The Stories Julian Tells

Ann Cameron, born in 1943 in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, is a children’s author who infuses her work with themes of nature, imagination, and childhood adventure. Growing up on a farm, Cameron developed an early love for the natural world and the independent exploration it offered. This connection to nature and the adventurous life she led as a child are reflected in her writings, particularly in the Julian’s World series, which captures the essence of childhood wonder and freedom.

Cameron’s early desire to become a writer was nurtured by her experiences and the stories she created in her youth, despite the self-doubt she faced about her potential to succeed in writing. After attending Radcliffe College, where she received encouragement from esteemed poet Robert Lowell, Cameron ventured into publishing and later pursued further studies at the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop, earning an MFA in English in 1972. Her academic and professional experiences enriched her narrative skills and deepened her understanding of literary craft, preparing her for a successful career in children’s literature.

Her debut book, The Seed (1974), was inspired by the simple yet profound act of observing a seed growing on her windowsill, demonstrating her ability to transform everyday observations into compelling children’s stories.