What a view!

Had the most wonderful 3 day visit with my middle daughter, Cloe.  Of course very little writing got done while she was here, but sometimes living life is more important than writing about it.  Today, before she left for a weekend with her girlfriends from high school, we went for a lovely 3 hour walk along Beach Dr. and up to the old observatory.  Here we are at the top.  It's quite the view...so lucky to live in this gorgeous part of the world.  So lucky to have even one of my girls home for a few days.  Hoping to see the other 2 soon.

It's expensive to donate!

In the last week I have sent off book donations to LA airlift due to the empty library shelves in some schools, Raise a Reader for a book auction, and The Elizabeth Fry Society of Saint John New Brunswick, or is it Saint Johns?  I never can remember.

Please don't anyone ask for more book donations...I can't afford the books (you might not be aware that authors have to pay for their own books aside from a few comp copies upon publication which you are supposed to use to help promote the book) or the postage...$47 to give books to people in need!  Yikes.  The total on this latest donation was $200 plus.

Between the Covers B&B and the Saltspring Island Young Adult Book Club

After a wonderful visit on Pender Island, I hopped over to Saltspring Island where my writer friend Margriet Ruurs picked me up.  She and her husband Kees moved to Saltspring and opened up a Book Lover's B&B called Between the Covers last year.  And what a perfect place it is.    If you tire of the quaint outdoor cafes in Ganges overlooking harbor, the dozens of art galleries, or sipping wine at one of three local wineries, the b&b is a perfect place to hang out.  They've outfitted  their poetry and fiction themed suites with shelves of books available for your reading pleasure.  Or you can enjoy the sight of bald eagles catching an updraft, or the smell of lavendar wafting from one of Margriet's fields. It's a perfect place to get back to nature.  When you leave, don't forget to bring a little of the country back home; either with a dozen free range eggs from Margriet's chickens or a bunch of fresh cut lavender.

While I was on Saltspring for work (having been invited to attend a young adult book club that was discussing my novel The Smell of Paint), I was not above enjoying a few of the above mentioned perks at Margriet's B&B.  And, I was lucky enough to be invited to a fabulous pot luck dinner provided by the members of the book club.  Before the night was over, one last treat was in store; slipping into the  hot tub after dark and enjoying the stars and the dramatic sky show of the Perseids meteor shower which was at it's peak.  Life couldn't get much better.

Thanks Saltspring Island Young Adult Book Club, and thanks Margriet for a delightful stay at Between the Covers.  I'd go back again in a heartbeat, and if you haven't been, a shelf full of delightful books awaits you.

Pender Island visit

Had a wonderful time on Pender Island visiting my writer friends Andrea and David Spalding.  Of course it helps that Andrea is a fantastic cook and David has written books and articles about everything from whales to geology.  Andrea has created the most gorgeous labyrinth and I also enjoyed a visit to a couple of their local art galleries, and the island bookstore.  The weather was perfect for a walk out to the nature preserve on South Pender.  Notice the street sign in the picture,   Kloshe Rd.  Kloshe means "a beautiful place" in the Chinook First Nations Language.  I couldn't agree more.

Sedaris & Sushi

Image by apc33 via Flickr

A rainy Saturday morning...meaning I didn't have to jump out of bed to water the garden (the city is in water conservation mode from May through September).  Still reading David Sedaris When You Are Engulfed in Flames, which I may finish if I laze about long enough.  He's very funny but I do prefer longer fiction to short stories.  Later I will be learning how to make sushi with my friend Cathy Takagaki, who is coming over from Saltspring Island and who learned how on her mother's knee.  Can't wait.  I love sushi.

I love my new i-phone

Yeah, my new i-phone has arrived.  Of course it meant transferring everything, but now I can sync my phone with my computer meaning I don't have to update contacts, calendars, and email on both.  I love it!  And the camera is so much better than the one in my old phone.  Check out the path I'm building around the garden (I'm only about 1/4 done but it's looking good). And, I'm still managing to get in 500 words or so a day on the new novel.  That's  nothing compared to the 3000 words Marsha Skrypuch pulls off (aka facebook status), but hey, I do my best.  And now I'm off to have tea (definitely ice tea today!) with my housebound but 'reads more books in a week than I can in a month' friend, Margaret.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

Had a wonderful time in Vancouver visiting my girls and going to the Vancouver Folk Music Festival.  Here are a few pics from the Folk Festival.  As you can see, the crowds were huge, the weather gorgeous, and the setting superb.  The music was pretty awesome too.  Hard to beat.

