William Kotzwinkle facts for kids

William Kotzwinkle is an American writer. He writes many kinds of books. These include novels for adults, stories for children, and movie scripts. He was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA, on November 22, 1938, or in 1943, depending on the source.

He won the World Fantasy Award for his book Doctor Rat in 1977. He also won the National Magazine Award for his fiction writing. William Kotzwinkle is very well known for writing the book version of the movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. This is called a novelization.

He has been married to another author, Elizabeth Gundy, since 1965.

Books by William Kotzwinkle

William Kotzwinkle has written many books. He has written for adults and for children. He has also written stories that became movies.

Popular Novels

• The Fan Man (1974)
• Doctor Rat (1976) - This book won a big award!
• Fata Morgana (1977)
• Jack in the Box (1980) - This book was later made into a movie called Book of Love.
• Christmas at Fontaine's (1982)
• Superman III (1983) - This book was based on the movie script.
• The Exile (1987)
• The Bear Went Over the Mountain (1996)

The E.T. Series

William Kotzwinkle wrote books based on the famous movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) - This book was based on the movie script by Melissa Mathison.
• E.T.: The Book of the Green Planet (1985) - This is a follow-up story to E.T.'s adventures.

Children's Books

William Kotzwinkle has written many fun books for younger readers.

• The Firemen (1969)
• Elephant Boy: A Story of the Stone Age (1970)
• The Day the Gang Got Rich (1970)
• The Ship That Came Down The Gutter (1970)
• The Return of Crazy Horse (1971)
• The Supreme, Superb, Exalted and Delightful, One and Only Magic Building (1973)
• Up the Alley with Jack and Joe (1974)
• The Leopard's Tooth (1976)
• The Ants Who Took Away Time (1978)
• Dream of Dark Harbor: A Ghostly Sea Story (1979)
• The Nap Master (1979)
• E. T. The Extra-Terrestrial Storybook (1982) - A special book for kids about E.T.!
• The World Is Big and I'm So Small (1986) ISBN: 0-517-56310-X
• The Empty Notebook (1990)
• The Million-Dollar Bear (1995)

Walter the Farting Dog Series

This popular series of children's books was written with Glenn Murray and Elizabeth Gundy. The pictures were drawn by Audrey Colman.

• Walter the Farting Dog (2001) ISBN: 1-58394-053-7 - This book was even published in Latin as Walter, Canis Inflatus!
• Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale (2004) ISBN: 0-525-47217-7 (also known as Walter the Farting Dog Farts Again)
• Rough Weather Ahead for Walter the Farting Dog (2005) ISBN: 0-525-47218-5
• Walter the Farting Dog goes on a Cruise (2006) ISBN: 0-525-47714-4
• Walter The Farting Dog: Banned From the Beach (June 21, 2007) ISBN: 0-525-47812-4

Movie Scripts

William Kotzwinkle has also written stories for movies.

• A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988) - He wrote the original story for this film.
• Book of Love (1990) - This movie was based on his own novel, Jack in the Box.