A new book is always exciting. Opening the box for the first time and seeing all those hours of researching, writing and revising fitted between colorful covers makes a holiday. Hearing readers say they like the story is the best kind of music. And book parties are the best kinds of parties. This last weekend was a … [Read more...] about Book Parties!
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Inspired by Will Allen — Matthew 25 Urban Farm ~ Cedar Rapids
Good ideas grow like plump seeds dropped in good ground. Last weekend I had a chance to see that again. I went to an urban farm in Cedar Rapids--Matthew 25. The farm was inspired by Will Allen and has as its goal the same goal as Will Allen's Growing Power Farm-- to provide tasty, healthy food at reasonable prices to … [Read more...] about Inspired by Will Allen — Matthew 25 Urban Farm ~ Cedar Rapids
Announcing: Good Times
Writing is such a solitary activity that whenever we have a chance for getting together with writers, readers, and general book-lovers we know it will be a good time. Well, I am excited today to announce two such get-togethers to help launch Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table. 10:00 Saturday, October 12 New-Bo … [Read more...] about Announcing: Good Times
Seamus Heaney at the End of August
Seamus Heaney is on my mind today, because he's gone now. Of course, I had to go to youtube and watch him read some poems; and then remember when he came to Iowa City to do a reading and I took Sweeney Astray for him to sign. By then Sweeney was no longer a new book, out for 13 years (in fact it was the only book … [Read more...] about Seamus Heaney at the End of August
Summertime Gazpacho
Gazpacho is one of those wonderful soups that have a little bit of a lot of vegetables. After such a long silence this blog will have a little bit of a lot. So, first into the stew: At ALA--along with the treasure of time with long time friends--I was happily surprised to run into Beth Krommes, Caldecott winner … [Read more...] about Summertime Gazpacho
Unpacking from the ALA: Part One
The ALA Conference in Chicago this past week and weekend reminded me of why I feel so lucky to be part of the children's literature community. Librarians from every state stood in long lines and laughed while they waited for their favorite authors to sign personal copies. These librarians are my heroes. They are the … [Read more...] about Unpacking from the ALA: Part One