I almost forgot, but this showed up in my newsfeed:

Raise your copy of The Cat Ate My Gymsuit. Author Paula Danziger would have been 64 today.

While Gymsuit was her best-known book (and her first), the former teacher wrote 30 other books, including her Amber Brown tales, and was memorable off the page. As the New York Times once noted, Danziger might have become a stand-up comic. And for public appearances, the Times said, ”she decked herself out with rhinestone-trimmed glasses, feather hats and beaded outfits, talked fast and was funny.”

That last point held true even after she died in July 2004 from complications following a heart attack. Her paid death notice in the Times said, ”’Paula Danziger, beloved children’s book writer, would like to inform you that she isn’t avoiding your calls, she passed away.

My famous cousin was, in fact, a hoot. I would have hated to be her parent or sibling, though, because her wit was sharp and merciless – as I imagine must be true of all good writers.

Ironically, she became great friends with Norm Geras’ wife, Adele. When Norm and I met for dinner, we realized that and marvelled at the odd coincidence of the world.

So heeeey, Paula (as I used to tease her) … happy birthday.