Dina Anastasio

WHAT EXCITES ME?

Most of all- my two children, my three grandchildren, my family, my friends.

Traveling and exploring new places. Returning to New York City where I grew up and continue to live.

Living in the digital age, new and creative gadgets, swimming, the New York Yankees baseball team, huge mysterious cities, airports, my son's amazing music.

Soft rain- which reminds me of West Cork, Ireland where I lived for many years.

Playing with the intricacies of plot.
Agonizing over the perfect word.
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WHAT I DON'T LIKE

People who always say NO before they have a chance to think. That's called the glass is half EMPTY instead of the glass is half FULL. It's all about how you see the world.
Of course saying YES every single time isn't good either. Maybe MAYBE (or I DON'T KNOW)is the best way to go. I don't know- maybe I need to think about this.

Really cold weather.
Really hot weather.
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A BIT ABOUT WORK

With the exception of four delightful years as editor of Sesame Street Magazine, I have spent most of my adult working life as a free-lance writer.

My goal has always been to find ways to help children of all ages celebrate the joy of reading, the excitement of learning, and the delight that can be found in exploring new possibilities.

I am the author of many different kinds of books and articles for children, YA, parents and teachers.

In addition to trade books, I've written hundreds of stories and books that have been used in elementary and junior high schools. Areas include reading, language arts, science, math, and social studies.