Tales from the Rushmore Kid

Cynthia Kadohata

I adored Cynthia Kadohata's Newbery winning book, Kira Kira. Being a fan, I just had to read her new book, "Cacker, the best dog in Vietnam."  After finishing the wonderful story and being a huge dog person, I immediately wrote her for an interview.  I  am so pleased that Cynthia agreed to be on the blog.

When and why did you start writing for children?

Previously I was writing for adults, but even though my books were for adults, the main characters were young.  So it felt like a natural progression for me.  Also, one of my best friends was a children’s book editor, and she encouraged me to write for kids.

 

Orphan Work Bill Passed - Still time for action!

 My good buddy illustrator/author Carol Heyer just informed me that the Orphan Work Bill just passed the Senate today.  Here's the email that she sent out to the community.

"The Orphan Works Bill was passed by the Senate. There is still time to write to your Congressman. Please write, fax or call today. I've attached a letter from the Illustrators Partnership below and I'm happy to say that SCBWI officially opposes this bill."

Thanks, Carol
http://www.carolheyer.com

Orphan Works: The Devil's Own Day
Never Too Busy to Pass Special Interest Legislation 9.28.08
As lawmakers struggled Friday to clean up the mess on Wall Street, sponsors of the Orphan Works Act passed more special interest legislation. Their bill would force copyright holders to subsidize giant copyright databases run by giant internet firms.

Rally for the Cure - Susan G. Komen for the Cure

October is Breast Cancer awareness month.  Every year I play in and support Rally for a Cure.  A charity golf tournament for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.  Here I am pictured with my golfing partners, Leandra Matter, Dee Levy and Diane McCrossen.  Congratulations to the tournament chairpersons, Leslie Fair, Diane Perez, Dee Fairbanks and Leandra Matter for a job well done.  Today they raised well over 42 grand!

The Worst Best Friend - Alexis O'Neill

My good buddy, author, Alexis O'Neill, has released her new picture book from Scholastic Press, The Worst Best Friend.  Alexis teamed up again with illustrator from Recess Queen, Laura Huliska-Beith to create a marvelous tale of friendship.  Here is the book trailer I produced for The Worst Best Friend.

Tasmania - Sketchbook Art

On the island of Tasmania there is a wildlife preserve that allows the kangaroos and the koala bears to roam freely.  I quick sketched the scene and then hand-fed the kangaroos.  It was some surreal experience as the kangaroos, ever so gently, held my hands and ate.  They moved like prima ballerinas with their graceful jumps.   The koala bears gripped the trees through out the preserve and allowed us to pet them.  The only critter caged up was the  vicious Tasmania Devil.  The little darlings only ate dead meat.

Larry Dane Brimmer - Writing Tip of the Day.

Years ago, when my writing still stunk, I had a very kind critique at the SCBWI national from award winning author, Larry Dane Brimmer.  At the time, I was ready to chuck it all but his generous spirit encouraged me to go on and I want to publicly thank him for that.  Larry is still very generous and has given us the writing tip for today.

Stay With Your Story to the End!  Mid-story blues?  Don't chuck it all prematurely. 

California Reading Association - The Worst Best Friend

A big congratulations to my good buddy author Alexis O'Neill and illustrator Laura Huliska-Beith.  Their new picture book made the cover of the California Reading Association.  This is their second collaboration.  Alexis and Laura were partners on the wildly successful "The Recess Queen."

Sketchbook Art - Egypt

 Traveling through Egypt was a remarkable experience.  The unexpected hospitality of the people, the delicious food and the awe inspiring ancient ruins made for a memorable experience. Up and down the Nile towns sprawled around five thousand year old temples with covered markets that sold everything from gold to cucumbers.  Horus was the falcon god of  whatever pharaoh happened to be living at that time.  The most amazing aspect of this temple in Kom Ombo was that parts of the ceiling still had the original paint.

Like a Maccabee - Book Trailer

One of my many jobs besides children's book author, is artist, illustrator, muralist, blogger and now producer of children's book trailers.  Here is one I produced for author Barbara Bietz's middle grade novel, "Like a Maccabee."

First Book - Bonnie Johnson

I met a ton of nice folks at BEA.  One of them was Bonnie Johnson from First Book, a charitable organization dedicated to giving kids books to disadvantaged children. I am so pleased that Bonnie agreed to talk about First Book for the blog.

Tell me about First Book.

First Book provides new books to children in need addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books.

Lee Bennett Hopkins - Writing Tip of the Day

 

MY writing

tip of the

day is: 

Put your butt

in a chair

and write!

Lee's new book.  AMERICA AT WAR (McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster)
www.simonsays.com