Sara Madden is a successful children’s book author. Madden grew up on California’s Central Coast, where she wrote her first story at the age of six, titled “I Love My Family.” Since that day, she’s been reading and writing. Growing up with dyslexia had its challenges for Madden, and she soon found comfort in words and imagination. She is the author of Lucy’s Umbrella, which is a Global Book Award Winner.
Today, Sara resides with her family in Utah. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys hiking and painting.
As an author of children’s books, we imagine you were captivated by the book world from a young age. Do you recall the first book you read that really propelled your love for reading?
Pippi Longstocking catapulted me into reading. It felt like meeting up with a good friend every time I would read each book, feeling like we had so much in common. I loved getting lost in her world and begged my parents for a pet monkey until I was nine.
Growing up with dyslexia and as someone who probably loved books and reading, did you ever have an instance where you had to overcome a tough time?
Dyslexia has caused and continues to cause me great anxiety. When I was called on in class to read aloud, I would get so nervous about reading slowly and backward that I would have panic attacks. Even now, as an adult, when not reading aloud, just being called on to talk during meetings, or in general, I tend to speak backward when I get nervous. The anxiety was too exhausting for me over the years, So I learned to state with any new group that I am dyslexic, may talk or read backward, and asked that others allow me the time I need to gather my thoughts before speaking or reading.
Lucy’s Umbrella is one of your greatest creations and already a Global Book Award Winner. Lucy is a young girl with vitiligo. Do you find that a children’s book is a good way to help educate children and increase their awareness?
I absolutely believe that we can bring awareness to readers of all ages with children’s books. I know we can empower readers by allowing the character of each book to accept who they are and always find joy over conflict.
Which of your books did you have the most fun writing and why was that?
The Adventures of Tallulah Froom Un-Book One was the most fun book. I loved it because I created the world when I was little and daydreamed while in class to lower my anxiety. It was also written for my daughter and nephews, and then I had so much fun putting many of my family members and memories into creating the world, characters, and stories.
With a full family and four dogs, we bet your home is never boring! What’s your favorite way to unwind at the end of a long week?
I love to read outside with my dogs around me. When I am not reading, I am writing. When I’m not reading or writing, I love to roller skate, hike, paint, and make homemade products like soap and lotions.
If you could design your vehicle’s vanity license plate, what would it be?
I love this question. I love Wonder Woman, vintage typewriters, butterflies, and orchids, I am a witch and am obsessed with pumpkins. Hmm… any ideas on how to incorporate that into a vanity plate?
