Tales from the Rushmore Kid

Animal House - Candace Ryan & Nathan Hale

I had been waiting to see this book for years, and it didn't disappoint. Candace Ryan spins a darling tale of a house and furniture that come alive, and Nathan Hale's terrific illustrations make the story complete.

Jeremy is a typical kid, but when his homework is destroyed, his teacher, Mrs. Nuddles, is not happy about the excuse he uses. It seems Jeremy's furniture has been eating many of his school projects. Finally Mrs. Nuddles has had enough and schedules a home visit. She is shocked to discover that Jeremy isn't making things up--he lives in a gorvilla and all his furniture is alive!

Happy Labor Day

Labor Day reminds me of the end of summer, maybe a new school uniform instead of a hand-me-down, and the possibility of liking my teacher. Which didn't happen often.

Let's wave the flag for all of us who labor so hard on jobs we like and even jobs we hate. And to those who teach our children, keep us in good health and risk their lives to keep us safe, a very special thank you.

Happy Labor Day!

Editor Katherine Tegen - Floating on Mama's Song Blog Tour

I am happy to be on one of the stops for the Floating on Mama's Song Blog Tour.  The lyrical picture book by Laura Lacámara, with illustrations by Yuyi Morales, is a beautiful tale.  A single mother is lifted off the ground by her songs.  I was lucky to get the book's editor, Katherine Tegen, to give me an interview about why she acquired the book, the state of promotion and, of course, her favorite dessert. (The tour continues tomorrow with an interview with illustrator Yuyi Morales on Latino baby book club at René Colato Lainez. Keep reading for info on the tour & giveaways.)

What qualities in the manuscript Floating on Mama’s Song intrigued you enough to acquire it?

I have a special desire to publish Latina talent, perhaps because I am part Hispanic myself.  I grew up hearing the stories of my grandmother who was from Puerto Rico, stories that depicted a rich culture that was kind of magical, and so very different from my suburban American life.

Book Blips - Class of 2K10 - Janet S. Fox

I met author/blogger Janet Fox in person at the Winter SCBWI conference. We hung out, talk about her blog, Through the Wardrobe, and her debut novel, Faithful.  She also was kind enough to give me a vlog with a Writing Tip of the Day.

Janet is a member of the class of 2K10.  I asked her to give me a summary of the book and what inspired her to write it.

In 1904 Margaret Bennet has it all – money, position, and an elegant family home in Newport, Rhode Island. But just as she is to enter society, her mother ruins everything, first with public displays, and finally by disappearing. Maggie’s confusion and loss are compounded when her father drags her to Yellowstone National Park, where he informs her that they will remain.

Writing Tip of the Day-Ann Whitford Paul & Alexis O'Neill

I recently attended a luncheon with five children's authors. Ann Whitford Paul and Alexis O'Neill were on their way home from a weekend away just writing. Not surprising, their writing tip of the day had something to do with that.

Warriors in the Crossfire - Nancy Bo Flood

Warriors in the Crossfire by Nancy Bo Flood was sent to me by a writing buddy who raved about it. Boy, was she right. I love historical fiction and I adore this book. I cried when it was over and am happy to hear a sequel is planned.

Set in Japanese-occupied Saipan toward the end of World War II, Warriors in the Crossfire is told in the voice of the young islander Joseph and his cousin, half-Japanese Kento.  The two are close like brothers and share a fear and a hatred of the Japanese soldiers.

Joseph teaches Kento the ways of the island warrior to help him protect himself from a possible invasion of the dreaded Americans--who, they've been told, eat babies for dinner.

Librarian of the Day - Jone MacCulloch - Silver Star School

As part of Kidlitosphere, I am so pleased that many of my fellow Kidlit bloggers are also librarians. They always have an interesting view on books and great ways to help cash-strapped libraries prosper. Today I am interviewing K-5 library media specialist and blogger Jone MacCulloch. 

When and why did you become a librarian?
   

I have always loved reading. I tell my students that my desire to become a librarian began as a child but I didn’t know. You see, I numbered my books so they could be in order.

A Season of Gifts - Richard Peck

My editor, Steve Meltzer, and I have similar tastes in books.  When I had lunch with Steve in New York last year he gave me a copy of a new Richard Peck book, A Season of Gifts. I love anything by Richard Peck, and I was delighted to spend time again with his character Grandma Dowdel.

