Purmell, Ann
November 15, 1953 -
Place of Birth: Ann Arbor, MI
Place of Principle Residence: Jackson, MI
Biography:
Ann Purmell was born to Burton and Helen McGarry at Ann Arbor, MI. Her love for writing appeared in her early childhood, although it was only until sixth grade that she received the encouragement she needed to gain confidence in it. Purmell married her husband, Bruce (a dentist), in 1974 and earned her BS in nursing at Eastern Michigan University in 1979. Purmell worked as a nurse for several hospitals and had two children, Michael and Hilary. At age 42, she decided to go back to school at Spring Arbor College to get her Elementary Education degree. Right before her student teaching, however, she fell ill and was diagnosed with lung disease. During her many days in bed, Purmell began penning children’s books. She sent out her first manuscript, Apple Cider Making Days, to several publishers before The Millbrook Press picked it up. Since then she has written several other children’s books and has visited many classrooms to talk to children about their writing. Purmell lives in Jackson, MI with her husband and works as a full-time writer.
Selected Works:
- Apple Cider Making Days (2002)
- Giraffes (2003)
Critical Reception:
“Jackson-area children’s author Ann Purmell gushes with enthusiasm, explaining her surprising success in the children’s literature world. She radiates happiness, talking about her family and her work. Her passion for life, and for writing, is unmistakable.”
- KiC Feature Article
For Apple Cider Making Days:
“This book is a “must–read” before a class or family makes a trip to an apple orchard or cider press. The soft illustrations provide just the touch before cousins visit Grandpa’s apple farm where they pick apples that are destined for eating or pressing cider. The apples called “eating apples” are shown in bags, sorted by variety like McIntosh and Cortland. The other apples are chopped and squeezed, then made into cider. Grandpa’s store, The Apple Barn, also homemade jam, squash, pie and donuts. The total effect is mothering. One of the best features is that the farmer looks like most farmers today and bears no resemblance to “Old MacDonald.”
- Mary Ann Paulin, Director, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette
Relevance of Place to Author’s Work:
Purmell has spent her whole life in Michigan where she developed her love for writing. Her book, Apple Cider Making Days, reflects the iconic apple orchards of Michigan.