John Archambault facts for kids

John Archambault is an American author who writes books for children. He is also a poet, a storyteller, and a musician. He is most famous for his best-selling children's book, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, which was published in 1989.

Some of his other well-known books include Knots on a Counting Rope, Barn Dance, Boom Chicka Rock, Here Are My Hands, and The Birth of a Whale. John Archambault loved reading from a young age, and this passion led him to become a writer. He has often worked with Bill Martin, Jr., who is also a children's book author. Today, John Archambault lives in Yorba Linda, California.

John's Early Life and Dreams

John Archambault grew up in Pasadena, California. From the time he was in third grade, he knew he wanted to be a writer. He remembers reading the classic children's book Charlotte's Web by E.B. White.

After reading it, he told his teacher he wanted to write. She wisely told him that to be a writer, he first needed to be a reader! John took this advice to heart. He started his writing career early, working part-time for his local newspaper when he was in tenth grade. He kept gaining experience throughout his high school years.

Education and New Friendships

John Archambault studied writing and journalism at the University of California, Riverside. While there, he was the editor of the campus newspaper, The Highlander. This helped him grow his love for writing even more.

During his graduate school years, John met Bill Martin, Jr. Bill was already a well-known children's writer and teacher. John and Bill worked together on their first book, The Ghost-Eye Tree, which came out in 1988. John also went to Columbia Teacher's College, where he earned his teaching certificate.

A Career Sharing Stories and Music

John Archambault has had a wonderful career as a writer, poet, storyteller, and musician. He has traveled all over the country, sharing the fun of reading with children and teachers. He has created six music CDs and written more than twenty books for kids.

Throughout his career, John has worked hard to make learning enjoyable for children. He believes that learning should be an exciting adventure, not something kids dread. He even taught a first-grade class in Bronx, NY, where he helped his students get excited about reading.