It is 1958. Bob Barnhart is the son of the new preacher in town. Bob's teenage sister, Phyllis, is running wild and his little sister, Ruth Ann, is fascinated by the broken down house next door.  Bob himself is hounded by bullies--but what scares him more is their next door neighbor, Mrs. Dowdel. She's as big as a house and as old as the hills, and she carries a shot gun.

Harold Underdown - Publishing Tip of the Day

Former editor Harold Underdown is well respected in our industry. His knowledge of children's publishing is evident on his kidlit website, The Purple Crayon, which is loaded with information, as is his book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books. I was fortunate to get to know Harold at a SCBWI Cyber Retreat and he agreed to share some publishing tips for our benefit.

SCBWI Summer Conference 2010 - Confessions of a First Time Faculty Member

Some dreams, like a rainbow after a storm, just happen. Others, like getting on the faculty of the SCBWI conference, happen after many years of hope and perseverance.

I have sent in proposals for workshops over the last couple of years without results, so I was surprised and pleased when I received the email in April that my latest proposal had been accepted and I would be teaching a workshop at this year's summer conference.

On Thursday night before the conference I was delighted to attend the faculty dinner at the Plaza. Nervous, but knowing a few faculty members, I mingled with the crowd. We all introduced ourselves and said a few words before dinner. (I talked about my workshop and mentioned that I love the costume contest.) I ended up at a table with M.T. Anderson. I was glad I had read his National Book Award winner, Octavian Nothing. It was fascinating to discuss the ending of the book with him. Arthur Levine, Lisa Yee, Kathleen Duey, and various other editors, art directors and illustrators were also at my table. I felt as if I had arrived! Everyone was charming and interested in my opinions, making me feel as though I wasn’t just a minion; I was one of the club.

SCBWI Costume Contest 2010 - Tina Ga Ga

The SCBWI Costume Contest has turned into my one performance piece of the year. I usually try to incorporate children's literature into the theme, but this year was difficult. The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland was the obvious choice for Heart and Soul, but that wasn't creative enough for me.

What really struck me for this theme is that the Heart and Soul of the fabulous SCBWI are Lin Oliver and Steve Mooser. I have attended 12+ summer conferences, and I am always touched by the generosity and kindness of Lin and Steve. I decided that one very small way I could thank them was to make them part of my costume. 

With a $15 bridesmaid dress, a hot glue gun, and a bunch of sparkly do-dads, this is what I came up with.

Book Blips - Class of 2K10 - Kristina McBride

Another debut YA novel comes from author Kristina McBride.The Tension of Opposites was just released by Egmont USA, and I asked Kristina to give us a summary and tell us what inspired her to write the book.

It’s been two years since Noelle disappeared. Two years since her bike was discovered, sprawled on a sidewalk. Two years of silence, of worry, of fear.

For those two long years, her best friend Tessa has waited, living her own life in a state of suspended animation. Because how can she allow herself to enjoy a normal high school life if Noelle can’t? How dare she have other friends, go to dances, date boys, without knowing what happened to the girl she thought she would share everything with?

And then one day, someone calls Noelle’s house. She’s alive.

Jim Benton - Illustration Tip of the Day

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of listening to Jim Benton speak. He gave a hilarious presentation, which he ended by asking for ideas from the audience and drawing sketches that were later auctioned off. I highly recommend Jim to any region in the SCBWI looking for an entertaining speaker. Jim was kind enough to give us an Illustration Tip of the Day.

Kick the Cowboy - Tina Top Book Pick

Now that the blog is well established I have been contacted by publishing houses and authors alike to review their books. My blog policy is that I only review the books I like. Kick the Cowboy came to me from Pelican Publishing. I love this picture book. Joe Gribnau tells a wonderful tale and his story is complemented by Adrian Tans' beautiful and fun illustrations. This is a great boy book for young readers.

Kick was the greatest cowboy that Texas every saw. He was also the grumpiest. He was so mean that rattlesnakes steered clear.

Anne Broyles - Revision Tip of the Day

I have known of Anne Broyles for years and recently had the pleasure of meeting her. She is a prolific author and great supporter of the SCBWI. After lunch, I asked her to give us a Revision Tip of The Day.

