Susan Juby is hilarious. If you’ve never read one of her books, you just don’t know what fun you’re missing, but this little video will give you a taste. Once you watch it, you’ll be either heading to the library or your favorite independent bookstore. I guarantee it.
06 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Nature
Last night’s super moon using my i-phone. Sadly, these pictures do not do it justice. The clouds cleared and the moon was spectacular, especially when it was low on the horizon.
Pajama Press has a book for you!
03 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Events, News Tags: Don't Laugh at Giraffe, free autographed picture book, Pajama Press, Rebecca Bender
Are you a fan of picture books? Are you a fan of freebies? If so, be sure to check out Pajama Press’ picture book give-away for a free autographed copy of Don’t Laugh at Giraffe by Rebecca Bender. Two sets of Don’t Laugh at Giraffe greeting cards are also up for grabs. They are soooo cute.
Canadian Children’s Book Week May 5-May 12
02 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Events, For Educators, For Parents Tags: 2012 Canadian Children's Book Week, free children's literature programs
Oops. Canadian Children’s Book Week is coming, and I totally forgot to post the Public Readings across the country. Follow the link to check out where and when free public readings are happening across Canada and to find out which authors, illustrators and storytellers are presenting in your area. Happy 2012 Children’s Book Week, and happy reading.
Make Way for Stories: There’s a good reason why people are passing up picture books
01 May 2012 2 Comments
in For Educators, For Parents, Help for writers
If you love picture books, you’ll want to read this article by the infamous children’s literature expert, Anita Silvey in “School Library Journal’. I don’t know how I missed it last year.
Make Way for Stories: There’s a good reason why people are passing up picture books.
Orca Book Publishers spring launch
01 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Events, For Kids, For Parents, for teens, News Tags: Book Launch, Orca Books
If you happen to be in Victoria on Monday May 7 check out some of Vancouver Island’s awesome authors and illustrators at Orca Book Publishers’ upcoming book launch.
Home to the 10k
29 Apr 2012 Leave a comment
in News
Home sweet home by from LA at 1am. Get my running clothes together before hitting the sack and up again by 5:30. Just about to head out fthe door for the 10k. One strong cup of tea and a protein bar to carry me through until after the race. More to come on my running prowess later.
Combating the downside to being a writer…too much sitting!
29 Apr 2012 Leave a comment
in Writing Life
One of the biggest downsides to being a writer is too much sitting! Training for a 10k run is a great way to combat one of the main downsides to my career choice. I’ve been working up to running the 10k since January, so am so excited to be running it…and it isn’t even raining! Here’s my number with high tech time chip built in…and here I am with my running partner Trish.
There were more than 14000 of us at the start line! There were lots of people cheering us on and we had music at every kilometre to keep us going. Here are the Tyko Drummers that were near kilometre 6. Talk about motivation! 
This is why I write…
28 Apr 2012 1 Comment
in Writing Life
This year is the 20th anniversary of my second picture book, Jessie’s Island, and I’m delighted to tell you that it’s still in print. Here’s a letter I received earlier this week from a grade two/three teacher, Melody Watson.
This is why I write…
Dear Sheryl
I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how very much my students and I enjoy your books. In particular, we love Jessie’s Island. We live on a very small island on the north end of Vancouver Island. We feel very connected to your story and feel a lot like Jessie does about her island. We connect with other classes around the world through our blog and they are often intrigued with the idea of living on a little island like we do. They always have a lot of questions to ask, and like Thomas they often wonder what on earth we do here for fun.
Recently my students wrote about our island for our school paper. We have added their writing to our blog and we thought you might like to see the work you inspired.
Thank you for your beautiful words and inspiration!
Bruce knows how to rock!
26 Apr 2012 Leave a comment
in News
The E Street Band and Mr. Bruce Springsteen rocked the house for 3 1/2 hours. I have never been to a better concert, and that includes The Rolling Stones. We had great seats too!
Sheryl McFarlane 