Santa Knows Interview! by Debbi Michiko Florence at One Writer’s Journey. Greg Leitich Smith and I discuss the story behind the story.
Through the Looking Glass calls Santa Knows (Dutton, 2006): “A funny story with expressive and lively illustrations makes this a perfect just-before-Christmas title.” Read the whole review. See other recommended picture books from TTLG.
Toni Buzzeo (author, LMS) says on her Children’s Book Reviews page: “Smith and Smith capture an electronic, media-driven age with subtlety and prove that Scrooge can growl and grasp and be redeemed even in the twenty-first century! Bjorkman adds to the fun with his loose cartoon style and expressive faces. If you’re in the market for a postmodern Christmas tale for your science nerds and media kids, this one’s a winner!”
Thanks to the folks at the Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database for featuring the book in their December 2006 newsletter and to author Anjali Banerjee for calling it to my attention!
Thanks to everyone who showed up at my recent signings at Barnes & Noble Round Rock and Barnes & Noble Westlake! Celebrity sightings included: April Lurie (author interview); Anne Bustard (author interview); Austin SCBWI founder Meredith Davis; Jane Peddicord; Frances Hill; and Brian Yansky. Central Texans note that there is also signed stock at BookPeople in Austin, The Twig in San Antonio, Barnes & Noble in College Station, and Jacque’s Toys in Bryan.
More News & Links
Best Books of 2006 selected by Trevelyn Jones, Luann Toth, Marlene Charnizon, Daryl Grabarek, and Joy Fleishhacker from School Library Journal. Highlights include: The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation: Volume I: The Pox Party by M.T. Anderson (Candlewick); Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper (Atheneum); Endgame by Nancy Garden (Harcourt); St. Iggy by K.L. Going (Harcourt)(author interview); Fairest by Gail Carson Levine (HarperCollins)(author interview); and The Astonishing Adventures of Fan Boy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga (Houghton).
The Broken Flute: The Native Experience in Books for Children edited by Doris Seale and Beverly Slapin (2005) has won the American Book Award. Doris and Beverly are well known for their work for Oyate.
The Carnival of Children’s Literature from Anne-Marie at A Readable Feast. Note: I’m honored that my interview with Charlesbridge editor Yolanda LeRoy and LizB’s Jingle Dancer puppet show were included.
“Flannel and Fleece!” by Don Tate at Devas T. Rants and Raves. Congrats to Don on his new line at David Textiles, which will be appearing soon at “Hancock Fabrics, Jo-Ann Fabric & Crafts, Walmart fabric department, and at independent specialty stores.” Read a Cynsations interview with Don Tate.
Grace Lin: the acclaimed author-illustrator has launched her own store! Shop for: poster prints; giclee prints; original art; greeting cards; custom portraits; and autographed books. Order by Dec. 18 to ensure Christmas delivery. Read a Cynsations interview with Grace.
Greg Leitich Smith at GregLSBlog highlights Good Girls by Laura Ruby (HarperTempest 2006), the Zack Proton series (Aladdin Paperbacks) by Brian Anderson, and True Talents by David Lubar (Starscape, March 2007). Read Cynsations interviews with Greg, Laura, Brian, and David.
“Just Floating an Idea” by Chris Barton on Bartography on a potential untapped market for children’s books. Publishers take note!
Jill Max, which is the name Kelly Goldman Bennett and Ronnie Davidson for their co-authored works, has a new book out, Strangers in Black (Fireworks Press, 2006), and a newly designed website by Lisa Firke of Hit Those Keys.
Thanks to Kim Winters at Kat’s Eye for offering her thoughts on my link to Nancy Etchemendy‘s article on Writers and Depression.
Young Adult Books Central will feature author Tanya Lee Stone in a live chat tonight in the YABC Chat room. YABC A note: “you will need a Delphi ID to participate in the chat, so be proactive and sign up for one ahead of time (it’s free)! As a bonus, this will also give you access to participate in the forum where you can earn free books just by posting!” See Chat Room and Forum. Read a Cynsations interview with Tanya; read Tanya’s LJ.