Your Questions Answered

Growing up in Anderson

Comment:

I see you grew up in Anderson, Indiana. Delighted to discover that one of your recent protagonists was named “Buck Anderson.” My maiden surname was Buck, and my father and uncle (Danny and Bruce Buck) grew up in Anderson in the 1940s. My Uncle Bruce still lives in Anderson, and I visited my grandparents and cousins there many summers when I was growing up. (Uncle Bruce used to pile all of us kids into the car on a hot summer day and treat us to an ice cream cone at Frazier’s.)

I grew up reading your books — most notably the Witch books in the 1970s, but I also have a picture book about Iran titled “A New Year’s Surprise,” dated 1967 and written by “Phyllis Naylor.” I didn’t realize it had been written by the same author as my favorite “Witch” series until I was in my forties!

Thank you for some truly wonderful books.

Phyllis replied:

Yes, I remember Anderson well.  Both of my parents went to Anderson College.  I credit my Sunday School teacher with starting my writing career, because she published my first short story.

Posted on: July 16, 2022

Identical Twins?

Comment:

It’s never stated explicitly in the books, but the covers imply that Jake and Josh Hatford are identical twins. Is this the case? The girls never seemed to have trouble differenting them, even when they first met. That and I believe someone once mentioned that Eddie was taller than Josh (without mentioning Jake.)

Phyllis replied:

Just twins.  I don’t think I intended them to be identical.

Posted on: July 3, 2022

A simple thank you :)

Comment:

I just wanted to thank Mrs Reynolds Naylor for many years of pleasurable reading. I first came across your books when I was in grade 7 and I’ve now been out of school almost 40 years. The witch series is always been my personal favorite. Thanks again!

Phyllis replied:

How nice of you to contact me after 40 years of reading!  The witch books were very popular back then, and still bring out the goose bumps on my arms when certain scenes come to mind–the cats and crows clawing at all the windows, for one; the two girls trapped in the basement as Mrs. Tuggle descends the stairs, and they draw a magic circle on the basement floor in chalk….   I’m sure the censors have grabbed the books off library shelves by now.  So sad.

Posted on: July 3, 2022

More Roxie books?

Comment:

We are a 2nd grade class in Alexandria, VA. We have read both of your Roxie books and have LOVED them. Are you going to write any more stories about Roxie? If not, please change your mind.

 

Phyllis replied:

I would like to, but I’m involved in writing a very long book right now, so can’t promise.  I’m so happy that you’ve enjoyed the first two so much.

Posted on: June 23, 2022

Enjoying them a few decades later

Comment:

I’m mostly familiar with your Boys vs Girls series, though I’ve recently started on Alice and look forward to watching her grow up.

I discovered the Boys vs Girls as a teenager when working at an elementary school library. At the time, the last book or so wasn’t available yet so I’m particularly excited now to be in the process of re-reading the series outloud with my 9-year-old son. (He’s sad to hear, btw, that Caroline never made it to Broadway. I, however, find it hilarious and that Wally is the one who became a professional actor.)

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how much we are enjoying them together. He’s never been so interested in a book series that I’ve read him and I’m having to force myself to not read ahead when he’s not around.

I know you’re busy with your other projects and that’s perfectly fine, but put us down as two more people who’d adore a reunion piece should you ever feel the inspiration (and time!) to do so.

Phyllis replied:

I’m sure the readers would enjoy that.  But I have the feeling that neither the boys nor the girls would be willing to get through a reunion without planning some devilish trick to play on each other, and then everything would be back to square one.  I’m so glad that you and your son are enjoying them together, however.

Posted on: June 23, 2022

Thank you for “Crazy Love”

Comment:

Sky is actually still gray and rainy here.

I just want to thank you again for writing Crazy Love. Somthing I was reading lately asked what books have been important in life and I immediately thought of your book. I heard you speak in Indianapolis many years ago and thanked you then. I want to join the many others who are grateful you are a writer.

Phyllis replied:

I’m so pleased that you remember.  That was a difficult book to write because it was about a difficult time.  But like most frightening experiences in life, it often helps to examine it, and our response to it, and realize we were braver than we’d thought.  Thanks for your email.  I appreciate it.

Posted on: May 11, 2022

Your favorite book?

Comment:

Thank you very much for writing Shiloh. I know that might sound weird, but my class read the book and I loved it! What is your favorite book you have written?

Phyllis replied:

I have too many favorites.  Shiloh was probably my favorite book for readers in elementary grades; the books of the Alice series were my favorites for teen readers, and Unexpected Pleasures was my favorite for adults.

Posted on: April 27, 2022

The Grand Escape

Comment:

I’m a retired third grade teacher who delighted in sharing your Kitty Series with students for many years. I have saved my personal copies of The Grand Escape and so on to pass on to my grand niece when she is old enough to appreciate them. In the meantime, I’ve just purchased another copy of The Grand Escape as a gift for a friend’s young son. I hope he is as enchanted by Marco and Polo as my students and I were so that I can also supply the other books in the series. Thank you for hours and hours of wonderful reading delight for so many kids (and teachers). Reading your books is still one of my fondest memories from my days in the classroom. I hope this finds you well,

Phyllis replied:

Thank you so much for telling me this.  Those “cat pack” books were so much fun to write.  Our two cats inspired them–especially the cat who ate the 44 yards of Christmas ribbon and cost me $450 for the surgery to remove them.  I’m so glad you enjoyed the books so much.  My brother is now reading them to his grandson.

Posted on: April 18, 2022

About marty

Comment:

When people in Marty’s community think that his family is struggling to find enough to eat, what do they do?

Phyllis replied:

Hmmm.  This sounds like a teacher’s  question on a quiz.  If you had read the         book, you would know that the community does, right?   What would YOU do if you knew a family was s struggling?

Posted on: April 18, 2022

About marty

Comment:

When people in Marty’s community think that his family is struggling to find enough to eat, what do they do?

Phyllis replied:

Hmmm.  This sounds like a question on a quiz from your teacher.   If you read the book, you would know what they do, right?   What would YOU do if you knew that a family was struggling with finances and   may not have enough to eat?

Posted on: April 18, 2022

 

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