Saturday, January 16, 2010

SCBWI-Illinois Jan Dundon/Mary Harris Russell Program

Jan Dundon and Mary Harris Russell
Today's presentation by Jan Dundon (Anderson's Bookshop) and Mary Harris Russell (Chicago Tribune children's book reviewer) was fantastic. I left feeling excited, enlightened and energized to write.
Both touched upon the ALA awards (to be announced Monday):
Mary Harris Russell predicts: Newbery to THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE by Jacqueline Kelly; honors to WHEN YOU REACH ME by Rebecca Stead and CLAUDETTE COLVIN by Philip Hoose. Prinz to MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD by Francisco X. Stork (and this is a book she really likes).

Anderson's Mock Newbery winner: 11 BIRTHDAYS by Wendy Mass
There were a couple books that Jan talked about that I'd really like to mention:
1) MIRROR MIRROR: A BOOK OF REVERSIBLE VERSE by Marilyn Singer, il Josee Masse (due out 3/4/2010) I can't even describe how the author can write a verse, presents the same lines in reverse order on the neighboring page and they both sound wonderful, with unique feeling. This is the book I wrote "WOW!" next to (instead of using a simple asteric).
2) 14 COWS FOR AMERICA by Carmen Agra Deedy w/ Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah, il Thomas Gonzalez. True story that will touch deeply about a gift to our hurting nation following 9/11. The book is published by Peachtree. Web site: www.14cowsforamerica.com
3) ODD AND THE FROST GIANTS, Neil Gaiman, il Brett Helquist Jan called it a very different style book from Neil Gaiman. It is based on Norse mythology. That's enough to interest this writer since my own father was born in Sweden. Then add Mr. Gaiman's talent -- I want the book.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...
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Jim Danielson said...

Cry: Deleted your response because I couldn't translate it

Trina said...

Thanks for sharing, Jim! I'm gonna sign up for the Anderson's Breakfast soon. Will you be there? Hope so!

Jim Danielson said...

Trina: No on Anderson's Breakfast

Peggy Archer said...

This sounded like a good program. I wish I could have been there, but was out of town.

Jim Danielson said...

Peggy, It was a great program. I'll see you at one of the next ones. Jim

Suzanne Casamento said...

Makes me realize it's been a long time since I've attended an SCBWI event. That's not good. Thanks for the reminder to get out there!

Mary Lee said...

Jim,

This is in reference to your question about the Poetry Friday schedule.

I am currently the Kidlitosphere volunteer who collects up the list of Poetry Friday hosts and keeps a schedule in the sidebar at A Year of Reading -- http://readingyear.blogspot.com.

(And I will gladly share the html code for that schedule with anyone who wants to have the schedule on their blog as well!!)

Here's a little sneak peak heads up -- next week I'll put out a call for folks who want to host in March-June. If either of you (you or Christine, on whose blog I saw your question) want first dibs on a date, email me at mlhahn AT earthlink DOT net!