February 2012
February will transport me into a new technological realm. Many of my writer friends do Skype visits with schools and libraries, but up to this point, I’ve only done traditional in-person visits. But all that will change on February 7th. Get ready, Westside Elementary (Greenbrier, AR) first graders. We’re going to venture into the wonderful world of virtual visits and talk about all things Farmer McPeepers. I’m looking forward to “seeing” you and visiting with you!
And speaking of Skype visits, if you are a teacher or librarian and would be interested in having an author Skype with your group, consider having an author in on Litworld’s World Read Aloud Day coming up on March 7th. Author Kate Messner has organized a listing of authors available for visits on the 7th. You can check out the list here.
The greatest part about these visits is that they are absolutely free! This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your students to a children’s and/or YA author. And while you’re at Kate’s site, be sure to check out her looooong list of amazing books.
Also, in the area of visits, I’ll be conducting a Writer’s Picture Book Intensive at the Arkansas SCBWI Spring Conference on Friday April 27, 2012. The conference, held at the Laman Library in North Little Rock, AR, runs both Friday and Saturday and features a great speaker line-up including Ariel Richardson of Chronicle Books and Krista Vitola of Delacorte Press. For more information, please visit AR SCBWI. I’d love to see you there!
January 2012
Happy New Year! I hope everyone’s dreams and wishes come true in 2012.
I’m excited to share that today is the official release date for my book, CALIFORNIA HISTORY FOR KIDS: MISSIONS, MINERS, AND MOVIEMAKERS IN THE GOLDEN STATE. If any of you check it out, I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments. Friend and National Book Award winner Kathy Erskine interviewed me about the book on her blog. You can find the December 12th blog entry here.
I’m working hard on some new picture books, and I’m hoping for a promising year to come. Best of luck for whatever YOU have planned for the year!
December 2011
Well, I successfully survived turning fifty, and I successfully completed PiBoIdMo (see below) with about 35 new picture book ideas. Now to see if I can make something promising out of any of them!
And speaking of picture books, I have two new pb manuscripts out in the world; I’m keeping my fingers crossed for some happy news in 2012. :-)
I hope you all have a blessed holiday. “See” you next year!”
November 2011
It’s difficult to believe that 2011 is slipping away. I’m reflective about a lot of things this month--probably has to do with the fact that I’m having one of those BIG birthdays in a few days. The big 5-0 to be exact. Yikes! I think it’s true that as you get older, you figure out what you truly love to do and try to make time to do it. Writing is a major part of my life, and I can’t imagine not doing it. I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love. I realize that there are so many who can’t say that.
This month, I’m taking part in author Tara Lazar’s brilliant PiBoIdMo--Picture Book Idea Month.
The goal of joining in on the fun is to come up with at least one picture book idea each day in November. The resulting 30+ ideas all won’t necessarily end up as book manuscripts, of course, but the process allows picture book writers to free their minds, their creativity. It’s not only productive, but fun, to spend time letting my mind wander; I don’t rule anything out. That dancing skeleton idea, or that weird caterpillar thought that creeps through my mind--who knows? It might just be a kernel that sparks and ignites into a full-fledged picture book.
Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!
October 2011
I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the MidSouth SCBWI Fall Conference in Nashville again this year, and it did not fail to satisfy. Agents, authors, editors, illustrators, and others came together to celebrate their love for reading and writing and to share their writing and illustrating processes. Soaking in the massive amounts of information provided at SCBWI conferences is always a little daunting for me, and it usually takes a few weeks for me to digest it all--but, in my opinion, that’s part of the excitement.
As the days after the conference have passed, I’ve been thinking a lot about the zig-zagging maze of the writing and publishing world. People who are interested in learning how to write for children and young adults often contact me, but many have no idea how to begin.
