Weninger, Brigitte 1960–

Personal

Born 1960, in Kufstein, Austria; married; children: Tom.

Addresses

Office—Adolf-Pichler Strasse 13/10, A-6330 Kufstein, Austria. E-mail—kontakt@brigitte-weninger.at.

Career

Author of children's books, 1995—. Presenter at schools and workshops.

Writings

FOR CHILDREN

Auf Widersehen, Papa!, illustrated by Alan Marks, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 1995, translated as Good-bye, Daddy!, Papa!, North-South Books (New York, NY), 1995.

Das allerkleinste Nachtgespenst, illustrated by Kirsten Höcker, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 1995.

Teddybär, illustrated by Alan Marks, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 1996, translated by Marianne Martens as Ragged Bear, North-South Books (New York, NY), 1996.

Lumina: A Story for the Dark Time of the Year, illustrated by Julie Wintz-Litty, translated by Anthea Bell, North-South Books (New York, NY), 1997.

Die Basilisk, illustrated by Gisela Dürr, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 1999.

Was kann das sein?, illustrated by Alexander Reighstein, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2000.

(Reteller) Die Zwergenmütze, illustrated by John A. Rowe, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2000, translated by J. Alison James as The Elf's Hat, North-South Books (New York, NY), 2000.

Für Dich, liebe Mama!, illustrated by Alexander Reichstein, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2000, translated by J. Alison James as Special Delivery, North-South Books (New York, NY), 2000.

Luftpost für den Weihnachtsmann, illustrated by Anne Möller, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2000, translated as A Letter to Santa Claus, North-South Books (New York, NY), 2000.

Danke, reines Wasser!, illustrated by Anne Möller, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2000, translated as Precious Water: A Book of Thanks, North-South Books (New York, NY), 2002.

Danke, gutes Brot!, illustrated by Anne Möller, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2000, translated as Good Bread: A Book of Thanks, North-South Books (New York, NY), 2003.

Danke, kleiner Apfel!, illustrated by Anne Möller, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2000, translated as Little Apple: A Book of Thanks, North-South Books (New York, NY), 2001.

Lauf, kleiner Spatz!, illustrated by Julia Ginsbach, Verlag Atlantis, 2001.

Toby mit dem Zankapfel, illustrated by Verena Ballhaus, Verlag Atlantis, 2002.

Ich will nicht allein schlafen!, illustrated by Alan Marks, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2002, translated by Kathryn Grell as It's Bedtime!, North-South Books (New York, NY), 2002.

Der Zauberkristall, illustrated by Robert Ingpen, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2003, translated as The Magic Crystal, illustrated by Robert Ingpen, Penguin (New York, NY), 2005.

Kind ist Kind, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, SOS Kinderdorf-Aktion, 2003, translated as A Child Is a Child, Penguin (New York, NY), 2005.

Einer für alle, all für Einen!, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, Minedition, 2005, translated as One for All, All for One, Minedition (New York, NY), 2005.

(Selector and contributor) Engel, Hase, Bommelmütze … und 24 bunte Adventsgeschichten Minedition, 2005, translated as The Angel and the Christmas Rabbit; and 24 Advent Stories, Penguin (New York, NY), 2005.

Ein Ball für Alle, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, Minedition, 2006, translated as A Ball for All, Minedition (New York, NY), 2006.

Bye-Bye, Schnuller, illustrated by Yusuke Yonezu, Minedition, 2006, translated by Kathryn Bishop as Bye-Bye, Binky, Minedition (New York, NY), 2007.

Schlaf gut, Nori!, illustrated by Yusuke Yonezu, Minedition, 2007, translated by Katherine Bishop as Good Night, Nori, Minedition (New York, NY), 2007.

Engel, Bär und Kugelmond, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, Minedition, 2007.

Wiener Sagen, illustrated by Jakob Kirchmair, 2007.

Das allerkleinste Nachtgespenst, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, Minedition, 2008.

