Vivian Kirkfield is an amazing individual, who also happens to have not one, not two, but THREE picture books scheduled to come out in 2019. This short blog series will highlight a “behind the scenes” look at this energetic author.
I first met Vivian on March 29, 2018. Seeing what a fabulous online platform she had, and knowing she was already published, I reached out to her, looking for direction and advice. She was more than willing to assist and extremely helpful. (Thank you, Vivian!)
Vivian grew up on the seventh floor of one of the buildings in the NYC Jacob Riis housing projects. Jane, her best friend of seventy years (SEVENTY years!) lived on the fifth floor of the same building. In contrast to Jane’s tall, blonde appearance, Vivian was petite and had curly light brown hair.
The two girls loved to play “Superman” together. Jane was Lois Lane, and Vivian was both Lex Luther and Superman. Vivian-as-Lex would tie her friend to a chair with their jump rope and leave the room. Then Vivian-as-Superman would burst through the door and courageously rescue the fair Lois Lane.
Vivian and Jane also enjoyed playing in the park across the highway from their home. There was a man who pedaled an ice cream cart through the park each day, shouting, “Ice cream, get your ice cream!” The girls used to carry a nickel or dime in order to enjoy this sweet treat at their daily picnic.
(Vivian and Jane)
One day, a group of fourteen-year-old boys approached these two seven-year-olds and demanded that they turn over their money. Jane handed over her coin. Vivian, on the other hand, thought to herself, “No way am I going to let these boys have my dime!” She hid it under the picnic blanket and then claimed she had no money.
One month later, Jane’s family packed up and moved to New Jersey. While the two friends have been physically separated ever since, they have kept in contact for the past 70 years and supported each other at weddings and births.
These themes of friendship, justice, and determination, so evident in Vivian’s childhood, shine through her writing. I can’t wait for her first book to debut. PIPPA’S PASSOVER PLATE (Holiday House, February 2019) was originally an idea Vivian logged into her 2013 PiBoIdMo (now Storystorm) notebook. It is illustrated by the talented Jill Weber, who just happens to be one of Vivian’s local critique partners, as well as a dear friend. This doesn’t surprise me at all; friendship means everything to Vivian.
I hope you enjoyed this first of three sketches on author Vivian Kirkfield. Feel free to share your favorite story of childhood friendship in the comments section below!
Would you like to win a free PB Critique from Vivian? Leave a comment! All individuals who comment will be entered in a drawing on Saturday, July 28th.
Sarah A. Hetu-Radny