Earlier this year, Edina resident and children’s book author Megan Maynor learned that she was a 2022 Minnesota Book Award Finalist for her 2021 picture book, Henry at Home.
The book is based on Maynor’s two eldest children, Chloe and Emmett. “This is the story of two siblings, who do everything together, until Liza starts school, and Henry is left behind,” Maynor says. “Just like in the book, Chloe and Emmett had always done everything together. [And], just like in the book, Chloe happily boarded the bus, and Emmett was furious.” She worked with illustrator Alea Marley on capturing the magic of this sibling relationship.
Maynor says she was in shock when she received word that she was a finalist for the award. “We are lucky to live in a state so rich in the arts, including children’s literature, so the pool of candidates and books for this award is deep. I really feel honored by the recognition,” she says.
Maynor began her career in advertising as a copywriter. After starting a family, she worked as a freelancer and also started writing children’s books—a career that brings her so much joy. “It took a long time to learn the craft, find an agent and connect with an editor, who was looking for the kind of story I had written,” Maynor says, referring to her first book, Ella and Penguin Stick Together, which was published in 2016.
Today, Maynor is a full-time author and has seven books under her belt. She credits her inspiration when writing each new book to children. “Each story has its own original spark, but one guiding question I return to is, ‘What matters in the life of a child?’” Maynor says. She tends to keep that question in mind when she goes through the revision and shaping process, as well.
But it’s not just theoretical children that inspire her work; in-person connections are a driving factor. “This year, I’ve been reminded that one of my favorite parts of being an author is reading and talking with kids,” Maynor says. “I was able to resume some school visits and book events this year, and it is just life-giving. I love to talk with students about creating books, and I love to hear their ideas and questions. Kids are so perceptive, clever, funny and brilliant.”
Maynor reads her books at events all around the Twin Cities throughout the year. Her seventh book, Not Enough Lollipops, came out earlier this year.
Henry at Home
Want to meet the author? Visit her at the State Fair!
On September 5, Maynor is the guest author at the fair’s Alphabet Forest. Throughout the day, she’ll lead free book-themed, literacy-based activities for all ages. There will also be space for reading, taking photos and playing games.
Details:
10 a.m.–2 p.m. September 5 at the Minnesota State Fair, Alphabet Forest (Across from the 4-H building, at the corner of Cosgrove Street and Wright Avenue)
Megan Maynor
Facebook: Megan Maynor - Children's Author
Instagram: @megan_maynor @megan_maynor
