Caldecott!

May 2 was the longest day of my life.  I knew all of the candidates on the Caldecott ballot would be contacted at some point to learn if they had been elected (or not).  I kept the phone with me all day awaiting the call and praying for good news.  Friends were texting, some were also awaiting election results, others were just encouraging me as I waited.   

The call finally came that afternoon, and it was Dan Bostrom, the ALSC Marketing Manager.  He asked how my day was going and then said, "I have some news that's going to make it even better."  I almost jumped out of my skin. I had been elected!  I squealed and danced all through the library!  


Serving on the Caldecott Committee has been a dream of mine for many, many years ... ever since I started sharing picture books with students.  I love art and words and marvel at the way the two come together so exquisitely in this format.  The privilege of serving on this committee is an honor and a responsibility I will not take lightly.  It will be hard work, but I look forward to the reading, evaluation, discussions,  debates, and challenge of working with a group to select one medal winner.  

This weekend at the ALA Annual Conference I was able to attend a lovely Random House cocktail party celebrating illustrators Chris Appelhans, Marc Brown, Brian Floca, Mary GrandPre, and Kevin Hawkes.  Hearing these talented artists talk about their work filled my heart and reaffirmed my love for illustration and the power of the picture book.  (This basically happens every time I hear an author or illustrator speak or read a picture book!)  My heart swelled knowing that I will play a small part in making picture book history. 

Thank you to all the ALSC members who voted for me and gave me this special opportunity.  I can't wait to get started!

ALA Midwinter 2014

2014 has been a whirlwind!  It's time to catch up on some posts.  Let's start with some recent literary events. 

I was not made for cold weather.

 
The ALA Midwinter Meeting was held in January in Philadelphia. It was bitterly cold as evidenced in the photo on the right.  Travel buddy Mary and I were walking down the street squealing as we were pelted with freezing snow; clearly, no one confused us for native Philadelphians. But, in spite of the bone-numbing temperatures, I had a wonderful weekend in Chilly Philly (my first visit to the city).  Here are some highlights: 

**Scholastic Author Reception 
Scholastic hosts these fun events where a group of their authors perform a readers' theater of excerpts from each other's upcoming releases.  The mix of books, genres, styles, and personalities is always a delight, and this gathering was no different.  The reception featured Julia Donaldson, Jon J. Muth, Natalie Lloyd, Cynthia Lord, Rodman Philbrick, Deborah Wiles, and Lucy Christopher. 

Natalie Lloyd is a debut author, and she completely charmed the room (again! ... she was

also featured at the Scholastic event at NCTE and won a legion of fans there as well).  Her debut novel A Snicker of Magic is an enchanting story celebrating words, family, and new beginnings.  I expect we will continue to see great things from this talented lady!

I also particularly loved Muth's unique Hi, Koo! full of endearing haiku poetry perfectly illustrated by his gentle artwork. Two more spotlighted books I am really excited about are Cynthia Lord's Half a Chance ( I loved her first novel Rules) and Deborah Wiles' Revolution, the second in her Sixties Trilogy.  I have been eagerly awaiting this follow-up to Countdown.  It will surely be another powerful story of this tumultuous, important time period told in Wiles' heartfelt style.  And, isn't the cover excellent?? 

**Random House Dinner 
Random House hosted a lovely dinner with authors E. Lockhart, Dana Reinhardt, and Jenny Hubbard. It was a delightful evening celebrating excellent writing for young adults. I had read the incredible We Were Liars and loved hearing the back story to this unforgettable novel as well as learning about the additional upcoming novels featured at the event.  

I have since read And We Stay, a melancholy story of a teen who experiences a great tragedy but finds healing through poetry and the spirit of Emily Dickinson.  It was written by the talented and very Southern Jenny Hubbard (Paper Covers Rock) and edited by the equally talented and absolutely fabulous Rebecca Short whom I had the pleasure of chatting with throughout the evening. After reading this moving story, I am now eager to visit the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, Massachussets (Emily Dickinson's home and an important setting in the novel) and I also plan to revisit Dickinson's poetry with fresh eyes. 
       