Work included in anthologies such as Weihnachtszeit tief verschneit, Sammelband, 2007.

Author's works have been translated into several languages, including Spanish.

"DAVY" SERIES

Pauli! Du schlimmer Pauli!, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 1996, translated by Rosemary Lanning as What Have You Done, Davy?, North-South Books (New York, NY), 1996.

Komm wieder heim, Pauli!, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 1996, translated by Rosemary Lanning as Where Have You Gone, Davy?, North-South Books (New York, NY), 1996.

Ein Geschwisterchen für Pauli, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 1996, translated by Rosemary Lanning as Will You Mind the Baby, Davy?, North-South Books (New York, NY), 1997, board-book edition published as A Baby for Davy, 2003.

Fröhliche Weihnachten, Pauli!, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 1998, translated by Rosemary Lanning as Merry Christmas, Davy!, North-South Books (New York, NY), 1998, board-book edition published as Davy's Christmas Gift, 2003.

Wo ist Nickel, Pauli?, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 1998, translated by Rosemary Lanning as What's the Matter, Davy?, North-South Books (New York, NY), 1998.

Streit mit Edi, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 1999, translated by Rosemary Lanning as Why Are You Fighting, Davy?, North-South Books (New York, NY), 1999, board-book edition published as Don't Fight, Davy, 2003.

Herzlichen Glückwunsch, Pauli!, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2000, translated by Rosemary Lanning as Happy Birthday, Davy, North-South Books (New York, NY), 2000.

Frohe Ostern, Pauli!, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2001, translated by Rosemary Lanning as Happy Easter, Davy!, North-South Books (New York, NY), 2001.

Hilfe, ein Gespenst!, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2002 translated by J. Alison James as Davy, Help! It's a Ghost!, North-South Books (New York, NY), 2002.

Pauli macht es wieder gut (board book), illustrated by Eve Tharlet, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2002, translated as No Hugs for Davy, North-South Books (New York, NY), 2003.

Großer Pauli, kleiner Pauli, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2004, translated by Marianne Martens as Davy in the Middle, North-South Books (New York, NY), 2004.

Stay in Bed, Davy, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, translated from the German, North-South Books (New York, NY), 2005.

Gute Besserung!, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, NordSüd Verlag, 2005.

Pauli Fußballstar, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, NordSüd Verlag, 2008.

"MIKO" SERIES

"Waschen? Nein!," illustrated by Stephanie Roehe, Minedition, 2005, translated by Charise Myngheer as "No Bath! No Way!", Penguin (New York, NY), 2005.

"Mama, aufstehen! Spielen!," illustrated by Stephanie Roehe, Minedition, 2005, translated by Charise Myngheer as "Mom, Wake Up and Play!", Penguin (New York, NY), 2005.

"Hurra, Geburtstag!," illustrated by Stephanie Roehe, Minedition, 2005, translated by Charise Myngheer as Double Birthday, Minedition (New York, NY), 2005.

"Ich war's, Mama!, illustrated by Stephanie Roehe, Minedition, 2005, translated by Charise Myngheer as "It Was Me, Mom!", Minedition (New York, NY), 2005.

Miko und Mimiki, Freunde, illustrated by Stephanie Roehe, Minedition, 2005, translated by Charise Myngheer as Miko Goes on Vacation, Minedition (New York, NY), 2006.

Der halbe Hund, illustrated by Stephanie Roehe, Minedition 2005, translated by Charise Myngheer as Miko Wants a Dog, Minedition (New York, NY), 2006.

Miko zieht aus, illustrated by Stefanie Roehe, Minedition, 2008.

"ZARA ZEBRA" SERIES

Zara Zebra Zieht sich an, illustrated by Anna-Laura Cantone, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2002, translated as Zara Zebra Gets Dressed, North-South Books (New York, NY), 2002.