Below are one of my favorite groups, Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens.  Some of the other groups that were totally awesome were The Malahat Revue with Adidan Knight from Victoria, the Peatbog Faeries from G.B., Sarah Harmer, Tao Seeger (grandson of the great Pete Seeger), Nathan Rogers (son of the   late great Stan Rogers), and the United Steelworkers of Montreal, and these were just a few.

Have a great summer

It's been quiet around here for a while; been working on a new book.  Tomorrow I'm over in Vancouver for a bit, and then off to visit friends on the Gulf Islands so probably won't post for a while.  Have a great summer, and drop me a line if you read a really good book.

Later...

Best Books for Kids & Teen in 2010

Hurray.  I just received The Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids & Teens in 2010.  I can't wait to read it.  This is a fabulous resource for anyone stocking bookshelves in schools, libraries or at home.  It includes information about award-winners, interest levels, reading levels, and thematic links like sports or science or history.  It has a section for audio and magazines and even includes resources for teachers and librarians.  It's easy to get too.  All you have to do is be a member of the Canadian Children's Book Centre which supports and promotes Children's Literature in Canada.  The cost is $60 a year, and from my perspective, it's the best deal going.

A heads up for those of you south of the border, or overseas:  Best Books for Kids & Teens only covers Canadian material, so if you what to know what's up in the Canadian publishing scene for kids, this is the place to find it.

Salish Sea

Image via Wikipedia

It's amazing how important language is to all of us.

On July 15, the area that is now called the Strait of Georgia, Juan de Fuca Strait, Haro Strait and Puget Sound, will all be christened the Salish Sea in honor of the original First Nations who paddled these waterways.  Lieutenant Governor of B.C. Steven Point (a former provincial court judge and chief of the Skowkale First Nation) will be honoring the name change with an original song and a canoe he carved under the guidance of a master carver. 17 canoes, some from as far away as Alaska and the Oregon coast are expected.

There has to be a story in this people.  Get writing.

Coming soon

Spent a bit of time this morning writing the script for a book trailer for The Smell of Paint.  In some ways it's a lot like a pitch, using 6 or 7 lines of script, but in other ways it's quite different because the visuals can do so much, especially for a novel.  When you think about it, it's a little bit like picture books.  You start with a story in very few words, and then  the artist comes along and tells the bits between the lines.  So, now I'm looking forward to seeing the end product.  I'll post it when it's all finished.

Happy 4th of July

Image via Wikipedia

Happy 4th of July to all my south of the border family and friends.

Happy Canada Day Happy Reading

Happy Canada Day.  It's raining so no bike ride for me today.  I may just stay in bed all day and read one of the 3 or 4 books I have on the go and drink copious quantities of tea.  Life could be worse...Happy reading.

...Or if you happen to live in a place where you actually have summer happening, unlike here on the west coast... Happy bike riding.

not so big news on Canada Day eve

So, almost 7:30 on the eve of Canada Day, our version of the US 4th of July.  Just finished working and my big plans for this holiday evening include: watching a home renovation show or two, reading a few hundred pages of The Girl Who Played With Fire, and drinking a couple of glasses of some lovely Chardonay.  Hopefully tomorrow we'll get a little sun and I can go for a bike ride to offset the calorie build-up from a full day of sitting on my butt at the computer working on a new novel,  Sad to say that I didn't even get very far.  7 hours of work netted me about 700 words...sometimes it just doesn't come.

Did have a really good conversation with my former editor, Ann Featherstone, who, after many years, has become a very good friend. We talked about books we've read, books we should be reading, and books we'll send to each other.  Of course, the frustrations of writing and of editing came up.  We both concluded that neither of us could leave the business even if we wanted to...it's too wrapped up with who we are.

If you ever get a chance to work with the wonderful and very talented editor, Ann Featherstone, you are one lucky writer/illustrator.  She's awesome.

Hot Guys Reading

Just came across this "Hot Guys Reading" site passed on by a writer friend.  Check it out, and if you see any hot guys reading, snap a pic and email it on.

Strawberries & chocolate

Too full of chocolate covered strawberries to blog...ugh!

I'm a lovely sunny yellow but...

I'm a lovely sunny yellow but I have the disposition of a dark raincloud storming across the sky.  Actually, I'm literally yellow, and so is the floor of my new shed.  My puppy Ruby escaped though, thanks to much contorting on my part so that the entire can of stain did not spill on her.  Damned dogs getting underfoot when you're carrying an open paint can!  Of course she got to sit in the shade while I cleaned up the mess and acted dejected because I didn't want to throw the ball for her.