With that in mind, I’m going to take a little time today to share some of my favorite writing resources. First, check out the SCBWI--the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. It is THE professional organization for kidlit writers and illustrators. They offer a wide variety of resources including regional and national conferences such as the one mentioned above. Secondly, hop over to author Verla Kay’s website and visit her Discussion Boards, affectionately known as the “blue boards.” In this friendly environment, pros and beginners alike ask questions and share wisdom. But, beware! It can be addicting! Finally, and most importantly, READ. You can get a no better how-to-write education than by reading and dissecting books in your chosen age range/genre. Hit your public library as often as possible and pay close attention to the recently published books. Take time to reread and study those that resonate most with you. And, if you want to write for magazines, you HAVE to read them. You have to be “up” on what they want, their “feel” or tone, and their guidelines, including required word counts. The very, very best 1800-word short story will never get published in a magazine that lists their maximum word count at 800.
Oh, and one other thing--when you get to the point where you think you’re ready to submit, check out the Children’s Writers and Illustrators Market. This book, published annually (I think an online version is also available), is stuffed with tons of info on various children’s/YA markets including both book publishers and magazines. It details what you need to do to submit to a particular market.
And, last but not least, don’t give up. This can be a crazy, sometimes discouraging business. But if you love to write, you can’t go wrong. Keep writing! Keep learning!
September 2011
This month, I feel I need to begin on a more personal note: My son and I recently returned from a glorious trip to DC. It was the first time either of us had been there. We stood in awe of the memorials, soaked up history, hung out at the Mall, toured the Capitol, visited the Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art, and found our hearts saddened as the Holocaust Museum and Arlington National Cemetery brought tragedy to life. Considering we’re approaching the tenth anniversary of 9-11, I think the places we visited were even more moving. My heart goes out to the countless people affected by these atrocities. May God bless you all.
And now to switch gears: I want to share two friends’ books that are debuting this month--Linda Urban’s middle-grade novel HOUND DOG TRUE, and Jen Ward’s picture book THERE WAS AN ODD PRINCESS WHO SWALLOWED A
PEA. You can’t go wrong with either of these. Check them out! Additionally, I’ve learned that three writer friends have recently signed contracts for new books. Yay! Now we have even more books to look forward to. My to-be-read pile grows even larger!
Have a great September!
August 2011
I hope you’re enjoying your summer! I have to laugh (in a really ironic way) when I look back at what I wrote in June. I thought it was hot then? Really?
I’ve been trying to stay cool while writing about a myriad of interesting topics including aliens, penguins, orangutans, and toothpick sculptors. Can I just say that I love my writing life? It’s something new almost every day.
And I finally got a glimpse of the first designed pages for the California book. It’s awesome. Just awesome. But it makes me want to hurry up and see the finished product! The book, California History for Kids: Missions, Miners, and Moviemakers in the Golden State will be released from Chicago Review Press in January 2012.
Last, but not least, I’d like to remind everyone about a fun kidlit newsletter that several writer friends and I produce--”The Four O’Clock Book Hook.” We’d love to have you as a subscriber. All you need to do is send an email to thebookhookATgmailDOTcom with the word “Subscribe” in the subject line. The newsletter is packed with reviews, activities, interviews, and lots of other goodies related to kids’ books. And the best part? It’s absolutely free! Join us, won’t you?
July 2011
I’m taking a “What’s New?” break this month. Catch you in August. Stay cool!
June 2011
It’s June? Seriously? I’m pretty sure we’ve gone directly from stormy spring to sizzling summer! If it’s already hot where you live (or even if it’s not), I have a suggestion about how to spend those lazy, hazy days--reading! And it just so happens I have a book that I would highly recommend. National Book Award winner Kathy’s Erskine’s latest book, THE ABSOLUTE VALUE OF MIKE comes out this month. And if you’ve read any of Kathy’s other books, you know you’re in for a treat. Kathy has a unique way of intertwining the perfect mix of emotion and humor. There is no way to resist the pull of her characters. Take a look and see for yourself!
I’ve been working on a new humorous (I hope!) picture book, and an interesting nonfiction piece about penguins. That’s one of the awesome things about writing for kids--I never know in which direction I’ll be going. Keeps life interesting!
Until next month...
