What a fabulous experience!
This past weekend I attended the American Library Association Conference at the San Diego Convention Center, overlooking the gorgeous southern California bay. It was wonderful to see good friends and meet so many people at the book signing for The Worst Christmas Ever.
Author Dave Eggers received the Newbery Award for The Eyes & The Impossible; an imaginative fantasy about a dog, friendship, and liberation. Author Vashti Harrison received the Caldecott Award for BIG; A picture book about the power of words to both build up a person and to bring them down. The ceremony also honored my fellow San Diego author Pam Muñoz Ryan with the Children's Literature Legacy Award. Pam has written many books; my favorite is Echo about a young boy lost in the Black Forest who finds himself in a puzzling quest involving prophecy, a promise, and a harmonica. I loved my harmonica when I was growing up and now my oldest son, Chris, owns it. Echo is a Newbery Honor Award winner. I have a special place in my heart for librarians and the great work they do getting books into the hands of children and adults, and standing up against banning books, too.
I'd love to hear what your favorite books from childhood. Comment below!
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European Adventures!
I just returned from a delightful trip to Amsterdam and Paris with my wonderful husband, Greg. Spring is such a gorgeous time of year, although we had rain nearly every day. That didn't stop us from walking many miles each day and enjoying every minute. The flowers were stunning and the food superb. We made sure to stop in the local book stores, both those with books in English and those only in Dutch or French. It's fun to see what various cultures enjoy reading!
Highlights of the trip included two canal boat rides in Amsterdam, one in the afternoon and one in the evening; The Van Gogh museum, also in Amsterdam; Monet's home in Giverny, Notre Dame Cathedral (still not open) and an amazing flower market in Paris with my favorite flowers in abundance: the hydrangeas, or Hortense in French. The local boulangerie (bakery) near our place in Paris was out of this world. We miss stopping there for freshly baked fruit tarts and chocolate croissants! Remember when your parent read to you?
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Rocket is a cute little puppy with lots of energy! He just joined our web designer, Lisa Scott Jones' family! We are looking forward to lots of play dates! I am so happy to have a new friend. Speaking of friends. . .
Did you know...The United Nations declared July 30 as International Day of Friendship in 2011 as a way to promote peace and promise rather than division and destruction between peoples of all cultures. Friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. July 30 is the official day, but every day can be a Day of Friendship. Will You Be Friends with Me? would make a perfect gift or read-aloud on the 30th.
A few of my favorite Bible verses on friendship:
A sweet friendship refreshes the soul. (Proverbs 27:9, MSG)
I have called you friends. (John 15:15, NRSVU)
Therefore, encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. (I Thessalonians 5:11, NRSVU)
Did you know...The United Nations declared July 30 as International Day of Friendship in 2011 as a way to promote peace and promise rather than division and destruction between peoples of all cultures. Friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. July 30 is the official day, but every day can be a Day of Friendship. Will You Be Friends with Me? would make a perfect gift or read-aloud on the 30th.
A few of my favorite Bible verses on friendship:
A sweet friendship refreshes the soul. (Proverbs 27:9, MSG)
I have called you friends. (John 15:15, NRSVU)
Therefore, encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. (I Thessalonians 5:11, NRSVU)
This September: A Raffle For a Marvelous Gift Bag!
One lucky winner will receive a copy of Since the Baby Came as well as a copy of Arianne Braithwaite Lehn's book of beautiful devotions, Ash and Starlight. Also included are a few special treats for a baby and mom. The raffle will. only be open to subscribers of my newsletter, so encourage your friends to sign up! You'll get a raffle point for every friend who becomes a new subscriber, so let me know when your friends sign up so I can save your points!.
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Traveled to Savannah, GA for the Books & Such Literary Agency Retreat. I got to spend time with my wonderful agent, Rachel Kent, and met her husband and new baby boy, too!
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We visited friends in Atlanta and South Carolina, and found two my books (The View at the Zoo, and Count Your Blessings) in a Publix grocery store in a small town along the road.
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SOPHIE SAYS. . .
Guess who is a character in my mom's new book??
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Ellie was the family dog before I came along. Cat Owens did a great job bringing her to life from Janet Samuel's perfect illustrations! Maybe I'll be in a book one day, too!
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Have you seen the fabulous resources for parents that go along with the book?
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I'd love it if you left a review on your favorite book website!
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What would you like to hear about in the next Kathy's Musings?
Leave a comment with your suggestions and ideas!
Leave a comment with your suggestions and ideas!
Awards
2013
Distinguished Alumna of Princeton Theological Seminary
2014
David Steele
Distinguished Writer
The most prestigious award given by the Presbyterian Writers Guild
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