I’m saddened to see in my fall catalog that Philip Lee has left Lee & Low Books, the company he co-founded with Jason Low. I wish Philip well in whatever life brings him next. I first heard him speak at the 25th anniversary SCBWI national convention in LA, back when I was getting started in the business and then again at Reading The World last spring in San Francisco. Lovely man. He’s made a great contribution to children’s, particularly multicultural, literature.

I’m pleased though that the company is beginning to publish books for older readers. This season’s catalog includes Rattlesnake Mesa: Stories From A Native American Childhood by Ednah New Rider Weber (Pawnee), illustrated by Richela Renkun (Lee & Low, 2004)(Ages 8-up). I also see another Native American title, this one a picture book: Sky Dancers by Connie Ann Kirk (Seneca), illustrated by Christy Hale (Lee & Low, 2004)(ages 7-9). It’s an extraordinarily useful catalog for teachers/librarians, though I can’t seem to figure out how I’m supposed to request review copies. Hm.

Today’s mail also brings sweet sympathy cards from Kimberly, Tracie, and Haemi. So comforting to have friends who care.

This reminds me, Tracie Vaughn Zimmer‘s site has some excellent author interviews with: Kristine O’Connell George; Nikki Grimes; Heidi Roemer; Rebecca Kai Dotlich.

I also received a review copy of Hunger Moon by Sarah Lamstein (Front Street, 2004).

Passing on Owen Foote: Might Scientist by Stephanie Greene, illustrated by Cat Bowman Smith (Clarion, 2004) to one of my readers whom I meeting for tea at three at Sweetish Hill. Already had lunch today with my friend Amy at Guero’s, so needless to say, dinner will be a minor event.

What else? SkippyJon Jones by Judy Byron Schachner (Dutton, 2003)(ages 3-up) has won the E.B. White Read Aloud Award established in 2004 (covers both picture books and novels), sponsored by the Association of Booksellers for Children.

More personally, dinner tonight at Magnolia Cafe. Concerned about my in-laws and my friend Chris in Florida during Hurricane Frances; Chris is a fantastic pro photographer surf over and check out some of his shots.