Skinny Dip with Mélina Mangal

For this inter­view, we vis­it with Méli­na Man­gal, chil­dren’s book author and librarian:

What’s your favorite late-night snack?

My favorite ANYTIME snack is white cheddar popcorn.  

Most cherished childhood memory?  

Roaming through the north woods, climbing trees with my sister and brothers.  I loved being outdoors so much.   

Illustrator’s work you most admire?

There are so many illustrators I admire, such as Leo and Diane Dillon, whose vast body of work has inspired several generations.  Also: the late Vera B. Williams, David Diaz, Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu, Pat Cummings, Maya Cristina Gonzalez.... I could go on! 

Favorite season of the year? Why?

Summer is my favorite season.  I can work in the garden, swim outside, bike everywhere, and read in the backyard hammock next to the apple tree.  

Morning person? Night person?

Definitely a morning person.  I love to wake with the sun.

Brother and sisters or an only child? How did that shape your life?

I have one older sister and two younger brothers. Being in the middle made me flexible and helps me listen, mediate, and empathize.