Now that I'm back from the paint store, I suppose I'd better get back outside since I've got three more sides of the shed to stain.  No reading for me today...

welcome into the world Chloe Elise

I have a new grandniece, just minutes old.  I love how easy it is to connect with friends and family these days.  Welcome into the world Chloe Elise.  I can't wait to meet you and bring you lots and lots of books which your big sister Abby can help you read.  And of course, Abby will get her own "big girl" books.  Way to go D. & B.

a day of reading

After a few days of working in the garden, I don't mean planting a few flowers.  I mean serious garden work involving taking out a tree blown down by a windstorm about 10 days ago.  Sadly, it took out about a quarter of my garden.  First I had to cut it all up into three foot pieces that would fit into my wheel barrow so that I could get it up a temporary ramp, across the deck, through the gate, and out front where I could dump it until the weekend when my neighbor will be around to loan me her truck. This took me the better part of a day since I no longer own a chain saw (yes, I have in the past been know to wield one). Then I had to dig out a stump, salvage the few plants that hadn't been trashed, and bring in 2 yards of topsoil, (about 40 trips with the wheel barrow), and then replant after a delightful trip to the nursery of course.

So, I figure after all this, I deserve a day off.  No writing, no gardening, no working at the shoe store.  Just a day of drinking tea, cracking the cover of one of the books in my gargantuan pile, and reading.  Of course I may check out a few of my fav blogs to see what's cooking, but otherwise, it's just a nice "stay in your pj's sort of reading day.   Lucky me.

Will Smith - Running & Reading (The Key to Life)

Oops.  Sorry, the video no longer seems to be available.  The message though is simple...The Key to life is running (keep your body fit) and reading (keep your mind fit).

Happy father's day to all you dad's out there.  Here's a pretty cool message from Will Smith's (it's from the 2005 Kid's Choice Award).  This guy must be one great dad.  My dad didn't make music or win awards, but he was a pretty good father.  He didn't have a chance to finish school before his own dad passed away.  So he quite school at the age of 13 to get a job and help support the family.  When I was growing up he worked six days a week so he didn't have much time for reading.  But if he were alive today, I'm pretty sure he'd agree with Will Smith's message. 

Buy someone you love a picture book

I love picture books.  I bought someone I love Linda Bailey's book, Stanley's Party yesterday.  He was thrilled.  Share one of your favorite picture books with someone you love, and you'll put a smile on their face.  And remember, picture books can be for everyone.  You don't have to be in the target 3-7 age group to enjoy Linda's book.  As I said, it's one of my favorites.

books and dreams

Ok, so last night I went to buy a wooden trellis, but it seems trellises are in demand these days, and everyone in town was out.  By everyone, I mean the non-trendy stores where I can afford to shop...hey, I'm an author...we don't make enough money to be trendy.  Anyways, my last resort was Home Depot, but, you guessed it, they were out too!

Just as I was about to leave they announced that the "Ladies Only How to Tile Workshop" was about to start.  I couldn't help thinking what a great book title that would make, probably written by someone like Alexander McCall Smith...but I digress.

I wandered over, sat down, was a given a free package full of helpful advice and product information, a folder to keep it all in and a free demonstration.  I was sucked in from the get go.  I just might be the next tilting queen, or not...

And how does this relate to books you might be asking.  I'm getting to that part, honest.  Sadly, I didn't come away with a trellis.  But, I did buy their book on tiling, and some sample tiles for my bathroom.  You might think that I've been roped in, and perhaps I have.  But, you won't be laughing when my sad little bathroom with peeling paint and a decrepit  heater gets transformed into something resembling the pretty pictures in my new book tiling book with gorgeous glass tiles and a heated tile floor.  At least that's the dream, and for the price of a book, and a few sample tiles, dreaming is pretty cheap, don't you think.

): No free WIFI for us

Yesterday Starbucks announced that as of July 1st WIFI will be free in the US.  What about us here in Canada though?  All I can say is they won't be making me any soy lattes or london fogs until I get the same treatment as my friends in the US.  I guess I'll just have to do my writing at home for the time being.  Just imagine how much money I'll be saving!

WriteOnCon

An exciting new online kid's and ya book conference has just been announced by a couple of young enthusiastic writers.  They have scored some awesome presenters including my wonderful agent Suzie Townsend.  Registration for this August Conference isn't until July, but more news will be coming soon check the WriteOnCon site frequently.

WriteOnCon is an exciting online writer’s conference for children’s writers everywhere!