**Exhibition Opening at The Barnes Foundation 
Thanks to the ever-connected Mary, we were able to attend the opening of a special exhibition at The  Barnes Foundation. The Foundation holds an extensive collection of Post-Impressionist and early Modern art amassed by Dr. Albert C. Barnes. Dr. Barnes was committed to "the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts" ... be still my heart!  I was completely awed by what had been Dr. Barnes' personal collection which includes hundreds of pieces by Renoir, Picasso, Rousseau, Matisse, and one of my very favorites, Cezanne. 

The exhibition opening that weekend was Magic Ladders created by artist Yinka Shonibare. Shonibare's work "cites the artistic and intellectual history of Europe. His sculptures - life-sized mannequins clothed in the Dutch wax fabrics associated with Africa - offer a dramatic, playful, irreverent examination of identity, history, and politics. [The] show focuses on education, enlightenment, and opportunity, ideals embraced by Dr. Barnes." (-taken from The Barnes Foundation website)

The exhibition was fascinating.  I loved the fabrics, the mix of patterns, the striking images.  The mannequins were bold and arresting and each portrayed a powerful message.  My favorites, of course, were the child-sized figures climbing ladders of books (volumes taken from Dr. Barnes' own library) representing the growth that is attainable through knowledge and education.   

The exhibition was sponsored by Anthropologie and select stores will have pieces inspired from the art.  I hope Dallas is one of these select stores!  

The visit to the Barnes Foundation was an unexpected addition to the trip, and such a treat.  I highly recommend a stop here if you are ever in the Philadelphia area.

** ALA Youth Media Award Announcements
The award announcements is always one of the highlights of Midwinter.  There is such excitement in the air as early risers line up to enter, last minute predictions are being made, the doors finally open, the crowd scrambles for seats, the selection committees enter the room, and the officers take the stage.  When the announcements begin, there are wild cheers as favorites win and gasps or even stunned silence when suprise titles are named; but it is always exciting and a wonderful celebration of the literary excellence created the previous year.  

I was so pleased with the outstanding selections and congratulate the authors and illustrators on their awards and the committees on their hard work. A few of my personal favorites that received acknowledgement this year were: 

•  Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo (Newbery Winner)
• One Came Home by Amy Timberlake (Newbery Honor)
• Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle (Caldecott Honor)
• Mr. Wuffles! by David Wiesner (Caldecott Honor)
• P.S. Be Eleven by Rita Williams-Garcia (Coretta Scott King Author Award)
• When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kook Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop illustrated by Theodore Taylor III (CSK/John Steptoe winner)
• Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell (Printz Honor, Odyssey, Honor)
• Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle (Odyssey Honor, Stonewall Honor)
• Nino Wrestles the World by Yuyi Morales (Pura Belpre Illustrator Award)
• The Lightning Dreamer: Cuba's Greatest Abolitionist by Margarita Engle (Pura Belpre Author Award)
• The Nazi Hunters: How a Team of Spies and Survivors Captured the World's Most Notorious Nazi by Neal Bascomb (YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults)

There are always some books you would like to have seen come away with an award.  For me, I really would like for Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown to have received Caldecott acknowledgement.  I felt the color, contrasts, pacing, and humor in this book were all brilliant. I also would love to have seen Winger by Andrew Smith and All the Truth That's in Me by Julie Berry earn Printz recognition.  Both of these unforgettable teen voices and their powerful stories were unique contributions to young adult literature that I would like to have seen celebrated. 

But, so it goes. Comparing our favorites to the winners is all part of the fun!  I appreciate the work of the committees, trust the process, and look forward to next year's announcements.  I also hope to someday serve on one of the committees and get to be a part of, what I am sure, is an intense, arduous, but incredibly rewarding experience.  

**Friends, Food & Fun
Of course, the best part of these conferences is enjoying good food in fun cities with good friends! 

A late dinner with  Karen & Mary!

ALA 2013!