May 2011
I want to begin by sending my thoughts and prayers our to those affected by the horrific weather. May God be with you all as you begin putting your lives back together.
On a much lighter note, I’m happy that I can now share the cover of the California history book that will be released by Chicago Review Press in January 2012.
Now if January will just hurry up and get here!
I spent the last two days at the Arkansas SCBWI Spring Conference and, as always, have come away exhilarated and ready to work. It’s awesome to reconnect with friends I don’t see often. Kid writers are some of the greatest people ever! While at the conference, I had an opportunity to hear Carla McClafferty speak about writing nonfiction and about her newly released and fascinating book, THE MANY FACES OF GEORGE WASHINGTON. Her stories about how the book came to be mesmerized me, and I just had to bring a copy home! I would highly suggest that you check it out. You won’t be disappointed!
April 2011
My life has been extra-crazy for the last six weeks or so, but I’m still working! I began and finished my editorial edits on the California history book. I’ll admit, I was worried about how extensive the edits might be (but then again, I always worry about edits), but I was pleasantly surprised. Not bad at all. I really enjoy working with Jerry, my editor at Chicago Review Press. Some people see the editing process as tedious, but I like it. I love looking through the editing microscope lens in order to ensure accuracy and clarity--and it sure helps to have another set of eyes or two with which to do that. Thanks, Jerry!
Now we’re on to the next steps: copyediting, layout, indexing, etc. All of this makes the project even more real. It’s exciting to think that come fall we will have an actual book to hold!
Well, I broke down and changed my Home page photo today because, frankly, I posted the other picture in 2003, and it really doesn’t look much like me anymore. I’m not sure if I’ll leave it up or change it again. Is it weird that I think I look better in sepia? Why can’t I just put up a photo of my dog or something? Oh well...
See you next month!
March 2011
I hope everyone is busy searching for those first signs of spring. On an early morning walk the other day, I saw a cardinal, a bluebird, and three robins--those along with the brilliant colors of the Bradford pears and redbuds are signs enough for me. Go, Spring!
I have two more book birthdays to announce. My sweet friend Alma Fullerton’s new young adult novel, BURN, is out, as is Kim Marcus’ debut novel, EXPOSED. Don’t miss these awesome books!
If you are an aspiring kidwriter, I hope you’ll consider joining us in late April for the Arkansas SCBWI Spring conference. As usual, we have an awesome speaker line up. For more information, click here. We always learn a lot, visit a lot, and enjoy an awesome, all around good time. We’d love to see you there!
February 2011
It’s February! What does that mean at your house? Heart-shaped cookies? Snow and long underwear? In my household this February, it means writing, writing, writing. I’ve been hard at work on the nonfiction book series I mentioned a couple of months ago. I’ve had the pleasure of researching and writing on many diverse topics. I just completed Book five and an outline for Book six. So far, so good!
I also got a glance at the California book’s cover art recently. Very cool. I’m anxious to share it here, but I’ll have to wait until everything is finalized.
And last, but not least, I want to announce a dear friend’s book birthday! Kristy Dempsey’s picture book Mini Racer is out this month. Hop out the bookstore and then hop into one of the wild and crazy cars to get in on the race! School Library Journal gives it a big star and you will, too! You can check out a fun book trailer preview here.
See you next month! Keep reading!
January 2011
I saw this on a tweet recently: “If you want to know how fast time flies, I have one thought for you--Y2K.” Wasn’t that just yesterday? Happy New Year, everyone!
I have some wonderful, awesome, outstanding, very good news! My pal, the sweet and beautiful Kathy Erskine, is a National Book Award winner! Her middle-grade novel, Mockingbird, won the 2010 NBA’s Young People’s Literature Award. Yay, Kathy! The award couldn’t have gone to a more deserving writer. If you ‘d like to check out her gracious acceptance speech, click here. And get your hands and your eyes on that novel, asap. You won’t regret it!
November 2010
I have bad news and I have good news. The bad news is that I’m going to wimp out on my update this month because I am recovering from shoulder surgery. The good news? I have candy corn to help ease my pain.