A team of seven: Jamie Harrington, Elana Johnson, Casey McCormick, Shannon Messenger, Lisa and Laura Roecker, and Jen Stayrook started this project with a single goal: paying it forward. They'd all heard so many writers who wished they could attend a conference, but simply didn’t have the time or money. So they decided to bring a conference to them—a free online conference that anyone could attend in the convenience of their own homes. And so, WriteOnCon was born. (Rated MC-18: for main characters 18 and under.)  I love this part!!!

The response from industry professionals has been overwhelming (check out our awesome list of presenters) and more presenters names will be added as people confirm. In the meantime, they suggest you mark your calendar for August 10-12, and tell your friends so they can be here too. They're working hard to make this the best conference they can, and it’s going to be—EPIC!

Follow the link to their site and see what they have in store. And check back regularly for updates. You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

~The WriteOnCon Team

Ripple Sketches& Kelly Light

The whole BP oil fiasco in the Gulf feels overwhelming, but a group of kid's book illustrators has decided to do something to help.  It began with illustrator Kelly Light putting up small sketches for small donations that go directly to  The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies and The International Bird Rescue Research Center.  

The image shown is a sample of what is available.

Kelly decided to put the word out to see if other illustrators were will to contribute.  The response was so overwhelming that Ripple Sketches was born. The way it works, is you make a direct donation to one of the above two charities to help animal victims of the oil spill and send Kelly the confirmation number and your address, and she'll send you a sketch. Way to go Kelly.

Victoria, BC is a smart place to live

Hey everyone, Victoria is a smart place to live.  No lie!  I read it in the Globe & Mail.  Here's the link.  Lifelong learning: why Victoria is top of the class.
Now if it would just stop raining...

Margaret

This afternoon I'm having tea with my friend Margaret.  I love Margaret, and everyone should be lucky enough to have a friend like her.  Margaret, who is coming up to 84, holds a book and tea salon on Thursday afternoons.  That's the time when the local bookseller and various other friends drop by for tea and to talk about books. Margaret is eclectic.  She reads everything from literary fiction, to mysteries, from history and historical fiction, to social commentary, from picture books to young adult literature.  The only thing she stays away from is war stories.  Having lived through World War II in her native Finland, Margaret figures she's had enough war for a lifetime.

Until she was 80, Margaret used to make the 1mile or so trek from her home to the bookstore just about every day of the week.  I know because one of my daughters worked there for three years, and the three years before that, my editor's daughter worked there.  The bookstore has changed hands 4 times over the last 20 or so years, but Margaret has been a constant.  She'd walk down the hill, all 4' 10" of her, have a chat about what she'd been reading or whether this or that reviewer was off his rocker or right on the money.  She'd buy a book, and then  her husband Earnst would drive down and pick her and take her home.   The walk back would have been just a little too much.  She'd go home, read the book, and be back the next day for another one.  Margaret is voracious.  She reads faster and retains more than I've ever been able to.

These days, the book store comes to Margaret because she isn't able to get out any more.  She has a big window overlooking the garden that Earnst tends so lovingly.  Her world is one of books and her husband's garden.  Amber, the book seller, brings along a bag of books for the week for Margaret to choose from.  It's almost like a party.  All those books at once.  What a treat!  Margaret keeps up on reviews on-line, and she's always happy to have recommendations from friends.   I can't tell you how many books I've read on Margaret's recommendation, nor can I tell you have many of Margaret's books are in my 'to be read pile'. She's always giving me books, and not just for me either.  Sometimes when I arrive, she'll have a book just for Ali, who isn't a sci-fi fan, but Margaret is sure she'll like this one because the "world building is outstanding".  Or that wiener dog book she found for Katie because she knows that Katie is ga ga over wiener dogs. Yep, Margaret is a gem.  Everyone deserves to have a friend like Margaret. I'm so lucky that I do.

2011 Chocolate Lily short-list announced

So, I keep getting asked about the short-list for the 2011 Chocolate Lily Book Award (a BC reader's choice award), and I haven't been able to find the info anywhere.  In desperation, I email the founder yesterday, and it just so happens that the list was announced this morning.  So stop bugging me you guys.  Here it is.