Last week I traveled to Chicago for the American Library Association Annual Conference.  Here are a few highlights from the fun weekend:

1.  Caldecott Pre-conference

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Caldecott Medal, ALSC offered a special pre-conference at the Art Institute of Chicago.  It was magnificent!  It started with a keynote given by illustrator/author Brian Selznick.  He spoke about Randolph Caldecott, told the history of the medal, and payed tribute to the late great Maurice Sendak, his mentor and friend.  It was hilarious, touching, and unforgettable.  

The rest of the day included panels featuring Caldecott winning illustrators, discussions about the winning books through the ages, and break-out sessions focusing on different aspects of the award, the honored books, media, and style.  

As a lover of both art and the written word, I appreciate the way the two come together beautifully in picture books, creating illustrated stories that delight readers of all ages.  I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this this day-long celebration of the Caldecott Medal and the wonder of picture books!

Caldecott Medal 75th Anniversary Logo created by Brian Selznick.  I love the clever way he incorporated several of the iconic characters from the winning books.  

Chris Raschka and his editor Lee Wade discussing the evolution of A Ball for Daisy. 

 
2.  Publisher Events

I was able to attend several fabulous publisher events throughout the weekend showcasing authors and previewing new books.  Thank you to Penguin, Little Brown, Random House, Macmillan, Simon & Schuster, and Disney Hyperion for including me in this fun events! 
 

With Sarah Dessen at the Penguin YA Rock Star dinner.   Laurie Halse Anderson, Marie Lu and DJ MacHale were the other rock stars in attendance!  Yowza!  

Little Brown dance party with cool Holly Black

No taxis could be found so several of us, including authors Holly Black & Paolo Bacigalupi, friend Dr. Marianne Follis, and hilarious literary agent Barry Goldblatt (AKA Libba Bray's husband!), took a limo back to our hotels.  What a memorable ride!  :) 

Scholastic Brunch featuring group readings done by authors Gordon Korman, Brandon Mull, Kirby Larson, Kat Falls, Kathryn Erskine, and Jeffrey Brown.  Hilarious!

Received a custom tattoo from Caldecott and Pura Belpre award-winning illustrator David Diaz at an S & S dessert reception 

  
3. The Fashion & Impressionism Exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago

Friend Mary Pruitt and I took a break from the library events for a quick visit to the AIC. I had not been able to explore the museum during the pre-conference, so was glad for the chance to return for another visit.  The current exhibit showcases the impact of fashion on the Impressionist painters as they worked to portray modern life in their work.  Absolutely fascinating!  One thing I really enjoyed ... the exquisite wording in the descriptions of the art and inspirations. I collected so many delicious phrases!  

The lions outside the institute sporting Blackhawk helmets to celebrate the Stanely Cup victory!  :)

4.  Newbery Caldecott Wilder Banquet

I was so honored to sit with Random House publishers at the NCW Banquet.  This banquet is such a special annual occasion.  As several have said, it's like the Academy Awards for the world of children's literature.  This year's recipients delivered the most hilarious and heartfelt speeches.  It was a true privilege to be there and to be a part of the celebration of literary excellence.  And who was sitting at my table?  Newbery winning legends Cynthia Voigt and Patricia MacLachlan!  What an unforgettable evening! 

ALSC friends Gaye Hinchliff and Mary Ann Scheuer

With good friend Dr. Marianne Follis

The unbelievable Jon Klassen accepting the Caledecott Medal (and he won an honor too!).  I LOVE him. 

An incredible gathering of illustrators.  It's like an uber talented frat party!  

5.  Time with friends!
One of the best things about library conferences is spending time with librarians from all over the US!  I am so thankful for these friendships and the chance to reconnect every year.

With friends Karen Kessel & Mary Pruitt

With roomies Dr. Rose Brock, Heather Aston, and Dr. Mary Pruitt in our matching pjs!  A girl never outgrows the joy of a pajama party!  :)

What a terrific weekend.  And, to top it all off, I came home with oodles of books to keep me busy all summer!  Thank you, ALA, ALSC, publishers, and dear friends for another fabulous conference.  Can't wait for Las Vegas 2014!      

ALA Midwinter!

At the end of January, I attended the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Seattle.  ALA events are always such fun, invigorating celebrations of books and libraries.  It was an added bonus that it was located in Seattle and gave me an excuse to visit for the first time!  I completely fell in love with this beautiful city.  

