Reviewed Here First

When the Whistle Blows

2009-08-26T13:54:00.001-07:00

In the opening chapter of WHEN THE WHISLE BLOWS Jimmy reluctantly slips out of the house with his older brother in the middle of the night. It’s All Hallows Eve and their destination is the local funeral home. There they learn that childhood rumors are true. The town really has a secret group ‘The Society.’ And its members include their father and oldest brother.

Each chapter is engaging as the first and all take place on All Hallows Eve. Throughout the novel Jimmy attempts to puzzle out the mystery of his father. There is a palpable tension between father and son and Jimmy’s feelings for his father are a complicated stew of frustration, anger, desire, and fear. His emotions are so sharp, reading felt like eavesdropping.

One of Jimmy’s temporary solutions is to put a distance between him and his father. At the same time Jimmy is itching to get closer to his future. He can only imagine living the life of a railroader but his father insists times are changing. And this time, Dad is right.

Railroading life is changing for good. The town is slowly dying from the loss of jobs. And only a short time after his boyhood pranks, football tournaments, and family struggles, Jimmy finds a path for his future. But before that he figures out something that matters even more, his father.

Review notes:
1. I couldn’t shake the “This reminds me of something” feeling I got while reading WHEN THE WHISTLE BLOWS. I searched my mind. But came up with nothing. Old TV shows? No. A movie? None that I could think of. Another book? There is no other book like this one. Finally, it hit me.

Life.

WHEN THE WHISTLE BLOWS reminded me of real life. The complicated interplay between family members that exists everywhere.

2. When I first met Fran Cannon Slayton. I first met Fran at a SCBWI event. My friends and I were stragglers. Not wanted to leave the informal critique groups, we hung around reading, critiquing, and talking while other groups were breaking up.

Fran found us and joined in. We asked about her work and she was initially reluctant. “I have something I want to read,” she said. “But I just read it for the other group and I’m not sure.”

“Read it,” we insisted.

She read the first chapter of the novel that eventually became WHEN THE WHISTLE BLOWS and we were mesmerized. Wow. We all gushed over it. And then it hit us -she almost didn’t read it to us because of that mean other group.

“What did they say to you?” We wanted to know so we could defend her.

Shyly Fran shrugged her shoulders. “They liked it too,” she admitted. “But I wasn’t sure.”

Let’s talk BOLOGNA!

2009-08-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

SCBWI Day Before Bologna Conference in association with the largest children’s rights fair in the world.

Featuring
Leonard Marcus speaking about what makes an award winning book
NY Times best-selling author Ellen Hopkins
Agent Scott Treimel will hone pitches for authors and illustrators

Writers and SCBWI founders Lin Oliver & Steve Mooser
Editor Tessa Strickland of Barefoot Books (UK), Editor Sarah Grant of Working Partners (UK), Agent Sarah Davies of Greenhouse Literary (US & UK), Editor Sarah Foster of Walker Books (Australia), Agent Marcia Wernick of Sheldon Fogelman Agency (US), Agent Frances Plumpton of Richards Literary Agency (New Zealand), Agent Laura Rennert of Andrea Brown Literary Agency (US), Agent Rosemary Stimola of Stimola Literary (US), Art Director Val Brathwaite (Bloomsbury) and many more publishers, editors, art directors and agents from across the globe.

Professional feedback from agents and art directors on your words and illustrations in the first pages and first looks panels.
(In 2008 the first looks panel led to more than one book deal and first pages panel led to many requested manuscripts.)

The conference is followed by the SCBWI Dance Party ~ party with publishing professionals from around the world.

Visit the SCBWI Showcase during the Bologna Book Fair for networking with professionals, dueling illustrators, quickie portfolio reviews, showcase of PAL members and international regions

All SCBWI Members are offered an extended deadline to enter the prestigious Illustrators Exhibit competition (Deadline is 2 October 09 SCBWI member entries are accepted through 1 November 09)

Registration will be open soon and is limited to 100 attendees to enhance networking opportunities

Email: Bologna@scbwi.org
Bologna Children's Book Fair www.bookfair.bolognafiere.it
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/SCBWI-Bologna-Connections/103959557577

For authors who are not yet members

2008-11-14T13:06:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you heard about the big settlement that the Authors Guild worked out with google. The details will be released soon.

