Kuharski, Janice 1947-

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Kuharski, Janice 1947-

PERSONAL:

Born November 27, 1947, in Akron, OH; daughter of John (a mold maker) and Helen (a homemaker) Kuharski. Education: University of Tulsa, B.S., 1969, M.T.A., 1992. Politics: Democrat. Religion: Roman Catholic. Hobbies and other interests: Yoga, meditation, cooking, collecting Boyd's bears, making wreaths.

ADDRESSES:

Home—Tulsa, OK.

CAREER:

Tulsa Public Schools, Tulsa, OK, language arts teacher, 1976-95; writer, 1995—.

MEMBER:

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

AWARDS, HONORS:

Instructional Excellence Award, Oklahoma Education Association, 1985.

WRITINGS:

FOR CHILDREN

Tales of China: Retold Timeless Classics, illustrated by Donald E. Tate II, Perfection Learning (Logan, IA), 1998.

Tales of Silliness: Retold Timeless Classics, illustrated by Michael A. Aspengren, Perfection Learning (Logan, IA), 1998.

Tales of Yore: Retold Timeless Classics, illustrated by Michael A. Aspengren, Perfection Learning (Logan, IA), 1999.

Raven's Gift (fiction), illustrated by Joann Kitchell, Richard C. Owen Publishers (Katonah, NY), 1999.

Mama's Llamas (picture book), Richard C. Owen Publishers (Katonah, NY), 2002.

Author of a play, "The Leopard's Noisy Drum," published in Plays: Drama Magazine for Young People, 1996. Contributor of poetry to magazines, including Child Life, U.S. Kids, Jack and Jill, Pak-o-Fun, and Holidays and Seasonal Celebrations.

SIDELIGHTS:

Janice Kuharski once commented: "For me, writing has always been linked to the process of discovering who I am as a person and a communicator. As a former language arts teacher, I learned that writing could be an invaluable tool to promote learning and open up the creative possibilities of teaching. I began writing to add fun and enrichment to classroom projects, but I soon discovered that writing could become addictive!

"Now that I am facing the current challenge of living with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFIDS), I find that writing has become an integral part of the healing process. I look forward to the time when I can devote my energies to writing on a regular basis. For now, however, I am happy that writing helps me stay connected to students in classrooms throughout the country.

"My advice to students and young writers is simple. Read as many books as you can, and let the styles of different writers ‘sink in.’ The more you read and write, the more your own unique style will begin to emerge. Soon you will be on your way to discovering how unlimited your creative potential truly is."