
We’re pleased to welcome author and illustrator Kenneth Kraegel for a Skinny Dip this month. His newest book, Wild Honey from the Moon, is due to be published on November 5, 2019. School Library Connection said, “The rich and luscious illustrations are what make this book so special; readers will want to examine every detail on every page. Even the text boxes are like small jewel boxes.”
You will remember his earlier picture books, Green Pants, King Arthur’s Very Great Grandson, and The Song of Delphine. Visit Kenneth’s website to learn what he did before he began creating books. He’s also made available coloring pages that leave room for adding yourself to the picture! Let’s learn more:
What would your autobiography be called? Kenneth Kraegel: A Real Piece of Work
What’s your favorite candy? Licorette or salt water taffy
If you could take credit for any great piece of art, song, film, or book, which one would you claim? Maybe The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame or Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
The best thing anyone has ever said about you. My eighth grade English teacher asked me to stay after class and said, “You know, I could give you a D- and you could stay on the wrestling team, but I am going to give you an F instead, because you are sitting on your brains, Kraegel, you are sitting on your brains and I’d like to see you try.” I left feeling great — Mr. Downey thought I had brains!
What’s your beverage of choice? a stout
Your go-to book to recommend to young readers. I always sing the praises of the Frog and Toad stories.
Your favorite day: rain, snow, storms, or sunshine? That is a very tough decision. I love them all. I would rank them as 1. snow 2. rain 3. storms 4. sunshine.
If you could invite four people to share breakfast with you, who would they be? Just three: Pope Leo I, Attila the Hun, and W.H. Auden. Auden wrote a poem about the mysterious moment when Attila and Leo meet, so he gets invited. Here is the mystery: Attila was poised to sack Rome, Rome had no real defense left. Pope Leo came out and met Attila. He said something to Attila and then Attila just turned around and left, sparing Rome. Nobody knows what Leo said, solving that over pancakes would be a real treat.
Your favorite place to work? My studio

I’m pretty sure I speak for a lot of others in saying I love seeing Kenneth Kraegel’s studio: It’s a treat to see where he works, and an encouragement for many of us, looking into the furnace where the ore undergoes the mystifying process of transformation. Thank you!