Now Available: Santa Knows by Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, illustrated by Steve Björkman (Dutton, September 2006)

Santa Knows by Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, illustrated by Steve Björkman (Dutton, 2006). Ages 4-up. Note: now available.

Alfie F. Snorklepuss doesn’t believe in Santa Claus, and he’s being a real pest about it. He thinks he’s proven that Santa doesn’t exist because there’s no way that Santa could do all the things he’s supposed to,

Continue Reading Now Available: Santa Knows by Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, illustrated by Steve Björkman (Dutton, September 2006) »

Reminder: Tonight Cynthia Leitich Smith Chats About Pre-Writing at the ICL

Join me for a chat on the “The Pre-side of Writing” with the Institute of Children’s Literature.

Just send your questions to WebEditor@institutechildrenslit.com, and then join me on tonight from: 9 to 11 p.m. Atlantic/Canada; 8 to 10 p.m. Eastern; 7 to 9 p.m. Central; 6 to 8 p.m. Mountain; or 5 to 7 p.m.

Continue Reading Reminder: Tonight Cynthia Leitich Smith Chats About Pre-Writing at the ICL »

Author-Librarian Interview: Toni Buzzeo on School Visits: Part 2

Toni Buzzeo has quickly established herself as a popular picture book author. We previously talked to her after the publication of her debut title, The Sea Chest, illustrated by Mary GrandPre (Dial, 2002)(author interview), which went on to win a 2002 Lupine Honor Award and the 2004-2005 Children’s Crown Gallery Award.

Continue Reading Author-Librarian Interview: Toni Buzzeo on School Visits: Part 2 »

Author-Librarian Interview: Toni Buzzeo on School Visits: Part 1

Toni Buzzeo has quickly established herself as a popular picture book author. We previously talked to her after the publication of her debut title, The Sea Chest, illustrated by Mary GrandPre (Dial, 2002)(author interview), which went on to win a 2002 Lupine Honor Award and the 2004-2005 Children’s Crown Gallery Award.

Continue Reading Author-Librarian Interview: Toni Buzzeo on School Visits: Part 1 »

Cynsational News & Links

“Beethoven’s Five Legless Pianos Inspire Winter’s Wacky Kids’ Book:” An Exclusive Authorlink Interview with Jonah Winter, author of The 39 Apartments of Ludwig Van Beethoven (illustrated by Barry Blitt (Schwartz & Wade/Random House, 2006)) by Susan VanHecke from Authorlink. September 2006. Note: For registered users (minimal fee), Authorlink also offers An Exclusive Interview With Kathy Dawson,

Continue Reading Cynsational News & Links »

Illustrator Interview: Yuyi Morales on Los Gatos Black on Halloween

Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes, illustrated by Yuyi Morales (Henry Holt, 2006). From the catalog copy: “Under October’s luna, full and bright, the monsters are throwing a ball in the Haunted Hall. Las brujas come on their broomsticks. Los muertos rise from their coffins to join in the fun.

Continue Reading Illustrator Interview: Yuyi Morales on Los Gatos Black on Halloween »

Author Interview: Marisa Montes on Los Gatos Black on Halloween

Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes, illustrated by Yuyi Morales (Henry Holt, 2006). From the catalog copy: “Under October’s luna, full and bright, the monsters are throwing a ball in the Haunted Hall. Las brujas come on their broomsticks. Los muertos rise from their coffins to join in the fun.

Continue Reading Author Interview: Marisa Montes on Los Gatos Black on Halloween »

First American Indian Youth Literature Awards Announced

CHICAGO – The American Indian Library Association (AILA), an affiliate of the American Library Association (ALA), is pleased to announce the first recipients of its American Indian Youth Literature Award. This new literary award was created as a way to identify and honor the very best writing and illustrations by and about American Indians. Books selected to receive the award present Native Americans in the fullness of their humanity in the present and past contexts.

Continue Reading First American Indian Youth Literature Awards Announced »