This week marks the passing of a truly wonderful librarian, Carolyn Johnson. Carolyn served as the head of Children's Services at the Fullerton Public Library for many years. She then accepted the position of City Librarian, elevating the Fullerton Library to the high standards of service it still offers today. She was a true inspiration to me and many others, and will be sorely missed.,

Another wonderful review of WHEN THE WIND BLEW:

Booklist Reviews 2014 February #1

We all know what happens to the cradle when the wind blows. But this time, the wind blows really hard, and the baby is blown clear over to the old woman in the shoe! Youngsters familiar with traditional nursery rhymes will delight in meeting old friends in this what-happens-next adventure. Attempting to return the baby to his treetop, the old woman finds the tree covered in woolen mittens, which she tries to take back to the three little kittens only to be almost nailed by Jack and Jill's bucket. Soon all havoc breaks loose: Mary's little lamb tumbles through the air, the money in the king's counting house is strewn all over the street, and Jack's candlestick goes winging past the poor old woman's head. Barrette's curvy watercolor illustrations swing along with Jackson's (Desert Rose and Her Highfalutin' Hog, 2009) rhyming text until the wind blows the entire gang—woman, kids, coins, sheep, bucket, baby, and all—topsy-turvily back to their rightful places. Great fun for grown-ups and little ones alike. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.

Just got back from the Huntington Beach Author Festival, where I spoke to all of the 1st - 4th graders at St. Bonaventure Elementary School. It was a wonderful day, and the students had lots of fun and interesting questions! Unfortunately, could not stay for the author reception at Huntington Beach Library, as I had to drive six hours back to Salinas. Next up...the arrival of WHEN THE WIND BLEW and many book signings!