Young Thomas Edison
Ages 7-10
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From the light bulb to the phonograph to the movies, Thomas Edison was the mastermind behind many inventions that are taken for granted today. But how did he grow up to be a legendary inventor? Michael Dooling explores the origins of Edison's scientific genius: his interest in mixing chemicals-- sometimes with explosive results-- his diligence in his work as a paperboy, and his difficulty paying attention in school. Through his clear text and stunning illustrations, Dooling presents a fascinating and compelling portrait of the man who has been called America's greatest inventor and entrepreneur.

The Boy Who Saved Cleveland
By James Cross Giblin; Michael Dooling, Illustrator
Ages 7-10
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If not for Seth Doan, the city of Cleveland wouldn't exist today...

In 1798, Cleveland, Ohio, was in danger of being wiped out by a malaria epidemic. Based on fact, this book tells the remarkable story of Seth Doan, a young boy whose heroic efforts kept his family and neighbors alive and ultimately put the city of Cleveland on the map.
Giblin's first full-length work of historical fiction, this chapter book is perfect for kids of that in-between age--too old for picture books and too young for full-length novels.

The Great Horse-less Carriage Race
Ages 7-10
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An account of the race that gave birth to America's first automobile company.

by James Cross Giblin; Michael Dooling, Illustrator
Ages 8-11
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Benjamin Franklin was one of seventeen children, and the youngest of 10 sons. To help out with the family, he was put to work when he was 10 years old in his father's candle and soap-making shop. Ben hated making soap and candles. Since he was smart and a good speller and he loved to read, he later went to work in his brother's print shop as an apprentice. He read book after book, and soon began to write himself. By 18, he moved to Philadelphia where he eventually openend his own print shop. By age 28 he published "Poor Richard's Almanac," a best seller in Colonial America.

At a recent elementary school visit two students sat down with Michael Dooling and asked about his school visits, his new book Young Thomas Edison and his Ben Franklin postage stamp.

STUDENT: Why do you visit schools?

DOOLING: I spend about five months out of the year traveling the country with my History through Picture Book school program speaking to children from kindergarten through eighth grade. I talk about how I make the books and how children can make their own pictures better. But really, I visit schools to promote reading. Since my books are about history, elementary school teachers use my books to introduce a lesson plan. First and second graders use picture books to learn how to read while third through fifth graders learn about history. Even the sixth through eighth graders learn by reading my Middle Grade Novels.

STUDENT: Why did you write and illustrate the book Young Thomas Edison?

DOOLING: Edison has always been one of my favorite characters and I could not find any picture books about him. It dawned on me that children were missing out on a great story. Edison is responsible for many inventions that we still use today including the movie studio, the recording of sound, the light bulb and much more--and it all started when he was just a boy.

STUDENT: I understand that you recently illustrated a stamp of Benjamin Franklin. How did that come about?

DOOLING: In April 2006 four new Commemorative Benjamin Franklin stamps will be issued celebrating him as Postmaster, Scientist, Statesman and Printer. I was asked to illustrate Ben as a printer. The stamp designer noticed my book, The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin and wanted a similar depiction of Ben for the stamp. (See Stamps Below.)

STUDENT: Why do you say, "Everyday at your house is like Halloween?"

DOOLING: Because everyday someone comes over my house and poses in a costume for a character in a book. In fact, every character you see in one of my books is someone from my family or neighborhood. My wife, Jane, makes a costume out of old clothes appropriate for the character. For example, I posed in costume for Benjamin Franklin's body for the postage stamp. Then, I painted Benjamin's head on top. I copied his head from a $100 bill.

STUDENT: How many books have you illustrated and/or written?

DOOLING: I have illustrated over 50 books-many on historic subjects like Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Ellis Island and Lewis and Clark. I illustrate three types of books: Picture Books, Chapter Books and Middle Grade Novels. I just recently started to write. I have authored my last two books, The Great Horseless Carriage Race and Young Thomas Edison-both published by Holiday House.

STUDENT: Did you like to draw as a child?

DOOLING: My favorite thing to do growing up was playing baseball. However, my mom had gone to art school and would always show me how to draw-I was always 'doodling' away. So, she got me interested. Later, I went to Syracuse University and studied to be an illustrator.

STUDENT: How long does it take to research or get your ideas for a book?

DOOLING: It depends on the subject. Usually, I spend six months gathering information before I even start to draw. I visit each historic location and photograph sites that later can be used as reference for backgrounds. My travels have taken me to many Living History Museums like Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello, Mt Vernon, Plymouth Plantation and Greenfield Village to see Edison's laboratory.

STUDENT: How long does it take to illustrate a picture book?

DOOLING: Many people are surprised to find out how much work actually goes into creating a picture book and how long it takes. My job is similar to that of a film director. I have to pose the models in costume and direct them in their facial expressions and body postures (just like actors). I light the subjects with photographic lights, choose props to set the stage, and photograph them. As we discussed earlier I also photograph the backgrounds at an historic site. Later I use those photographs as reference or as a guide to paint from. A typical book with 18 paintings takes me about a year.

STUDENT: Why do you illustrate and write books about history?

DOOLING: For two reasons: One, I like history. I live in an old house, have old furniture and watch old movies. Secondly, my pictures look old fashion. So, the book companies match up my style of illustrating with an historic subject. You could say, I am stuck in the past.

STUDENT: What is your next book?

DOOLING: Due out this spring is a chapter book titled The Boy Who Saved Cleveland by James Cross Giblin and next year a picture book titled Anne Hutchinson's Way by Jeannine Atkins.

For more about Michael Dooling and his school visits see his web site at www.michaeldooling.com

United States Post Office Stamps of Benjamin Franklin April 2006