Book Blips - Class of 2K10 - Leah Cypess

I am loving all the debut novels that have come out this year. Here's a fantasy YA novel, Mistwood by Leah Cypess for Greenwillow / HarperCollins. I asked Leah to give us a summary and tell us what inspired her to write the book. I can't wait to read this one--it sounds fascinating.

Everyone tells Isabel that she is the Shifter – the ancient
shape-shifting creature who has protected the kings of Samorna for
centuries. But Isabel feels like a lonely human girl, beset by flashes
of memory that do more to confuse than to help her.

Erica Silverman

I have heard Erica Silverman speak many times at SCBWI events. Her Cowgirl Kate series has been a favorite of mine for years.  In January, I attended a fabulous Cyber Promotion Retreat and met Erica.  We hung out and discovered that we have the same editor, the wonderful Steve Meltzer at Dutton.  I am so pleased that my new buddy, Erica Silverman, agreed to give me an interview. (Photo by Sonya Sones)

When and why did you start writing for children?

Well, about 100 years ago (psychological time), I was taking creative writing classes in college, writing poetry and short stories, but hadn’t given a thought to writing for children. I wrote my first picture book at that time -- a silly story about my cat -- to entertain children at a school where I volunteered. But it didn’t occur to me to write children’s books for publication.  I was stuck on the idea of writing for adults.

Janet Fox - Book Summary & Writing Tip of the Day

I met Janet Fox through the Class of 2K10. She is an active RA in the SCBWI, and she is funny and kind. At the Winter Conference in New York I asked Janet to tell us about her new novel and give us a Writing Tip of the Day.

Happy 4th of July

Fireworks, hot dogs and flags-a-flying is what the Fourth of July means to me.

We are fortunate to live in a great country where our votes count.

Enjoy your family, enjoy the day and enjoy the picnic of life in America.

You can help the animals of the BP oil spill - Kelly Light

I met illustrator Kelly Light at the SCBWI National convention last summer.  We both have the same agent, Mark McVeigh.  Over this past year we have kept in touch.  I was moved by her commitment to stand up to the horrors of the oil spill and do something about it.  So I asked Kelly to guest blog and tell us about her project, Ripple to house the effort.

On June 3rd, the 44th day of the Deep Water Horizon oil spill, I was supposed to be finishing up my book dummy. Two thirds of the way there.... my lovely agent nudging me along... my pencil stopped. I sat in front of CNN--frozen--watching footage of a pelican with its wings outstretched and its huge, suitcase sized beak gaping, trying to take off and fly. It couldn’t fly because it was stuck in the oil soaked marsh. Its feathers were too heavy and clumped together. It looked so confused, and it broke my heart.

Book Blips - Class of 2K10 - Shari Maurer

Another debut novel from author Shari Maurer, Change of Heart. WestSide Books.  Here is the summary and I love where she got the inspiration from.

When you’re 16 years old, it never occurs to you that you might die. Emmi Miller’s got a fabulous life. She has tons of friends, does great in school and is an all-star soccer player who played in Europe last summer. It even looks like Sam Hunter, a totally cute baseball player, might be interested in her. And then she gets a virus. No biggy, right? Until the virus goes to her heart and weakens it so much that, without a transplant, Emmi will die.

The Worst Best Friend Book Trailer # 2

One of the challenges all published authors face is how to keep promotion going on a book that has been out there for a few years.   A new book trailer can add more ammunition to your cyber promotional arsenal.  Here is a second trailer that I produced for Alexis O'Neill's The Worst Best Friend.

"Happy Birthday": The Story of the World's Most Popular Song

It is true that I'm a nut for non-fiction--especially creative non-fiction that is kid-friendly. "Happy Birthday": The Story of the World's Most Popular Song, is just that. Nancy Kelly Allen tells this tale, with illustrations by Gary Undercuffler, of the Hill family living in Louisville, Kentucky over 100 years ago. The parents were unique for the time. The mother gave her four girls and two boys creative freedom to become who they were, and the father thought even the girls deserved a college education to support themselves. The family members also spent time with their piano to feed their soul.

