Of Santa Knows by Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith (Dutton, 2006), Book Moot says: “Steve Björkman‘s illustrations tell the story with humor. Alfie’s pajamas are hilarious. …a sweet tale for families with young (and older) children who want to believe.” Thank you! Read the whole review.

Worthy Stories for the Holidays by Sue Corbett of the Miami Herald. In addition to Santa Knows, recommendations include This Is The Stable by Cynthia Cotten, illustrated by Delana Bettoli (Henry Holt, 2006).

“Ho, Ho, Ho!” from Jambalaya, the What’s New? page of Kimberly Willis Holt‘s website. A snap-shot interview on the writing of Santa Knows (Dutton, 2006). Learn more about Kimberly’s latest, Part of Me (Stories of a Louisianna Family)(Henry Holt, 2006). Read a Cynsations interview with Kimberly.

Thanks to everyone who has supported my early chapter book short story collection Indian Shoes (HarperCollins, 2002)! I’m pleased that the trade edition is going into another reprint (though I’ve actually lost track of which edition this will be).

More News & Links

Congratulations to Michelle Knudsen on her New York Times bestselling picture book, Library Lion, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes (Candlewick, 2006)(excerpt). Read a Cynsations interview with Michelle.

Don’t miss the photo caption contest at Three Silly Chicks: Readers, Writers, and Reviewers of Funny Books for Kids. Learn more about chicks Andrea Beaty, Julia Durango, and Carolyn Crimi. Read a Cynsations interview with Carolyn.

A Commonplace Book: a new blog from author Julius Lester. Note: my favorite book by the author is What a Truly Cool World, illustrated by Joe Cepeda (Scholastic, 1999). See a visual interpretation designed by Janet Hilbun.

Indian Teacher & Educational Personnel Program’s Curriculum Resource Center at Humbolt State University has posted an Alibris Wish List of books requested as donations. ITEPP started in 1969 to support Native students obtaining a university degree. “When the students started donating their books back to the program, the CRC (Curriculum Resource Center) began.” They currently hold “6,000 books, videos, periodicals, curriculum and Microfilm, on, about and by Native American Indians.” They add, “With the lack of funding for California Education system our wishlist and patron donations have become our main source of adding new material to our collection.”

Just One More Book: a thrice-weekly podcast “in which we take a few minutes out of our morning coffee ritual to discuss one of our many favourite children’s books.” Episodes run from five to 12 minutes. They may be played from the web page or downloaded to an ipod. Each is an informal discussion of a children’s books. Features also include author interviews, discussions of literacy, and audio reviews (submitted by listeners). Download brochure (PDF).

“Nancy Werlin: Get Thee To A Bread Store” by Melody Joy Kramer and Marc Silver from Novel Ideas at NPR. Read a Cynsations interview with Nancy.

Picture Books for Teens, a Book List from the Austin Public Library Dell Wired for Youth Centers. See my recent post: Picture This! Picture Books for Young Adults.

“Science-Themed Novels:” Elementary School Through Middle School by Kay Weisman from Book Links. Highlighted titles include: Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo by Greg Leitich Smith (Little Brown, 2003)(author interview); Tofu and T.rex by Greg Leitich Smith (Little Brown, 2005)(author interview); Runt by Marion Dane Bauer (Clarion, 2002)(author interview); Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park (Clarion, 2005)(author interview); and Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson (Simon & Schuster, 2000).

Signed Children’s Books: An Author’s Bookstore from Anastasia Suen. Order by Dec. 17 for Christmas delivery. Read a Cynsations interview with Anastasia.