Some rather disappointing news...the sequel to IF THE SHOES FITS, entitled WHEN THE WIND BLEW has been rescheduled for publication with Henry Holt in early 2014. That means we will have to wait another year to see the book in print! The story is a humorous take-off on the nursery rhyme, "Rock-A-Bye Baby," in which the wind blows so hard, that the baby is whisked right out of the tree and lands on the shoe/house owned by the "Old Woman who Lived in a Shoe." All of the nursery rhymes become hopelessly rearranged, until the wind shifts and blows everything back into its proper order It's well worth waiting for! 

Another busy weekend! I flew to North Carolina for a wedding and family reunion. While in Chapel Hill I went into a book store and had a chance to browse through the new graphic novel of A WRINKLE IN TIME , originally written by Madeleine L'Engle and newly adapted/illustrated by Hope Larson. I was wary at first, since this novel was perhaps one of my very favorites as a child. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the new version was just as entertaining - and moving - as the original. The characters of Meg, Charles Wallace and Calvin were depicted as I remembered them, but the predominantly blue tint to all of the illustrations seemed a little bland. Larson's interpretation of the story itself was spot on, although she did make a few changes to the original story. Oftentimes, I found the illustrations not to be as scary as my own imagination, but the planet of Camazotz was perhaps even more disturbing than I had envisioned it. I would highly recommend this book, especially to anyone who has not read the original, and I admire the time and care that were put into this graphic novel.

What a fabulous weekend! I attended the Orange County Children's Book Festival in Southern California, where I met a number of other children's authors and had the opportunity to moderate a panel discussion with authors Gillian Hutshing, Sharron Hopcus and Hayley Rose. After the panel presentation I sold autographed copies of my books in the "Author's Corner" and had a chance to browse the many booths and exhibits. Except for the extreme heat (almost 100 degrees) it was a wonderful day.

More fun news! I will be visiting two elementary schools in Atioch, California next month: Lone Tree and Jack London. While there I will talk to students about the writing process, coming up with ideas, finding editors and illustrators, revising and rewriting. Kids will also have a chance to meet me and purchase autographed copies of my books.
And...don't forget to come visit my booth this Sunday at the Orange County Children's Book Festival on the Orange Coast College campus. Hundreds of authors and illustrators will be on hand, along with storytellers and booksellers. See you there!

Just finished the most incredible book! Entitled THE NIGHT CIRCUS, it is a magical mystical tale about two young magicians who are being secretly trained to compete against one another in a "game" of magic. Neither one of them knows the identity of their opponent, however, and the entire competition takes place in a traveling circus that is only open at night. When a young boy sneaks into the circus on a dare, he unwittingly becomes a part of the magic and a key player in the competition. I would highly recommend it for middle school and high school readers!

Just finished MOCKINGJAY, the last book in the HUNGER GAMES trilogy. It was fantastic! Quite a few twists, and the characters acted in ways which were unexpected, but totally believable. I am hoping that the second movie comes out soon. And speaking of "seconds", I am now nearly finished writing the sequel to EGGS OVER EVIE. If you would like to have one of your original recipes included in the book, there's still time! Just answer either of my trivia questions (posted below), and you could be a published chef!

More news on the Orange County Children's Book Festival in Southern California. The event will be held on Sunday, September 30 at Orange Coast College from 9:00 - 4:30, with lots of authors, illustrators, storytellers and book sellers on hand. I will be moderating a panel discussion on the Animal Stage at 12:10 pm. All of the authors on the panel have written books featuring an animal, and I will be asking them questions about their inspirations, frustrations, characterizations, etc.. Immediately following that, I will be signing books at Booth #98. For more information on the event, you can visit their website at www.kidsbookfestival.com.