Joan Betty Stuchner’s Biography
Joan was born in Leeds, England, but moved to Canada when she 18. She attended Langara College for two years then transferred to UBC, graduating with a B.A. in English Literature (1977) and a Teaching Diploma (1979). She worked as a library assistant at UBC and was also a part time teacher.
For a number of years she acted regularly in community theatre. She loved being on stage. She also acted on T.V. and performed as a storyteller in a few episodes of CKVU’s Tell-A-Tale-Town. She loved talking to children about her books and about writing.
Joan was a compulsive, versatile storyteller. She wrote poems, picture books and a play. She wrote novels for young readers and told stories with the wit and flare of a comedic bard.
Published work:
A Peanut Butter Waltz (Annick Press, 1990) Illustrated by Diana Durrand
The Kugel Valley Klezmer Band (Scholastic Canada 1998) re-issued in soft cover as Shira’s Hanukkah Gift. Illustrated by Richard Row
Sadie the Ballerina (Scholastic Canada, 2006) also released in French as Gabi la Ballerine. Illustrated by Bruno St. Aubin
Honey Cake (Tradewind Books, 2007) Illustrated by Cynthia Nugent
Josephine’s Dream (Silverleaf Press, June 2008) Illustrated by Chantelle Walther
Can Hens Give Milk? (Orca Books, 2011) Illustrated by Joe Weissmann
Bagels Come Home (Orca Books, 2014) Illustrated by Dave Whamond
Bagels The Brave (Orca Books, 2015) Illustrated by Dave Whamond
Bagels On Board (Orca Books, 2015) Illustrated by Dave Whamond
ALSO:
Stories and poems in the children’s magazines Spider, Ladybug, Shofar and Humpty Dumpty.