And for those authors who are not yet members... here is more information about the authors guild

Michael Crichton

2008-11-06T13:04:00.001-08:00

Michael Crichton will always be remembered for his amazing fiction stories. I thought I'd take a moment to remember him by posting a lesser known nf book. In TRAVELS Michael Crichton wrote about his adventures around the globe and the relationships that grew (or ended) as a result of these exotic travels. It has been awhile since I read this book, but I recall tales of being covered in a swarm of bees, climbing high peaks, venturing between tour buses after a landslide and fearing that his 'travel guide' was actually an escaped convict. Though a non-fiction memoir Crichton's writing in TRAVELS is filled with the same tension and honesty of his better known fiction novels. If you're a fan of Crichton or enjoy traveling to remote locations, you will love this book.

SOMETHING ROTTEN for free!

2008-10-31T09:21:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the release of Something Wicked, Dial Books is offering a
special promotion: they're letting you read the first Horatio Wilkes
mystery, SOMETHING ROTTEN, for free.

You read that right. Free. Gratis. Complimentary. No charge.

You don't have to register, you don't have to give your e-mail address,
you don't have to buy something else to read it.

All you have to do is click here

Tell friends, tell teachers, tell librarians, TELL
KIDS. Promotion ends November 30th, 2008.

Frankfurt Tid Bits

2008-10-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

Educational Publishers and New Technology. Summarizes a panel about the following topics: key markets for educational publishing in the future, interactive whiteboard, DNL ebooks, and Teacher Created Materials podcasts

Bloomsbury forms a joint venture in Qatar

and one of my favorite articles to come out of this year's fair How to Turn a Rat into an International Bestseller editors from around the globe discuss their acquisition of and marketing / promotions for the novel “Firmin: Adventures of a Metropolitan Lowlife” by American Sam Savage.

Missing Frankfurt

2008-10-05T00:46:00.001-07:00

Just found out I have to nix my plans to attend the Franfkfurt Book Fair this year. Grrrr.... I attended Rutgers and visited family in the US last year. But this will make two years in a row! I didn't have any major meetings (except a really cool pres party I wanted to attend) but I did plan to meet friends there... and that will be missed.

I've set my sights on Bologna in 2009.

See you there??

Win a Guitar from Chronicle Books

2008-08-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

Chronicle Books celebrates girls and music and Rock -N- Roll with a contest . One grand prize winner will win a guitar.

Five winners will receive the new book ROCK 'N' ROLL CAMP FOR GIRLS.

To enter just send an email about your favorite female rock idol.

Good Luck!!

E-mail Spy

2008-08-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

Markus Zusak
Susan Campell Bartoletti

P.E.N. has posted their e-mails about THE BOOK THEIF, HITLER'S YOUTH, writing, and life.

read it here

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

2008-08-10T04:28:00.000-07:00

By Mary E Pearson

This is not a review. It is an order. If you have not yet read this book, get a copy from your library, borrow from a friend of buy your own copy at amazon , b&n , or your independent book seller

My oldest and I were just discussing the book. She asked me to please never try to bring her back, “unless I will be able to fly, run really fast, and spit really far.”

NF Monday - MANFISH

2008-06-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

A Story of Jacques Cousteau
by Jennifer Berne illustrated by Eric Puybaret

Open this book and fall into the ocean. MANFISH opens with a full-page spread of a small diver in the vast ocean and these words in waving text:

Bubbles rising through the silence of the sea, silvery beads of breath from a man deep, deep down …

Bern introduces readers to young Jacque Cousteau, a boy who loved water, experimenting with machines, and directing his friends and family in home-made films. MANFISH captures Cousteau’s determination to swim deeper, stay longer, see more…and tells how he brought the depths of the unknown ocean to people everywhere. The story concludes with Cousteau’s efforts to save the oceans and his belief that the children of the world would grow and care for the underwater wonders he so loved.
The illustrations are full of emotion and motion. I love the fluid-filled full spread of young Cousteau as he seems to fly through the water and the acrobatic diving sequences with Philippe and Didi later in the book. The blue-grey art of the polluted ocean floor is striking and emotional after the colorful discoveries of the previous pages.

