A Family of Readers

This past Sunday, Roger Sutton and Martha Parravano, Editors of the Horn Book Magazine discussed their book, A Family of Readers at the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, MA. They also introduced "new books from 2011 that they found exceptional and wished they could add to their 2010 book as excellent examples each genre and reading level."

I'm honored to report that Subway Story was included on this list! About Subway Story they said:

"Reminiscent of classic Virginia Lee Burton, this story of a subway car turned into a reef is a fresh, innovative way to approach nonfiction. While the story is factual, the subway car talks with a personality of it own, creating an accessible and entertaining blend of fiction and nonfiction."

There's Jessie, in a crowd of great books!

 Thanks to Roger Sutton and Martha Parravano! More on their list of 2011 books here.

20 Notable Poetry Books of 2009

Good news!



It was just announced that Incredible Inventions was chosen as one of the NCTE Notable Poetry Books of 2009! The National Council of Teachers of English has put together a great list of books, and I'm so happy that Incredible Inventions is a part of it.

Many thanks to the NCTE Excellence in Poetry Committee!

2010 UBIE Award!

Wow! The Secret Plan is the Favorite Picture Book of the Year at the University of Washington Bookstore! It's in excellent company - check out the adorable stuffed critters looming over their favorite novel of the year (and Newbery Award Winner) - Rebecca Stead's When You Reach Me.

Thank you, University of Washington!
GO HUSKIES!!

Society of Illustrators Original Art Show

The Secret Plan was chosen for inclusion in the Society of Illustrators Original Art show! I'm completely thrilled. It's always a fantastic show and I am so excited that my book is included this year!

I was happy to find my picture in a Team Rodeen cluster next to two wonderful pieces by Lauren Castillo (That's Papa's Way) and Peter Brown (Curious Garden) too!

The show includes original art from 125 books as well as several amazing real, live works by Chris Van Allsburg (and at the opening there was real, live Chris Van Allsburg himself too.) There's a great piece from Brian Floca's beautiful Moonshot (which won a Silver medal!) And one of my favorite paintings from Shaun Tan's stunning Tales From Outer Suburbia is on display too. The show is up until November 25th (and free to get into) - I encourage everybody to stop by!

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award

Neat! It turns out The Secret Plan won a Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Book Gold Award!