  Joanne:
Jo Kittinger is as curious about rocks, minerals, cats and dead logs as any of
the other inquisitive children she writes for. She enjoys incorporating rocks and minerals
into her everyday crafts, or to marvel at the breathtaking stone structures on earth. What
makes her books so fun and informative is the spark and passion for what she writes. I
think children will sense that same exuberance and will love her books. She
is the author many books including:
I’d like to welcome Jo to the Meet the Author
cyber-interview.
Thank you for coming, Jo.
"The Joy of
Cats"
Joanne:
How have cats enriched your life?
 Jo:
While growing up, and as an adult, cats have provided warm companionship. As a
writer, I work alone and it is nice to have my cats remind me to get up and stretch
occasionally. And petting a purring cat accomplishes something in the soul that cannot be
described.
Joanne:
How would you compare your personality to a cat's?
Jo:
Cats can be aloof, then turn around and crave attention. In a similar way, I
really enjoy time by myself, but I also thoroughly enjoy getting together with friends and
having fun.
"Stories in
Stone"
Joanne:
How did you become interested in fossils?
Jo:
 When I was little I wanted to be an
archeologist, which is also a science of searching for and studying things from the past.
I love nature and mysteries. So, I think it was pretty natural for me to enjoy the mystery
of fossils.
Joanne:
Why do you think children will enjoy learning about fossils?
Jo:
Children are naturally curious and they love animals. They are especially excited
about dinosaurs. Dinosaur fossils draw many children and then they learn there are other
interesting extinct animals to learn about.
When they discover they can find fossils on their own, that
adds to the excitement. (Even if they aren't dinosaur bones!)
"A Look At
Minerals"
Joanne:
Why do you think minerals are such a treasure to people and the earth?
 Jo:
The very idea of treasure is exciting. Gold, silver, rubies, emeralds,
diamonds--all these are minerals.
But beyond these glittering treasures found in crown
jewels, minerals are used to produce products we use everyday. Everything from paint to
wallboard uses minerals. They are even added to our food. Table salt is a mineral. Salt is
so essential, it was once used as money.
Joanne:
What would be your advice to someone who wanted to collect minerals as a hobby?
Jo:
Visit rock and gem shows, listings of these can be found in magazines such as
Rock & Gem or Lapidary Journal.
Join a rock club. The September 1999 issue of Rock &
Gem magazine lists the clubs in every state. Clubs have field trips to look for rocks and
minerals. Members also swap and sell minerals among themselves. Check out the World Wide
Web. There are several sites now offering rock and mineral specimens for sale.
Of course, it is also great to read and learn all you can.
That way you will know the difference in poor quality and high quality specimens of the
same mineral.
"Dead Log
Alive!"
Joanne:
Since you love nature, why are you inspired that a presumably lifeless tree can still
possess a variety of creatures and plants?
Jo:
Many people would assume that a tree is worthless once it dies. But there is an
order in nature. The tree goes on to be home to some and food or shelter for other living
things. I find it's amazing to take something small, like a chunk of dead tree found in
the woods and look to see what's inside, underneath, growing on top and crawling beneath
the bark!
Joanne:
What do you hope kids will learn about forests and its many creatures?
Jo:
I want kids to get a glimpse of how an ecosystem works, how interdependent life
forms are on one another. Most people think only of the larger animals, like mammals and
birds, when they think of wildlife. But the number of species you can discover in and
around one decaying log is astounding!
"A Look At
Rocks"
Joanne:
How do you incorporate rocks into your crafts?
Jo:
I have used rocks and minerals to accent pottery. And of course, tumbled, cut or
natural stones are beautiful in jewelry. I've made windchimes from thin slabs of sliced
and polished agate. I also enjoy thin slices of stone used with glass in leaded glass
windows or boxes.
Joanne:
"A Look at Rocks" is full of rich photographs, including the Grand
Canyon and the Lincoln Memorial. What do these impressive stone structures mean to you?
Jo:
When I visited the Grand Canyon, I'm sure I had the same response as almost
everyone. It is so immense, it takes your breath away. Seeing the natural beauty of stone,
and nature in general, gives me a sense of the goodness of God. When an artist can take a
piece of marble and bring out an image, such as the Lincoln Memorial, I am touched deep
within. To capture the essence of a person, as well as history, in a piece of stone that
will inspire generations after the artist is gone---that is too incredible for words.
FreshAir Teenzine
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