06/15/2026
“The storyteller in me asks: what if? And when I try to answer that, a story begins.”
“Take a step, breathe in the world, give it out again in story, poem, song, art.”
“And when the storm passes, as it always does, I am the calm, too.”
“As long as we can remember, all those gone before are alive inside us.”
These are the words of Jane Yolen. Some of them come from her keen advice to writers, some of it from her celebrated works, all of it from her generous heart.
The most wonderful thing about being in community with those who care deeply about
the power of the written word is reading what they love and admire and value in one of our most beloved kid lit giants, Jane Yolen.
Here are just some of the loving reflections,
starting with Jane’s equally cherished daughter:
Our mother Jane “had one of the most brilliant creative minds of our time. This year, her
450th book published. She has been awarded 6 honorary doctorates and too many awards to mention here. She has mentored, inspired, and nurtured so many authors and illustrators through her words both on the page and off. But, beyond that, she was our mother and grandmother.”
— Heidi Stemple
“Jane inspired children to imagine, explore, and believe in the magic of stories. Thank you, Jane, for a lifetime of wonder.” — Cricket Media
“Jane was the very best kind of ambassador and gatekeeper - the kind who holds that gate open wide, invites you in, and encourages everybody to work together to make the place smarter, funnier, and more welcoming. What an incredible life.”
— Kate Messner
“She will be remembered for her wit, creativity, and the joy her books brought to so many children and budding readers.” — PJ Library
“I asked Jane if she'd be willing to model for the character of Mrs. Sowerby. I wanted to put Jane in the book, and she was willing to ham it! She really did enjoy modeling for illustrators . . . She helped me fulfill my dream. . . . My dear Jane, I will hold you always in my heart. Rest in peace."
— Ruth Sanderson
“Children’s books, novels, sci-fi—there was barely an award she did not win. What those awards and kudos do not tell you, however, is how kind Jane was to younger writers and illustrators. She mentored generations of aspiring authors. There is nary a writer working today that has not been influenced by her work and her generosity.”
— R. Michelson Galleries
"Her books were woven into the tapestry of my childhood" - Astrid Sheckles
As president of the now named Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, “Jane was a steady hand on the organization’s helm in some of its most troubled and tempestuous years. She led us with quiet wisdom and good humor. I never heard her raise her voice except in song or laughter. It’s as if a star had vanished from a familiar constellation. She will be more than missed." - Joe Haldeman
We, at The Hudson Children’s Book Festival, adored Jane for the very same reasons everyone did. Thank you for giving us so much, Jane. We’ll keep on with the good work.
And finally, from Heidi:
“We are working on a public memorial to be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers,
donations can be made to:
Jane Yolen & Heidi EY Stemple Scholarship at Boyds Mills
https://boydsmills.org/jane-yolen-heidi-ey-stemple-scholarship/
SCBWI Jane Yolen Midlist Grant
https://buy.stripe.com/aFa6oGdhQaMggmF6zNawo0e
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: www.carlemuseum.org/janeyolen
“Touch magic. Pass it on.” — Jane Yolen
