Archives and Special Collections: Joan Hoerger Fern Place Elementary School Library "Letters to Authors Project"

Joy Adamson
(Born Free / The Spotted Sphinx / Pippa's Challenge)

Letter on The Elsa Wild Animal Appeal stationery from Joy Adamson to Mrs. Mulvey's Class, "Thank you very much for your letter with all your questions. I am very happy to know how much you like our Elsa.... With kind regards, Yours sincerely, Joy Adamson. " Dated Dec. 20, 1971.

Typed note with postscript that Joy Adamson died in East Africa.
 

Jose Aruego

Illustrated letter "To the 2nd Grade Class of Fern Place School Library, I am pleased that you voted me as your favorite author. ... . Luv, Jose Aruego".
Postscript to Adam, "Dear Adam (Mr. Pelled's class) and Craig, in answer to your letters... the monsters are real but I have not seen them personally."
 

Esther Averill
(Jenny and the Cat Club)

Illustrated letter. "Dear Donna, Doreen, Douglas...,Thank you for your lovely letters about Jenny. The next time I see her I shall let her know that you like the stories of her adventures.... Sincerely, Esther Averill." Dated February 11th, 1963.
 

Judi Barrett
(Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs / Old Macdonald Had an Apartment House)

Letter. "Dear Mr. Krapp's class, I was so happy to get your letters and of course to hear that your class voted me best author! ... Sincerely, Judi Barrett." Dated January 25, 1981.
 

Stan & Jan Berenstain

Illustration © 1977 S. & J. Berenstain . "For Tricia With Many Thanks ... and Best Wishes To The Whole Class... from Stan & Jan Berenstain and the Bears." Dated 4/30/78.

Illustration © 1977 S. & J. Berenstain . "For JJ with many thanks ... and Best Wishes To The Whole Class... from Stan & Jan Berenstain and the Bears." Dated 4/30/78.
 

Claire Huchet Bishop
(The Man Who Lost His Head / Twenty-Two Bears / The Truffle Pig)

Letter to Steve Goldsmith and Kevin Sadowski. "Dear Steve and Kevin, Many thanks indeed for your very nice letters. I am so glad you like The Man Who Lost His Head. I do too of course.... Your author-friend, Claire Huchet Bishop". Dated February 21, 1974.
 

Judy Blume
(Starring Sally J. Friedman / Blubber / It'S Not the End of the World)

Three inscribed brochures with photo of Judy Blume on each cover:

1. HI from JUDY BLUME. "Hi and Thanks! Love Judy Blume." n.d.

2. Meet Judy Blume. "Hi Andy and Class! Thanks a lot for choosing me as a favorite author! I don't know Tom Ungerer but I do ... . Love, Judy Blume." n.d.

3. Meet Judy Blume. "Hi Russell & Friends! Hope this answers some of your questions! I'm working on a sequel to tales of a 4th Grade Nothing... Love, Judy Blume." n.d.

Note FROM THE DESK OF JUDY BLUME. "Dear Friends, Thanks so much for letting me know about my honor. I'm happy to be your favorite author, and glad you like my books! ... Love, Judy Blume." n.d.
 

Norman Bridwell
(Clifford)

Inscribed black and white photo of Norman Bridwell.

Illustrated Letter. "Dear Diane, I am very happy to hear that you like Clifford. Thank you for the kind letter. ... Your friend Norman Bridwell." Dated June 1, 1977.

Illustrated letter. "Dear Wayne, I am pleased to learn that you enjoy my books about Clifford. Thank you very much for letting me know that I am your favorite author this year. You made my day a lot brighter with your kind words. ... Your friend, Norman Bridwell." Dated April 7, 1978.

Illustrated letter. "Dear Gregg, I am very happy to hear that you like my books so much. It is a great honor for me to be voted the best author of the year. ... Your friend, Norman Bridwell." Dated April 7, 1978.

Illustrated Letter. "Dear Friends, I got two letters from Mrs. Freund's class, but you didn't sign your names. So, I will thank the entire clas for the kind thoughts. I am happy to hear that some of your enjoy my books about Clifford. ... Yours, Norman Bridwell". Dated February 1, 1979.

Illustrated letter. "Dear Mrs. Krapp's Class, I am pleased to hear that you like my books about Clifford. It was kind of you to write and let me know that you enjoy his adventures. ... Your friend, Norman Bridwell." Dated January 22, 1980.

Illustrated letter. "Dear Victor, Thank you for the kind words. I am glad to know that you enjoy my books. It was nice of the class to vote me number one. ... Your friend, Norman Bridwell." Dated February 1, 1983.
 

