Just when my son’s tears have subsided after the death of Thumper the Psycho cat, I have another bombshell to drop on him. Kermity the Hermit crab is dead. Yep, we have Hermit crabs. I don’t know why we have Hermit crabs. Oh, yes I do. For my son’s seventh birthday in 2007, a neighbor… Read more »
Okay, I promised not to post about political issues, but I just couldn’t pass up sharing this relevant quote from none other than Thomas Jefferson. “I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first… Read more »
Congratulations to this year’s Sibert Award winners. We are the Ship is outstanding. I am amazed at the crisp details of the portrait quality illustrations. Truly one of the most stunningly illustrated books I have ever seen. I look forward to picking up the Honor Award books next. (The following descriptions are from the American… Read more »
Today, my house looks and feels different. There is no black wreath on the front door. There are no mourners mingling in my living room. But, the garage door lacks the 8-inch opening always left for my cat, Thumper. Sadly, yet inevitably, Thumper reached the end of his nine lives this morning at the age… Read more »
Every writer of children’s literature should read the works of Gary Paulsen, author of more than 175 books and 200 articles. Behind the tremendous talent lies a personal story that is at once tragic and inspiring. His story will remind you how powerful words can be. And how life-saving a kindness can be. I’ll stand… Read more »
Quote for the Day: “Sometimes there’s nothing but Sundays for weeks on end. Why can’t they move Sunday in the OUT tray on your desk?”—-Russell Hoban (b 1925) British author.Bonus Quote for the Day: “Here’s a new day. O Pendulum move slowly! —Harold Munro (1879-1932) British poet, critic
February’s monthly meeting of the Austin chapter of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators)highlighted author/illustrator Mark G. Mitchell as guest speaker. See Mark’s website at www.markgmitchell.com for more information about his school visits. Be sure to check out his nonfiction books, Raising LaBelle (Eakin 2002-Spur Award winner and U.S. Maritime Literature Award winner.)… Read more »
I love the Magic Tree House series. Nobody marries fiction with history for children as well as Mary Pope Osborne. You can’t watch this video clip and not admire her passion for her work. And, she’s just such a lovable person. Enjoy! Quote for the day: History is the ship carrying living memories to the… Read more »
Teaching and encouraging kiddos to write is a mammoth task for teachers and adult mentors. Of course, there are books written about the challenge, but dry text just doesn’t inspire kids. Sometimes, I stumble across titles that I find helpful. Here are a few personal choices worth checking out. (Nobody needs to know if you… Read more »
April 11th at 1:00pm, you’ll find me at Austin’s Book People supporting two local faves. The fantabulous Cynthia Leitich Smith will be signing her latest novel, Eternal (Candlewick, 2009). A follow up to Cynthia’s Tantalize, Eternal promises to be equally compelling. Even the first line of the summary will grab you by the shirt collar… Read more »
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