Full Circle Literary

Sara Palacios and Rafael López - Pura Belpré Illustrator Honors

2012-01-23T22:43:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Sara and Rafael!

The American Library Association announced their prestigious annual awards today---we were thrilled to see two FCL talents on the list! Sara Palacios and Rafael López were awarded 2012 Pura Belpré Illustrator Honors for their latest picture books (and Sara's debut picture book in the US!). The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth. The award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. It is co-sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), and REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, an ALA affiliate.

2012 Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Books

The Cazuela that the Farm Maiden Stirred illustrated by Rafael López, written by Samantha R. Vamos, and published by Charlesbridge.

Nothing is better than a delicious bowl of arroz con leche unless, of course, a host of farm animals have a hand in the preparation! Lopez’s blazing illustrations for the rhythmic, rollicking cumulative tale, “The Cazuela that the Farm Maiden Stirred” radiate a cheerful exuberance and are peppered with Latino cultural details that extend Vamos’ perky narrative.

Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match /Marisol McDonald no combina illustrated by Sara Palacios, written by Monica Brown, and published by Children’s Book Press, an imprint of Lee and Low Books Inc.

Bright and vivacious Marisol, a young Peruvian-Scottish-American girl, loves peanut butter and jelly burritos and speaks both English and Spanish. Unfortunately, her teacher and classmates do not appreciate Marisol’s mashing of cultures. Using mixed media techniques, Palacios’ illustrations exude child appeal and biculturalism, allowing astute visual readers to identify the blending of cultures.

We're thrilled for Sara and Rafael, and even more thrilled and that their gorgeous books will be in the hands of so many young readers thanks to the wonderful librarians that support Latino/ Latina artists. We'll be spotlighting Sara and Rafael in the coming weeks for a look at their creative work, forthcoming books and what they are both working on next.

In the meantime, you can read more about MARISOL MCDONALD in Monica Brown's guest post on Cynsations blog.

Visit with Rafael in this recent Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast feature.

For a complete list of 2012 American Library Association award winners see the Publishers Weekly announcement here, and click here for the complete list of 2012 Pura Belpré award winners.

We hope you'll join us congratulating Sara and Rafael by visiting your favorite bookseller and adding these winners to your bookshelf!

Taylor’s Tips for the New Year

2012-01-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

Hello, Full Circle community! I am so thrilled to be writing this post today. Having joined the Full Circle team in October, it has been a wonderful Fall season and start to the new year, and I’m so happy to be a part of this fabulous agency.

Over the last few months, I’ve had a busy conference schedule, attending three in October alone. I was able to do a lot of traveling and met some really great authors and writers groups. Having spent so much time at conferences recently, I thought I would say hello with a post and some quick refresher tips on how to make the most of every conference. Many of you will be well-versed in these suggestions, but it never hurts to hear them, and I think they’re important for new authors to know.

Getting the most from your conference experience:

Attend with the attitude that you are there to work.

Before you head to a conference, put yourself in the right mindset. A conference, more than anything, is a work event for you. You’ve also likely spent some money to be there, so you’re hoping to get some useful information. You will get the most from your time if you’re prepared to work for it. This is especially important for workshop weekends. Yes, it seems obvious, but I’ve spent time working with both kinds of authors: those attending specifically for critiques and notes they could take to the drawing board, and those who expected to just be meeting an agent or editor for their big break. The former makes for much more successful meetings. I was a faculty member this Fall for the wonderful Pacific Coast Children’s Writers Novel Workshop, and was so impressed by the attitudes of everyone there. Those writers were so positive about every critique they were given, because every note was something they could use and evaluate for both their own work and take back to their writers groups. They squeezed every last bit of value from that conference because they worked their butts off for three days straight. I was thrilled to work with authors who had this mindset.

Go into your consult appointments with more questions than “Are you interested in requesting material?”.

