What's the best way to snap yourself out of a post-Turkey Day food coma? Head for your nearest bookstore (indie, that is) this Saturday, November 30. Why, you might ask, while assembling your umpteenth plate of leftover stuffing and checking the football schedule? Because it's Small Business Day at Secret Garden Books and University Book... Continue Reading →
C is for COOKIE…
...that's good enough for me! Gourmet.com throws down the gauntlet! To all those who have commenced with the pre-holiday meeting salivation–– The answer is, YES! There will be cookies. Potentially many, many cookies. But this will depend on you. At this year's holiday meeting/party/gathering/celebration/art exhibit/good news on December 12 (and you've... Continue Reading →
Meet the Artist #1
As part of the hoopla around our first-ever public exhibition of illustrations by SCBWI WWA artists, Update will post a mini-profile of each* between now and the exhibit's closure in early January. Read about 'em here, or check them ALL out online here, or go see their work in person at the Washington State Convention... Continue Reading →
Authors/illustrators sought for Na-Ta-Ki-Boo-Day
Because there are never enough opportunities to hyphenate special things, here's another: National Take Your Children to a Bookstore Day This day, which certainly warms the cockles of our hearts, is slated for Saturday, December 7. In recognition, Todd Hulbert of Finally Found Books in Auburn would like to host a slew of local children's... Continue Reading →
Illustrators’ submissions for Tomie dePaola Award
A timely and friendly reminder to all illustrators! Submissions for SCBWI's Tomie dePaola Award are welcome now from near and far, with a deadline of December 13. The award is given annually to an illustrator of promise chosen by Tomie himself. The award consists full tuition, transportation to, and accommodations at SCBWI's New York Winter Conference... Continue Reading →
In case you haven’t heard….
The National Book Awards were handed out earlier this week. For all categories, from fiction to poetry to nonfiction to––hooray!––young people's literature. The winner of the 2013 NBA for Young People's Literature is: Cynthia Kadohata, for her middle-grade novel The Thing About Luck. Cynthia is also the author of the 2005 Newbery Award-winner, Kira-Kira.
The end of an era: Charlotte Zolotow
Children's book giant Charlotte Zolotow, author of more than 70 books and editor (at HarperCollins predecessor Harper & Row, where she reigned over her namesake imprint), has died at the inspiring age of 98. Zolotow's picture books are numerous (Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present, William's Doll, My Grandson Lew, to name a few). As... Continue Reading →
Egads! for Sarah
By Sarah R. Diehl Member Sarah Romano Diehl is pleased to announce her collaboration with John Romano at Egads Press to create a new children's book app called "My Day." Sarah illustrated and co-wrote. "My Day" is an end-of-the-day story kids can personalize with their own photos. The story explores the events of a basic... Continue Reading →
List-o-mania: The best children’s books from 2013
In case you haven’t noticed the recent burst of lists featuring the best children’s books of 2013, we’ve put together a roundup of a few popular ones for anyone who cares to compare and contrast. For those who wish to dig deeper, the blog Chicken Spaghetti puts our little round up to shame with a... Continue Reading →
RJ Watson AND Kid Lit Drink Night on Jennifer’s Island!
This coming Sunday Jennifer Mann is hosting Kid Lit Drink Night at the Harbour Public House on Bainbridge Island! Short notice you say? She did too, but there it is. The Harbour has great food and beverages AND you can walk there from the ferry, so leave the car in Seattle. Let's say it starts... Continue Reading →