Author Jeanne Birdsall Reveals Insights on ‘The Library of Unruly Treasures’
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Renowned author Jeanne Birdsall, well-known for her acclaimed Penderwicks series, delves into her latest novel, ‘The Library of Unruly Treasures.’
Birdsall, in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, shares the challenges she encountered at the start of this new venture, the unlikely spark of inspiration behind the novel, and the importance of fostering a love for reading in young audiences.
The journey to ‘The Library of Unruly Treasures’ began for Birdsall after concluding the much-loved Penderwicks series. The transition from such a beloved series left her feeling uncertain about her next steps. However, this uncertainty fuelled her creativity, leading to the birth of a new story where she could simply have fun with her writing.
In this latest novel, readers are introduced to Gwen MacKinnon, a captivating young protagonist who embarks on a summer adventure unlike any other. As Gwen spends her summer with her Uncle Matthew, she stumbles upon a group of mystical winged creatures known as Lahdukan residing within the local library.
The idea for the novel stemmed from a simple yet profound question posed by a friend’s young son about the attire of boy fairies. This innocent question sparked Birdsall’s imagination, inspiring her to create a narrative that revolves around magical beings visible only to children.
Birdsall’s deep-rooted interests, particularly in authors like Robert Louis Stevenson, led her to Scotland for research, enriching the storyline of ‘The Library of Unruly Treasures.’ The novel, with its emphasis on libraries, aims to instil a passion for books in young readers, encouraging them to become part of a timeless literary conversation.
Despite attaining acclaim in the realm of children’s literature, Birdsall’s journey to becoming an author was not a conventional one. Initially pursuing a career in photography, she transitioned to writing in her forties, driven by her desire to craft stories for children.
‘The Library of Unruly Treasures’ exudes a sense of summertime nostalgia, a familiar hallmark of Birdsall’s writing style that resonates with her dedicated readers. The novel presented its own set of challenges, pushing Birdsall to strive for continual improvement in her craft.
Through her latest work, Birdsall has succeeded in creating a captivating world that has garnered positive reception from readers, reinforcing her commitment to evolving as a writer and meeting new creative challenges.
‘The Library of Unruly Treasures’ is now available through Knopf Books for Young Readers, offering readers a chance to immerse themselves in a whimsical and enchanting tale.
In conclusion, Jeanne Birdsall’s ‘The Library of Unruly Treasures’ stands as a testament to her enduring creativity and storytelling prowess, captivating both new and existing fans with its magical narrative.