I hope everyone has a safe and blessed Thanksgiving.
See you next month!
October 2010
It’s October. Wow. How did that happen?
I enjoyed a visit to Nashville last weekend. There’s something magical about hanging out with 120+ children’s writers, illustrators, editors, and agents. The MidSouth SCBWI conference was fantastic. I was thrilled to meet new people and people who I’ve “met” only online. I came away with lots of new insights and information. Thanks to all of those who worked hard to organize the conference!
In writing news, I’ve just signed on to write a series of books for an educational publisher. I began writing on the first one this week. They will be somewhat challenging, but I’m truly excited about the books. The editors continually emphasize that they expect these books to be the “best of the best,” so the pressure is on, yet it’s nice knowing that the bar is set so high--that ensures that everyone is working toward a strong finished product. The books in the series are nonfiction, so I am totally in my element. I’ll never lose my love for writing fiction, but I think I’m a nonfictionist (Is that a word? Spell check says no, but I’m keeping it because I think it’s fitting) at heart.
See you in November!
September 2010
Hello all you back-to-schoolers. I hope your year is starting off on the right foot. Fall is here, right? Right? <Katy taps her foot, anxiously waiting> Where are the cooler temperatures? If you have some, would you mind sending them South?
I’m headed to the MidSouth SCBWI conference in Nashville later in the month. The speaker line-up looks awesome! If you’re in the area and are interested in writing and/or illustrating for children, check out the details at the MidSouth website.
I’ve been reading some fantastic graphic novels lately. When you think of graphic novels, if you automatically envision caped superheroes and lots of “WHAMs!” and “POWs!”, you may want to look again. The books I’m reading are mainly historical works: Joe Sacco’s Safe Area Goradzde deals with the early 1990s war in Eastern Bosnia, The Photographer (Guibert, et al.) is a stunning work that includes both illustrations and photographs of war-torn Afghanistan, and Kiyama’s The Four Immigrants deals with life for the Japanese in early 20th century San Francisco. Check them out. I think you’ll be pleasantly intrigued.
See you next month!
August 2010
It’s hot. I mean it’s really hot! I hope you’re staying cool where you are.
I finished the final revisions on the California book. Now, I take a deep breath and send it off to my editor. I’m really proud of the manuscript; I hope my editor will agree. Here’s what will be included in the package I send out to him this week--
The envelopes hold hard copies and permissions for all the images I’ve obtained. The CDs include TIFF files of images, along with a copy of the manuscript. And in the box is a hard copy of the manuscript itself--all 173 pages! I’m anxious to see the finished book, but I’ll have to wait a while. Its publication date is Fall 2011.
If any of you have little ones in school, don’t miss the Scholastic Firefly Book Flyer. My good friend Anne Marie Pace’s new book Never Ever Talk to Strangers can be found on page two. This delightful story will draw kids in while providing and reinforcing an important message.
See you in September!
July 2010
Happy Independence Day! I hope everyone will take a minute this Fourth to acknowledge how lucky we, as Americans, are to be free. The new picture book I’m working on delves into this issue, and I’ve been shocked and saddened by much of my research. It’s difficult to comprehend the oppression many face.
Enjoy those lazy days of summer! It will be back-to-school time before we know it. I saw stockers putting out school supplies at WalMart yesterday! Ugh...
June 2010
Is it warm at your house? It’s mighty muggy ‘round here--but I’ll take hot over cold any day!
I’m excited to announce that the draft of my California book is complete--all 38,000 words, all 170+ pages. Yay! It will now “rest” until my sweet friend (lifelong CA resident and educator) reads it in July. Then I’ll be bouncing around in revisionland for a while...
If any of you read or subscribe to Highlights for Children magazine, my rebus story, “Flowers for Mouse,” is in the June issue. I hope you’ll check it out. The folks are Highlights are the greatest.
In other news, I’ve been working on a new picture book manuscript. I’m extremely excited about the subject matter, and I hope at some point it will be a published book. I’ll keep you posted.