Barbara Bietz - Writing Tip of the Day

Barbara Bietz is my long time writing partner, chairperson of the Sydney Taylor Book Awards and a writing teacher. Barbara also has a popular kidlit blog, Jewish Books for Children. At a recent Barnes & Noble event, I asked Barbara to give us the Writing Tip of the Day.

SCBWI costume contest 2010 - Heart & Soul

Well, it's red again this year. I always wait to hear the theme before I start working on my costume for the SCBWI National Conference's big Saturday night party. This year the theme is Heart & Soul.  I love this contest, whether I win or lose. It gives me and my buddies, Greg Trine and Yuki Yoshino, a chance to dress up and feed our inner hams.  I  look at the event as my performance art piece of the year. I've been working on our costumes since April. This is one of the many bags of red stuff that I've purchased. I thought maybe I would tone it down this year due to me being on the faculty, but after a quick poll on Face Book I decided to be my usual goofy self.

Diane Browning - Blog Tour 2010 - "Signed Abiah Rose"

I have known Diane Browning for many years.  She has been attending local and national SCBWI events as long as I can remember.  Diane honed her craft, learned the business and finally was  published as a writer/illustrator.  I am honored that Diane asked me to kick off her blog tour for her first book, Signed Abiah Rose.  Comment on the tour and you could win an autograph copy of the book. 


How long have you been an author/illustrator?

I’ve been a writer/artist all my life.  I won my first writing honors as a child at the Dallas library’s creative writing club.  At age seven I won a Siamese kitten at an art show (I did a painting of a kitten).  I went on to become an illustrator, designer and painter, writing in my spare time.

Book Blips - Class of 2K10 - Rhonda Hayter

The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams is another novel from the class of 2010 by Rhonda Hayter.  Here's what Rhonda had to say about the book and what inspired her to write this, (all you mom's will relate to this one!)

The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams
By Rhonda Hayter
Dial Books for Young Readers, April, 2010

Abbie Adams is a regular eleven-year old girl with normal problems like a really strict fifth-grade teacher. (Meet Miss Linegar.  Rhymes with vinegar.) She’s chronically behind in homework, forced to keep a big secret from her very best friend and hoping like heck she can remember all her lines in the drama club play. But Abbie also happens to be a witch

Elizabeth Dulemba - Illustration Tip of the Day

I met illustrator Elizabeth Dulemba on line through Kidlitosphere. She is remarkable. Not only is she a talented illustrator, she is a cyber force to be reckoned with. Blogging, Twittering, posting on Facebook and learning how to make apps for the Iphone/Ipad, Elizabeth is on the cutting edge of cyber promotion. On Colorbook Tuesdays on her blog, you can download coloring pages. I am so pleased that Elizabeth agreed to give us the Illustrator Tip of the Day.

Illustrators need to develop an objective eye for their work. They can do this by studying the work of other illustrators on search sites such as childrensillustrators.com, picture-book.com, scbwi.org, etc.

Memorial Day

From the very beginning, from the birth of our nation, men and women have come forward to serve their country. They go, they sacrifice and some never return. Today we remember them; today we thank them; and today we pray, for those who continue to serve in the most dangerous of places, a safe journey home.

The Big Book of Gross Stuff - Bart King

Anything Bart King writes I have to read. His new book, The Big Book of Gross Stuff, is a hilarious journey into the the world of the weird, sick and creepy.  I passed this gem around at a family gathering recently and all the boys from ages 8 to 80 ate it up!  If you have a boy who is a reluctant reader buy him this book.

Bart opens the book with a dedication to "your digestive mucus. (After all, no one ever gives it a proper "Thank-you"!)  And it only gets grosser.

The Tooth Fairy Meets El Ratón Pérez - Book Trailer

I love this charming picture book.  The Tooth Fairy Meets El Ratón Pérez tells the tale of Tooth Fairy and her Latin competition, a mouse El Ratón Pérez.  So I was thrilled and inspired when my buddy René Colato Láinez hired me to produce the book trailer.

