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Hi everyone.  I’m John McGranaghan and I write entertaining and educational children’s books. 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Where do you get your ideas from?

I get them from all over.  Reading books helps me think of ideas. Asking questions, listening to and observing people is another source.   The idea for Saturn for My Birthday came from my youngest son when he was about to turn 4 years old.  I asked him what he wanted for his birthday and he requested Saturn.  I also get ideas from dreams.

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Where were you born?

I was born in Philadelphia. I still live in the area.

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How fast can you run?

Not very fast. I was never a fast runner. 

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What’s your favorite planet?

That’s a tough question. Since I wrote a book about them I guess I’m supposed to say all of them.   But for some reason I like Jupiter.  There’s something about that giant red spot.

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Do you have a family?

Yes.  I am married and have two grown sons.  

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Do you like to read?

I love to read.  I especially like to read picture books and adult nonfiction books.

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Did you like to read when you were a kid?

Sometimes, but not all the time. 

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What was your favorite book as a kid?

When I was a little kid I loved The Snowy Day by Jack Ezra Keats.  When I was in middle school I loved The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.  When I got to high school my favorite book was Too Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

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Besides reading and writing what do you like to do?

I like to spend time with my family, especially when we vacation or hang out with my two sister’s family.  I love to be outdoors hiking and playing golf.  I also like to sleep.

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Do you have a job, and do you like it?

Yes. I work as a school counselor and I love my job.  I  learn so much from the kids I work with everyday.

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Do you write other stuff besides books about the planets?

Yes, I do but they have not been published yet.  But I have my fingers crossed and I keep trying.

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If you could be an animal what would you be?

I’d be a wolverine or a bear.  When I was growing up they were my two favorite animals.

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Tell us a little-known fact about yourself?

I love to iron.