Picture Book Category  

Bradley McGogg the Very Fine Frog by Tim Beiser Illustrated by Rachel Berman (BC) Tundra Books

Viva Zapata by Emilie Smith (BC) and Margarita Kenefic Tejada   Illustrated by Stefan Czernecki (BC) Tradewind Books

Penelope and the Preposterous Birthday Party by Sheri Radford (BC)   Illustrated by Christine Tipp  Lobster Press

Fred and Pete at the Beach by Cynthia Nugent   Orca Book Publishers

On My Walk by Kari-Lynn Winters (BC when book was published) Illustrated by Christina Leist (BC) Tradewind Books

Bubble Homes and Fish Farts by Fiona Bayrock(BC)  Illustrated by Carolyn Conahan  Charlesbridge

Stanley’s Beauty Contest by Linda Bailey (BC) Illustrated by Bill Slavin Kids Can Press 

Chapter books for Grades 3 - 5 Category 

Goldfish Don’t Take Bubble Baths ( Abby and Tess Pet Sitters) by Trina Wiebe   Lobster Press

Whiteout by Becky Citra   Orca Young Readers

Zach & Zoe Bully and the Beagle by Kristin Butcher   James Lorimer & Co

After Peaches by Michelle Mulder   Orca Young Readers

Clay Man: The Golem of Prague by Irene Watts Illustrated by Kathryn Shoemaker   Tundra

The Sky Tree by P. K. Page Illustrated by Kristi Bridgeman   Oolichan Books

Novel Category (Grades 5 –   

Venom by Nikki Tate   Orca Sports

The Ship of Lost Souls by Rachelle Delaney   Harper Trophy Canada

Bank Job by James Heneghan and Norma Charles   Orca Book Publishers

Simon Says Gold: Simon Whitfield’s Pursuit of Athletic Excellence by Simon Whitfield with Cleve Dheensaw   Orca Book Publishers

Counting on Hope by Sylvia Olsen  Sononis

The Giant Slayer by Iain Lawrence   Delacorte Press

Charlie: a Home Child’s Life in Canada by Beryl Young   Key Porter Books

Today's news

Today's news...Yesterday I bought paint to paint my bedroom.  Yeah!  I going from sunny yellow to the more sophisticated and about to be a gorgeous serene pale bluish green called Silver Mist.  Who comes up with these paint names and do they actually get paid? Hmmm...if they do, I just might consider a career change.  As it is, I won't start painting until after the work day since I'm back to editing my MIP today for my agent who insists that a little tweak here and another little tweak there will result is perfection.

Unhappy? Get yourself an iPhone.

Ok, I admit it, I'm procrastinating. It's raining outside so I won't be planting those pole beans or parsnips today so I told myself that it's time to do a little housework. I washed the dishes as a warm-up, and managed to vacuum the living room rug and clean the bathroom before running out of steam.  While I regroup, I thought I might fill you in on an interesting phenomenon I read about in Salon...the iPhone can make you happy.  According to a research project undertaken at Stanford University, 72 percent of students interviewed said that their iPhone made them happier.   Maybe my dissatisfaction with the day has nothing at all to do with the minuscule amount of housework that I've gotten done, or the fact that we've only had one sunny day in the last two weeks!   Maybe I just need an iPhone to make me happy!  Here's a link to the article, which, despite my flippant comment above, is actually quite good.

JK Rowling: The fringe benefits of failure | Video on TED.com

You may have seen this already post of JK Rowling at Harvard, but it's so cool, and after recently attending my youngest daughter's university graduation ceremony, I think it's worth watching and listening to again.  As an author she is amazing, but as a woman, mother, and fellow human being, she raises the bar for us all.

J.K. Rowling Speaks at Harvard Commencement from Harvard Magazine on Vimeo.

Librarians Do Gaga

I just came across this great Librarian video. Enjoy!

In defense of librarians

Below is a letter that my friend and fellow author, Helaine Becker sent to the National Post re:  a derogatory comment about librarians.  It's such a great letter, that I want everyone to read it.   Yeah Helaine!  And if you think this letter is great, you can check out her books too.  You'll find a link to her website at the bottom of the page.  PS. Helaine is really really funny:)


Dear Mr. Gunter,

I was enjoying your analysis of Easy Rider in this morning's National Post
("Getting over Easy Rider, "June 2,2010) when I was caught short by this
sentence: "The teens who were prompted by its anti-establishment message to
pledge themselves to change the world are today school librarians and public
broadcasting technicians living in suburban bungalows, looking around the
next bend at pensionability and wondering whether to open a B&B in Niagara."

Yikes! There's a sweeping stereotype there! 

I know you were trying to humorously make a point about becoming the essence
of establishment self-focus. But clearly, you have not met many school
librarians, nor do you fully appreciate what they do every day. (I can't
speak for the broadcasting technicians.)