5 Facebook Authors' Face-to-Face Lunch

Out of the blue, I got an invitation from prolific author Anne Broyles to attend an authors' lunch. Ann Whitford Paul, Alexis O'Neill and Robin Le Fever were also invited. Anne was in town for book signings and school visits. Anne decided that she would have lunch with some of her Facebook buddies, face to face. This was a wonderful idea. We had a great time dishing about the business and books, and overall, just enjoying each other's company. People complain about social media being so cold and impersonal. I thought what a great way to take social media out of the computer and use it an old fashioned girls gabbing sort of way.  Hats off to Anne for taking the step to corral us together.

Lisa Yee - Blogging Tip of the Day

It is always a pleasure to spend time with Lisa Yee. She has me rolling in the aisles whenever she speaks, and her blog posts  are just as funny. I was lucky enough to spend some time with Lisa at the SCBWI Cyber Retreat in Santa Barbara last January.  I give you Lisa Yee, award winning children's book author and Blog Queen.

Book Blips - Class of 2010 - Swati Avasthi - Split

Here's another great debut novel, Split, by Swati Avasthi. I am so intrigued after reading what inspired Swati to write it.

16 year old Jace Witherspoon shows up on his brother's doorstep with a banged up face  (courtesy of his father), $3.84 and a secret. He tries to move on, going for new friends, a new school, and a new job, but all his changes can’t make him forget what he left behind—his mother, who is still trapped with his dad, and his ex-girlfriend, who is keeping his secret. Split is about what happens after--after you've said enough, after you've run, after you've made the Split.

Denise Doyen - Once Upon A Twice

Denise Doyen is one of the many authors in my region whom I have seen but never formally met. I had heard raves about her debut picture book, Once Upon A Twice, before it came out and was not disappointed when I finally got a copy. Denise's lyrical story about a naughty mouse and Barry Moser's gorgeous illustrations transport the reader to a magical and dangerous world. After I read this wonderful story, I immediately contacted Denise to ask for an interview.

When and why did you start writing for children?

When I was seven or so, The Soupy Sales TV show had a monster contest. Kids sent in their drawings of monsters. I sent in a little picture book.  My monster story was called The Book Worm. It started out with a tiny bite hole in the front cover. With each page turn the Book Worm’s comments got bolder and the bite-gap got bigger until finally there was a huge hole in the rear cover and the word “Whoah!” indicating that the freakishly large worm had fallen out of the back of the book.

Charlie Russell, Tale-Telling Cowboy Artist

I love, love, love this picture book!  Charlie Russell, Tale-Telling Cowboy Artist is a fabulous example of creative, interesting non-fiction for kids.  Author Lois V. Harris weaves a tale of Charles Russell, who was born during the civil war and grew up on the frontier. A self taught artist, Charles Russell was always drawing or molding a piece of clay.

The Last Best Days of Summer- Blog Tour 2010

Today I am kicking off  The Last Best Days of Summer Blog Tour 2010 with the book trailer I produced.  Award winning author Valerie Hobbs spins the tale of twelve year old Lucy who just wants to belong in the new middle school in the fall.  Follow the Tour on Val's blog Writing for life.   Make a comment on the scheduled tour blogs and get a chance to win a tee shirt or an autograph copy of the book.

Book Blips - Class of 2010 - Judith Graves - Under My Skin

Another wonderful debut paranormal YA from Judith Graves, Under My Skin.  From Leap Books, March 27, 2010.  Here's the summary....
All her parents wanted was for Eryn to live a normal life...
Redgrave had its share of monsters before Eryn moved to town. Mauled pets, missing children. The Delacroix family is taking the blame, but Eryn knows the truth. Something stalks the night.

Laurent Linn - Illustration Tip of the Day

I was introduced to Laurent Linn, art director at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, at the SCBWI Summer Conference years ago. Anyone who has met him knows how kind and thoughtful he is, not to mention enormously talented. Last January I nabbed him at the Winter Conference in New York and asked him to give us a quick Illustration Tip of the Day.  Really it is a Portfolio Submissions Tip of the Day.

Bad Manuscript Art

My first attempt at writing and illustrating a book, many years ago, is embarrassing to me now. I had never taken a writing class and I knew nothing of the business or the market. I was so naive at the time that I thought a cat, a fairy and forced rhyme would make a great children's book! Lucky for me, a kind literary agent quickly steered me towards the SCBWI and saved me years of grief. The sucko manuscript is dead forever, but the art still makes me smile.