Zara Zebra teilt, illustrated by Anna-Laura Cantone, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2002, translated as Zara Zebra Counts, North-South Books (New York, NY), 2002.

Zara Zebra malt, illustrated by Anna Laura Cantone, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2002, translated as Zara Zebra Draws, North-South Books (New York, NY), 2002.

Tag mit Zara Zebra, illustrated by Anna-Laura Cantone, Michael Neugebauer (Zurich, Switzerland), 2002, translated as Zara Zebra's Busy Day, North-South Books (New York, NY), 2002.

Sidelights

Popular with young children in their original German-language editions, the "Davy," "Miko," and "Zara the Zebra" picture-book series by Austrian writer Brigitte Weninger have also won over legions of fans in the United States due to their simple stories and engaging animal characters. Brought to life in watercolor illustrations by Eve Tharlet, the "Davy" books feature a young mouse who introduces readers to appropriate behaviors within families and during playtime. Weninger's "Miko" stories feature a frisky mouse who is always testing the limits imposed by his loving parents, his animated exploits depicted by artist Stephanie Roehe.

In What Have You Done, Davy? Weninger's spunky bunny character accidentally breaks others' toys, but his worries are diminished when Mother Bunny helps him set things to rights. The bunny must make the transition from baby bunny to baby sitter after the arrival of baby sister Dinah in Will You Mind the Baby, Davy? and What's the Matter, Davy? finds Davy sad over the loss of a favorite stuffed toy. Davy's big brother, Dan, takes over for Mother and Father Bunny in Davy, Help! It's a Ghost!, another amusing book in the series, as Dinah sees a ghost lurking in the house and Davy finds a way to chase the specter away. Reviewing Happy Birthday, Davy!, about the magical role grandparents can play in a child's special day, Connie Fletcher wrote in Booklist that Weninger presents "a gentle, comforting alternative to materialistic versions of the ‘three wishes’ story."

In "No Bath! No Way!", "Mom, Wake Up and Play!", and Miko on Vacation, Weninger introduces a tiny grey mouse character with all the spunk and curiosity of a toddler. "Mom, Wake Up and Play!" finds the young rodent up early and ready for a busy day, while in "No Bath! No Way!" Miko draws the line at a dunk in the tub after his fun-filled day. A trip to the sea shore with Mother Mouse is the order of the day in Miko on Vacation, and when tiny Miko feels a bit nervous about playing in the vast ocean, a new friend named Mia helps him gain the confidence needed to have a fun day playing in the sun. "Miko seems well-equipped to charm beginning readers and their parents," concluded a Publishers Weekly reviewer in appraising the "Miko" books. In her Booklist review of Miko on Vacation, Carolyn Phelan wrote that Weninger presents a "satisfying" story in which her rodent protagonist "comes up with a good solution to his dilemma on his own."

In addition to series stories, Weninger has also written numerous stand-alone books for children. Good Night, Nori, featuring artwork by Japanese illustrator Yusuke Yonezu, focuses on a small black-and-white kitten whose restlessness prompts him to wander from friend to friend during a sleepless night. Another nighttime tale, It's Bedtime! feature a boy named Ben as he mounts the stairs to bed, seeking out his favorite—and scariest—toy to help him face his fear of the dark. In A Letter to Santa Claus a boy named Oliver learns about Santa Claus and sends a letter to the jolly man via a bright red balloon, making a surprise friend in the process, and A Ball for All introduces a group of mouse friends who find a way to win over a local bully. According to Booklist contributor GraceAnne A. DeCandido, It's Bedtime! "will comfort and delight" young children, and Kristin de Lacoste concluded of the book in School Library Journal that "Weninger's spare text" pairs with the "vivid, full-page illustrations" by Alan Marks to "perfectly depict bedtime rituals." A Letter to Santa Claus was described by Booklist contributor Marta Segal as "a sweet holiday tale" that "crosses cultural boundaries." In her review of A Ball for All, School Library Journal contributor DeAnn Okamura wrote that the "totally endearing" characters brought to life in watercolor art by Eve Tharlet "add warmth and child appeal to [Weninger's] … message on sharing and kindness."