See you in July!
May 2010
I’ve been spending a big chunk of time conducting and writing the activities that will be included in the California book. This is so interesting and so much fun. The book will include a total of 21 activities. I’m about half way there...
A group of my writer friends and I have just sent out the first issue of our new newsletter “The 4:00 Book Hook.” This free newsletter is filled with reviews of children’s books, activities, and other information that we hope will be valuable to teachers, librarians, homeschoolers, and parents. If you’d like to check us out, please send an email to thebookhook@gmail.com and put SUBSCRIBE in the subject line. We’d love to have you join us!
If you’re looking for an interesting nonfiction book to share, take a look at Loree Burns’ latest The Hive Detectives: Chronicle of the Honey Bee Catastrophe. This important book delves into colony collapse disorder and helps answer the question--why are bees disappearing?
April 2010
I hope spring weather has come to your town. It thrills me to see the gorgeous tulip trees and green grass, the twin baby squirrels racing up and down the tree branches, and to feel the sun’s rays sinking into my back when I sit on the back porch reading. Ahhhh....
For those of you searching for a new (and fantastic!) middle-grade novel, I hope you’ll take a look at my friend Kathy Erskine’s Mockingbird due to be released in just a few days. It’s garnered some starred reviews and lots of praise. Check it out!
If any of you are interested in writing for children, we’d love to see you at our annual Spring SCBWI conference on April 23rd and 24th in North Little Rock, Arkansas. As usual, we have an awesome line-up of speakers--author A. LaFaye, editorial assistant for Dial Books for Young Readers Heather Alexander, and literary agent Elana Roth. Oh! And don’t forget the Friday night pizza party! If you’d like more information, please visit Arkansas SCBWI.
See you in May!
March 2010
The March update is going to be short and sweet. May I just say, “Working. Working. Working”? Enjoy these early spring days, everyone!
February 2010
Happy 2010!!! Okay, I know, one month of 2010 has already fizzled into frigid air, but what can I say? I’ve been hunkered down behind my desk hard at work. The California History for Kids book is in full swing. I logged over 10,000 words on the manuscript in January, plus lots and lots of research time, with general, garden-variety ms tweaking along the way. California history is such an amazing, yet broad, topic. At times it’s difficult to decide what to leave in and what to leave out. It’s a shame I can’t include all of the wonderful details I’ve run across in my research.
So far I’ve covered such issues as the megafauna that existed in California during the late Pleistocene Epoch, the earliest Californians, California Native Americans, Early Spanish Explorers, The Sacred Expedition, California missions, and other topics. Now it’s on to life in Mexican California and early overland travel from the east.
I’ll be in touch if I can keep my head above this ever-increasing pile of research material!
Stay warm!
December 2009
Don’t forget to consider books when you’re making out those gift-buying lists! As I tell students, when it comes to books, there is something out there for everyone.
Happy Holidays! And, as always, keep in mind the “reason for the season.”
See you next year!
November 2009
Happy November! Have you eaten all the Halloween candy yet?
I’m elbow-deep in the research process for the new book on the history of California.Did you know that early explorers believed that California was an island? Interesting stuff! For this project, I have the opportunity to choose my own photos/illustrations for the book. This is something I’ve not done before, and I’m loving it! Of course, the photo research I’m conducting right now is preliminary--since the book isn’t written yet, but it’s nice to have an idea in mind of what’s out there and how it can be tied in with the manuscript.
se” will appear in the June 2010 issue of Highlights for Children magazine. Exciting, yes? I love the folks at Highlights!
Happy Thanksgiving!