Eric Carle
(The Hungry Caterpillar)

Illustrated Letter.

Illustrated Letter. "Thank you very much for writing to me. I am glad that you like The Very Hungry Caterpillar so much. This book has become the favorite of many children all over the world, it has been translated into 10 languages... Best wishes, Eric Carle." Includes inscribed second full page illustration of Eric Carle and his two cats.

Illustrated Facsimile Book Page. "Dear Friends in Mrs. Stone's class. Thank you for selecting me your FAVORITE Author. It's good to hear from you. Best wishes, Eric Carle." Dated 17 January 1974.
 

John Ciardi (author/poet)
(I Met a Man)

Note Card in Italian, includes typed English translation: "Dear Miss Nicola, Congratulations to you on this new change in your future and the opportunity you have in learning a second language. ... Devotedly, John Ciardi." n.d.

Note Card. "Dear Karen, I wrote I Met a Man for my daughter Myra (now 22) when she was in kindergarten. I wanted to write the first book she read all the way through. Now she is a lovely young lady...Your friend, John Ciardi." Dated March 21, 1974.
 

Beverly Cleary
(Henry and the Clubhouse)

Letter: "Dear Elizabeth and Friends, How pleased I was to learn that you are interested in my books. No, I do not expect my books to be on television in the United States because I feel that most T. V. programs based on books change the stories too much. ... Sincerely, Beverly Cleary." Dated November 8, 1971.

Letter. "Dear Boys and Girls, What fun it was to walk out to the mailbox and find a fat envelope full of your nice letters! I am so happy to know that so many of you like the Henry books. ... Sincerely, Beverly Cleary." Dated March 10, 1963.

Press Page from William Morrow and Co, Inc. Inscribed by Beverly Cleary "Dear Friends, I am so pleased you voted to write to me because you enjoy my books. Thank you. Yes, I plan to write more books. ... Beverly Cleary." n.d.
 

Patricia Coombs
(Dorrie and the Blue Witch)

Letter. "Dear Second Grade Class, Your letter reached me a few days ago and I am so happy to have been chosen your favorite author. I immediately chose you as my favorite Second Grade Class, and I will send you a witch picture in honor of the occasion. ... Best wishes, Patricia Coombs." Dated November 3, 1971.
 

Roald Dahl

Letter. "Dear Sir or Madam, Two children wrote to me. I don't know their names but they are in Dr. Marcovitz's class, that is all they say. ... Yours sincerely, Roald Dahl." Dated 23rd February, 1977.
 

Fiona French
(Jack of Hearts, Huni)

Letter. "Dear Gerard, Kenny, Benson and Mrs. Mulvey's Class. Thank you all very much for your lovely letter's, I have never had letters from America before, so it was a nice surprise ... Love From, Fiona. " Dated 9-2-73.
 

Ruth Stiles Gannett

Letter. "Dear Mrs. Hoerger, I just received the letters from your 4th graders. ... Sincerely, Ruth Stiles Gannet (Mrs. H. Peter Kahn)." Dated June 5.

B/W photo of author and her 6 daughters. Signed. n.d.
 

Carolyn Haywood
(Eddie's Green Thumb / Here Comes the Bus / "C" Is For Cupcake)

Letter. "Dear Patricia and the "Girls", I was delighted to receive your nice letter telling me that you have enjoyed reading my books. I write them because I love boys and girls. ... Lovingly Carolyn W Haywood." n.d.

Letter. "Dear Girls and Boys, I was delighted to receive your nice letter telling me that you have enjoyed reading my books. I write them because I love boys and girls ... . Lovingly Carolyn W Haywood." Dated April 9th 1963.

Letter. "Dear Sharon and Mrs. Swyle's Class, Your letter made me very happy for it is good to know that boys and girls enjoy reading my books ... . Lovingly Carolyn Haywood." Dated 4/9/74.
 

Joan Hoerger - Librarian, Fern Place Elementary School

Letter. From Joan Hoerger to Dr. Spirt, Curator of the American Juvenile Collection. Dated 2/26/97.
 

Ezra Jack Keats

Letter. "Dear Children: Thank you for your lovely letter. I am very happy and encouraged in my work because you have chosen me as one of your favorite authors. ... All my best to you, Mrs. Sorkin and Mrs. Hoerger. Your friend, Ezra Jack Keats." Dated December 9, 1971.
 

Patricia G. Lauber
(Volcano: The Eruption and Healing of Mount St. Helens)

Letter. "Dear Melissa and Debrah: "Thank you for writing to tell me how much you and your class enjoyed my volcanoes book. That was a good letter and I was glad to receive it. ... Sincerely yours, Patricia Lauber." Dated March 1, 1974.
 

