The Bee Tree

Polacco’s childhood was marked by her grandparents’ influence. She lived on her grandparents’ farm in Union City, Michigan, until she was five years old, a time she describes as magical. Her grandmother’s death prompted a move away from Michigan, but the experience profoundly shaped her. Her parents divorced when she was three, and she spent school years with her mother and summers with her father, always feeling cherished by her grandparents. This experience, she notes, has deeply influenced her work, often featuring young protagonists interacting with elderly individuals, a dynamic she values immensely.

She moved to Coral Gables, Florida, with her mother and brother, Richard, for almost three years before relocating to Oakland, California. She lived on Ocean View Drive in the Rockridge District, appreciating the neighborhood’s diverse population. There, she met her lifelong best friend, Stewart Grinnell Washington.

Polacco struggled academically in elementary school, experiencing significant difficulties with reading and math. She didn’t learn to read until she was almost fourteen, believing herself to be unintelligent. A significant turning point came when she was diagnosed with dyslexia at fourteen. A supportive teacher helped her overcome this learning disability, leading her to realize that being learning disabled doesn’t mean being unintelligent, but rather learning differently.

She went on to attend university, majoring in Fine Art, and later earned a graduate degree and a Ph.D. in Art History. For a time, she restored ancient art for museums. She became a mother to two children, Steven and Traci, dedicating much of her time to their upbringing.

Polacco began writing children’s books at the age of 41. Her artistic talent, which she notes was a strong suit even as a child, and her background in storytelling from her Ukrainian, Russian, and Irish heritage, as well as from her extended family in Louisiana, contributed to her career. Raised on hearing stories rather than seeing them on television, she developed a strong ability to tell stories herself.

She has enjoyed a successful career as a children’s book author and illustrator, drawing inspiration from her imagination, fueled by a childhood without television. She emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s inner voice and creative instincts.

Currently residing back in Union City, Michigan, Polacco intends to open her home and community for writing seminars, storytelling festivals, literature conferences, and events celebrating children’s literature.

Patricia Polacco studied in the United States and Australia, earning an M.F.A. and a Ph.D. in art history, specializing in Russian and Greek painting and iconographic history. She serves as a museum consultant on the restoration of icons. She has traveled extensively in Russia and other former Soviet republics through citizen exchange programs for writers and illustrators, and continues to support initiatives that foster Russo-American friendships and understanding. She is also involved in U.S. inner-city projects focused on conflict resolution and promoting art and literacy programs.

A mother to a grown son and daughter, Patricia Polacco now lives in Michigan on a historic farm.