In The Spotlight
Beverley Brenna — Printz Honor Book author — Interview
I was thrilled on Monday, January 28, when the American Library Association announced its annual youth media awards (such as the well-known Caldecott and Newbery) and I learned that a book written by my cousin, Beverley Brenna, The White Bicycle, had been named a Michael L. Printz Honor Book. I immediately emailed her to suggest…
Read MoreWith gratitude to a teacher and mentor
“Bonjour, mes amis!” Those were the words that greeted our Grade Seven classroom that early September day in 1968 when Monsieur Pugh strode into our first French class. Little did I know, the first time I encountered the sandy-haired recent arrival from England that he would have an impact on my life that continues to…
Read More12 x 12 in 2012 on 12/12/12 — an End of Year Celebration!
Picture book manuscripts galore! Picture book manuscripts as far as the eye can see. When I signed up for 12×12 in 2012, hoping to write 12 picture book first drafts in 12 months, I really had no idea if I’d be able to do it. It seemed unbelievable to write that many unique drafts, while…
Read MoreJulie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton on The Great American Mousical — Interview
I am honored and delighted to present this interview with both Emma Walton Hamilton and her mother, Julie Andrews. What a gift they have given us all in agreeing to this interview! As those of you who are regular readers of my blog know, my Wednesday focus this fall is the upcoming musical production, The…
Read MoreDEBBIE OHI! Guest Post — It’s Worth the Wait
I am thrilled to be helping to promote friend and Canadian illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s first picture book on my blog. I hope you saw I’M BORED on my Perfect Picture Book Friday post last week. Today, Debbie has graciously agreed to do a guest post on my blog, and I am so grateful to…
Read MoreBay Street Theatre — “Men’s Lives” in the Spotlight
Twenty years ago, Emma Walton Hamilton, her husband Steve Hamilton, and their friend and colleague Sybil Christopher realized a dream when they opened the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor, New York. (Note: the article about Sybil Christopher, from 1994, is very long, but is fascinating, uplifting reading. Take the time to drink it in.)…
Read MoreJulie Hedlund — Spotlight Worthy INTERVIEW
It is the most delightful serendipity that a few months ago Julie Hedlund (founder of the picture book a month challenge known as 12 x 12 in 2012) and I agreed that she would do an interview for my blog on June 27th. At that time, we had no idea whatsoever that a celebration of…
Read More6 for 6 in 12 x 12 and We’re Having a Party!
It’s a BLOG PARTY and it’s happening HERE … and THERE … and ALL OVER THE BLOGIVERSE! The 12 x 12 in 2012 group is celebrating the mid-way point in our year of writing at least one picture book manuscript a month, and we’re gathering on blogs everywhere to have a PARTY! Thanks to Julie…
Read More