6B
Wednesday, January 13, 1988/University Daily Kansan
Kendall
Continued from p. 1B
It took Kendall many years to find her niche as a children's writer. As a young woman just married to her college English professor, she wrote all kinds of stories. Some were romances; some were mysteries. None, she said, were very successful.
That changed one day when she decided to write several short stories for her two daughters based on bedtime tales her family told about a little elf called Curly Green. One of the stories she wrote caught the attention of the editors of Jack and Jill, a children's magazine, who bought the story.
"It never occurred to me before that I should write for anyone other than adults," she said.
In 1959, Kendall received national attention as a children's author with her fantasy novel, "The Gammy Cup." The book, the winner of the Ohioa Award and runner-up for the prestigious Newberry Medal, became the first of the three-book Minipinip series. It dealt with society's pressures to conform.
The main characters became outcasts of their tiny village because they wanted to be themselves, instead of behaving like the respected citizens in their community. Their perceived weakness became a heroic strength when their kingdom was threatened with evil invaders that only the outcasts could repel.
Children's literature experts who study Kendall's books say indictments of conformity, prejudice and injustice are common themes in her books. Her style isn't preachy, but she incorporates these themes subtly in her stories and allows children to decipher the message on their own, critics say.
"She (Kendall) is a very righteous person and cares a great deal about people," said Yao-Wen Li, a Lawrence writer who collaborated with Kendall on two books of Chinese folktales. "When she sees things that strike her as not right, she will do anything she can to change it. You can see that in her books."
Kendall often muses that her development was halted at the age of 12, and as a result, it's easy for her to write those ideas into stories for children.
Fearful of lifting story ideas from others' works, she doesn't watch much television or read other children's books.
Kendall keeps a list of story ideas and jots down things that affect her life. She said questions that children have, such as why countries try to take over other countries, often become the basis of her books.
"I know from the beginning what the ending of each book is going to be," she said. "But I don't plot the actions more than halfway through because the characters tend to take over. Things happen, and I want to see it open so I can reach the conclusion in whichever way those characters choose."
Kendall said she didn't write down to children but often found herself simplifying complicated verbiage. She fights with her editors over words they think are too long
I know from the beginning what the ending of each book is going to be. But I don't plot the actions more than halfway through because the characters tend to take over. Things happen, and I want to see it open so I can reach the conclusion in whichever way those characters choose.'
— Carol Kendall author of children's literature
for children because she believes children should be challenged.
Kendall said that one of the most rewarding aspects of writing was hearing from young readers who said her books had an effect on their lives.
I received a letter a couple years ago from a lady who read "The Gamage Cup" at a time in her life when she was physically abused," Kendall said. "Many years had passed since she read the book, but she recognized it in the bookstore and wrote me to tell me how much it meant at such a terrible time of her life."
Recently, Kendall supplemented her writing with translating ancient Chinese folk tales. Working with Lawrence writer Yao-Wen Li, she has written "Sweet and Sour: Tales from China." "Cinnamon Moon: Tales from China" and now has nearly completed a third book. The two writers find ancient Chinese folk tales, research their original meanings and translate them into English.
"Chinese folk tales fit very well into fantasy," Kendall said. "Things in China are so very different from here. In other countries, people look at things differently, and that is what fantasy is — looking at things differently. It keeps my mind fresh and churning."
Kendall, who turned 70 in September, said she wasn't ready to sit back and talk about her successes. She spends much of her time travelling to places like Easter Island, China and Africa. When she is home, she can usually be found writing.
"In all these years, it's still hard to sit down and get things on paper," she said. "I set a timer and tell myself that any idiot can sit down in front of a word processor and write for 15 minutes. When the timer goes off, I look at the screen and see that I've written a couple of good lines and think any idiot can sit for 15 more.
"Once I get started, I wonder why it's so hard to get started. This is what I love."
Past KU profs and football coach die in December, early January
Fritz Heite, 91, a KU professor emeritus of psychology, died Jan. 2 in a Topeka nursing home. He retired from KU in 1966.
After he earned his doctorate from an Austrian university in 1920, Mr. Heider taught in Germany and was the head of the psychological research department at the Clarke School for the Deaf in Northampton Mass.
He came to KU in 1947, and in 1958, his book "The Psychology of Interpersonal Relations" was published.
After he retired from KU he wrote "The Life of a Psychologist'
— An Autobiography," which was released in 1983 by the University Press of Kansas.
He received American Psychological Association awards in 1965 and 1987.
He is survived by his professor, Grace Moore, a KU professor emerita of psychology; four sons, Karl G. of Columbia, S.C., John, Lawrence and Stephan of Buffalo, N.Y.; and five grandchildren.
Karyn Z. Davis, both of Lawrence, andyn Z. Malele A. Zareley of Austin, Tex.; two sons, Richard M., and Alan E., both of Lawrence; a sister, Chloris Butler of California; and two brothers, Clifford Zarley of California and Kernit Zarley of Washington.
Former KU coach killed in car crash
George W. Bernhardt, 68, died in a two-car collision Dec. 6. Mr. Bernhardt was an assistant football coach at the University of Kansas from 1958 to 1966 and from 1971 to 1974.