When I participate in conferences with scheduled consults (i.e. 10-15 min one-on-one meetings), I consider that time to be the author’s time. Most often, you’ve paid for that meeting, so those minutes are yours. Sometimes the conference rules will state that the meeting is strictly an “author pitches, yes or no from the agent” format, but many times you may be able to just chat with that publishing professional if you have extra time. When I run my pitch sessions and we have extra time after your pitch, I am happy to sit and answer other questions you might have, whether they’re about your pitch or about publishing in general. To that end, I always suggest that authors go into these meetings with extra questions, just in case. You’re getting one-on-one time, so use it!

Be open to advice, but remember to trust your instincts.

When you get feedback at a conference, be sure to listen. We understand how hard it is sometimes to hear a critique of your work, and I don’t know a single agent who is inconsiderate of this when talking to authors. If you’re being given advice, you can trust that it is well-intentioned and truly meant to help you move forward on the right foot for your project. That said, sometimes we are only able to respond to your pitch or maybe a few pages. At a recent conference, I heard the wonderful Joan Slattery of Pippin Properties say that an agent’s or editor’s intention is always to “do no harm,” but rather see where they can truly be of help. Know that this is how we approach your work, but that it is up to you as the writer to know how and if our suggestions can be best incorporated into your work. Don’t forget to listen to your own instincts.

Don’t give material to an agent or editor unless specifically requested.

Pretty please. This comes from a practical standpoint, as we can’t take material from every meeting home on the plane. Also, and this is a side note, it’s a little awkward for us to hand it back to you. We will occasionally ask to take some sample pages with us (I asked to keep a copy of some sample illustrations this summer, for example), but don’t assume that we’re taking printed material home. It’s fine to have materials in your meetings, but plan on us not taking anything with us unless we specifically ask for it.

I hope these little reminder tips are useful! I was happily surprised to meet many authors this year who were at their very first conference, and I’m always impressed with the confidence it takes to put yourself out there. I love going to conferences – for the many opportunities they present and for the chance we get to connect away from desks. I know I can speak for my colleagues when I say we hope to see you soon at our next conference.

Here are the event dates I have scheduled for 2012 so far, and see fullcircleliterary.com for where our other agents will be in the upcoming year!

SDSU Writers Conference, Jan. 27-29, www.ces.sdsu.edu/writers

SCBWI San Diego Agent’s Day, Feb. 11, www.scbwi.org

San Francisco Writers Conference, Feb. 17-19, www.sfwriters.org

Pikes Peak Writers Conference, April 20-22, www.ppwc.net/html/ppwc.html

Wishing all of you a very happy and healthy 2012,

Taylor Martindale

Happy New Year from FCL!

2012-01-09T13:13:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday. We're all excited about the new year --- we hope to meet many of you at conferences and look forward to exciting projects in the new year.

Our warmest wishes for a wonderful year---enjoy this fun piece created by our talented artist Sara Palacios!

--Stefanie, Adriana, Lilly, Sara & Taylor

Toni Buzzeo's Lighthouse Christmas in NYTBR

2011-12-05T21:35:00.000-08:00

Sunday Book Review

Children's Books

Picture Books About Christmas

From “Lighthouse Christmas”

By BRUCE HANDY Published: December 2, 2011

What’s with Christmas? So anxious. So self-conscious. Always fretting about its “true spirit.” Always taking its own temperature or rummaging around for “the real meaning of.” Increasingly paranoid about the “war against.” Begging, inevitably, to be saved — December after December after December. Does any other holiday demand magic when a mere day off and a pleasant dinner would suffice? If Christmas were a friend, I’d beg her to go on Zoloft or maybe Thorazine — at least talk to someone, for God’s sake. Or eat some fudge and shut up.

