Alexander Calder in REAL LIFE!

I posted about Sandy's Circus - that wonderful children's book that I think should be HIGHLY publicized!! Well -I ran across this fun UTube Video that would great to pair with the book - it is of Alexander Calder performing his "Circus". Worth checking out!!!

Kirby Larson

Not only was I able to interview one, but TWO magnificent authors. The second is Kirby Larson - who has written one of my favorite books, Hattie Big Sky. I asked Kirby some questions about writing and herself which she answered below.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Because I was such a huge bookworm, reading all the time as a kid, writing stories felt like a natural next step. One of my favorite things was making up little plays and making my two younger brothers and sister be in them, but I always got the starring role! I had no idea that I could be a writer of books for children, however, until I was an adult. The trigger for pursuing that path was Arnold Lobel's MING LO MOVES THE MOUNTAIN. When I read that book to my then-small children, a little switch went off inside me and I knew I'd found what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I truly do hope I'm writing until I'm 99.


What is the story behind the first book you got published – how many tries to find a publisher, etc.?

This is ancient history -- so long ago, I can scarcely remember! I do remember that I began writing for children when my kids were teeny ones; maybe it was in the late 80s. My first book wasn't published until 1994. Along the way, I accumulated enough rejection letters to start a good-size bonfire -- and I'm still getting rejections! The first book that sold was a chapter book, one I was inspired to write by my daughter who loved Patricia Reilly Giff's Polk Street School Kids series. She got so frustrated when we'd read all the books out at that time. That made me realize that perhaps there was room in the market for more chapter books. . . maybe even one written by me! Before I even started the manuscript, I studied Patricia Reilly Giff's books thoroughly, even typing two of them out to help me get a feel for the rhythm, pacing and length of a chapter book. My daughter's second grade teacher was crazy about pigs so I played around with that idea and soon had a chapter book manuscript of my own, Second Grade Pig Pals. That manuscript was rejected only 4 or 5 times before Holiday House published it.


How do you choose your topics for your books?

It varies with each book. The chapter books focused on that confusing time of life, in the primary grades, when you're trying to figure out the "rules" of life, like how to be a good friend and what on earth it is that adults want from you. The Magic Kerchief grew out of my childhood love of fairy tales; Hattie Big Sky out of a curiosity about my great-grandmother's homesteading experience and the Two Bobbies out of wanting to share a story of hope in a time of trouble.


What is your favorite food??

Homemade berry pie is something I can never resist and red licorice is my favorite junk food.


Who are some of your favorite authors?

Thank you for not asking for favorite books! I hate trying to answer that question; it's really, really hard for me to select just a few. Authors I read and admire include (but are in no way limited to): Laurie Halse Anderson, M.T. Anderson, Betsy Byars, Karen Cushman, Brenda Guiberson, Karen Hesse, Laura Kvasnosky, Barbara O'Connor, Dave Patneaude, Katherine Paterson, Ann Whitford Paul, Neal Shusterman . . . and I hate the fact that in putting these names down I am omitting many, many others. The children's literature world is full of fine, fine writers and illustrators -- we are so lucky!


Who has inspired you as a writer?

My mom and dad believed I could do anything, if I set my mind to it; I am ever grateful to them for their faith. My husband carried the financial burden of our family for far too many years, all the while certain I would someday "make it." I am thankful to my kids for story ideas and for my favorite word, "Mom," and I couldn't keep writing without the support of the generous and loving community of children's book creators.


Plans you can share for upcoming books?

My friend, Mary Nethery, and I have a second book coming out in fall 2009; titled Nubs: A Mutt, A Marine and a Miracle, it tells the amazing story of an Iraqi dog and his bond with a US Marine. I am working on another (and overdue-to-the-editor) historical novel and am taking notes for a possible second story about Hattie.


What has been one of your favorite books to write?

Hattie Big Sky was my favorite to write for so many reasons: it felt like a love letter to my grandmother (and great-grandmother) and it also introduced me to research -- something I've discovered I thoroughly enjoy. The research and writing of HBS also led me to other historical fiction ideas, so I've got book ideas lined up for a ways to come.


Where is your favorite spot to write?

I have a great (and very messy) office at home which suits me well but, lately, I've been taking my laptop to a local coffee shop because I like what happens when I change up my work space and habits.


Can you tell us a bit about your family….

I have a darling and long-suffering husband who has been my sweetheart since we attended the Senior Prom together in 1972. Our son, Tyler, lives in New York and currently works for HBO though his mother is not-too-patiently waiting for the day when he also becomes a writer. Our daughter, Quinn, is an interior designer who lives with her husband, Matt, in a community about 40 minutes south of us.

Thanks again to Kirby Larson for appearing, courtesy of Provato Marketing, for other stops on the tour please check www.provatoevents.com.

Deborah Hopkinson

I am so honored to be able to interview this wonderful author - Deborah Hopkinson. I posed some questions and these were her fun answers! Enjoy!

