Montana-based children’s author visits Big Sky to share her newest picture book with local students and families
By Leslie Kilgore EBS CONTRIBUTOR
Janet Fox first began writing children’s books and young adult novels more than 20 years ago when her son was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, with the hope that her stories would help him learn to read better. She continued writing and honing her craft for years after her son had grown. Now, she’s an accomplished and award-winning author, and her son is too.
“I am my son’s copyeditor now,” Fox told her audience at a meet the author event at the Big Sky Community Library on April 24. ”And I really enjoy doing it. His novels are very good.”
While Fox is loved for her fantasy novels and young adult series, she has also written several picture books from her cabin that she and her husband own in Livingston, Montana. Her newest picture book, “Wintergarden” was released in 2023, and she visited Big Sky to share the story with students at Ophir Elementary and others at the Big Sky Community Library.
“‘Wintergarden’ was born in 2020 when we were so tired of sequestering in our cabin during COVID,” Fox said. “I needed a feeling of light and hope and green growing things. That’s where all my stories are born – from my emotions. And that’s what readers relate to as well.”
As Fox read “Wintergarden” to local children at the library, it was apparent that she’s experienced in sharing her stories while also answering entertaining questions from young readers about her books.
“I love being with the kids; they are everything,” Fox said. “They are curious and funny and energetic and often so surprising. You can’t predict which kid will do what, and I love being surprised.”
Fox shared stories and photos of her own winter garden and how she was inspired by her most recent book, while also telling the audience that writing picture books can be the most challenging for her. She writes all of her stories without pictures first, and then her publisher finds accomplished artists to illustrate the pages. The illustrations for “Wintergarden” portray colorful and vibrant plants, vegetables and herbs while portraying the beauty of what can be grown inside during a winter in Montana.
“All of my recent books are based in Montana, Fox said. “That includes my next novel, ‘The Mystery of Mystic Mountain,’ which is a super fun mystery, treasure hunt and riddle book.”
During her library presentation in Big Sky, Fox was also asked some meaningful questions by the older aspiring writers in the audience.
“The burst of generous applause after I told my story about my son with dyslexia – and finished with the fact that now, in his early 30s, he’s the author of four published novels and more coming – stood out for me,” Fox said. “He’s an inspiration to me, and a testament to the idea that if you want to do something badly enough, keep going.”
As Fox ended her visit to Big Sky by autographing copies of her picture books and young adult novels for visiting fans, she shared bookmarks featuring some of the colorful artwork from several of her most popular stories, including the story she is most proud of, her award-winning novel “Carry Me Home,” about the journey of two young sisters in Montana who are homeless, parentless, and have to rely on each other to grow and keep going.
When asked what she likes most about writing stories for children and young adults, Fox said, “I love the ability to play – to write fantasies and things about magic. Because that’s where kids live, in a world of imagination.”
For more information on Fox’s stories, her book tours and her writing workshops, visit janetsfox.com