October 2009
Well, the proposal was completed and sent and I’m happy to say the news is GOOD! I’ve been offered a contract to write a nonfiction book for Chicago Review Press’ ...for Kids series. I’ll share more details next month when the contract is signed, but suffice it to say, I am thrilled to work on the project and honored to work with the folks at Chicago Review Press. You can check out some of the other ...for Kids series titles here. It is a fantastic series, for nine years old and up, that covers interesting topics with curriculum tie-ins such as Abraham Lincoln, Houdini, the American Revolution, Shakespeare, Monet and the Impressionists, Polar Explorers, Isaac Newton, Galileo, and many others. Each book includes about twenty in-depth activities related to the book’s topic. In Chicago History for Kids (written by Owen Hurd), for instance, readers can find out how to create a miniature glacier, make homemade caramel corn, take a walking tour of Rosehill Cemetery, create his or her own Impressionist painting, write a blues song, and several others. If you haven’t seen these before, take a look. Titles are available online, at bookstores, and in libraries.
See you in November!
September 2009
September??? Wait...I’m not finished with summer yet!
My preliminary research on the new project is just about complete and I’m polishing up my proposal to send out next week--crossed fingers and good vibes would be appreciated.
Major congrats go out to my bud Alma Fullerton--her book Libertad continues to pull in honors and awards. If you haven’t read it yet, don’t wait! This one’s worth a trip to your local bookstore!
I also wanted to share some info on a newly-released book from another friend of mine--Sara Lewis Holmes’ latest middle-grade novel, Operation Yes, has just been released. I haven’t had the opportunity to read it yet, but I’ve been hearing fantastic buzz. Check it out!
Have a great month!
August 2009
It’s August? Really? Where has the summer gone? Due to vacation and an extremely disruptive gallbladder (which was subsequently removed), I never updated in July. My apologies.
I’ve taken a short writing break, but it’s been long enough. I get antsy (my husband says “grumpy”) when I’m not writing. The last few weeks I’ve been hard at work on research for a potential new project. Since everything isn’t quite in place yet, I’ll keep the details to myself, but I’ll be happy to share when and if everything becomes finalized.
I do love the research process! I went to the library and came home with ten books--big, substantial books. I had another large stack scoped out, but I simply couldn’t carry them all! No worries, though--they’re on my list for next time. And don’t even get me started on Internet research--there are so many primary source materials online now, it’s astounding!
One of my favorite parts about researching is stumbling upon little-known people or facts. Those fascinating topics lead to more and more ideas for future projects. I read today about a man who lived in Arkansas in the 1870s. As a native Arkansan, I can’t believe I’d never heard of him--he was a remarkable man who worked his entire life to improve conditions for African Americans. So far, I’ve found very little written about him--hopefully, a biography for young people will emerge from this research--his story needs to be told.
On another note, I wanted to mention that a book I wrote an article for came out last month--Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader for Kids Only! Facts to Annoy Your Teacher. The book contains short, medium, and long pieces that are informative and fun (and some are quite disgusting, but the kids love it). My piece titled, “Sting and Bite,” tells about three creepy creatures--the bullet ant, the Sydney funnel-web spider, and bearded fireworms. Eeeeuuuww! You can check the book out here or at your favorite independent bookstore. Oh...and no offense intended, teachers! ;-)
Good luck to all you back-to-schoolers!
June 2009
Hey! I’m a couple of days early with my update this month. How’s that for a big surprise???
I had a great time at the Arkansas SCBWI Spring Conference a couple of weeks ago. It’s SO nice to visit with friends and fellow writers that I haven’t seen in a while--and children’s writers have to be the sweetest, most gracious group ever. I’m very blessed to be a part of this world.
My school visits were wonderful as well. A big hello to all the staff, students, and faculty at Washington and Holcomb Elementary Schools. We had tons of fun! And one of the best parts came after I got back home--the second grade students from Holcomb sent me some lovely letters. Thanks, guys! I loved reading them all. At Holcomb, I also had the opportunity to work with students at their Young Author’s Workshop. You guys are WAY talented! Keep up the good work!
As May skedaddles into June, I’m looking at a little R&R--I hope you all find some too. Here’s to summer!!!