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

As a girl I loved to read. I think I wanted to be a writer from the time I was in fourth grade. But I wasn’t exactly sure how to go about that. When my daughter was born and we began reading picture books, I realized that picture books were short enough for a busy working mom to try. And so I’ve been writing ever since. I have also worked full time during my writing career and am now vice president for college advancement for the Pacific Northwest College of Art.

What is the story behind the first book you got published – how many tries to find a publisher, etc.?

My first picture book was Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, published in 1993. It took about two years to find a publisher. After the first year and a half of sending it out, I decided to send it “simultaneous submission” to a number of publishers at once. Three weeks later I got a phone call from Anne Schwartz, an editor who I have had the good fortune to work with ever since.

How do you choose your topics for your books?

I like to tell students during author visits that reading is the most important thing that writers do. So, I read a lot! I also listen to NPR and get ideas from stories from documentaries, the news, the Internet, and from traveling. Not all topics lend themselves to children’s books, so I am always telling my students that I still get rejections too.

What is your favorite food??

That’s easy! Apples, of course. Everyone who has read APPLES TO OREGON knows that folks who eat apples are strong, “mighty strong!”

Who are some of your favorite authors?

I have to admit that I am one of those folks who read Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte every year! I even dragged my daughter on a “literary pilgrimage” to Great Britain once, and of course we went to Bath and Haworth, where the Brontes lived.

Who has inspired you as a writer?

I am inspired most of all by the ordinary people in history – people like Ella Sheppard Moore, the pianist for the Jubilee Singers of Fisk University, who probably never imagined that her story would still inspire people a hundred years later. Or Matthew Henson, the subject of my new book, KEEP ON!, who was America’s African American explorer and encountered entrenched discrimination throughout his life.

Plans you can share for upcoming books?

I have some exciting books in 2009. Home on the Range and Keep On! are out this spring, and this summer brings a book illustrated by Carson Ellis called STAGECOACH SAL, about the first California girl to drive a Wells Fargo stagecoach. Coming up in the Fall is MICHELLE, a picture book about Michelle Obama illustrated by AG Ford.

What has been one of your favorite books to write?

ABE LINCOLN CROSSES A CREEK, which was recently named an ALA Notable, was so much fun to write. My editor, Anne Schwartz, did a fantastic job of helping me envision this story as a collaboration between author and illustrator.

Where is your favorite spot to write?

Well, although I do have an office in my home, I have to admit my favorite spot to write is sitting on my bed with my laptop and a portable ironing board – which is where I am at this very moment.

Can you tell us a bit about your family….

My husband, Andy, and I have two grown children, Rebekah and Dimitri, who also live in the Portland, Oregon area. And we have always had a lot of pets. Right now we have a canary, a cat, and two dogs. But when we lived in Walla Walla, Washington a few years ago, our son, Dimitri, also kept pigeons, geese, chinchillas, quail, chickens and (until it ate all my plants and I made him give it away) a sheep.

Thanks again to Deborah Hopkinson for appearing, courtesy of Provato Marketing, for other stops on the tour please check www.provatoevents.com.

New Children's Titles

A box came today - just had to share!!

Duck and Cover by Jackie Urbanovic is another duck book that is just WONDERFUL!!! If you missed her first ones - Duck at the Door or Duck Soup - you are missing out! GO READ THEM FAST!!



The Cow that was the Best Moo-ther by Andy Cutbill is just VERY HIGH on my list of favorite children's books. The Cow that Laid an Egg is his previous title about Cow, and I was hooked then!!! This new book about cow is only more endearing to this adoptive mom as others look at Cow's baby - a chicken - and say it doesn't look like theirs. Cow's response?? "Daisy might not be like your babies, but she's mine and I love her!" Well said Marjorie Cow!!!



Ok - this last one is just plain fun - Chicken Cheeks by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes will keep you laughing all through the last page! I loved it - I mean, come on - how many names can you think of for your bottom???

Sandy's Circus

What a wonderful find!  Tanya Lee Stone first came up on my radar when I was a judge for the Cybils book awards.  Now I read whatever I can put my hands on by her!  She is a talented author - and one not to be missed.  Sandy's Circus is the story of Alexander Calder - only one of the most important artists of the 20th century and the man credited with the invention of the mobile!  Read how it all got started in this wonderful children's non-fiction book.  The sources listed at the end of the book will even take you farther in learning about his life - a most interesting man AND story!

The Red Shoes

Because I now have a daughter this book brings a whole new meaning to me!!  The Red Shoes is about a little girl and her shoe shopping dilemma.  Who doesn't like to shoe shop?!?!  BUT - what if you are shoe shopping and you have to buy the practical BROWN pair of shoes when you'd really rather have the BEAUTIFUL red pair!?!?  There is the dilemma for this adorable little girl.  Even the saleslady is "pushing" for the practical shoes but when mom gives in and lets this little girl try on the red pair - it is LOVE - "Cherry Blossom Sweet" as this little girl puts it. What a great book by Eleri Glass and such adorable illustrations by Ashley Spires.  I am definately taking this one home to read to Chloe - she WILL relate!

