Q&A with Frieda Wishinsky

 

 

 

 

Frieda Wishinsky is the author of the new children's book Keep Our World Green: Why Humans Need Gardens, Parks and Public Green Spaces. Her many other books include A Flower Is a Friend.

 

Q: What inspired you to write Keep Our World Green?

 

A: As a kid in New York City I played, walked, shared stories and enjoyed the beauty of parks, especially Central Park.

 

When I grew up I married, moved to Toronto and eventually bought a house with a yard. That’s where I grew a lovely, no grass garden. The garden had a giant silver maple tree that felt like a friend and anchored the garden.

 

Throughout my life green spaces, like my garden and parks, have given me joy and helped me through tough times. Green spaces do that for many of us. They are also essential to sustaining life and have been throughout history.

 

In Keep Our World Green I want to share the importance of greenspace throughout history, for today and for the future. The book is a combination of fascinating information and touching personal stories.

 

Q: What do you think Sara Theuerkauf’s illustrations add to the book?

 

A: I love how Sara’s pastel illustrations weave seamlessly into the narrative and work well with the photos (I took one third of the photos). The colorful art and images help bring the text alive. 

 

Q: What do you hope kids (and adults) take from the book?

 

A: I hope my book helps kids and adults cherish and preserve the beauty of greenspace and realize that without plants, life on earth would not be sustainable. That’s true today and has been throughout history. We  need to care for our green spaces, which are being challenged every day with climate change.

 

Q: What do you see looking ahead when it comes to people's enjoyment of green spaces?

 

A: I think everyone can enjoy the green spaces near them—grow a garden in their yard, on a windowsill, a balcony, or in community gardens. I hope we will all speak up when green spaces are being destroyed. It matters to everyone.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I’m currently working on a book inspired by my childhood, some biographies, and picture books about friendship.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: I want readers to know that nonfiction books, like this one, tell good stories about real people, places and events. 

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Frieda Wishinsky.