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MEET BOB BARNER
by Bonnie O'Brian

What did you most like to do when you were a child?

Bob Barner

Making art, playing music and sports. .

What audience did you have in mind for your career as a writer - adult or children?

When you went to college, were you already pursuing a writing career? (or a career in illustrating? or just art in general?)

I started submitting manuscripts during my third year of art school. I was fortunate to get replies from almost all of the editors I admired at the time. They gave my advice and direction on how I might make the books better.

What was your first job when you graduated from college?

 I was an art therapist in a psychiatric hospital.

What are the topics are some of your books?

 Most of my books are non-fiction or informational. Bugs1 Bugs! Bugs!, Dem Bones, Dinosaur Bones, Fish Wish are a few titles.

What kinds of things inspire you to write?

 I’m inspired by nature, art, science and music.

Have any of your books earned special recognition?

 Yes, Parent’s Choice Awards and inclusion in the Society of Illustration’s Original Art Shoe in New York. I also have FISH WISH in the 2007 Elementary California Collection.

 Do you enjoy researching or do you prefer working totally from your imagination?

 I love to do research for my books. I feel more confident when I have done my homework.

Do you write every day and do you have set hours that you work?

 No. I spend a few days each month visiting schools or speaking at conferences.

When you do school visits, what question do children ask you most?

 If I like to write or draw the best. I always say I like them equally.