May 2009
Well, it’s May and I’m still waiting on some luscious spring weather. We’ve had a taste, but for the last week it’s been soooo gloomy and soooo rainy. Ugh. BUT...there are bright spots in my near future even if they aren’t in the weather department--I’ll be visiting two schools this week. On Tuesday the 5th, I’ll be at Washington Elementary School, and on Wednesday the 6th, I’ll be speaking and conducting a Young Authors Workshop at Holcomb Elementary, both in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I’m excited! I love getting out and visiting schools. Can’t wait to see what you guys are up to!
Also in May--and running a close second on my excitement-meter--the Arkansas Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators will be holding their spring conference on Friday & Saturday May 15-16th. Whether you’re new to writing for kids, or a seasoned pro, this is your place. For more info, please visit the Arkansas SCBWI Web site.
Now, last, but certainly not least, I am over-the-moon thrilled to announce the release of one of my best buddy’s first picture book! Kristy Dempsey’s ME WITH YOU should be hitting the shelves any day. Both the text and the artwork are irresistible. Everyone has that special someone that they carry with them always--and this book is a celebration of that unconditional relationship. Check out the ME WITH YOU book trailer on Kristy’s site and you just might find yourself heading to your local bookseller to make a purchase.
April 2009
Oops! I somehow missed March. With my track record, I think I need to make this an every-other-month update instead of a monthly one!
I’m soooooo ready for spring, but it hasn’t been too spring-like around here lately. How’s the weather at your house?
I finished up the revisions on the obesity book I mentioned in January. I truly think this will be a series that will resonate with preteens/teens. I hope so anyway.
My writer pal, Linda Urban, has a brand spankin’ new picture book out this month--MOUSE WAS MAD (illus. by Henry Cole, Harcourt Children’s Books). It is ADORABLE! You can check it out here or at your favorite local independent bookstore. But DO check it out. You won’t be sorry!
February 2009
Just a quick update this month--
First I’d like to congratulate all the winners of this year’s ALA awards. I know with all the wonderful books out there, the committees had a difficult time choosing. For a full listing of the winners, visit the ALA website.
I was thrilled to see that the The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman took top Newbery honors. It is a wonderfully written tale, (but, in my opinion, a little too frightening for the youngest readers). Nevertheless for the “right” reader, I would highly recommend it. In fact, I need to add it to My Favorite Books page. It’s that good.
I also want to send out a major hurrah to Leslie Connor and Waiting for Normal for the receipt of the Schneider Family Book Award--my favorite middle-grade book of the year. If you enjoy contemporary novels and haven’t read this one, you need to check it out.
If you’re looking for some interesting nonfiction--I have an idea for you. As a Christmas gift to myself, I bought Carla McClafferty’s latest work, In Defiance of Hitler: The Secret Mission of Varian Fry. I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but the topic is fascinating. As the book flap mentions, the story ...”brings to life an ordinary man who under extraordinary circumstances defied a dictator and became a true hero.” More details to come...
Oops! I said this was going to be a quick update, but when I get started talking about books, this always seems to happen! :-)
January 2009
Hmmm...looks like I missed the December update, but I wasn’t slacking, I promise I wasn’t. I’ve been hard at work on a new nonfiction book on teen weight issues and obesity for Compass Point Books. It’s written in a relaxed, chatty style and includes quotes from several teens who are dealing with weight issues. I think it’s going to be a nice addition to Compass Points’ Lifestyles series. It will probably be out later this year.
I know I’ve gushed over lots of books I’ve read recently so I’ve finally added several of them to the My Favorite Books
page. Check it out!
And last, but not least, my book from Cherry Lake Publishing, EARTH’S BIOMES, is due out this month. I’ve posted a copy of the cover here. I think the cover photo is awesome--what a beautiful sight. :-)
Best wishes to everyone for the new year!!!
November 2008
Is it already November? My, oh my.
I want to send HUGE congratulations to Alma Fullerton. Her book Libertad has been nominated for Canada’s Governor General’s Award! This award is equivalent to our Newbery and is the highest children’s book award honor in Canada. Go, Alma! If you haven’t read this book yet, check it out. Here’s a link to the press release.
