Sketches From A Spy Tree by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer, illustrated by Andrew Glass (Clarion, 2005). Sketches aren’t only drawings on the page but also pictures formed by words. In this case, poems. An invitation… To step into Ann Marie’s family portrait and snip out the father who snipped out some time ago himself, to find out what outsiders see in twins and what they’re blind to, to appreciate a quilt of cats eating soft, greasy chicken meat from the spotted hands of an elderly lady, to meet a stepdad and a grouch, to shiver in the March winds, to take a chance on someone new…or two. At times funny, at others tender, a self-portrait of a young artist sure to win hearts and challenge minds. Ages 8-up. Read a related author interview, and note that both the author and illustrator are twins.
Cynsational Links
Austin children’s illustrator Don Tate debuts his new blog, Devas T. Reads Kiddie Lit, with a discussion of My Father’s Summers by Kathi Appelt (Henry Holt, 2004).
The Art of Fiction: Who Do You Love? by Lisa Lenard-Cook from Authorlink, May 2005. A column focusing on reading. Note: as a reader, I love so many authors. Some that I haven’t mentioned lately: Donna Jo Napoli (author interview); Julius Lester; Martha Moore; Patrice Kindl; Margaret Peterson Haddix; among others.
In Search of Your Books Most Powerful Sales Tool: Your Title by Michael Larson from Authorlink, May 2005.
Thanks Cyn for the tip on the book, and the blurb on your blog. You were right on with that recommendation. Memoir is going great, too.