Melinda Long Biography

Education: Furman University, 1982.

Addresses

Agent—c/o Author's Mail, Harcourt St., Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101.

Career

Teacher and author.

Writings

When Papa Snores, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (New York, NY), 2000.

Melinda Long

Hiccup Snickup, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (New York, NY), 2001.

How I Became a Pirate, illustrated by David Shannon, Harcourt (San Diego, CA), 2003.

Sidelights

Children's picture book author and teacher Melinda Long has a love for pirates that reaches back into her childhood, when she would bury treasure in her backyard, much to her parents' dismay. Tapping that interest as an adult, her book How I Became a Pirate has become a New York Times best-selling children's book. When asked about her thoughts both as a parent and teacher, regarding the importance of imaginary adventures for young children, Long stated in an interview on the Harcourt Books Web site: "Imaginary adventures help us to grow in so many ways. They stretch our brains, broaden our personalities, and give us the frame work we need to be problem-solving adults."

How I Became a Pirate recounts the tale of young towhead Jeremy Jacob, who did just that. While at the beach one summer day Jeremy spots a pirate ship. Asked to join the crew and partake in their life of singing, dancing, and no vegetables or table manners, the young boy can not refuse such an enticing offer. However, not long after he embarks on his journey through the rolling seas, Jeremy becomes homesick. While the freedom of piracy is fun for a little while, he misses his home and all the comforts that go along with civilized society, like bedtime stories and goodnight kisses. Complimenting Long's text are illustrations by David Shannon, whose acrylic paintings convey a sense of humor and playfulness that any child will appreciate.

Shelle Rosenfeld, reviewing How I Became a Pirate for Booklist, stated that this rollicking takes "is a charmer, with a lively, witty, first-person narrative, highly expressive characters, and farcical elements" that kids will love. In addition Laurie Edwards of School Library Journal commented that the adventure story "is sure to be a favorite with the storytime crowd."