BANG-CAMPBELL, Monika

PERSONAL: Daughter of Richard H. Campbell (an acoustics engineer) and Molly Bang (an author and illustrator). Education: Wheaton College, B.A.; Boston University, M.A. (clinical social work).

ADDRESSES: Agent—c/o Author Mail, Harcourt, 525 B. St., Ste. 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495.

CAREER: Sailor and writer.

WRITINGS:

Little Rat Sets Sail, illustrated by Molly Bang, Harcourt (San Diego, CA), 2002.

Little Rat Rides, illustrated by Molly Bang, Harcourt (San Diego, CA), in press.

SIDELIGHTS: A professional sailor, Monika Bang-Campbell joined her mother, well-known author and illustrator Molly Bang, in creating the chapter book Little Rat Sets Sail. Bang-Campbell drew on her extensive experience as a sailor to add authenticity to this children's book about the sport, while her mother provided the illustrations. "With a remarkable understanding of childhood feelings," remarked Martha V. Parravano of Horn Book, Bang-Campbell tells the story of Little Rat, who is terrified of the water. Unfortunately, her parents have just signed her up for a summer of sailing lessons. Her instructor, Buzzy Bear, allows her to sail with him until her fears subside, and she begins to learn sailing terms and tactics. The more knowledge Little Rat gains about sailing, the less afraid she becomes. Parravano noted that Bang-Campbell "captures the joys of sailing while presenting it from the point of view of a reluctant participant." Also giving Little Rat Sets Sail a favorable review, a Publishers Weekly critic described Bang-Campbell's debut work as "a breezy junket for aspiring skippers and confirmed landlubbers alike."

Bang-Campbell told CA: "I have sailed on boats since I was little and have continued my sailing career into adulthood. I am a professional sailor aboard tall ships that run educational programs for students ranging from middle school to adults.

"I received my master's degree in clinical social work from Boston University. Integrating the art of traditional sail to an educational curriculum enhances the students' learning experience."

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

periodicals

Booklist, April 1, 2002, p. 1326.

Horn Book, July-August, 2002, Martha V. Parravano, review of Little Rat Sets Sail, p. 452.

Publishers Weekly, January 7, 2002, Little Rat SetsSail, p. 65.

School Library Journal, June, 2002, p. 80.

online

Between the Lines,http://www.harcourtbooks.com/ (March 30, 2003), interview with Monika Bang-Campbell.