Great New Website - All things Kidlitosphere!!!

Well - sometimes you're famous and you don't even know it.  My humble little blog made the list on this WONDERFUL new website that compiles all things Kidlitosphere.  Go check it out!!
Kidlitosphere Central

School and Library Journal - Best Books of 2008

School and Library Journal's Best Books of 2008 are up!!!  The list is well worth checking out.  I am hanging my head in shame and admit we don't have them all at our library - oh well, now I have a list to buy from!!

Angel Girl Disappointment

I was so disappointed to read THIS. I posted about this wonderful book HERE. And here are my thoughts now - as long as I tell the kids that it isn't a true story - why wouldn't I keep it in our collection?? It was such an inspiring story that even if it's not true - it's still worth keeping. What do you think???

2009 Newbery and Caldecott Announced Today

Ok - if you've already heard then click away now - but if you haven't - here are the BIG WINNERS!!
Caldecott Award:  The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson - illustrated by Beth Krommes.
Newbery Award:  Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book.




For more information on Honor Books and other Awards go HERE.

The Heretic's Daughter

Kathleen Kent's The Heretic's Daugther was a recent book I was sent from Hachette. It is a very good read - I have always enjoyed the Salem Witch Trials and learning more about them and that time period, and this book did just that - it covered so many different aspects all told from Sarah's (a young New England girl's) perspective. You follow Sarah through a tough life culminating with Sarah's mother being accused of witchcraft - and thus the trial begins.   I found it fascinating - the whole book - I am glad they sent me a copy and I could read it.  I highly recommend it.

Chinese New Year Books

Because I have been asked a few times for recommendations on books for Chinese Celebrations, I'm going to post a bunch here - this will be a long post, sorry. I am also posting them this way so that in case you were interested in buying them from Amazon - if you click here off of my site then I can earn money towards our next adoption. This is from a previous post with NEW ADDITIONS added on the beginning of the links. So, here goes:

Barefoot Books

I recently signed up with Barefoot Books so that if you shop from my blog - I get a portion of your sale.  I am going to be adding it to our adoption fund so if you are even in need of these WONDERFUL books - remember I am here!!!  They have a super sale going on right now - check it out!

Time of My Life

Allison Winn Scotch's Time of my Life was a book I picked up on a whim.  The cover was appealing - that's all it took.  I got about 3 pages in and from then on I couldn't put it down. I REALLY enjoyed this book - the whole concept was appealing to me - going back in time to redo your life - what would you change and what would you leave the same??  I just thoroughly enjoyed it - Scotch is an excellent writer.  My only caution is that the language is a bit rougher than I usually like to read - but if you can get by that - it is worth the read.

Duel!

Duel!  Burr and Hamilton's Deadly War of Words by Dennis Brindell Fradin is another one I think the kids will thoroughly enjoy.  The 1804 deadly duel of words between vice president, Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton.  This famous match is explained in this wonderful children's book.  This is a famous duel but one I am not sure people know much about and one, I think, kids will devour!!  Another great one for boys - it will reel them in and hook them!!

Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman

Ever wonder how Superman came to be??  Did you know that TWO men thought him up??  Did you know they scrimped and saved during the Great Depression to make their idea a reality??  If not - (or even if you did) - you NEED to read this one!  Boys of Steel:  The Creators of Superman by Marc Tyler Nobleman and illustrated by Ross MacDonald is just super!  I can see it being a hit with boys of ALL ages - ok, girls may enjoy it too - but this is just a "must" for boys especially.  (And those are hard to come by!!)  Loved it and the illustrations are also wonderful - they add that "comic book" feel that adds to the credibility of the story.

Merry Christmas

To any and all who read my blog - a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and yours!!

(Back tomorrow with regular programming!!)

Making Cents

Making Cents by Elizabeth Keeler Robinson is a great introduction to money. This would be very useful in a unit to teach about currency and what each coin/dollar represents. I was fascinated with how the author shows that a dime, for instance, is worth ten penny nails, two wood screws or a marking pencil. I'd never have thought of a dime that way!! Bob McMahon's illustrations are very fun and add to the interest in this one. What a fun book! Definately worth a look!

A Den is a Bed for a Bear

A Den is a Bed for a Bear: A Book about Hibernation by Becky Baines is a National Geographic book that I think kids will enjoy. It is a fun look at bears and where they live with the photgraphy that National Geographic is famous for. I would recommend this one - I think young "animal book" fans will love it!

April Pulley Sayre's Trout are Made of Trees is a fun look at food chains in the forest/streams. Who would have thought that if you trace it all the way back - really Trout are "made of" streams!?!? I love it!! Very neat concept and I think kids will like it too. The illustrations are very fun - Kate Endle did a super job of keeping the book fun and intriguing. Great one on ecology.