An Interview with Heather O'Neill, author of Lullabies for Little Criminals

Welcome to episode 8 of the Harper Perennial Podcast, a show about the life of books.

In this episode, we speak to Canadian author Heather O'Neill about her new novel, Lullabies for Little Criminals. The book chronicles the adventures of Baby, a twelve year-old being raised by her father in a down-and-out section of Montreal. Baby's life is filled with challenges: poverty, drugs, foster homes, prostitution. And yet, this novel is no mere hard-luck story, because Baby -- and the other children in the novel -- possess the almost magical ability to perceive wonder even in the darkest of situations.

Heather O'Neill was raised by her father in similar circumstances to her young heroine, and draws heavily on childhood memories to give this novel its fresh, authentic voice.

Lullabies for Little Criminals is available at bookstores and online retailers now.

Also, be sure to visit HarperPerennial.com, and the Harper Perennial blog, OliveReader.com.

All content copyright HarperCollins Publishers. Music created with Garage Band.

About the producers:
Diane Gilleland produces podcasts including CraftyPod and Spinsterspin. She teaches blogging, podcasting, and zine-making classes in Portland, and organizes creative community groups.

Ken Lyman has a background as a disc jockey, radio news caster, radio actor, is a and producer of radio commercials and books on tape. He is an avid reader and also enjoys community theater, travel, and an occassional attempt at writing fiction.