Biographical and Critical Sources

PERIODICALS

Booklist, December 1, 1996, Lauren Peterson, review of Where Have You Gone, Davy?, p. 670; September 1, 1998, Shelley Townsend-Hudson, review of Merry Christmas, Davy!, p. 135; August, 2000, Isabel Schon, review of Will You Mind the Baby, Davy?, p. 2155; September 1, 2000, Marta Segal, review of A Letter to Santa Claus, p. 135; December 15, 2000, Connie Fletcher, review of Happy Birthday, Davy!, p. 829; April 1, 2001, Shelley Townsend-Hudson, review of Happy, Easter, Davy!, p. 1480; April 1, 2001, Carolyn Phelan, review of Little Apple: A Book of Thanks, p. 1475; February 15, 2002, Isabel Schon, review of What's the Matter, Davy?, p. 1022; April 15, 2002, Carolyn Phelan, review of Precious Water: A Book of Thanks, p. 1409; July, 2002, GraceAnne A. DeCandido, review of It's Bedtime!, p. 1861; November 1, 2004, Ilene Cooper, review of The Magic Crystal, p. 494; February 1, 2006, Carolyn Phelan, review of Miko Goes on Vacation, p. 59.

Kirkus Reviews, April 1, 2002, review of It's Bedtime!, p. 502; October 15, 2004, review of A Child Is a Child, p. 1015; February 1, 2005, review of "No Bath! No Way!," p. 182; September 15, 2006, review of A Ball for All, p. 970; August 1, 2007, review of Good Night, Nori.

Publishers Weekly, September 25, 2000, review of A Letter to Santa Claus, p. 72; November 13, 2000, review of Special Delivery, p. 103; February 18, 2002, review of Precious Water, p. 94; March 28, 2005, reviews of "Mom, Wake Up and Play!" and No Bath! No Way, p. 78.

School Library Journal, May, 2000, Maria Otero-Boisvert, review of Will You Mind the Baby, Davy?, p. 191; October, 2000, review of A Letter to Santa Claus, p. 63; December, 2000, Karen Land, review of Special Delivery, p. 128; December, 2000, Bina Williams, review of Happy Birthday, Davy!, p. 127; June, 2001, Carolyn Jenks, review of Little Apple: A Book of Thanks, p. 132; May, 2002, Patricia Pearl Dole, review of Precious Water, p. 145; July, 2002, Kristin de Lacoste, re-

view of It's Bedtime!, p. 102; October, 2002, John Peters, review of Davy, Help! It's s Ghost!, p. 134; August, 2004, Sheilah Kosco, review of Davy in the Middle, p. 103; January, 2005, Kathleen Whalin, review of The Magic Crystal, p. 100; January, 2005, Jane Barrer, review of A Child Is s Child, p. 98; April, 2005, Jane Marino, review of "Mom, Wake Up and Play!," p. 115; October, 2005, DeAnn Tabuchi, review of Double Birthday, p. 134; December, 2005, Rebecca Sheridan, review of One for All, All for One, p. 122; March, 2006, Andrea Tarr, review of Stay in Bed, p. 204; April, 2006, Piper L. Nyman, review of Miko Goes on Vacation, p. 120; April, 2006, Gay Lynn Van Vleck, review of Miko Wants a Dog, p. 120; November, 2006, DeAnn Okamura, review of A Ball for All, p. 116; May, 2007, Rachel G. Payne, review of Bye-Bye Binky, p. 112; September, 2007, Susan E. Murray, review of Good Night Nori, p. 178.

Washington Post Book World, September 26, 2004, Elizabeth Ward, review of The Magic Crystal, p. 11.

ONLINE

Brigitte Weninger Home Page,http://www.brigitte-weninger.at (June 15, 2008).