I am not a school librarian, but in my career as a writer of children's
literature, I have had the great privilege of meeting and spending time with
hundreds of school librarians across North America - from Nunavut to New
Brunswick, from the Jane-Finch Corridor in the GTA to the rural communities
of Manitoba, Alberta and Yukon; in Texas, California, New York and Lima
(Peru). Virtually every single one of the people I met are still honoring
that pledge to change the world.

Don't be fooled by the prim reading-glasses-on-chains cartoon image.
Teacher-librarians are true revolutionaries, trying to change and improve
society by empowering the most vulnerable members of society: children. 

Their working conditions: abysmal. 

Their weapon: literacy. 

Their opposition: entrenched bureaucracy that gives lip service to literacy
and equity, but shows its true colors by gutting schools of books and
trained staff. 

Meet, for example, Nina W., a school-librarian in the great State of
California who currently has responsibility for three inner city schools,
virtually no support from administration (when I visited with her two weeks
ago, nearly 600 teachers had just been let go and were engaged in costly and
divisive legal hearings instead of teaching in the classroom). Yet despite
being stretched nearly to the breaking point, Nina still managed to
administer a Reading is Fundamental book program for Kindergarten and grade
1 students, organize author visits to inspire hundreds of children, and
facilitate delivery of books to needy schools that were collected on an
independent book drive.

Or meet Fabienne T., who works in a remote Northern community. Her student
body contains a high number of kids who come to school hungry, tired and
unprepared to learn because of upheaval at home and in their community. For
these children, literacy is truly a foreign concept - their own culture did
not even have a written language 40 years ago! Many elders there are
actually suspicious of reading as a form of learning, since their own
educational system involved a more active approach, being out on the land.
Yet Fabienne cheerfully strides from school to school, bringing books and
enthusiasm and a desire to help improve the opportunities available to her
charges. Those opportunities will only open to them when they possess the
skills needed to "make it" in the contemporary world, so with her copies of
"Clifford the Big Red Dog" and "Twilight" in hand, Fabienne is truly
managing to change their worlds.

Or why not let me introduce you to Jenny E., who teaches in a tough primary
school in one of Toronto's most challenging neighborhoods. To see what she
has done with these old-too-soon kids is nothing short of miraculous, and
she's been doing it for more than 20 years, day in and day out (I'm sure the
number is higher than that, but I don't want to embarrass her!). 

The crisis facing school libraries today is an issue that has not yet
surfaced in the Canadian consciousness. Yet let me assure you, it is very
real, pervasive, and will have long-term consequences. Only a tiny
percentage of Canadian school libraries meet the minimal standards (Set by
the Canadian Library Association ) required to achieve learning objectives
in all curricular areas, not just literacy. 

A fully functional school library is the heart of a school, providing
necessary sustenance and support for teachers and students. It is at the
vanguard of "best practices," incorporating information literacy into school
culture, and it the avenue through which students learn how to do research,
analyze sources and interpret media messaging. 

School librarians are professionally committed to freedom of thought and
speech, and to the notion that teaching kids how to learn is the root of all
education. If that's not progressive, I don't know what is.

I know, I know, you didn't really mean to disparage school librarians -
yours was a throwaway comment designed for a laugh. But it perpetuated a
lie, and was a disservice to some of the most revolutionary members of our
society. But! Here's the good news! You can easily correct that disservice!

Let me suggest that, next Fall, you accompany me to some representative
school libraries in the GTA. Let me show you how we are letting down
Canadian students by underfunding our school libraries. Let me show you how
the mouth-noises that insist "we support literacy" are a lie when in fact
the school libraries in our country are short of books and staff.

On a personal note, it was in a school library that I first fell in love
with books. That early exposure and support has enabled me to live a full
and productive life as a literate citizen. 

When I speak to kids during my school presentations, I often ask them, "Why
are you learning how to read?" The typical response is, "so I can get a job
one day." "So I can get good grades." Or simply a shrug of shoulders - we
are made to read and write because the grownups want us to. 

I tell the kids that all of those answers are all acceptable ones, but are
not the best reasons. Do you really want to learn to read just so you can
grow up to become an obedient worker bee, or to boast a meaningless A on
meaningless report card? No.

No, The real reason you should want to learn how to Read well, Write well
and Speak well is because these are the tools that give you power - both the
power over your own life, and the power to persuade others to make
improvements to our world.

School librarians are bringing power to the people, every day. Please give
them their due. 

Sincerely,

Helaine Becker
Author

www.helainebecker.com

www.helainebecker.blogspot.com

Follow me on twitter! Twitter.com/Helainebecker

Cool Book Shelf

I don't really have any news today so I thought I'd make some up.  Here's my idea of the perfect book shelf.  Unfortunately, I need the floor to ceiling kind at my place to accommodate all the books!