In personal news, my latest book from Kidhaven Press, Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, Jawed Karim: YouTube Creators, is due out this month. The book is part of Kidhaven’s Innovators series and is the biography of the men who developed YouTube. You can see the cover on the My Books page.
I’ve also added a cover image of The Amazing Bible Factbook for Kids on the My Books page.
October 2008
I’m still reading a batch of awesome books and I feel the need to share some more titles, don’t miss The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson, Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor, and Shooting the Moon by F. A. Dowell. They are all something special! The awards committees are going to have their hands full this year!
If you have a child or student that is interested in biblical facts, I hope you’ll check out a new release from Time, Inc. and the American Bible Society--The Amazing Bible Factbook for Kids. It’s jam-packed with interesting facts from the Bible in areas such as angels, geography, kids in the Bible, travel, miracles, and lots more. I was fortunate enough to get to write several sections in the book and I think the final product turned out really well. Check it out!
September 2008
Oops! Where’d July and August go? The summer has flown by too quickly. The last two months have been a whirlwind for me, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything. It’s difficult to believe it’s football and back-to-school time. Best of luck for whatever fall has in store for you!
I have to take a minute to gush about some new books I’ve read lately. For mid-grade readers, don’t miss Alma Fullerton’s Libertad, Kathi Appelt’s The Underneath, and Andrea Beatty’s Cicada Summer. These books are beautifully written with can’t-put-’em-down story lines. In the YA realm (for mature readers), take a look at Sara Zarr’s Story of a Girl. I was a little late getting my hands on this one, but I’m glad I finally got around to it. It’s definitely worth a read.
In personal book news, the cover of my YouTube book has recently been released. You can see an image on the My Books page. The book is scheduled to be out in early December. I’ve also been hard at work on a new nonfiction book for Cherry Lake Publishing’s Real World Science series. The book’s title is Earth’s Biomes and it’s due out in January 2009. I hope you’ll look for it. It was great fun to write!
Have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!
June 1, 2008
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! What a great time to rest, relax, and refill the well. I’m blessed that I have one minor and one major writing retreat planned in the upcoming weeks. It will be wonderful to spend time with friends old and new and simply concentrate on the both the writing and the creative processes.
In book news, my latest nonfiction book from Kidhaven Press, BERMUDA TRIANGLE, was recently released. You can check it out on my My Books page.
Also, I hope you’ll keep an eye out in November for another of my Kidhaven nonfiction projects. This book, tentatively titled YOUTUBE, is a biography of the men who discovered the YouTube Internet site. Fun stuff!
May 1, 2008
I want to send a special shout-out thank you to the students, staff, and teachers at Fairview Elementary School in Camden, AR. What a wonderful group! At my visit last week, I was treated to a fantastic day. All sorts of Farmer McP and cow related items covered the hall walls, some of the students and teachers dressed up as farmers, many students wore Farmer McP glasses, and a couple of parents were even kind enough to bring in a live mule and a live “Thunderbolt” (horse!) for the students to see. Wow! Thanks so much for making me feel welcome.
In other news, I’m gearing up for two more school visits in the next two weeks. Get ready Monticello and Clarksville! If we have as much fun as we did in Camden, it’s going to be a rockin’ good time!
On a sad note, I want to send out my love, thoughts, and prayers to all those who have been affected by the storms of the past few months. The destruction is devastating and I’m heartbroken for those who lost loved ones and homes. May God bless you all.
April 1, 2008
I finally updated my My Favorite Books page and it was a struggle. It’s like choosing your favorite among your babies--it just can’t be done. But I gave it an honest try. Please check back from time to time as I’ll be updating the page. I’m constantly discovering new favorites!
February 10, 2008
I have several upcoming school/Reading Association visits. I’m looking forward to visiting Cave City, Camden, Monticello, and Clarksville in the next few months. If you are interested in scheduling a visit, please click my Teachers/Media Specialists page.
February 1, 2008
As you can see, my website is undergoing substantial changes. Since I am going several directions in my writing career, I thought it was important for my website to encompass all the varied areas. Enjoy!