DIGGING FOR TROY, THE ADVENTURES OF NANNY PIGGINS and

This week, I’m reading:  DIGGING FOR TROY: FROM HOMER TO HISARLIK by Jill Rubalcaba and Eric H. Cline (Charlesbridge, 2011) Jill Rubalcaba and Eric H. Cline recount the legend of the Trojan War and then dig into the archaeological evidence recovered from Hisarlik, the site believed by many to have once been Troy. The authors… Read more »

Double-Digit Fiction – The Word

In honor of Summer, I’ve dipped into far corners of my personal archive. Many moons ago, this won a double-digit fiction contest. Should it have won? I dunno, but every time I get near a pool, it comes to mind. THE WORD    (99 words) Mark stepped gingerly into the cold, sending ripples of water… Read more »

Reading: Exercise for the Writing Muscles

Many moons ago, the college professor who recommended me for the Honors English program, despite the fact that I didn’t have enough hours to be eligible at the time, took me under his wing. The last day of class, he walked me to the door and offered the most valuable advice from my limited college… Read more »

Interview: Don Tate- Illustrating Children’s Books

  Don Tate is an award winning illustrator of children’s books, a graphic designer, and sought-after speaker on the subjects of writing and illustrating. And, though he’s currently keeping his writing projects quiet, rest assured he will be adding published ‘author’ to his professional resume very soon. Don graciously agreed to an interview based partly… Read more »

Interview: Lynn Rowe Reed on ROSCOE AND THE PELICAN RESCUE

  Lynn Rowe Reed is the author of seven books for children and illustrator of thirteen additional titles. An artist for the past twenty years, her art has been featured in numerous venues including The Wall Street Journal and has been featured at the Best of Book Illustration Show at the Museum of American Illustration… Read more »

Interview: Lionel Bender-The Ins and Outs of Book Packagers

Lionel Bender is the editorial partner of Bender, Richardson, White, an editorial, design, and production team headquartered in the U.K. Having produced over a thousand books since 1990, BRW has earned a reputation as a quality book packager. After some recent email communications, I had the great pleasure to meet Lionel Bender at the Texas… Read more »

Edible Math. Fabled Math.

I really love stumbling across books that combine a compelling story feature with curriculum tie-ins and hands-on opportunities. So, when I spied these titles at Charlesbridge’s booth at the Texas Library Association conference, I knew I had to feature them here. (Winks, nods, and hugs to Randi Rivers and Donna Spurlock for making sure I… Read more »

TLA 2011- ARCs, Authors, and Awesomeness, Oh My!

Last week, I spent several days at The Texas Library Association conference in Austin, Texas. I sat in on sessions about science in kids’ books, picture books, and the like. I schmoozed with authors, illustrators, and some of the nicest librarians in the state. Then I opened more book covers than you can imagine. Among… Read more »

Surviving the Moat

  Standing on the threshold of publication is nerve-racking. I am teetering at this moment, waiting for that gentle nudge that is but a wisp away-fully at the mercy of market conditions and business decisions that are out of my control. I know my time is coming. I can feel that breeze of hope slipping… Read more »