Hey You Guys!

As a writer, I'm not shy about sharing my passion for writing with others. Specifically, kids. So when I found out that PBS would be carrying on the recently expired Reading Rainbow's Young Writer's and Illustrator's Contest, it was a good, good day. Like a day at the beach with no sunburn kinda good. A day when you get something other than junk or bills in your mail. A day....okay, you get the picture. You can find the details of the contest here - http://pbskids.org/writerscontest/?campaign=go_vndr (share, share, share!)

This contest got me to thinkin'....
If you were to have a book of your very own published, what would your dedication page say? Would you be decidedly serious and share your heartfelt thanks to someone special?
Would your funny bone be in the spotlight?
Would the message be written in secret code?
Tell me, tell me, tell me!
I'd love to know....

Sign of the times

If you've read a picture book lately, the face on the left just might bring to mind the main character of said book. Seems as though there's a parental passiveness that's become pervassive in picture books over the last several years. Hmmmmm....something to think about.

http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/atlarge/2009/10/19/091019crat_atlarge_zalewski

Didn't you know (part 2)?

Okay, so we've got Valentine's Day and Black History Month. But I bet you didn't know Library Lovers' Month is in the month of February too. Geez, I love my library. Check out the link on ways to celebrate the worthiness of a library near you....

http://www.librarysupport.net/librarylovers/

Besides libraries (and people that still send me letters in the mail) I also love, love, love bookstores. Especially the brick and mortar kind where you can lose yourself on purpose just because. Believe it or not, there's a town within this great state of Texas that's without one....

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/01/22/laredo.books/index.html

Didn't you know?

It may seem coincidental seeing as it's Black History Month, but I have a new favorite word....

griot
n.
A storyteller in western Africa who perpetuates the oral tradition and history of a village or family.

I don't know any griots but I gotta say I really wish I did. Reading Head, Body, Legs gives me a bit of a taste.
Won-Lyn Paye and Margaret H. Lippert collaborated on it and a picture book entitled Mrs. Chicken And The Hungry Crocodile too. It was also illustrated by Julie Paschkis. AND it's a Charlotte Zolotow Award book.
From my lips to your ears, both are fabuloso books certain to bring a smile to your face and the sweet taste of Liberia to your palate. Especially if you really wish you knew a griot.


http://www.africabookcentre.com/ (thanks for the image!)

Need another dose of multiculturalism? Head over to Multiculturalism Rocks! http://nathaliemvondo.wordpress.com

A little help?

Take a peek. Really. Go on. Go....
www.helpthehoneybee.com

Now THAT'S depressing

Today is the most depressing day of the year. Seriously. That's what all the professionals tell us. The last Monday in the month of January is traditionally known as the most depressing day of the year. The decorations are down, the debt once again becomes apparent, and...I refuse to continue. It's depressing. BUT there are those days (take for instance, my older sister in the midst of one of those days on the left). AND there are better days too (I offer again, as example, the antiquated photo to the left where a giant grin seems to have plastered itself upon my face after swiftly circling in the tropical air just above my head for what seemed like an eternity). Personally, I'm more fond of National Pizza without Anchovies Day but, hey, I'm gonna just roll with the punches. After all, yesterday our local paper ran a story I wrote (the non depressing and non fictional kind)....

http://www.mysanantonio.com/life/Sunday_Journal_Exercising_freedom_a_proud_moment.html

It's a Party!

It's a party and you're invited!
TOO PURPLEY! ONLINE OPEN HOUSE
When: 1/25-1/31, 2010
Where: www.jeanreidy.com
Who: Anyone who loves children's books
What: Party favors, Door prizes, games, videos and more!!
Teachers/Librarians - win a 30 minute Skype author visit or The Grand Prize TOO PURPLEY! Package.
Authors - win a Picture Book Peek Critique