Donna M. Zappala is a children’s book author and teacher. Zappala's first children’s book, Albert's Perfect Pet, is about a young boy searching for his perfect pet. Young readers are given an opportunity to learn about different types of pets and how to choose the “perfect” one. Donna hopes children enjoy reading it as much as she enjoyed writing it. Donna Zappala received her BA from Monmouth University (Education and Psychology) and an MA from Western Governors University (Math Education). Zappala is a New Jersey born who has lived there her whole life. What she really loves most about NJ is experiencing all four seasons and the chance to visit the ocean whenever she wants with her husband of 12 years and 3 daughters.
I had the wonderful opportunity of catching up with Donna recently and asked her a few questions...
Tell us about your path to publication.
I love working with children and children's books. My path to publishing Albert’s Perfect Pet stems from teaching preschool. I taught three and four year-old children for many years. While preparing my lesson plans each week, I would search for the perfect children's book that would complement the subject matter being taught. There were many instances in which no book, either fiction or nonfiction, matched the theme that I wanted the children to learn. When I began teaching my students about animals and the difference between cold-blooded and warm-blooded, I researched fictional books about this topic. I again came up empty-handed; therefore I decided to write the book that I know was needed for young children to learn about this important topic.
What was your inspiration for Albert’s Perfect Pet?
I have always been fascinated by different types of animals. It amazes me when I see snakes, tigers and elephants and how they live. They are so unique and as humans, I believe we should learn as much as we can about these special creatures, especially ones that can become pets. This was one reason I wrote the book. The second reason I wrote Albert’s Perfect Pet was stated above. I was filling a need for youngsters to learn about cold-blooded animals through a fictonal venue as opposed to the traditional non-fiction style.
Growing up, what was your perfect pet and why?
As a child, I owned common pets, including a German Shepherd named Brandy, fish and cats. I loved all of them and took good care of them. However, I always wanted and dreamed of owning a lizard. My best friend’s brother owned one and I visited him often, but unfortunately my mom said I could not have one. So, as a youngster, my perfect pets were the German Shepherd, fish and cats because I did love them so, but if I had my choice, as most children wish, it would have definitely been a lizard named Lizzie.
You’re proof that entering a writing contest can pay off, winning 3rd place in the 2008 DFP Awards for Best Children’s Picture Book. What advice can you offer other writers who are considering entering a writing contest?
I was honored when I won the writing contest from Dragonfly Publishing Inc.. Writing contests are great because you know the publishers are interested in reading the work they receive. The best advice I can give fellow writers is to enter as many writing contests as possible. Also, writers should never give up---keep trying, trying and trying. Do not give up after many rejections (we all receive them!) because if you believe in yourself and your work, you will succeed. Another piece of advice is make sure you follow the rules and requirements of the contest. You don’t want to miss out on your work being read because you did not single space your manuscript when the directions said to double space it. Most importantly, share something unique that means something to you.
This year, you received your master’s degree in mathematics education. What made you want to write for children?
As a teacher, I am always looking for interesting and motivating ways to teach math and science concepts. Albert’s Perfect Pet is a great way to teach young children about the science topics of cold and warm blooded animals.
To learn more about Donna Zappala and Albert's Perfect Pet, please visit Dragonfly Publishing, Inc.
Additional Information:
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Dragonfly Publishing, Inc. (September 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0981908063
ISBN-13: 978-0981908069
Comments
This sounds like a delightful children's book!
Wonderful interview. I'm always interested in hearing about authors. Looks like a fun book.
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