From “A Christmas Tree for Pyn”

The one good thing about Yuletide angst is that it has provided generations of writers and artists and producers of television specials with one of pop culture’s most reliable narrative engines. No one worries about the real meaning of Halloween; no one would care or perhaps even notice if the Grinch stole Father’s Day. But threaten to spoil Christmas — sabotage Santa’s sleigh, hold a gun to a carton of eggnog — and you are guaranteed drama, tears, miracles, the bestest Christmas ever, God bless us every one, except Charlie Brown, that blockhead — but no, him too! A Christian might argue that this redemptive trope goes back to the original Christmas narrative: the ticking clock of Mary’s pregnancy, the schlep to Bethlehem, the inn with no room, the lo-and-behold manger, the big, starlit finale. . . . Why, plucky Christmas has been triumphing over adversity since (truly) Day 1!

Cut to the present day: Did someone tell publishers there’s a market for Christmas books? Looks like it, judging from the red and green covers, especially in the children’s section. Then again, Christmas is often said to be “for” children, so perhaps no one is too young to shoulder its peculiar narrative burdens. And sometimes the results really do approach magic, as with “Lighthouse Christmas” and “A Christmas Tree for Pyn.”

I was particularly affected by “Lighthouse,” set during the Depression on a remote island off the coast of Maine, where young Frances and Peter’s father works as a lighthouse keeper. Their mother has recently died, though the loss serves only as a kind of sad, sustained cello note, underscoring the tale with something more resonant than merely the threat of a storm-ruined holiday. And Toni Buzzeo’s text homes in on just the right details to keep her narrative grounded in both physical and emotional reality. Equally restrained yet full of feeling, Nancy Carpenter’s illustrations, a mixture of pen and ink and watercolor, hit an evocative, cinematic peak in depicting a nighttime rescue at sea, a harrowing event that propels the story to its happy ending. The holiday’s true meaning is discovered in shared humanity — in family, that old holiday canard — with the assist of a deus ex machina. (Which I suppose is theologically apt.) What I’m grateful for this Christmas is that rather than bang readers over the head, Buzzeo and Carpenter end their story on a quiet note of inclusion involving a one-eared cat. Here is true grace in unlikely surroundings — away in a manger, so to speak.

“A Christmas Tree for Pyn” plies parallel waters while striking a more folkloric note. “On top of a steep craggy mountain lived a bear of a man named Oother and his small daughter, Pyn,” begins our story, which appears to take place in a Northern European Neverland. Here, too, Mama is absent; dead, again, it is presumed. Fortunately, there are no wicked stepmothers or witches, just a gentle tale of how the search for a Christmas tree allows Oother to break through his implied grief and native reserve to show his love for little Pyn. It’s a neat trick Olivier Dunrea (“Gossie”) pulls off, using the trappings of a timeworn tale to tell a story with a contemporary, learning-to-live-again moral; imagine a cross between the Brothers Grimm and a Diane Lane movie. But I’m making “A Christmas Tree for Pyn” sound gooier than it is. Dunrea’s illustrations reflect the canny, emotional subtlety of his storytelling. Sweet and plainspun but also modern and graphic, they remind me a bit of the work of prewar picture book makers like Esphyr Slobodkina (“Caps for Sale”) and Wanda Gag (“Millions of Cats”). If Christmas needs saving this year, you could do much, much worse than these two books, and probably have.

LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTMAS

By Toni Buzzeo. Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

32 pp. Dial. $16.99. (Picture book; ages 5 to 9)

A CHRISTMAS TREE FOR PYN

Written and Illustrated by Olivier Dunrea

32 pp. Philomel Books. $16.99. (Picture book; ages 3 to 8)

Bruce Handy, a deputy editor at Vanity Fair, is writing a book about reading children’s books as an adult.

A version of this review appeared in print on December 4, 2011, on page BR31 of the Sunday Book Review with the headline: . . . Gifts of Grace.

What is your favorite Christmas or holiday book this season? We'd love to hear what you're reading!

Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast with Rafael López!

2011-11-28T11:24:00.000-08:00

Jules Danielson features amazing illustrator Rafael López on her popular literary blog, SEVEN IMPOSSIBLE THINGS BEFORE BREAKFAST. Grab a cup of cyber-coffee and enjoy a visit with Rafael!

