From the moment you spot Carolyn Crimi’s feet—she’s sporting hot pink Chuck Taylors with sparkly laces—you know you’re in for a dose of fun, whimsy and creativity.
Crimi puts these qualities to use as an author of award-winning children’s picture and chapter books.
“I started writing kids’ books in first grade and never stopped,” she says, laughing. She got serious about writing for children in 1990 and published her first book, “Outside, Inside
Carolyn says that common themes her stories are opposite personalities learning to get along, friendship and staying true to yourself. In “Henry & the Buccaneer Bunnies
Monsters and talking animals make frequent appearances, and Carolyn has a roster of clever, play-on-words titles like “Where’s My Mummy?
Carolyn finds inspiration everywhere, whether she’s mulling over an idea while taking a walk or creating an image board of pictures, funny letters, newspaper articles or found objects. Her pug, Emerson, earns his kibble as muse: She has titled a forthcoming book “Pugs in a Bug,” which she thought of while cruising around with Emerson in her Volkswagen Beetle.
Carolyn is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and serves as the network representative of the North Shore chapter. The group meets every month at the Book Stall in Winnetka for programming, guest speakers and events.
When asked if she has any advice for aspiring authors, Carolyn is down-to-earth.
“People don’t realize that most income comes from speaking engagements,” she says, adding that she visits more than 50 schools a year. Carolyn suggests enrolling in acting and improv classes, then preparing a fun performance that will hold a kid’s attention. Once again, her secret weapon is a picture of Emerson, who always delights her audience.
“I love when I can make myself laugh, and I love going out and meeting the kids,” she says.