He was born June 15, 1919, in Berwin, Ill.
Mr. Bernhardt is survived by two sons, Mark Bernhardt of St. Louis and Tom Bernhardt of Honolulu; a daughter, Judy K. Kish of Kaiserslautern, West Germany; and three grandchildren.
Former instructor in economics dies
Mr. Zarley was an associate professor in economics at the University of Kansas from 1964 to 1977
Arvid M. Zarley, 58, died of a heart attack Dec. 16 at Stormtown-Vail Regional Medical Center in Topeka.
He was born Feb. 23, 1909, in Indianola, Iowa. He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War, and he received a doctorate from Purdue University in 1965.
He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence on Dec. 10.
He is survived by his wife, Shelley Patterson Zarley; three daughters, Debra K. Zarley and daughters,
G. Norman Loofburrow, 75 died Dec. 10 at an Overland Park nursing home. He taught physiology at the University of Kansas from 1948 to 1961. From 1961 to 1977, he was an associate professor of physiology at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Former professor of physiology dies
Mr. Loobfurbw was born Dec. 26, 1911, in Westmoreland, and earned his bachelor's degree from Park College, Parkville, Mo., in 1934. He earned master's and doctorate degrees at the University of Michigan.
He is survived by his wife, Gladys MacDonald of Prairie Village; a daughter, Jan Richardson of Yutan, Neb.; a sister, Margaret Iso of Boyton Beach, Fla.; and four grandchildren.
Former professor of languages dies
Agnes M. Brady, 92, died Dec. 4 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She was a professor of Spanish and Portuguese at the University of Kansas for 28 years until her retirement in 1965.
She earned bachelor's and master's degrees at KU and lived in Lawrence most of her life.
Former conductor of music camps dies
Claude T. Smith, 55, died Dec. 13 at Parkland Medical Center in Raytown, Mo. He had been a regular conductor at KU music camps and was an active member of the University of Kansas Alumni Association.
He received a bachelor's degree in education from KU in 1958.
He is survived by his wife,
Mauren, a daughter, Pam Smith
of Olathe; and his mother, Harriet
Smith of Carrollton, Mo.
Kansan reporter Ric Brack compiled the information for this story.
W·I·N·T·E·R
PRICE THAW
All Fall-Winter Merchandise
40-50% off
Now thru Sunday
Sportswear by Guess Hang Ten OP Dresses, Coats
Hours. Mon-Sat. 9:30-5:30 Thu. until 8:30
Sunday. 12:30-5
SHOPPE
835 Mass.
843-4833
---
★★★★★
Royal Peking Restaurant
店飯都京
FAMOUS PEKING CUISINE
Welcomes You Back
Daily Lunch Special
Dinner Specials
Combination Plates $2.75 Combination Plates $4.95 Highly Recommended by both the Kansas City Star and Wichita Eagle Beacon, the Royal Peking Restaurant stands out as Lawrence's premiere Chinese restaurant, featuring outstanding authentic Oriental cuisine served with flair and elegance Now serving premium oriental wines, Chinese and domestic beers.
711 W.23rd
Open:
Tues.-Sat. 11/3/4-30/10
Sun. Noon-9/30
Closed Mondays
Open:
Great Daily Specials
STRICK'S RESTAURANT only $3.50 DAILY SPECIALS
Today...Meat Loaf
Thursday...Smothered Steak
Friday...Chopped Steak
with Green Pepper & Onion
Saturday...Chicken Fried Steak
Monday...Fresh Pork Tenderloin
Tuesday...Fried Chicken
Wednesday...Hamburger Steak
includes salad, mashed potatoes & gravy, vegetable & Texas toast
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Friday and Saturday Special 4-11:30 p.m.
$9.95
2 Ribeye Steak Dinners
Served with Baked Potato or French Fries, Salad, and Texas Toast
OPEN Mon.-Thurs. 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Fri. and Sat. 6:00 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Breakfast served Anytime
723 North 2nd
$3\frac{1}{2}$ blocks north of the bridge
Half-Price SHOE SALE
CTBI
ONE BIG GROUP SAVE 50% AND MORE! Men's,Women's and Children's Shoes Others Reduced 10% to 70%
Center for Training in Business and Industry
Lawrence's center for post-high school beginning
office training and upgrading skills.
Have you found yourself unable to succeed
in college math or english classes?
Wish you could type your own papers?
Enroll today and get ready for success
in our small prep classes.
2211 Silicon Avenue
Lawrence, Ks. 66046
841-9640
CURE FOR THE WINTER BLAHS.
20% OFF
Sweaters
Woolrich Jackets
Flannel and Corduroy Shirts
Scarves
NORTHFACE, WOOLRICH,
ROYAL ROBBINS TROUSERS
Skirts
T-shirts
Booties
1987 Bianchi Bicycles 1987 Trek Bicycles 0% off Sailboard Harnesses
SUNFLOWER
804 Mass., Lawrence, Kansas 66044 913-843-5000