Tales from the Rushmore Kid

The Mysterious Benedict Society - Trenton Lee Stewart

This is one of those books I had heard of for years and meant to read. When I downloaded it on my Kindle, I thought it was about a group of monks. I was surprised and delighted to find it was a boarding school fantasy about four orphans that was full of action and adventure. Of course their assignment was no less than saving the world. The entire series--I had to read the other two in the trilogy immediately--is masterfully written and full of creative twists, secrets and heartfelt realizations. I LOVED these books and I was sad when the character's adventures ended.

"Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" When the ad appears in a local paper, orphan Reynie Muldoon takes and passes mind-bending tests to gain a place at what he thinks is a school. As it turns out, only four children, all orphans, pass the test--and the school is not about getting an education but pursuing a secret mission.

Book Blips - Class of 2k11- Shelia O'Connor - Sparrow Road

This novel summary is so intriguing, I can't wait to read the book.

“No music.  No TV.  No computer.  No telephone.  And every day, silence until supper.”
 
Those are the rules at Sparrow Road, where Raine O’Rourke is forced to spend her summer. Raine can't understand why her mother has agreed to work at the eerie artists' mansion as a cook.

“Not everything’s a mystery,” her mother says when Raine pesters her with questions. But Sparrow Road is full of secrets that Raine intends to find out.

Chris Eboch - Writing Tip of the Day

I knew of prolific author Chris Eboch before I met her. Another RA champion of the SCBWI, Chris has worked hard for SCBWI. She is also a masterful storyteller. We also share the same agent, the wonderful Mark McVeigh. I was delighted to track down Chris to give us a the Writing Tip of the Day.

Hey Diddle Diddle - Eve Bunting & Mary Ann Fraser

What a delight to find a book in the mail written by a legend and illustrated by a buddy. Award winning author Eve Bunting and acclaimed artist Mary Ann Fraser have collaborated on a charming tale for the very young reader.

Hey Diddle Diddle starts out with what I thought was going to be the traditional tale, but it soon took an interesting twist. From a cow playing trombone to a mouse playing  harp, a pig on piano and a horse on guitar, I soon found myself in the midst of an animal orchestra.

Mary Ann Fraser's colorful illustrations play across each page, adding whimsy to the words, and Eve Bunting strings us along a familiar path until the end…then a surprise.

This is an enchanting story that toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy.

Book Blips - - Class of 2K11 - Amy Fellner Dominy - OyMG

From author Amy Fellner Dominy

OyMG: Jewish girl. Christian camp. Holy moly.
May 2011, Walker & Company

SUMMARY:
It’s the summer Christian Society Speech & Performing Arts camp and Ellie Taylor can win it all: a scholarship to a private high school, a chance to compete on the best speech team in the country, and Devon—the insanely hot guy who’s also her hottest competition. There’s just one catch. If the scholarship donor finds out she’s Jewish, Ellie could lose it all.

Steve Bjorkman - Illustration Tip of the Day

I was a big fan of Steve Bjorkman before I met him, and now that I know him I'm a HUGE fan.  A prolific illustrator, Steve has worked on over 80 kids' books.  We are both represented by the fabulous Mark McVeigh. Steve is a sweetheart of a guy and so willing to help any way he could. Here Steve gives us a really interesting Illustration Tip of the Day.