Sharon Chmielarz

I started writing rather late. I began with poetry—always start with something that looks easy. Writing for children though soon made itself known. Maybe it was all those images that could be converted into actual illustrations.

I've had seven books of adult poetry published, been awarded a MN State Arts Board Grant and a Jerome Foundation Fellowship. Some of my work has been a finalist in the National Poetry Series and nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 1999, 2001, 2002, 2005 and 2007.

My novel, The Other Mozart, has been made into a two-part opera.

Born in North Dakota, I've lived in Minnesota for most of my adult life. I taught high school French for a number of years before focusing on my writing.




			Down at Angel's illustrated by Jill Kastner Ticknor & Fields, 1994 ages 4 to 9, ISBN 978-0-395-65993-9, out of print (available from author) Though others think their neighbor Angel is a "dumb Bulgarian," a young girl and her little sister enjoy watching him work and want to give him a present of their own making.



			End of Winter illustrated by Annette Cable Crown, 1992 ages 4 to 9, ISBN 978-0-517-58745-4, out of print (available from author) When winter refuses to leave the village, young Hans has a plan to scare it away.



			Pied Piper of Hamelin illustrated by Pat and Robin DeWitt Stemmer House, 1990 ages 4 to 9, ISBN 978-0-88045-115-4, out of print (available from author) The Pied Piper frees the village of rats, but when the town council refuses to pay, he exacts a terrible revenge.