What's Shaking The School: A Principal's Retrospective

For any of you former Margaret Jenkins students, parents, or teachers, retired elementary school principal Judy Bertram has just self published a book about her former principalship, What's Shaking The School. In my opinion, Judy was one of the best principals I've ever met. And, in my career as a teacher and author, as well as in my role as a parent, I've met quite a few! This is one self published book that I'll definitely be picking up. Click here order your copy.

Project ALA

It won't be long before the next big ALA kid's book gala where this year's Newbery and Caldecott Awards etc. will be presented. When doing a quick search, I came across this funny mash up of red carpet fashion. It involves "four days at ALA, three intrepid interviewers, two expensive video cameras & one $3.99 red bath mat (aka red carpet)". It's a virtual who's who of kid's books with Jon Scieszka (who was at the time the Children's Literary Ambassador, Betsy Bird, Roger Sutton (editor of The Horn Book)Laurie Halse Anderson, Ellen Hopkins, Linda Sue Park and John Green all making red carpet appearances. The fashionistas all agree that success is "all about the story". There are also a series of interviews as well if you want to check those out too. Enjoy!

The Girl Effect

Even though it's not exactly book related, this is the coolest vid. Enjoy

University Graduation

Finally getting around to downloading pictures from my camera. Here are a few of my youngest daughter's graduation. I can't believe I've (ok they did a little to help!) gotten all three girls through university!

The

big surprise was that one of my fav Canadian comedians, Rick Mercer, was getting an honorary doctorate at her ceremony. He's so funny. I wish I would have gotten a better pic but this was the best I could do with my lack of talent and point & shoot camera. It didn't help that I was barely out of the hospital and not at my best.

Picturing Canada by Gail Edwards & Judith Saltman

While I was in Vancouver I got a call from Ron Lightburn with some good news. Ron illustrated my first book, Waiting for the Whales, which is still in print after 19 years (note to self; plan party for the book's 20th anniversary in 2011). It seems an illustration of our book was one of two featured in a National Post article about a new book called Picturing Canada: A History of Canadian Children's Illustrated Books and Publishing by Gail Edwards and Judith Saltman.

In my mind, a book that documents the history of children's illustrated literature in Canada is long overdue and I'm thrilled that the book is finally out. The US, the UK, and Australia all have scholarly works documenting children's literature in their respective countries, and it's about time that we, here in Canada, acknowledged the contribution that the publishing industry and it's creators have made to our cultural growth. I recall being honored five or six years ago when Professor Judith Saltman arrived on my doorstep to interview me. We had tea, caught up on mutual friends and industry news, and shared titles of favorite books. She was both gracious and professional as she explained that mine would be one of dozens of interviews which would be integrated into her text and include: authors, illustrators, publishers and librarians and other professionals across the country. Her enthusiasm was contagious, but I admit that after a few years went by I forgot about her project. Now, after reading the National Post article, it has been rekindled. So, Picturing Canada will be on my list when I hit the bookstore next. I'm excited to read about Edwards' and Saltman's insights, and I'm curious about what my fellow creators and publishers had to say. Most of all, I'm thankful to be working in an industry that I continue to love after more than twenty years.

Saltspring Island

Saltspring Island was groovy as usual. The Saturday market is like going back 30 years...tie-dyed t-shirts, hippy skirts, long hair and beards, and guitar players with their cases open for donations, hand-made candles, and lavender jelly, organic smokies (vegie or turkey), plenty of pottery, fresh herbs etc. and a 5 foot nothing guy playing a digaree do & doing a little healing thing with some sort of animal bone thingy...so much fun. I wish I could have stayed a second night but as it turns out, I got pretty sick the next day too but it was just as well that I headed back home since I ended up being sick for a week...a major drag.

While on Saltspring I bought the cutest little original water color painting by for my daughter's graduation and a lovely cheese slicer with wood carved handle for my other daughter's birthday. The grad was lovely although no dinner for me as I was still not doing solid food. Pictures to come soon...

Saltspring Island

Yeah. Long weekend coming up. Ruby (my puppy) and I are heading over to Saltspring Island. The weekend agenda will include: good friends, good food, good wine, and probably a pile of books to exchange. We'll go to the market, walk the beaches, and catch up (since we all live in different places). I love my girl friends.

