!
A lovely tribute to your friend to your friend and author Jane, Jennie. She has left a beautiful legacy of books to live on. 🥰
She really has, Debby. Many thanks!
Enjoyed reading your great tribute to Jane Yolen, Jennie. You were so lucky to have met her.
Thank you, Stevie. I was indeed lucky!
A wonderful tribute to an amazing author. So nice to have met her and had a great chat with her
Much appreciated, Kamal! Yes, it was wonderful.
Always welcome dear Jennie ❤️🙏
Thank you, Kamal!
Always welcome dear Jennie ❤️🙏❤️
Thank you, Kamal!
💓💓💓
Such a lovely full circle experience, Jennie. I also loved reading Jane Yolen’s books to my students, especially Owl Moon. She will certainly live on forever through her stories!
Thank you, Becky. You were lucky to read Jane’s books, too. Owl Moon is the best! She will deliver on through her stories.
Definitely!