Seven Questions Over Breakfast with Rafael López

November 23rd, 2011 by jules

Remember this early March post here at 7-Imp? That’s still one of my favorite books of the year, Samantha R. Vamos’ The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred (Charlesbridge, February 2011), illustrated by my visitor today, Rafael López.

Rafael received the 2010 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award for Pat Mora’s Book Fiesta! and is also the recipient of two Américas Book Awards and a 2006 Pura Belpré Honor. Many of López’s stylized folk-art-style paintings, acrylics on wood, are brimming with joy, as you can see below. (López sent a whole heapin’ ton of art for today’s breakfast, which is how you win over this blogger.) Colorful, bright, bold, evocative, and even “eye-filling” are words that have been used by reviewers to describe López’s art. “His sophisticated, multilayered textures create depth, give form and work together to create an image that is easily readable, humorous and harmonious,” Kirkus wrote about Cazuela.

Rafael has been involved in many other projects, which he describes below. And public librarians all over the nation, who engaged in summer reading programs this year, may recognize this poster artwork:

His choice for breakfast this morning? “Give me Mexican comfort food,” he says. “Chilaquiles. Cooked in tomatillo sauce with a side of nopales and strong cup of Oaxacan coffee with a cinammon stick dipped in it.”

He already had me at the Oaxacan coffee, but then he had to seal the deal in a most exciting way with that cinnamon stick. Let’s get right to it by getting the basics while we set the table for breakfast. I thank him for stopping by........

Click here to read the complete interview. Enjoy!

New for a Festive Fall Season!

2011-11-23T20:29:00.001-08:00

We’re thrilled to share these latest titles from our Full Circle authors released in fall 2011.

Jennifer Ward’s THERE WAS AN ODD PRINCESS WHO SWALLOWED A PEA illustrated by Lee Calderon is next in her popular “swallowing” series published by Marshall Cavendish. This wacky fairy tale princess follows the success of THERE WAS A COYOTE WHO SWALLOWED A FLEA, which has sold more than 100,000 copies, and THERE WAS AN OLD MONKEY WHO SWALLOWED A FROG. Princesses everywhere will laugh and ask for more! Pirate mateys stay tuned for the next book in the series coming in 2012! Click here to watch the wacky-fun book trailer.

Monica Brown’s CLARA AND THE CURANDERA illustrated by talented debut illustrator Thelma Muraida is just released from Pinata Books. In this bilingual story, Clara is grumpy about her schoolwork, chores and sharing with her siblings. Her mother sends her to a curandera (or healer) and soon her frown disappears. Read more about Monica Brown on her creativity in terview on Pat Mora's bookjoy! blog .

Toni Buzzeo’s LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTMAS illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. Frances is determined to make Christmas jolly, even if it means joining family on the mainland and leaving Papa behind on their isolated lighthouse island. But when Christmas Eve brings a wild storm and Papa risks his life to rescue a drowning man, the children realize that the most important thing about the holiday is being together. Cozy and nostalgic, this story was inspired by the Flying Santa program, a New England tradition since 1929. Visit Toni’s website for more on this new release and forthcoming titles!

Carmen T Bernier Grand’s ALICIA ALONSO: Prima Ballerina illustrated by Raul Colon, a free-verse illustrated biography for middle readers follows one of 20th-century ballet's most gifted ballerinas, tracing her climb to the rank of prima ballerina assoluta and her battle to continue dancing as she loses her sight. Spiced with the Spanish of her native Cuba and full of poignant detail, Bernier-Grand's account does not flinch from Alonso's complex relationship with the Cuban government nor from the physical punishment that is the reality of dance. Visit Carmen’s website for information about this new releases and forthcoming titles!

Monica Brown's WAITING FOR THE BIBLIOBURRO illustrated by John Parra is now available in French from Rue du Monde.

Diana Lopez's popular middle grade novel CONFETTI GIRL is now available in a Spanish-language edition, CHICA CONFETI, from Scholastic en espanol.

