This ‘N That

Summer’s final days have come and gone, although the hot temps have lingered a bit. In the meantime, I continue to read and to write and to prepare for the Middle of the Map SCBWI Conference later this fall in Kansas City.

I’ve switched writing gears from my monsters and am busy polishing a contemporary MG novel with a girl protagonist. And I’m also working on a narrative NF PB as well about an endangered wildcat.

Two of the recent #kidlit titles I’ve truly enjoyed are A STITCH IN TIME by Daphne Kalmar, an endearing Historical Fiction MG. And ALL ARE WELCOME by Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Kaufman, a sweet and inclusive PB with a message of diversity told in verse.

I hope your reading and writing are going strong too!
Happy Fall!!!

FROM THE GRAVE Earns a Finalist Spot!!!

Such exciting news: FROM THE GRAVE is 1 of 3 finalists

for the ZIA AWARD presented each year by the New Mexico Press Women for outstanding literature. I will be reading from my book at the awards luncheon in Las Cruces, NM on April 22, where the winner will be announced–and I will be signing books there as well.

I am extremely honored to have my book chosen for this literary achievement! In fact, I’m feeling as awesome as this breathtaking shot from Ojo Caliente in northern New Mexico–a land of  amazing vistas and endless possibilities!

An Evening with Author/Illustrator DAV PILKEY

TRA-LA-LAAAA!

How does an evening with children’s author Dav Pilkey begin? (well,after waiting in a looooong line wrapping all the way around Headquarters library…)

Waiting for Captain Underpants

Waiting for Captain Underpants

With, of course, a loud “Tra-la-laaaa!” yelled in unison by all the kids (and many of the parents) in the audience. It’s Captain Underpants’ typical call to action.

I had the fun opportunity to be part of this attentive and rambunctious crowd last night at the St. Louis County Library’s Author Event, celebrating the release of CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS AND THE SENSATIONAL SAGA OF SIR STINKS-A-LOT. (# 12 in the series)

Screen Saver for Captain Underpants

Screen Saver for Captain Underpants

 

MAKING READING FUN

Dav Pilkey, who will have 60 books to his credit with 2016’s THE ADVENTURES OF DOG MAN, has revolutionized reading for boys especially. USA Today called him the “savior of the reluctant reader.” His short, graphic chapter books with their silliness, fast pace, and bathroom humor are a perfect fit for young readers. The kid-friendly author creates his tales based on his own elementary school experiences.

The Adventures of Dog Man

The Adventures of Dog Man

As a child who suffered from ADHD and dyslexia, he understood the power of pictures to tell a story. Even though he often found himself doing hallway detention for drawing in class, he couldn’t resist making more clever comics—to the delight of his fellow students and the dismay of his teachers.

“Underwear is not funny!” said Mr. Pilkey’s second grade teacher. “Grow up!” she cautioned him. “You can’t spend the rest of your life making silly books!”

Drawing favorite characters

Drawing favorite characters

Oh, how little she knew, and how very far Mr. Pilkey has enriched young readers with the delights of his underwear crew.

Some of his other titles include:

The Ricky Ricotta Series 

Dog Breath

Paper Boy

The Adventures of Ook and Gluk

Super Diaper Baby

Dogzilla!

 

Nowadays, the author prefers drawing in more natural spots, like along the beach in Japan when visiting his wife’s family. But even there, he still suffers criticism—from some monkeys that is. Mr. Pilkey shared a video of himself at work sketching, while several monkeys attempted to confiscate his pens and offer vocal commentary on his work-in-progress.

Dav Pilkey Attempts to Draw Despite Monkey Antics

Dav Pilkey Attempts to Draw Despite Monkey Antics

 

 

HANG IN THERE!

At the end of his presentation last night, Mr. Pilkey made a point about perseverance. He showed a picture of a scowling egg and a happy potato in boiling water. “Don’t let adversities overcome you,” he said. “Rather use them to build on. In boiling water, a potato softens but an egg becomes hard.”

 

READING POWER

Many young readers in the crowd wore red capes, similar to Captain Underpants. On back of the capes was the message, “Reading is Power!” Thanks, Mr. Pilkey, for enhancing children’s literature with your comic characters and delightful illustrations and proving that strong reading muscles really do rock!

The Children’s & Teen Choice Book Award

This will be the seventh year in which you can choose a favorite book to win the CHILDREN’S CHOICE BOOK AWARD. The award is given by the Children’s Book Council.

You’ll find the list of books in the running for the award at the link above. The voting continues into May, so you have plenty of time to read all of the books in your age bracket. The winners will be announced during Children’s Book Week, May 12-18. When you visit the Children’s Book Week site, you’ll find cool freebies:

the official bookmark you can print out by nonfiction illustrator, Steve Jenkins

the official poster by Fancy Nancy artist, Robin Priess Glasser. You can request as many of these as you need.

 You can also find out above local events that you can participate in. Most likely your school or a local library will be planning something special during Children’s Book Week–because we all know how very special both books and children are!

And books for kids are the absolute best!!!

Happy reading. 🙂

Webster Groves Library Author Event

I hope you can join me this Friday evening at the first annual Missouri Author Expo at the Webster Groves Public Library. This event is designed for readers of all ages with authors of both adult and children’s works. Numerous authors will be doing readings from their books, as well as selling copies. What a fun way to meet some local authors and perhaps start your holiday shopping.
Here are the details:

Fri, November 8, 6pm – 9pm
Calendar
Webster Groves Public Library – Adult and Teen Events
Description
Come meet local authors! Enjoy readings from their books! Get a head start on holiday shopping! Fiction, non-fiction and children’s books! Refreshments!

Book Giveaway & National Family Literacy Day


K. Dawn Byrd is featuring GIFTS FROM GOD at her blog this week. Stop by and leave a comment. You’ll have a chance to win a copy of the book. What a great way to celebrate NATIONAL FAMILY LITERACY DAY! The official day was last Tuesday, but everyday should be a family literacy event. Check out the website for lots of information on helping your child become a better reader and writer.

October Highlights Hidden Picture & More


Not much time left now to find all the hidden pictures at HIGHLIGHTS spooktacular online site. Scurry over and see if you can do it.

Or if you’d like to do some thrilling reading in the Halloween theme, go to my website where you’ll find FRIGHTFUL READS.

Always popular this time of year is MAKE A SPIDER craft. I know I’d much rather make them than find them unexpectedly. The ones you make are soft and fuzzy. You can make them in a variety of colors and sizes–just right to frighten a friend, or not.

Your friends would certainly enjoy SPIDER SNACKS. They are a treat to make and yummy to eat.

And last but not least, a Halloween joke for you:

What kind of pants do ghosts like?

Boooo-jeans!