Book Launch

Very pleased to be launching When I Was Small in Vancouver with the lovely Julie.

Monday, November 7th, 7:00 pm

Christianne's Lyceum of Literature and Art, 3696 West 8th Ave, Vancouver

Dress Up Time

CBC is holding a competition for best literary hallowe'en costume.

Here's one that gets my vote!

This charming little fellow by the name of Clem went dressed as Henry from When You Were Small last year.  Don't you love his little thimble hat?  Kudos to his creative mother, Vania, who blogs at A Crafty Vegan (and thanks for the use of your picture).

Anybody else have pictures of kids dressed as childrens' book characters?

A page from Platypus Man

Picture Bookists Speak Out

Found here.

Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award 2012

When I was trying to call up the list of nominees for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) for 2012, I came across this picture:

Which if you think about it is pretty much how you'd like to imagine the creator of Pippi Longstocking.

And here's Pippi as imagined by the wonderful Lauren Child.

There's a great write-up on Lindgren here.

But on to the prize - here's what the website has to say:

The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) is the world's largest prize for children's and young adult literature. The award, which amounts to SEK 5 million, is awarded annually to a single recipient or to several. Authors, illustrators, oral storytellers and those active in reading promotion may be rewarded. The award is designed to promote interest in children's and young adult literature, and in children's rights, globally.  

Lots of exciting names on the nominees list (Canada is well-represented by writers Jean Little, Brian Doyle and Michel Noël), but I was particularly pleased to see Meg Rosoff's name.  I'm a great admirer of Rosoff's work, but my particular favourite amongst her novels is What I Was.  You can read my review online at Monsters & Critics. 

Picturing Books

Hanging out with the cool kids at Canadian Bookshelf this week.
Talking about some of my favourite picture books.

Here's one of my favourite favourites....

Thanks for asking, Kerry!

This is why Julie Morstad is my absolute favourite illustrator...