Highlights of the weekend included: 

So much literary greatness in one place!

• Little Brown dinner at  Dahlia Lounge with authors Cat Patrick, Justina Chen, Sean Beaudion, and Suzanne Selfors
• Penguin dinner at Anchovies & Olives with authors Ruta Sepetys, Gayle Forman, Lisa Graff, and Gordon Dahlquist
• Macmillan, Disney Hyperion, and Boyds Mills Press preview events showcasing their upcoming releases  
• Random House Newbery panel featuring Christopher Paul Curtis, Kirby Larson, Jennifer L. Holm, Louis Sachar, Jerry Spinelli, Rebecca Stead, and Clare Vanderpool moderated by celebrity librarian Nancy Pearl at the Seattle Public Library - an all-star lineup at a perfect location.  What an event!  

The announcement of the Youth Media Awards happens on the Monday morning of the conference and is always an amazing experience.  Anticipation!  Excitement!  The room is a buzz! 
 
This year I was thrilled with the committees' decisions.  I adore illustrator Jon Klassen and love that he earned both a Caldecott honor (Extra Yarn) and the medal (This is Not My Hat)!  When the Newbery Medal was announced - The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate - the crowd went wild!... all so excited that such a beautifully written story that truly appeals to readers won the big prize! 

My only disappointment was that The Fault in Our Stars by John Green did not receive recognition by the Printz Committee.  After receiving so many (well-deserved!) starred reviews and resonating with so many teen (and adult!) readers, I felt it should have been named among the Committee's awards.  I was glad it did earn the Odyssey Medal for outstanding audiobook which it definitely deserved as 
 well. 

I must mention Jack Martin ... he is the president of YALSA and an absolute hoot.  As president, he announced all of the YALSA literary awards.  The early morning crowd was in for a treat when he approached the podium!  His announcements were hilarious ... full of pizazz and personality.  He sent "love bombs" to the crowd, and we all sent them right back!  Bravo, Jack, for a job well done.   

I was able to sneak off from the conference one day to enjoy a glimpse of the city.  I ventured down to the famous Pike Place Market which completely lived up to its reputation ... fresh fish, flowers, everything!  .... amazing places to eat ... darling shops... it's a feast for the eyes!  I must go back to take in more someday, but loved the bit I saw.  

Looking for a bite of lunch, I discovered a delicious restaurant called Matt's in the Market.  What a find!  The cozy restaurant overlooks the market and the bay and serves the most fabulous food.  I ate  at the bar, so I could be served by the renowned bartender Robbie.  He was a delight!  If I lived in Seattle, this would definitely be a weekly ritual!  If you are planning a visit to this city, be sure to add this restaurant to your list.  Make a reservation for the bar so you can enjoy some time with Robbie while enjoying your delicious eats.

It was a great weekend with friends, old and new.  Thanks to all the publishers for including me in the fun events and for sharing their exciting new ARCs.  My bedside table is now overflowing!  Now, I just need a month off to catch up on all this reading.  :)   

ALA 2012

Last month I was able to attend the American Library Association Annual Conference in sunny Anaheim, California.  These conferences are always so much fun: time to connect with librarian and publisher friends, to meet (and stalk!) authors, and to hear about all the new books about to hit the shelves.  Here are a few highlights from this year's conference:   

Little, Brown Dance Party at the House of Blues celebrating Libba Bray's new novel, THE DIVINERS

Who's that dancing blur, you ask?  None other than Lemony Snicket himself (AKA the dancing machine Daniel Handler)! And who is the nut laughing like a hyena?  Hmmm...

The one and only Jon Scieszka at the HarperCollins Breakfast.

I won!  At the Penguin Original Art Cocktail Party, I won a piece by one of my favorites, Maira Kalman!!  I'm over the moon.  

Lovely dinner with Boyds Mills Press complete with poetry readings from Children's Poet Laureate, J.Patric Lewis. 

Newbery Caldecott Banquet with this year's Newbery winner and my favorite, the incredible Jack Gantos

The incomparable author and editor David Levithan at the Scholastic Cocktail Party.