Life Above All, a film based on Chandra's Secret

OMG...this is so exciting. My friend Dennis Foon is off to Cannes. Dennis, an award-winning playwright, and novelist, wrote the screenplay for a fantastic YA novel, Chandra's Secret by Allan Stratton, about a 16 year old girl who looks after her younger siblings in the face of her father's death in the diamond mines and her mother dying of AIDS. The story is as compelling as it is uplifting; children parenting children with courage and grace in the face of poverty, abuse and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.

The film is called Life Above All, so watch for it. In the meantime, yeah Dennis. Have fun in Cannes, and send us back some celebrity pics.

The Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable presents Carolyn Hart

Carolyn Hart: Cultural Diversity in Picture Books

Monday May 17th, 7:30 pm
at the Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable

Note: Roundtable meetings now take place at the Nellie McClung Branch Library, 3950 Cedar Hill Road, lower entrance.

Carolyn Hart is a mother of two boys, a teacher, and a children's book reviewer. She is also the BC Regional Officer for the Canadian Children's Book Centre. She makes presentations about early literacy and outstanding children's books to parent groups and professional organizations throughout BC.

Carolyn will speak about new picture books that celebrate our cultural diversity. She will also demonstrate activities and games that match the themes of the featured books. "When we make wise choices with the books we read to children, we can help diminish stereotyping and help youngsters develop respect for human diversity and curiosity about our world."

The VCLR is open to the public. Members free, drop-ins $5, students $4. Meetings are held at the Nellie McClung Branch Library, 3950 Cedar Hill Road, at 7:30 pm. Come early and browse the bookseller's table, and bring a friend!

Orca Book launch today!

Oops...I meant to upload this invite to the Orca Book launch but forgot. Sadly, it's too late to get there now, but it's never to late to drop by your local bookseller to pick up one of these great titles

BC Kids books to be featured in Korea

Taxes done and done! Before I head out to the garden to attack the weeds I have to get books ready for the Canadian Embassy in Korea which is showcasing BC children's authors and illustrators at their book fair this year. Very cool. I'll be sending The Smell of Paint, my young adult novel, as well as the Korean version of This is the Dog. I'll get the cover scanned in so you can check it out just as soon as I fix my scanner.

tax time

Home again and immersed in taxes. Yah yah, tax time has come and gone, but I'm just getting to it, wading my way through paper piled practically to the rafters. Thinking back over a year it's hard to believe I actually considered changing careers...It turns out that my income this past year is about the same as the year I began my writing career...so sad. Fortunately this year, luck is with me...I've received writing grants from both The Canada Council and The BC Arts Council and I'm lucky enough to have Suzie Townsend of Literary FinePrint Management as my agent. Life could not being looking better.

And speaking of Suzie, I just received two books from her in today's mail. She calls her self a book-fairy with good reason. Not only is she an insightful editor, she sends books! I can't wait to read them. The first is I heart you, You haunt me by Lisa Schroeder, and the other is an ARC The Duff by Kody Keplinger. (no image yet available). I'm tempted to crack the covers, but taxes first...well, maybe a little peek...damn you Suzie!

Whew. The 10 K was a success. Managed to find my friend despite the 60,000 other people who showed up to run. We totally rocked it, and loved the music every kilometer or so and the chocolate milk, oranges and bananas at the end tasted sooo sweet. The sun warmed us all the way through downtown, along the seawall, over one bridge, past False Creek and back to downtown over a second bridge. We walked the few kilometers home afterwards, even up that huge steep hill...showered, walked back down the hill to Granville Island to meet up with the rest of the fam for a lovely mother's day lunch, then barely made it back up the hill...collapsed on the couch and am now watching Vancouver whip Chicago. Sorry Black Hawks, but you're going down! After the game I'll fall into bed...read a few pages of The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo and sleep like a baby.

Happy Reading, Running or Renovations

I can't believe I'm watching hockey, but here I am, in Vancouver live streaming the Canucks getting their butts kicked by the Chicago Black Hawks! After several days of helping my daughter work on her new (aka 1960's) but oh so in need of renos condo, we ordered take out sushi and are watching the game which is being played just down the road, but tickets are out of the ball park (or hockey arena as the case may be) for most YA authors, myself included. After days of slaving away, I fall into bed, which in this case translates into a well worn second or possibly third hand couch, and fall asleep after a few pages of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, by Steg Larsson. I'm enjoying the book, and would probably be farther along if it weren't for above mentioned renos. I'll get back to you on whether it's worth the 841 page read although I have managed 240 pages these last few nights.

Tomorrow I pick up my # and chip for the 10K Vancouver Sun Run which is Sunday. I'll let ya know how that goes too. It's my mother's day present to myself!

Happy reading, running or renovations...

Later.