Mike McClintock
(David and the Giant)

Letter. "Dear Judy Krebs, Thank you for your nice letter about David and the Giant. I am glad you like the book, ... Sincerely, Mike McClintock." Dated April 8, 1974.
 

Arlene Mosel
(Tiki Tiki Tembo)

Notecard. "Dear Students, How very nice of you to vote The Funny Little Woman as your favorite book!. ... Arlene Mosel". Dated February 8, 1980.
 

Mary O'Neill
(Hailstones and Halibut Bones: An Adventure in Color)

Letter. "Dear Children of Mrs. Sander's Class: Thank you so much for your lovely letters making me the best poet in your world. ... Thank you again, Mary O'Neill." Dated February 1, 1980.
 

Peggy Parish
(Amelia Bedelia / Amelia Bedelia and the Baby)

Letter. "Dear All of You, Thank you for voting me your favorite author. That makes me feel very good and will make me work hard to write more books for you. ... with love, Peggy Parish." Dated January 18, 1981.
 

Bill Peet
(The Wingdingdilly / Cowardly Clyde)

Biographical Pamphlet with author's photograph on the cover. Includes listing of Peet's 26 books with 2 penned in by the author

Letter. "Dear Friends I was happy to get your letters telling me that your class voted me the best author. And, of course I was pleased that you enjoy my books. ... Your friend, Bill Peet." n.d.

Character Illustration. "To Lisa Dorio A Whingdingdilly with best wishes your friend, Bill Peet." n.d.

Character Illustration. "To Michelle Rosenbaum, 'Cowardly Clyde' and 'Sir Galavant' [illustrations] with best wishes Bill Peet." n.d.
 

Margaret and H. A. Rey
(Curious George)

Letter. "Dear Mrs. Hoeger, Houghton Miflin forwarded your letters of Feb. 26 to me, unopened, so perhaps you could write directly to.... I am enclosing a card for the three children, and also a photo, inscribed to the library. ... yours sincerely,___." Dated 3-6-63.

Publisher's notecard. "Greetings from Curious George" printed with illustration of Curious George. "Dear Boys & Girls from Mrs. Sarabans' class, Many thanks for your nice letter, and as to your questions about ideas & how to get them I suppose one gets ideas by often thinking about whatever it is one want to get. ... Your friend, H. A. Rey". Dated 12-5-64.

Publisher's notecard. "Greetings from Curious George" printed with illustration of Curious George. "Dear Doreen,and Patricia and Kay, Quite a while ago you wrote me very nice letters – only today do i get around to answering them. ... Kind regards, H. A. Rey." n.d.

Biographical brochure from Houghton Mifflin Company with cover photo of Margaret and H. A. Rey. Includes listing of the authors books "presently in print, as of February, 1966."
 

Charles Schultz
(Peanuts)

Letter. [To Miss Weinstein's Second Grade Class]. "Dear Friends, Thank you for your kind letter. It was good of you to take the time to write. I am pleased to know that you enjoy Peanuts so much, ... . Kindest regards. Sincerely yours, Charles M. Schulz." Dated November 16, 1971.
 

Dr. Seuss

Illustrated Letter. "Dear Tommy, Terri Ann, Dennis, Patricia, Albert, Joy, Barbara, and Drew, Your letter came today while I was in my studio painting a Three-Muffed Apfel Moose. It was just about the nicest letter my Three-Muffed Apfel Moose and I have ever read. Thank you very, very much. Your friend, Dr. Seuss". n.d.

Illustrated note with the Cat in the Hat. "Dear Children, Your letter made me and my cat very happy... . Thanks and best wishes from your friend Dr. Seuss". Dated 3-29-78.

3.5" x 5" Inscribed photo of Dr. Seuss (with beard). n.d.

7" x 9" Photo of Dr. Seuss. n.d.
 

William Steig
(Sylvester and the Magic Pebble)

Letter. "Dear Christopher, Thanks for writing me. I'm happy that you voted for "Sylvester & the Magic Pebble." As I wrote your classmate Steven, I got the idea of a Magic Pebble one day at the beach in Fire Island when I was collecting pebbles that were washed up on the shore. My Best Wishes To You William Steig." Dated February 4, 1974.

Letter. "Dear Steven - Thank you for your letter. I'm proud of having my book Sylvester & the Magic Pebble voted as a favorite book by your class. To answer your questions: the idea of a Magic Pebble came to me one day... Best Wishes, William Steig." Dated Febuary 4, 1974.

