Merry Christmas

Wishing you lots of mistletoe.

Merry Christmas,
Christine

That's How I Got to Memphis

When we were watching the Newsroom series finale, we liked this song.

Can't believe the series has ended!

Happy reading,
Christine

Thanksgiving Smiles

While my husband and I were away alone together in Montauk recently, we ate in front of the fireplace at a cozy restaurant where my husband noticed these Thanksgiving dolls on the mantle.  Look carefully and see why he commented, "No wonder they're both smiling."

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with your family and friends.

Happy reading,
Christine

The Giving Tree

If you liked the classic picture book, The Giving Tree, check out The Plain White T's allusions to the book in their "Giving Tree."

Happy reading,
Christine

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul

The best thing about running out to pick up the latest installment of Diary of a Wimpy Kid?  The sound of my children's laughter as they crack-up reading it.   No better sound in the world!  Thank you, Jeff Kinney!

Happy reading and laughing,
Christine

Zilpha Keatley Snyder

Zilpha Keatley Snyder, beloved children's author has died.  A former school teacher, her first young adult novel was published after an editor told her she was writing the wrong story, and asked for a rewrite.  She had to rewrite it twice before publication, but then went on to write nearly fifty books, including the Newbery honor books, The Egypt Game, The Headless Cupid, and The Witches of Worm.  Read her full obit here, and remember three important writing axioms from her life:
1.  Good writing is rewriting.
2.  Know your audience.  (She credits her years teaching the upper elementary grades for her ability to write for that age group.)
3.  This is a business of rejection, and only those who persevere in spite of that rejection will succeed.

Happy reading and writing,
Christine

Teen Read Week

Although every week should be Teen Read Week, we are at the end of the Young Adult Library Service Association's official Teen Read Week.  Click here for tips on inspiring adolescents to read every day.

Happy reading,
Christine