Greg Pincus tells us the truth about poetry

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.

Orca Book Publishers spring launch

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

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

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

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

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.

Kony 2012

I’ve talked to you, my readers before about making a difference. I’ve talked about the importance of reading to your children and of sharing books with strangers. I’ve talked to you about the importance of making your voice heard and of voting.  I’ve talked to you about brave kids who have shared their pain about being bullied and recently about a 17 year old girl who stared a petition against “R” rating a film about bullying which prevents kids from seeing it.  Now I want to talk to you about another way that you can make a difference.

Some of you may not know about the child soldiers of Uganda or the Lord’s Resistance Army.  Some of you may not be aware that a terrible man by the name of Joseph Kony has been abducting children for more than 20 years, turning the boys into his personal army, and making the girls into sex slaves.  Kony has no religious or political agenda other than personal power.  He’s number one of the Hague’s list of war criminals around the world.  Thus far he’s evaded capture.  But, with your help, 2012 is the year that Kony will be brought to justice.  One of the reason he’s evaded capture is that few (aside from those impacted) know about him, and those who do have little power. A group of storytellers began a group called Invisible Children  to change that.  You can help.

Watch this film “Kony 2012” and you will see how your peaceful participation can make the biggest difference of all. Every child deserves to feel safe, no matter where in the world they were born.

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a treasure

“The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” is truly a treasure.  It won an Oscar for Best Animation in the short film category and it’s easy to see why. The film, by William Joyce pays homage to the staying power of words, books, and libraries, especially when disaster strikes. It’s brilliant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Adzywe9xeIU

They’ve arrived!

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

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?

       

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