Picture a storyteller who spun bedtime tales into a beloved children’s series that has toddlers giggling and parents reading aloud with delight—meet Ann Whitford Paul! This American author, poet, and quilter has crafted over 25 picture books, including the wildly popular If Animals series, enchanting young readers with her rhythmic rhymes and animal antics. From her cozy Los Angeles home, Ann’s stories have become a staple in homes and classrooms, proving that a love for reading can spark a lifetime of creativity.
The Making of Ann Whitford Paul
Born in 1941, Ann Whitford Paul grew up with a passion for stories, though her path to authorship wasn’t direct. With a sociology degree from Northwestern University and a master’s in social work from Columbia, she spent her early career as a social worker. It was motherhood—reading bedtime stories to her four children—that ignited her writing spark. Those quiet, snuggly moments inspired her to create picture books that capture the magic of shared reading, launching her writing journey with her debut, Owl at Night, in 1985.
Ann Whitford Paul’s Unforgettable Stories
Ann’s books are a delightful blend of whimsy, rhyme, and heart, perfectly tailored for young readers aged two to eight. Her If Animals series, starting with If Animals Kissed Good Night (2008), imagines animals doing human-like things—think porcupines knitting scarves or bears baking honey cakes. This bestselling series, praised for its “bouncy and fun to read aloud” verses, includes titles like If Animals Celebrated Christmas and If Animals Went to School. Another gem, Who Loves Little Lemur?, wraps readers in a warm tale of family love, while Mañana, Iguana adds a playful bilingual twist to the Little Red Hen story. Ann’s poetic style, often laced with onomatopoeia, invites kids to chime in, making storytime interactive and joyful.
Beyond fiction, Ann’s nonfiction shines in works like Eight Hands Round: A Patchwork Alphabet, which weaves pioneer history into quilt patterns, and All by Herself, celebrating 14 historical girls who made a difference. Her book Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication is a must-have for aspiring authors, offering practical tips drawn from her decade teaching at UCLA Extension. Ann’s ability to balance lyrical prose with educational depth sets her apart in children’s literature.
Why Ann Whitford Paul Matters
Ann Whitford Paul’s impact extends beyond her charming stories. Her books foster empathy and curiosity, helping children understand diverse experiences and cultures through engaging narratives. Her dedication to teaching has empowered countless writers, with her manuscript award through SCBWI nurturing new talent. Ann’s work reminds us that picture books are more than entertainment—they’re the first step in creating lifelong readers who can discern fact from fiction. Her legacy lives in every child who snuggles up with one of her tales.
- Born: 1941, United States
- Key Works: If Animals Kissed Good Night, Writing Picture Books, Mañana, Iguana
- Awards: Multiple awards for her picture books; SCBWI manuscript award named in her honor
- Fun Fact: Her cat, Mr. Darcy, “blogs” writing tips on her website!
Snag If Animals Kissed Good Night and dive into Ann Whitford Paul’s whimsical world of rhymes and animal adventures!