17 Dec 2008
Green Hour interviewed author Amy Lundebrek, author of the children's book: Under The Night Sky.
What was the inspiration for writing Under The Night Sky?
The first time I saw the Northern Lights in color taking up the whole sky in the city, mixed with many nights waiting to know my mom was home safe from her second shift nursing job.
My favorite things to do outside as a child were...
Wander and explore. I was lucky to live on my grandparents' hobby farm the first six years of my life, so there were many things to discover. I think the early freedom I had to wander outside helped shape who I am today.
What do you consider "can't miss" outdoor experiences for children?
Going to the ocean or at least swimming at a lake, for sure. If it's possible, Glacier National Park (for the sparkling blue water) and White Sands National Monument are excellent places for children to visit.
What advice do you have for parents whose children prefer screen time to green time (or plugged-in play...)?
First, don't put a TV or video game system in the child's bedroom. Keep it in the family room. Then be consistent with the rules for watching or playing. Let outside play be the default, and TV or video game watching be something the family does deliberately.
When I look at the rapid pace of life today, the thing I miss most is...
Really spending time with people. Now that both parents usually have to work, all the rest of the time is spend catching up on things around the house. When generations lived together and some people were able to be homemakers, time off work really meant spending time with the ones you love.
What do you hope kids will get out of reading your book? What about parents?
I hope kids are inspired to look at their world in a more positive way, both the natural elements and the people around them. I hope parents will take the time to communicate with their children the important things that they often keep deep in their hearts.
What was your favorite book as a child?
As a younger child, my favorite book was A Bargain for Francis (and all the other Francis books). As a slightly older child I really liked the Trixie Belden series and The Chronicles of Narnia. I would have liked to have more librarian-access as a child, because there are many great books that I missed.
Author Amy Lundebrek lives in Champlin, Minnesota, with her husband
Ryan. She has a degree in biology and works as a research associate in
a cell culture lab. Amy enjoys hiking and camping, canoeing and
kayaking, painting, and sculpture. Under The Night Sky is her first children's book.
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