When I was a kid, my library, like many others, had a summer reading program. Every book I read racked up points towards stickers or McDonalds french fries or, my most coveted prize of all, the knotted pencil. How did they even do that?? It was the highlight of my summer and I always read [...]
Field Trip!
July 15, 2009 – 5:57 pm
There’s nothing like a field trip to break out of the routine and make some trouble. Today, a group of illustrator/writer friends of mine packed our lunches, got on the bus, and descended upon the best kids’ book store in LA. And by “the bus,” I mean our gumless, bully-free cars. And by “packed our [...]
Kite Tales RULZ!
April 1, 2009 – 11:54 pm
Welcome Kite Tales readers and other nefarious individuals! If you haven’t read the Spring 2009 issue of Kite Tales… hop to it. Especially page 24 (and 23). All the cool kids are reading it. You wanna be a cool, don’t you?
Dead Leaves and Surprise Guests
October 1, 2008 – 5:00 am
I’ve never been a gardener, but when I moved 8 months ago, my mom came out for my birthday and helped me plant a gorgeous garden. Purples and blues and pinks rioted in front of my house. I have to say I was a bit perplexed when I saw the result. It was beautiful, but [...]
The Bells! The Bells!
September 22, 2008 – 11:41 am
I just got back from the SCBWI Working Writers Retreat, a particularly cruel event where they entice you with tables of inexpensive YA books and promises of wine and chocolate, then run you ragged with constant critique groups, editor talks, and yoga. Children’s writing is a harsh world and those of you that don’t know [...]
No Jumping, No Wings. Ever.
September 10, 2008 – 12:05 pm
So… it’s that time again. Time to debrief from the SCBWI Summer Conference. What? What’s that you say? I already wrote about the conference? Well, tonight I have to host a whole SCBWI Schmooze on the topic, so you’re gonna hear about it again, whether you like it or not! In hopes of inspiring people [...]
Conference Karma
August 11, 2008 – 6:01 pm
Recently I’ve been really feeling good about my writing. I’ve had quite a few “Aha!” moments and, slowly but surely, my story is transforming into a novel. By this, I don’t mean that I’ve been making it longer or writing the acknowledgements page (don’t worry, you’re totally mentioned). No. What I mean is that before, [...]
Movin’ Right Along
February 29, 2008 – 9:59 am
So, amazingly, my recent abandonment of my website actually has a real and justifiable reason this time! We’re moving! We found a great place about a week and a half ago and have been scrambling to get everything packed and ready. And by we, I mean me. Tony has been working 13 hour days, 6 [...]
Paul Fleischman responds!
February 15, 2008 – 12:05 am
I snailmailed Paul Fleischman’s Valentine to him and this is what he had to say! Hooray!
My heart sings with Lizard Music!
February 5, 2008 – 5:06 pm
The Great Daniel Pinkwater has responded to my Valentine! He likes me! He really likes me!
A Month of L<3VE
February 1, 2008 – 8:16 pm
Instead of candy hearts and flowers, I’m celebrating Valentine’s Day with books! I hereby declare the month of February as one humongous Valentine’s card to my favorite authors and stories. Yes, even writers and illustrators need to feel the love. So lets give it to them! I’m going to be dedicating each day of February [...]
1000 Books!!!
January 1, 2008 – 4:48 pm
Hooray! On the last day of 2007, I reached my goal of reading 1000 picture books in 100 days. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done for my writing. I have a new understanding of picture books that I’m already putting to good use and much fun. I kept track of all [...]
Mr. Willoughby’s Christmas Tree
December 25, 2007 – 5:51 pm
Haiku Review: Mr. Willoughby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry Christmas time machine, This book is just the right size. I am 5 again. Merry Everything, Everyone!
“I’ve got a golden ticket…”
December 20, 2007 – 7:28 pm
So, I’m going to see The Golden Compass tomorrow. I’m pretty excited, and not just because Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy is amazing. Tony worked on the movie and his name’s in the credits. Hooray! If you go see the movie, keep an eye out for the wolves in Bolvangar. And stay long enough [...]
“I’m drivin’ on sunshine. Oooo-ooo.”
December 5, 2007 – 7:39 pm
Biodiesel. The great misunderstood nectar. A year and a half ago, Tony and I bought a 2003 Jetta Volkswagon so that we could run biodiesel. Luckily, in Califonia there are quite a few gas stations that sell B99. We’ve been running the car almost completely on biodiesel since, with the occasional emergency diesel fill-up. It’s [...]
Mashed Potatoes!
November 22, 2007 – 3:00 am
Mmmmm…. Mashed Potatoes. And hot rolls. And Turkey with Cornbread stuffing. And Pumpkin Pie. Hope everyone is having a delicious Thanksgiving. Love and Mashed Potatoes to you all!
Wiggle and Waggle
November 12, 2007 – 3:00 am
I was at Children’s Book World the other day, and let me take this opportunity to say that Children’s Book World is an awesome bookstore. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and generous with their time and attention. It’s by far the best place to find a good read in Los Angeles. Anyway, I was at [...]
Blue-Haired Lady
November 7, 2007 – 1:10 pm
Blue hair on my head Like a beacon of fun-ness. Everyone smiles. I thought having blue hair would get me the cold shoulder. I’d be that blue-haired punk that people were suspicious of and frowned disapprovingly at. But the opposite happened. Now, I walk around in a bubble of friendliness, showered with compliments about my [...]
Tortugranja!
October 17, 2007 – 5:00 am
Turtle Farm! Our visit to the turtle farm on Isla Mujeres was definitely a highlight of our trip to Cancun. No, there weren’t turtles roaming over the open plains. Carefully labeled nests of incubating eggs were protected behind tall fences. Masses of tiny turtles, no bigger than your palm, endlessly swarmed around circular tanks. Growing [...]
Beach Books!
October 8, 2007 – 11:33 pm
What do you read while reclining on sugar-white beach under a thatched umbrella? This is a difficult and very serious decision. Only a professional should undertake a dilemma of such proportions. I mean, how can one paddle up to the poolside bar with a substandard book in hand? I suppose the more relevant question is, [...]