It is no surprise that Berne and Puybaret are both at home on the water (Berne spends her summers at sea and Puybaret is an active diver) because they bring the ocean world alive in this tribute to the world’s most famous oceanographer.
Back matter includes suggestions for children to learn more about Cousteau and caring for the oceans.

Tagged

2008-06-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

I've been Tagged.... and I have a few new reviews to post...but all I can say at the moment is.... stay tuned!

9/10 of a Review

2008-06-07T03:06:00.000-07:00

THE CASTAWAY PIRATES
A POP UP TALE OF BAD LUCK, SHARP TEETH, AND STINKY TOES
text and pop-ups by Ray Marshall
illustrations by Wilson Swain

First a confession - I have NOT read this book. I've seen this book, well most of it via video via Chronicle Books e-newsletter.

The story is the adventure of Captain Runny Nose and his pirate crew aboard the Stinky Toes. First the ship is plagued with a leak and the pirates scramble to save their ship...trying to plug the hole...when into the turmoil there comes a shark. The shark munches on the objects the pirates have stuffed into their hole, but will he eat them too?

And that's where the video ends.
And that's why this is 9 / 10 of a review.

I loved the videos display of the pop-ups and the close ups of the art. The edited text makes me believe the tale is fun and fast moving.

But don't take my word for it check out the video for yourself.

Literacy Websites

2008-05-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, the Frankfurt Book Fair Literacy Campaign (LitCam) and Google have founded and Internet platform to help fight illiteracy around th world. All information is in German, English and Spanish.

The Literacy Project

The website is for teachers and educational organizations but also for schoolchildren and essentially anyone who is interested in reading and education. The webisites provide access to books, academic articles, blogs and educational videos. All can be searched for via tools like Google Scholar and Google Book.

One of my favorites: Make Beliefs Comix where kids (and grownups) can create their own comic strips!

Win A Great Book!

2008-05-10T04:47:00.000-07:00

THE WRITE MARBLES GOLDEN BOOK CONTEST

WIN: A copy of GOLDEN LEGACY: HOW GOLDEN BOOKS WON CHILDREN'S HEARTS, CHANGED PUBLISHING FOREVER, AND BECAME AN AMERICAN ICON ALONG THE WAY by Leonard Marcus.

How to Enter: Guess Leonard Marcus’s favorite Golden Book. Send your guess to us by 31 May or post it on The Write Marbles Blog One entry per person, please! Tell us about your favorite Golden Book too!

How it works: The winner will be selected from among all of the correct entries. If there are no correct entries the winner will be selected from all entries received.

Entry Fee: NEVER

At the conclusion of the contest, Leonard Marcus will share the story of how his research for GOLDEN LEGACY led him to meet someone very close to the character in his favorite book.

The Write Marbles sponsors regular contests. For results of past contests visit The Write Marbles

Inside Gallery Ghost

2008-04-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

GALLERY GHOST

A look inside the book... the images above is a peek insdie GALLERY GHOST top picture shows the split page format for comparing paintings the background is instructions for the game.

Do YOU want to review too?

2008-04-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

If so, check out Lenore's post Where to get free books for ideas

Also, if there is a forthcoming children's or YA book that you love and want to review here... contact me.

Gallery Ghost

2008-04-19T15:47:00.000-07:00

GALLERY GHOST

by Anna Nilsen published by birdcage press
GALLERY GHOST is more than a book; it is an art adventure for children.

Children learn about famous painters by studying their famous works. As the story unfolds we find that someone (or something) is changing the paintings. It is the ghosts of the artist sneaking their own artwork into other paintings. The book comes complete with a magnifying glass for searching out hidden details and a cool split page format to aide in the search (comparing original artwork to ghostly adaptations). There is also a game that encourages readers to look for clues and keep score. I’m sure children will invent even more games to play alone or in a group. And they are certain to learn about famous artists and their paintings while they play.

