Congratulations to Jane Yolen (author interview), recipient of the Roots in Writing Award, given by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Female Writers.

Cut Ellipsis from Spookcyn. Get the latest low-down on the production of Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Candlewick, March 2007).

The Edge of the Forest: A Children’s Literature Monthly. Volume 1, Issue 3 for April 2006 has been posted. Highlights include: “Small Press Month” by Shelia Ruth of Wands and Worlds and an Interview with Michael Buckley by Kelly Herold of Big A little a. Michaeal is the author of The Sisters Grimm series. Also recommended is “A Day in the Life with Heidi Roemer” by Kim Winters of Kat’s Eye. Surf over for reviews, the best of the blogs, and more!

Gotta Book: “thoughts, opinions, and ramblings about (broadly) children’s literature from my perspectives as a writer, parent, and volunteer elementary school librarian. Oh yeah, and poetry of all sorts…with lots and lots of Fibs.” From Gregory K, “I’m a screenwriter, volunteer librarian, dad, and SCBWI member with a love of poetry and picture books.”

Gunstories: Life-Changing Experiences with Guns, edited and illustrated with photographs by Beth S. Atkin (HarperCollins, 2006). A review by Loretta Gaffney from BCCB. See more from the publisher. This month, The Bulletin starred The True Story of Stellina by Matteo Pericoli (Knopf, 2006)(author interview).

The Secret of My Success: An Interview with Dan Brown from CBC Magazine. Dan is the author and illustrator of several highly praised picture book biographies and histories for children. His subjects have included the 1899 New York newsboys strike, the movie pioneer Mack Sennett, the sixth-century Irish monk and calligrapher Columcille, and the scientist Albert Einstein. Mr. Brown lives with his family on Long Island, New York. His books include The Notorious Izzy Fink (Roaring Brook Press 2006) and Bright Path: Young Jim Thorpe (Roaring Brook Press 2006).

The 7th Annual Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Conference will be June 12 to 16, 2006 at the BYU Conference Center in Provo, Utah. “During this intensive five-day workshop, beginning to advanced writers/illustrators will be tutored in a small-group setting by published authors/artists and receive instruction from two editors representing Bloomsbury [Jill Davis] and Viking Children’s Books [Tracy Gates], as well as a New York literary agent [Edward Necarsulmer of McIntosh and Otis].” This event is sponsored by Brigham Young University’s Department of English and Division of Continuing Education.

Rosemary Newcott (Alliance Children’s Theatre Artistic Director), Jon Ludwig (Center for Puppetry Arts), Writer/Performer/Educator Felton Eaddy and Playwright Evan Guilford-Blake are the panel for “Writing For Children,” a Working Title Playwrights seminar that will examine the ins and outs of writing for children in general and children’s theatre in particular. Q&A follows the discussion. The seminar is on Saturday, April 29, 1:30-4:30 p.m., at Theatre Decatur, 430 West Trinity Place, Decatur, GA. Admission is $8. “The children’s theatre market is one of the most available in America: Theatres, schools and community groups are constantly seeking new material that’s appropriate to the various age groups that comprise children’s theatre–and family theatre–audiences. The panel of established writers, producers and creators of stage material for young audiences will examine the market and discuss how to approach creating material for it–what to be sure you do, and what to avoid.” For reservations or more information, call 404.297.0904 or e-mail: workingtitleplaywrights@sbcglobal.net.