Questions Frequently Asked by Children

Where were you born?

I was born in El Paso, Texas and spent most of my life there. I’m the oldest of four children and grew up in a bilingual home. Now my home is in Santa Fe, New Mexico. My husband teaches archaeology at the University of Cincinnati, so I also spend time in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area.

When did you start writing?

I’ve always loved to read, and I liked to write poems when I was at St. Patrick’s Elementary School. I went to Loretto High School and to Texas Western College which became the University of Texas at El Paso. I was an English major but didn’t think about being a writer then. About twenty-five years ago, I began to spend time working to become a better writer.

How many books have you written?

I’ve written eight books for adults and over twenty-five books for young readers. I’m always busy writing new books.

Do you get to choose your illustrators?

No. Editors and art directors chose the illustrators. I like it so much when the editors show me samples and ask my opinion though. I’ve never met most of my illustrators, but I’d like to.

Which is your favorite book?

New books make me happy. I always say that my next book is my favorite because that’s the book I’m most excited about. Tomas and the Library Lady is my most popular book. The Rainbow Tulip about my mom in first grade is a very special book to me, but then all my books are special to me.

Have you received any awards?

Because people ask that question quite a bit, we’ve put a list of my awards in the “About Pat” section.

Do you get lonely when you’re writing?

Oh No! I love playing with words and ideas.

Where do you get your ideas?

If you look at all my books, you’ll see what interests me, what excites me. I like the desert, families, folktales, special people, word sounds and celebrations.

What do you like? If you like jelly beans, try to write three poems about jelly beans. Try to write about a family of jelly beans. How do you think jelly beans sound? Do they speak only one language?

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I enjoy reading, visiting with my family and friends, gardening, cooking, taking walks and traveling. What do you like to do when you’re not writing or studying?

What is one of your favorite things to do?

I like to laugh, and I like to hug. What about you?