Dry Eyes?

2008-04-16T03:38:00.000-07:00

If you suffer from dry eyes, plugged tear ducts, a stuffed up nose… read BEFORE I DIE by Jenny Downham and call me in the morning.

Sixteen year old Tessa Scott is through with cancer treatments and she’s made a list of things she to do before she dies. The list includes saying “yes” to everything for a day. This starts with a wild shopping spree with her younger brother and ends with another admission to the hospital. The list also includes sex, drugs, fame, travel and trying to get her parents back together.

Downham beautifully captures Tessa’s state of mind…she secretly wishes deadly ailments on the healthy people riding with her on the bus, she looks for ‘good signs’ like sunshine in her cup or a bird swooping low in the garden. And Downham does not shy away from the awkward and uncomfortable either…she bumps the reader right up against Tessa’s strained family dynamics: her father’s aspirations for miracle cures, her brother first mater-of-fact and then superstitious, and her estranged mother coming closer into the family and pulling away again and again. Still the most moving relationships are the ones Tessa shares with her best friend, Zoe, and her new boyfriend, Adam.

There were some scenes that end a bit too abruptly and left me wanting more. Tessa and Dad’s fights seemed to flare up quickly and then end without any resolutions. Especially the one after she talked about her list on the radio.

BEFORE I DIE captured the guilt, pain, sorrow, fear, hopes and disbelief that fracture families with terminal illness. More than that it gave us Tessa so strong and determined to make the most of the rest of her life.

I listened to the book on audible and cried at the airport, in the grocery, at home, walking around my neighborhood, running on the treadmill and while driving in the car. Between my tears (and through them) I was treated to the poetic beauty of Downham’s words. I plan to by the non-audible (solid book) version as well.

Something Really BIG

2008-04-13T05:24:00.000-07:00

THE SECRET HISTORIES
GIANTS

GIANTS is the first book in the SECRET HISTORIES line. Like the –ology books, it features sketches, notes and tidbits about the topic. THE SECRET HISTORIES are smaller cut compared to the big –ology books (wizardology, pirateology etc…) and have the look and feel of a diary.

If someone in your house collects books with gems (Does anyone else get met with this request every time they visit a book store? “More diamond books, Mommy?”), they won’t be disappointed by the new line… the cover art below doesn’t capture the sparkle of the inset corners.

GIANTS reminded me of Will Huygen’s GNOMES (1979) a book I love and children get lost in. What I like about most about GIANTS is the format filled with fun facts, figures, notes…including enough details to encourage kids to keep their eyes open on their next long hike.

GIANTS will be released next month in the UK and September in the US.

Pick My Punishment

2008-04-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

Please go ahead and add to the list at Candy's blog!

notes from the slushpile

She's come up with some funny ideas (and a great photo!) I know you can pick some great punishments!

And yes (by request) I will at times review books even if I know they have been reviewed elsewhere.... so many great books, I can't get to ALL of them first!

BTW - Candy is so right; I need to be revising... but I am lucky because I have 15 pages a week due for homework at my mediabistro class. I do write way more than I blog!!!

Images from THE BOOK OF DARKNESS

2008-04-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

Images from THE BOOK OF DARKNESS (b4u publishing)

THE BOOK OF DARKNESS was reviewed here first!

City Walks with Kids: PARIS

2008-04-07T23:24:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a risk here because this has been out since March. But I have to post a review of CITY WALKS WITH KIDS: PARIS ADVENTURES ON FOOT by Natasha Edwards (text) and Roman Klonek (illustrator / cartographer).

My family just spent three days in Paris and these cards were such fun.

How it works: The cards come in a strong box with an expandable map. The map identifies the 50 sites and each site then has its own card with additional points of interest. Map and metro stop are listed on one side of a card with detailed information on the back.

My girls read the cards and picked thier favorite places to see. Each time we stopped (for a meal or even to change subways) they dug out the map and cards to see what sites we were near. They were active in planning our weekend and, best of all, because of the city walk cards we discovered some great places we might not have even known about --hidden playgrounds and great places for ice cream!

