Audrey Wood Don Wood

Audrey Wood, born August 12, 1948, is an American author recognized for her contributions to children's literature. Her most famous work, "The Napping House," has achieved significant sales, exceeding 2.1 million copies globally by 2015. Wood's early life in Sarasota, Florida, influenced her storytelling, sparked by her father's work with the circus and interactions with neighbors. She developed her narrative skills by creating stories based on paintings from her parents' art books, aspiring to be an author and illustrator from a young age.

Wood's writing style is characterized by its imaginative and exciting qualities, often incorporating elements of art, music, drama, and dance. She particularly favors "step-and-repeat stories" for their linguistic rhythm. Her husband, Don Wood, has illustrated numerous books for her, beginning their creative partnership seven years after marriage with "Moonflute." Their collaborative efforts have resulted in nearly 20 books, and their son, Bruce Robert Wood, also became an illustrator, establishing a multi-generational artistic legacy. The couple's shared passion for children's books was further cemented when Don illustrated "Moonflute" for its U.S. release, an endeavor that led him to illustrate many subsequent books.

Audrey Wood's childhood experiences provided a rich tapestry for her future storytelling. Growing up in Sarasota, Florida, where her father was commissioned by Ringling Brothers Circus to paint murals, exposed her to a world of vibrant characters and narratives. Her friendships with circus performers and stories shared by a neighboring family of "little people" undoubtedly fueled her imagination. As the eldest of three daughters, she honed her storytelling abilities by creating imaginative tales inspired by paintings in her parents' art books. This early passion solidified her ambition by fourth grade to become an author and illustrator, setting the stage for a prolific career in children's literature.

Audrey Wood's literary career is significantly intertwined with that of her husband, Don Wood, a celebrated illustrator. Their professional collaboration began seven years after their marriage, with their first joint project being "Moonflute." Don has since illustrated nearly twenty of Audrey's books, including the Caldecott Honor recipient "King Bidgood's in the Bathtub." This artistic partnership extends to their son, Bruce Robert Wood, who also became an illustrator, establishing a five-generation tradition of artistry within the family. The couple's shared dedication to children's literature is evident, with Audrey noting that her son's birth was a catalyst for her to pursue publishing actively, and Don's initial involvement in illustrating "Moonflute" leading to a lasting commitment to illustrating children's books.

Wood's approach to children's literature is a holistic integration of various artistic disciplines. She views her work as a vehicle for exploring art, music, drama, dance, and writing, aiming to cultivate imagination and excitement in young readers. She has a particular fondness for "step-and-repeat stories," appreciating the musicality of their language, a technique exemplified in her widely acclaimed book, "The Napping House." This emphasis on the sensory and rhythmic qualities of language, combined with engaging narratives, contributes to the enduring appeal and success of her literary creations.

“I read him a children's book during our honeymoon.”