Letter. "Dear Miss Hoerger, I'm flattered to have been voted a 'favorite author' by one of your second grade classes. And I'm sorry you had trouble locating me. I'm enclosing two responses to the two letters that were forwarded to me. ... Best wishes William Steig." Dated February 4, 1974.

Letter. "Children of Mrs. Gross' Class Dear Friends: I'm happy to hear that you like my book Sylvester And The Magic Pebble. ...BEST WISHES TO ALL OF YOU, WILLIAM STEIG." (signed William Steig) Dated November 4,1971.
 

Felix Sutton

Letter. "Dear Robert Buono, James Glenning, Jeffrey Greenberg, Fred Rooney, Joseph Tamiglietti, Since Mrs. Hoerger forwarded your nice letters to me all at once, I am replying to you in a group. I am very glad that you chose me as your favorite author, and I am especially pleased that all of you are so interested in American history. It is the most fascinating – and rewqrding - study in the world. ... All best wishes -- Felix Sutton --." Dated March 8, 1963.
 

Samuel S. Vaughan
(New Shoes)

Letter. [To Mrs. Riefberg's Class]. "Dear Children and Mrs. Riefberg: It was very good to have two cheerful letters from your class. I am delighted that you read the story New Shoes and especially pleased that you found it funny. ...Thank you again. Best, Sam Vaughn." Dated December 1, 1972. (typed on DOUBLEDAY stationery)
 

Bernard Waber
(Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile)

Letter. "Dear Children of Mrs. Ringel's 2nd Grade: Thanks and Thanks again for your most thoughtful charming letters. I was so happy to learn you love my books -- .... Your friend, Bernard Waber." (Illustration of Lyle the Crocodile imprinted on letter).
Photo of Waber on stationery.

Letter. "Dear Melody, Many thanks for sending me your delightful, most interesting letter. I am so happy you like reading the Lyle books. Here are the answers to your interesting questions. ... Your friend, Bernard Waber."
(Illustration of Lyle the Crocodile imprinted on letter).
Photo of Waber on stationery.

Illustrated Letter. "Dear Ellen. I was delighted to receive your wonderful letter. ... Your friend, Bernard Waber." (Includes illustration of Bernard Waber smiling and cartoon balloon, "Hello Ellen! It's me Lyle."
(Illustration of Lyle the Crocodile imprinted on letter).
Photo of Waber on stationery.

Letter. "Dear Aaron, I was so happy to receive your most wonderful letter. ... I am so happy you have a brother name Lyle. Lyle is one of my favorite names. .... All Good Wishes Your friend Bernard Waber."
Photo of Waber on stationery.

Letter. "Dear Lisa, Thank you so much for your most interesting and wonderful letter. I was delighted to learn that 'Lyle' was the favorite of your class... . Thanks again, Your friend Bernard Waber." n.d. Includes cartoon balloon, "Hello Ellen!"
Photo of Waber on stationery.

Illustrated Letter. "Dear Nora and Meg, Thank you so much for your wonderful letters. I was delighted to learn that you enjoy Lyle's stories – and so pleased you wanted me to know. ... . Your friend, Bernard Waber P.S. My best to Mrs. Sorkin and your classmates." Dated December 2, 1972.
Includes cartoon balloon, "Hello From Me Too, Lyle".
 

Harvey Weiss

Letter. "Mrs. Joan Hoerger - Dear Mrs. Hoerger - I've been forwarded the letters your pupils wrote about my books, and I found them tremendously interesting. (I think most of them write a much neater letter than I do. Many thanks to you, and to Camille, Valerie, Lorraine, Vincent, Ricky, Nicholas, Neil, Gary, Joseph, Dianne, Claudia, Celeste, Lawrence and Randy. Your friend, Harvey Weiss." Dated 6-21-63.
 

Brian Wildsmith.

5" x 7" Photograph of author. n.d.
 

Jane Yolen
(The Giants' Farm / Commander Toad In Space)

Letter. "Dear Mrs. Ballin's Class: Your letter made me smile. Imagine, being the most popular in the school. I could say to my own children, 'See -- sometimes you think I am mean when I make you clean up your rooms. But I am the most popular author in the Pasadena School. Now to get down to business. ... . Your friend, Jane Yolen." Dated December 4, 1980.
 

Carol Beach York
(Miss Know It All / Tree House Mystery / The Good Day Mice)

Letter. "To Mr. Knapp's class: Thank you very much for writing to me. I am so glad you liked my books about Miss Know It All. They were fun to write! ... . Your friend Carol Beach York." Dated March 7, 1979.