We'll bring the cards with us on our next trip to Paris and I'll look for more CITY WALKS WITH KIDS cards for future travels.

Very Hungry Caterpillar POP UP

2008-04-03T01:02:00.001-07:00

I realize that all my other posts are just news and tidbits and this blog is not living up to its title!

I think it is fitting that THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR (by Eric Carle pop-up) is my first review. It was the most difficult one to get permission to write about at the fair.

Finding the book: Bologna is a hot spot for great new titles, but there is a lot of backlist here too. I am dedicated to keeping this blog aimed at forthcoming titles. I stumbled and bumped into people each time I turned the corned by Brushfire's booth their books-turned-into-playhouses (or play castles) are so beautiful and inviting. My imagination said, "I want one! I want one! I want to play." My Mommyself said, "They are paper, they're delicate. Are they even for kids?" And when I came closer to snoop behind the counter I spied a member of the Brushfire team handing over a book...and I saw his customer open the book... and I say a lollypop, a cupcake, a slice of cheese....towering above the words, larger than life the funnest page of a favorite book!

Begging to see: Michael Wells of Brushfire stepped in front of me and yanked some books off the counter. I think he was trying to save me from drooling on them. "Is that the first pop up version? Is it out yet? Can I see it?" It was only the third or fouth time my press pass didn't make a publisher smile. I knew that look. I'd seen that look. I saw that look at the Frankfurt Book Fair, never before at Bologna.

"What? Is there an embargo on HUNGRY CATERPILLAR?" How can you lock the press out of a book that a zillion and a half people know by heart?

Mr. Wells directed me to Mr. Whitehead at Penguin for permission. After I missed him at the Penguin booth ... stand... complex. He missed me at the SCBWI showcase. I almost tackled him in the hallway. (Don't worry about Dave, he's strong). And yes I got permission!

Yesterday I held two versions of the Eric Carle pop up in my hands, I opened them up, I was treated to a discussion about the challenges of the creationing this version (trying to keep the flow and suspense of the book while reducing the number of full page spreads) and even spoke with the amazing paper engineer. Brushfire's creation is wonderful.

I predict that parents won't be able to resist getting it for their children and some parents (like me) will buy one for themselves as well.

Publication Date: forthcoming
Rights: world (contact Penguin Books)

Stay tuned

2008-04-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

I think I will wait on the new book reviews until I have some art to show

stay tuned

GERONIMO STILTON animation

2008-04-02T08:26:00.000-07:00

Geronimo Stiltion's animation series is in production. The characters will change a bit from the printed page. Geronimo is going to lose weight (and his glasses) and Benjerman will have more stage time and he will be a 'media monger' rather than a 'simple editor in chief'

Also Thea is now writing a book of her own.

Somehow this post sounds like a gossip column!!!

DANGEROUS BOOK FOR BOYS expands

2008-04-02T08:21:00.001-07:00

THE DANGEROUS BOOK FOR BOYS will have six 1-hour TV shows airing on UK TV (Channel 5) featuring celebrity dads and their sons on grand adventures.

Disney has movie options

Hasbro is developing board games and travel games - focus on adventure, challenges and group play.

Look for THE DANGEROUS BOOK FOR BOYS products in time for Father's Day and more in September.

Truck Town Grows

2008-04-02T08:12:00.000-07:00

Prepare for more crashing and smashing
TRUCK TOWN will roll out three more books summer 08 and6 additional books for holiday 08...
and that's not all...

USB enabled interactive trucks are in the works sale...

Key points-
online play environment for kids who buy the toys to interact with them on line
social interaction with some parent controls (though not as many as my page)
virtual economy with points
two way play

One very nice aspect of the social play site is that children will only be able to 'friend' people they actually know in real life. Yes, they mentioned the control on this and I think that it will work...a very unique physical control.

More girl characters will roll out but the reading play products are geared to boys and their friends.

