Liz Lee Heinecke, author of The Kitchen Pantry Scientist: Ecology for Kids
Middle Grade Literature Category, sponsored by Education Minnesota
Each week leading up to the 36th annual Minnesota Book Awards, we are featuring exclusive interviews with our finalists. You can also watch the authors in conversation with their fellow category finalists here.
What is one detail you wanted to include in this book, but couldn’t find a place for?
It would have been fun to include a funny story from each scientist, about something that happened in their laboratory or out in the field. I did manage to include one from Antarctic ecologist Dana Bergstrom, about an encounter with a grumpy male fur seal.
Tell us about someone who proved instrumental to the creation of this book.
Two talented women brought the science experiments and scientists in this book to life: Minnesota photographer Amber Procaccini and Montana-based illustrator Kelly Anne Dalton.
Tell us about a favorite read from the past year. Why did you find it enjoyable, insightful, or memorable?
I feel like I should mention a book that brings a little science into the storytelling, so I’ll pick Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Marcellus the octopus is a wonderful central character. I love the way the author plays with the cephalopod’s point of view as he helps to solve a human mystery from the confines of his aquarium. Van Pelt weaves biology and ocean ecology into the story seamlessly, without ever making the science feel like a lecture.
Please tell us something about yourself that is not widely known.
I’m writing a musical.
Share your thoughts about the role and value of libraries.
Libraries are centers for community, education, entertainment and inspiration. They should be sanctuaries of free thought where everyone feels welcome and supported. While growing up, I spent lots of time in public libraries and today every library I walk into feels a little bit like home. I wish everyone could be so lucky.
Liz Heinecke graduated from Luther College and received her master’s degree in bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Other books in her namesake series, The Kitchen Pantry Scientist, include Chemistry for Kids, Biology for Kids, Physics for Kids, and Math for Kids.