Author James Dashner and beautiful friends Rose and Jane.  Do I look like the ugly stepsister, or what??! 

Thank you to all the publishers for hosting me at the amazing events.  I can't wait for ALA 2013 in Chicago!  

Jillicious Stacks: ARCs

One of the most glorious things about attending library conferences is coming home with stacks of ARCs (Advance Reading Copies).  These uncorrected proofs are made available to reviewers, booksellers, and librarians before they are published.  It is so fun to get your hands on one of these, particularly when it's a book you are DYING to read!  The first time I held one as a new librarian I almost cried!  (I know ... total nerd.)  

The tough part is then: 1.) trying to decide which to read first, and 2.) trying to make life stop so you can read, read, read! 

Here are five ARCs that are at the top of my stack (in no particular order as it keeps changing!):



1.  Unwholly by Neal Shusterman 
Simon & Schuster, available August 28, 2012

Long awaited sequel to the incredible, thought-provoking Unwind!! 

2. Such Wicked Intent: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein, Book 2 by Kenneth Oppel

Simon & Schuster, available August 21, 2012

Loved Book 1 and this whole premise of "Who was Victor Frankenstein?"

3.  The Diviners by Libba Bray

Little, Brown BFYR, available September 18, 2012

Three things I love:  New York City, the roaring twenties, and mystery!

4.  Safekeeping by Karen Hesse

Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan, available September 18, 2012

It's by Karen Hesse (could stop there), futuristic America, illustrated with Hesse's own haunting photographs.  

5.  The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron 

Scholastic, available September 1, 2012

The debut author called it "Jane Austen with gears".  Sold!  

Which would YOU read first??  

Paradise Found!

 Library conferences are always a slice of heaven for me .... colleagues, publishers, authors, new books, avid readers discussing  & celebrating literature... what more do you need?  But, the recent ALA Midwinter held in Dallas was a particular treat.  This year I was able to participate in two special events:  The Morris Seminar and the live announcement of the ALA Youth Media Awards. 

The Morris Seminar was established in memory of beloved children's publisher William C. Morris to further his passion and to continue "connecting librarians, and ultimately children, with excellent children's books."  Participants are able to work with experienced ALSC members who have served on evaluation committees to learn more about in-depth evaluation techniques.  This one-day seminar was an incredible experience.  I greatly deepened my evaluation skills while enjoying discussion with colleagues from across the United States.  It was the perfect way to begin my ALA Midwinter weekend.  

And, the perfect way to end the weekend was with the live announcement of the ALA Youth Media Awards.  These announcements took place at 7:45 a.m. Monday morning and the theater was electric with avid readers, librarians, publishers, and selection committee members!  I was as giddy and silly as a school girl!  It was like the Academy Award announcements and the Price is Right! combined.  The crowd erupted with every announcement. 

So many of my favorites were awarded medals and honors including Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos, the Newbery Medal winner, Me ... Jane by Patrick McDonnell, Caldecott Honor, Blackout by John Rocco, Caldecott Honor, and Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and Maira Kalman, Printz Honor.  Hearing all these major awards announced live has forever spoiled me.  Now, I need to win the lottery, so I can make sure to attend these every year!  

For a complete listing of the titles, read the ALA Press Release.  

Other ALA Midwinter highlights included: 

-  attending the YALSA BFYA Teen Session where local teens shared their thoughts about the BFYA nominees.  These readers did an outstanding job addressing the strengths and weaknesses of the novels, and it was very enlightening to hear their opinions. I was able to spend some extra time with the readers from Parish Episcopal School of Dallas which was an added treat!  



- attending publisher events spotlighting their authors and upcoming titles.   



Alvina Ling, Editorial Director at LB &
talented author/illustrator Peter Brown
at the Litte, Brown Breakfast Preview
(I know.. my smile is ridiculous.)  

- winning an original piece of art by Herve Tullet, creator of the fabulous Press Here, at the Chronicle Books Cocktail Party.         





What a great weekend celebrating books and libraries.  Can't wait for ALA Annual in Anaheim!