This is too funny! Poets may not be rich, but at least some of them, including Greg Pincus, have great sense of humor. Greg’s features some awesome poems and poetry on his blog so be sure to check it out.
Greg Pincus tells us the truth about poetry
09 May 2012 Leave a comment
in For Educators, For Kids, For Parents, for teens, Help for writers Tags: Greg Pincus, The Truth about Poets and Poetry
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.
Science in Society Youth Book Award
20 Apr 2012 Leave a comment
in Award News, For Educators, For Kids, For Parents, News Tags: 50 Poisonous Questions, Canadian Science Writer's Association, kid's information books, Science in Society Youth Book Award, Tanya Lloyd Kyi, The Blue Jean Book
Congratulations to Tanya Lloyd Kyi!

The Canadian Science Writers’ Association recently announced that Tanya Lloyd Kyi’s 50 Poisonous Questions (Annick Press) has won the Science in Society Youth Book Award. Entries were judged on the basis of initiative, originality, scientific accuracy, clarity of interpretation and value in promoting a better understanding of science by the public. Way to go Tanya.
While you’re picking up a copy of 50 Poisonous Questions, you may also want to add The Blue Jean Book to your cart. It’s a fabulous book about that takes you behind the seams of bluejeans.
This is the Dog is going to the gallery
16 Apr 2012 Leave a comment
in For Kids, For Parents, News Tags: art exhibit, Blue Spruce Award, Canadian National Exhibition, Chrissie Wysotski, Harbourfront, Ontario Library Associate, picture book, This is the Dog
Over the years, I’ve had the good fortune to work with some very talented illustrators. I heard from one of them this morning. Chrissie Wysotski, the illustrator of This is the Dog, sent me this framed picture from the book. It will be one of the illustrations featured in two upcoming exhibits sponsored by the Ontario Library Association. The Blue Spruce 10th Anniversary Illustration Art Exhibit during the Festival of Trees in May 2012 at Harbourfront in Toronto, and at the Canadian Nation Exhibition in Toronto from August 17th – September 3rd , 2012. Of course you may want to read the book too, especially if you are a dog lover. It’s available at most libraries, and can be ordered from your favorite independent book seller.
Pacific Rim Whale Festival
15 Mar 2012 3 Comments
in Events, For Kids, For Parents, News Tags: Jamie's Whaling Station, Pacific Rim Whale Festival, Tofino, Ucluelet
I’ll be in Tofino and Ucluelet for the next few days doing story time for their Pacific Rim Whale Festival.
Here’s the info.
“Story time at Sea” at Jamie’s Whaling Station in Tofino aboard the Leviathan II, 606 Campbell St. Saturday, March 17th 11:30-12:30
“Story time at Sea” at Jamie’s Whaling Station in Ucluelet, aboard Leviathan II168 Fraser Lane Monday, March 19th 10:00-11:00
10th Anniversary of Coraline
12 Mar 2012 Leave a comment
in For Kids Tags: 10th Anniversary, Coraline, Neil Gaiman
I can’t believe it’s already been 10 years! It’s a must read if you haven’t read it already. Check out what Neil Gaiman has to say about the book on facebook.

They’ve arrived!
27 Feb 2012 Leave a comment
in Events, For Educators, For Kids, For Parents, for teens, News Tags: Canadian Children's Book Centre, Canadian Children's Book Week, writing contest
I’ve been waiting for the stories from the 2012 Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Writing Contest and I just got the call that they’ve arrived. I have stories from grade 4 again this year. Guess what I’ll be doing for the next while!
If you missed the contest deadline this year, there’s always 2013. And, don’t forget that dozens of authors and illustrators will be touring the country to promote books and reading all week long. Your school might even be lucky enough to be hosting a visiting author or illustrator.
Winning entries for the writing contest will be announced during Book Week, May 5-12.
Parent and Child’s 100 Greatest Books for Kids
25 Feb 2012 Leave a comment
in For Educators, For Kids, For Parents Tags: Parent and Child's 100 Greatest Books for Kids
Hurray, the 100 Greatest Books for Kids list from Parent and Child is out! But quite a few of my all time favs didn’t make the list. Here are a just a few great books that were passed over. There isn’t a single solitary Michael Morpurgo title on the list, which is a real shame as he’s such a fabulous writer. I love Dear Olly but there are others I love too. I can’t understand how The Golden Compass by the wonderful Philip Pullman could have been left off the list. Two of my favorite picture books didn’t make the list either, The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch and Bread and Jam for Francis by Russell. I was smitten with Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel, and I really really miss not having Beverly Cleary’s Ramona on the list not to mention Kit Pearson’s A Handful of Time.
There are others too, but, I’d be interested to find out which of your favorites were left out?



