Wild Dogs: Past & Present by Kelly Milner Halls (Darby Creek, 2005). An extraordinary look from the ancient miacids (ancestors of cats and dogs) to the family poodle with an focus on the Canidae family. Readers are drawn into the world of the wolf, fox, dingo, and jackal. A feast for the eyes and mind. Ages 7-up.
Continue Reading Author Interview: Kelly Milner Halls on Wild Dogs: Past & Present »
Not Norman (A Goldfish Story) by Kelly Bennett, illustrated by Noah Z. Jones (Candlewick, 2005). From the catalog copy: “‘Don’t think that just because you made me laugh, I’m going to keep you,’ I tell him. ‘Tomorrow, you’re outta here.’ Norman the goldfish isn’t what this little boy had in mind. He wanted a different kind of pet–one that could run and catch,
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Jerusalem Sky: Stars, Crosses, and Crescents by Mark Podwal (Doubleday, 2005). Celebrating faith and the city itself, poetic prose and vivid paintings evoke peace and hope. Respectful and inclusive, the author/illustrator acknowledges that “no place has been fought over more” and suggests, “[p]erhaps possessing Jerusalem is like trying to own the sky.” Yet the upraised prayers to one God suggest a belief in a brighter future.
Continue Reading Jerusalem Sky: Stars, Crosses, and Crescents by Mark Podwal »
Looking For Uncle Louie On The Fourth Of July by Kathy Whitehead, illustrated by Pablo Torrecilla (Boyds Mills Press, 2005). Joe and his parents are among those at the parade celebrating the Fourth of July. It’s a wonderful, patriotic celebration, but where is Uncle Louie? And what would it be like to be part of the parade instead of just watching from the sidelines?
Dancing In Red Shoes Will Kill You by Dorian Cirrone (HarperCollins, 2005). Kayla is one of the strongest dancers at her performing arts school, but there’s just one problem. Or, well, two. Kayla’s busty–in a double D/needs-to-wear-three-bras kind of way–and the world of ballet has a very specific body type preference. Will she get surgery? Push back against societal expectations?
Continue Reading Author Interview: Dorian Cirrone on Dancing In Red Shoes Will Kill You »
The Texas State Reading Association has announced nominees for the Golden Spur award in the children’s literature (K-3) and intermediate divisions. The nominees are:
Children’s Literature: Ima and the Great Texas Ostrich Race by Margaret McManis of Angleton (Eakin Press, 2002); Bats Around the Clock by Kathi Appelt of College Station (HarperCollins,
Lupita’s Papalote/El papalote de Lupita by Lupe Ruiz-Flores, illustrated by Pauline Rodriguez Howard, Spanish translation by Gabriela Baeza Ventura (Arte Publico, 2002)(a bilingual picture book). Condensed from the catalog copy: Lupita sits on the wooden steps of her house and stares into the sky. Lupita cannot tear her eyes away from the colorful papalotes,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Lupe Ruiz-Flores on Lupita’s Papalote »
Crown Me! by Kathryn Lay (Holiday House, 2004). From the flap copy: “Justin has always wanted to be a leader. He envisions himself as President of the United States–but he’ll have to start with the fifth grade class of Payton Middle School. He’s helped along by a new project in Mr. Bailey’s history class, where one boy and one girl are appointed king and queen for two weeks.
Continue Reading Author Interview: Kathryn Lay on Crown Me »
Though I’d known her through an author list serv, I first met Dian Curtis Regan in person at the 25th Anniversary Conference of SCBWI in Los Angeles. We’ve stayed in touch since, and I’ve had the pleasure of visiting her at her home in Wichita.
What is new in your writing life since we last chatted?
When we last visited with Uma Krishnaswami, she was anticipating the release of Yoga Class (Lee & Low, 2000) and Beyond The Field Trip (Linnet Books, 2001). In the years that followed, Uma became a break-out name in children’s literature. Her picture books include Chachaji’s Cup (Children’s Book Press, 2003) and Monsoon (FSG,