Tales from the Rushmore Kid

The Secret Life of Walter Kitty - Amazon Choice!

Congratulations to my buddy, Barbara Jean Hicks, and illustrator Dan Santat.  The Secret Life of Walter Kitty   was chosen by Amazon for one of the Best Children's Books of 2007, (Editors' Picks.) Walter Kitty came out # 2 on the list!!!

Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the coolest places to visit is the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Built on historic Cannery Row, this state of the art living museum is a fabulous day for adults and kids alike. With sea otters, kelp forests, giant octopus, jelly art,  great white shark , just to name a few of the exhibits. There is sting ray petting zoo, a kids zone, where the tike's can don on fins and flippers to learn about the sea animals and of course feedings show at all the tanks. Located in one of the most breathtaking parts of the world, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is magic.

June Sobel

I am thrilled that June Sobel joined my writing group this year.  Funny, smart and articulate, June's picture books make you laugh with B is for Bulldozers or make you want to join a crew in her Pirate Alphabet, Shiver Me  Letters.  I give you my group-buddy, June Sobel.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I started writing for children over ten years ago when my son was obsessed with construction. He had every picture book ever written on the subject.

Robert's Snow - for Cancer's Cure

Today is the beginning of auction two
of snowflakes painted and donated by children's illustrators to benefit the Robert's Snow for Cancer's Cure.

Greg Trine - Melvin Beederman # 5

Congrats to my buddy, Greg Trine, on the launch of number 5 in the Melvin Beederman Superhero series.
The Fake Cape Caper,  finds Melvin leaving L.A. in the hands his side kick, Candance, as he attends a Superhero Convention in Las Vegas, but there is trouble brewing in both towns!  Rhode Montijo did a bang up job on the art as usual.  The Fake Cape Caper  is a hilarious story in this wonderful chapter book series.  A great gift for boys and girls alike!

Lois Harris

I met Lois Harris this year at an SCBWI promotion retreat. After writing for Children's magazines for many years, she just released her first book on one of my favorite artist, Mary Cassatt: Impressionist Painter. I am so pleased she agreed to be interviewed.

When and why did you start writing for children?

Throughout my childhood and early adult years, I was a reader. But it wasn’t until I took my two boys to the library and introduced them to the magical world of books, that I began to dream of writing for children. 

Robert's Snow - for Cancer's Cure

Three years ago, children's book illustrator, Grace Lin,  started a charity on-line auction, Robert's Snow, to benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, in honor of her husband, Robert Mercer who suffered from sarcoma and passed away last August.

For the last three years, The children's book illustrating community have donate hand painted snowflakes to be auctioned off in three separate auctions, beginning today with auction one check it out it and bid.

This wonderful charity has brought together the community of illustrators and bloggers and has raised over $200,000.00 since 2004.

Humphrey's Book Launch

Congratulations to my buddy Carol Heyer on the release of her new holiday book, Humphrey's First Christmas. A tale of a cantankerous camel who is a witness to the birth of Baby Jesus.  Here's Carol and Humphrey at the book launch held at the Moorpark Zoo. The weather was perfect for this outdoor event. Sixty friends and family enjoyed the food, a animal show and a few got to feed Humphrey.  (photo-Siri Weber Feeney)

Dutton Writers' Room

My editor, Steve, asked me to announce their new writer friendly website. The Dutton Writers' Room is one of the most amazing sites that I have seen for children's book authors.  Editor bios, writing tips, submission guidelines, author interviews and books.  It is the most open  "We're looking for new talent," warm and fuzzy site.  In a industry that seems to have more and more closed houses it wonderful to see one that embraces us writers.

Eileen Spinelli

Poet and storyteller, Eileen Spinelli has spun her magic tales for many years.  From books on winter, birds, cats, ...just to name a few.  It was difficult to pick just one to spotlight for Turkey month, especially since has written two Thanksgiving books.  I give you the prolific,
Eileen Spinelli.


When and why did you start writing for children?

I started writing for children when my own children were young. Reading with them and visiting the library together seemed to reconnect me with the wonderful world of children's literature.

Salvador Dali - Painting and Film

At the L.A. County Museum of Art there is a fabulous
show on the paintings and films of Salvador Dali.  What I found amazing was all the different mediums he was into, painting, sketching, sculpting, film, animation and just some goofy stuff. 

What's behind the Presidents Head?

Behind the president's heads is a small valley.  During construction many buddings were housed there and on top of the heads.   Including an office, bunkhouse and workshop to fix the drills.  Over the years politicians have campaigned for different people and presidents to be added.  I'm sure one from their own parties.  Thank goodness there is not enough room.  But who else could you add? John Adams, Martin Luther King or maybe P-Diddy?

Susan Patron - Newbery Medal Winner 2007

Susan Patron has been an active member of the SCBWI in Los Angeles, for years.  Many of us stood on our feet and cheered last year when she won the Newbery for her book, The Higher Power of Lucky.  Many more people jumped to her defense for the grief she received over that one word, scrotum.  I was so impressed how she handled herself with grace and dignity during that firestorm.  I am honored that Newbery Medal Winner, Susan Patron, agreed to answer a few questions.


When and why did you start writing for children?

I was working as a children's librarian for the Los Angeles Public Library, and had fallen in love with folklore and storytelling.

Art for Art's Sake - Florence, sketch book art

One of the many challenges of sketch book art is trying to find a quiet place to work.  Florence, like most major Italian cities, is ancient, beautiful and loaded with tourists.  Art students abound, salesmen hawk overpriced leather jackets--I bought one of course--and the crowds are lined up for hours to see the fabulous statue of David.   So I hiked above the city and found a  peaceful  church courtyard where I drank in the view, drank some vino and worked on this quick sketch.

Ventura/Santa Barbara Writer's Day 2007

Alexis O'Neill organized a fun filled Writer's Day with inspiring speeches by Newbery Winner, Susan Patron, editors Reka Simonsen, Kendra Levin, and art director, Tim Gillner.   The competition in the writing contest is always fierce.  So, I was stoked that my unpublished manuscript, What Lincoln Saw, the story of the building of the Lincoln Memorial, told by the spirit of Abraham Lincoln, won Special Mention in the picture book category!