Click here to read an article about John Kinyon from the Springdale public schools publication, “The Springdale Scrapbook”.

The following text is quoted from the printed interview with John Kinyon, available at this link.

John Kinyon, a second-grade teacher at George Elementary in Springdale, will read his new book, “The Changing Colors of Amos,” at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Springdale Public Library.

The reading and book signing that follows celebrate Children’s Book Week. Kinyon’s colorful book will be also be for sale, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the library.

Kinyon talks about his work in this Morning News Q&A:

Q. What inspired you to write in the first place?

A. As I was finishing my teacher’s training in Iowa, my writing classes allowed me the opportunity to audience the many bits and pieces that have fused my life together. Sharing these stories and experiences, and imaginative snippets with others, took me to a place I had been looking for all my life. And once I decided to move into that place, I found that inspiration lived next door. Yes, I think inspiration is really about where we are willing to go to find it.

Q. Who or what inspired “The Changing Colors of Amos”?

A. Amos was born one night as I sat in our home in Iowa preparing for an upcoming practicum class with first graders. They had recently been exposed to story about a leprechaun and were challenged to return with a tale of their own. I was simply following instructions.

Q. As a reader, what’s your favorite kind of book or specific book?

A. I enjoy any author who can take the complex, emotional fabric of everyday life and transform it into a mixture of excitement, energy and tears that any elementary reader can enjoy and relate to. That’s why I never tire of rereading the elementary classroom classics like “Charlotte’s Web” and “Where the Red Fern Grows” to the children I am teaching. My joy in reading truly lies in sharing a well-written story.

Q. What do you hope audiences take away from your visit to the Springdale Public Library?

A. Being with others who rally around the excitement that is inherent in any good story offers a great opportunity to speak to their needs. One of the greatest longings of every individual is to share his or her story. So encouraging young hearts and those “young at heart” to take that journey to where they can meet that need is a challenge that I’m always inspired to meet.

Q. What’s next for you as an author?

A. I have two stories that are currently waiting for their illustrations. Hopefully one of them will be back from press by this time next year.