The 52 book series of books (52= animation series plans) already has a book out on the NYT best seller list

Wonderfully Terrifying

2008-04-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

You have NEVER heard of this before...butI hope soon you will

THE BOOK OF DARKNESS for ages 9+ from b4u publishing

the illustrations are beautifully dark(I hope to have some art to post soon!)

The concept... a book of beasts to terrify children and the precautions they can take against attack! I couldn't read a word of text and still loved it... in the way that it is fun to hear horror stories in a dark room with a single candle...and then the candle goes out!

They're at Bologna searching for co'edition publishers and I hope they find some SOON! I want to buy this book... but it was a treat to see the hand drawn samples... and to be the first to blog about it!!!

An Almost Secret

2008-04-02T02:21:00.001-07:00

I love introducing people at SCBWI events... like our closing party Sunday or just around the fair.

S&S had a party at their booth and I took someone to meet Scot Westerfeld. When she asked him what he is working on know, he said, "you can't blog about this."

And then he showed us..... and that is all I'm going to say!

Keeping Secrets

2008-04-02T02:18:00.000-07:00

When you blog about picturebooks for wonderful websites like the write marbles one can sometimes stumble upon great secrets!!!!

Speaking to an editor about a beautiful and funny forthcoming picturebook, I learned about a publishing house that is started a new line of YA.

And the editor is looking for new voices!!!!!

But it is not for me to name names...

Illustrator of the year competition

2008-04-02T02:09:00.000-07:00

I am taking a risk with this one but spreading the word is worth it!

Citta Del Sole is conducting a global search for an illustrator of the year with a top prize.

for details -

http://www.cittadelsole.com/customer/pages.php?pageid=94&mode=preview

Remember... if it has been blogged about elsewhere you can make me PAY!

My Page

2008-04-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

ever heard of myspace for kid?

Impossible?

Unsafe?

Just wait... http://www.mypage.it/ is coming out in May - French (.fr) and English (.com) versions will follow in September

How can my page work?
A mostly graphic interface that can be used by kids as young as five.

How can it be safe
Impossible for kids to post thier photos or even write their phone number or e'mail address. Also tight parent controls, including time spent on the site.

What does this mean for publishing?
How about viusal and audio versions of your books
and book trailers
and what if the wonderful folks at My Page even designed your characters for their members to interact with?

As always you heard it here first, or I face my punishment!
I'm not worried in this case because I was the first journalist to see the demo of thier site!

Great Shakes

2008-04-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at the SCBWI Showcase, Roy Freeman presented a moving tribute to his father, Don Freeman. There he unveiled some of Don's unpublished work including a graphic novel about Shakespear coming down to Hollywood to help a good cause.

The unpublished novel is now in the hands of an interested editor.

I think I echo everyone who was at Roy's presentation yesterday that we hope it will be published with great shakes and much success!!!

SCBWI Stand is in the Right place for RIGHTS

2008-04-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

SCBWI stand at Bologna is the RIGHT Place

SCBWI members are showcasing their work at Bologna & editors and art directors are responding.

Today at the booth I met Anne Schotanus of Uitgeverij Medema in The Netherlands who knew what she wanted when she walked into the stand.

She asked about Dutch rights to TRUE LOVE by Babbette Cole and HELLO GOD KATE HERE CAN WE TALK by Moya Simons. I set her off with stand copies of the books and directed her to Random House and Harper Collins respectively.

She came back to report her good news.

Thanks to the SCBWI Stand at Bologna children in The Netherlands will now read these two books.

Hungry Caterpillar Pops OUT!

2008-04-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

The first ever Hungry Caterpillar pop up book is in production now.

worldwide rights are being sold at the Bologna Book Fair (for rights information contact Penguin Books)

More after I've had a chance to review the book in the morning

First First

2008-04-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

Blogging from the Bologna Children's Book Fair

Look here for reviews and news!

Mission of this blog is to be the FIRST to review forthcoming titles...

all my reviews will have a time and date stamp

If you find a review posted BEFORE one of mine.... you'll be able to make me pay by making a choice from the PUNISH ANGELA list created by Candy Gourlay.