Hope you enjoy these and other good reads this fall season, happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Full Circle Literary! --Adriana, Lilly, Sara, Stefanie & Taylor

Celebrate Picture Book Month!

2011-11-15T23:04:00.000-08:00

Picture Book Month is an international initiative to designate November as Picture Book Month, encouraging everyone to celebrate literacy with picture books. Every day in November, PictureBookMonth.com will feature a new post from a picture book champion explaining why he/she thinks picture books are important----we wanted to share Toni Buzzeo's post and hope you will join us to celebrate picture books for all!

Why Picture Books Are Important by Toni Buzzeo

November 8, 2011

Lighthouse Christmas by Toni Buzzeo

As a children’s librarian, I have long been devoted to the creative art form that is the picture book. I loved them as a child — Snip, Snap, and Snur and Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka especially — and I loved them when I returned to work in the children’s room as I resumed my lifelong romance with libraries. In fact, that love started me on the path to becoming a librarian myself. All the more did I love them when, reining as Library Goddess in my own library, I could drop everything I was doing as a troop of six year olds marched past my desk with a picture book in hand. I’d host an impromptu reading, complete with character voices and sound effects (no quiet libraries for me!).

What I know for sure is that the picture book is as perfect as a miniature spider web, a short story woven with characters to love, a distinct and delicious setting, and a problem to work out (a plot!). And it’s all created with the fewest words possible and the most exquisitely matched art. Even now that I’ve published fourteen picture books myself, I still gasp at the wonder of a newly discovered bit of bound perfection in the form of a picture book—and insist on reading it aloud to anyone who will listen, complete with character voices and sound effects!

Toni Buzzeo

About Toni Buzzeo
Toni Buzzeo is the award-winning author of fourteen picture books with five more forthcoming. For sixteen years, she worked as a school librarian honing her knowledge of children’s literature. Combining this knowledge with her love of children, Toni writes about characters of all stripes (including dinosaurs, loons, ducklings, children, teachers, and librarians) who explore their worlds, their relationships, and themselves in a variety of settings. Toni is well known for her lively spirit and sense of humor.

Purchase Christmas Lighthouse by Tonio Buzzeo from Better World Books, a Picture Book Month partner. You are “doing good” with every book you buy from Better World Books.

Diana's video trailer for BEASTIES

2011-11-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

We hope you all had a spook-tacular Halloween! If you still haven't had your fill of goblins and ghosts check out these two great videos from BEASTIES author and craft maven, Diana Schoenbrun:

Stop-animation BEASTIES trailer (the zombie dance starts at :59)
Zombie how-to video

Her videos have also been featured on these blogs:
Scrapscene
Craft Gossip
Schmancy
Kids Craft Weekly
Cute Everything
Salsa Pie

Enjoy the zombie awesomeness!

Malin Alegria on NPR Morning Edition!

2011-10-18T11:19:00.000-07:00

Author Malin Alegria Builds On 'Estrella's' Star Power

October 18, 2011

Listen to the Story on Morning Edition

Writer Malin Alegria's first novel, Estrella's Quinceanera, covers familiar territory for anyone who has ever been a 15-year-old girl battling with her mother — but the fact that the book's sassy protagonist, Estrella Alvarez, is Mexican-American makes her unique in the world of young adult fiction.

Alegria's book follows Estrella through that quintessential coming-of-age experience for many Latinos — the traditional party that happens when a girl turns 15. Seduced by her new friends' luxurious lifestyles, Estrella becomes embarrassed by her home, her family and, most of all, the quinceanera birthday party her aunt and mother insist on throwing her.

Estrella's Quinceanera came out in 2006, but it has found enduring success in the country's Latino communities. So much so, that Scholastic has commissioned her to write a four-book series for Latino teens, the first installment of which comes out in May 2012.

Making It To 'Walmart'

The original idea for Estrella's Quinceanera came when a publishing house commissioned Alegria to write a book that would reach Latino teens. But some of the archetypes dreamed up by Alegria's non-Latino editors sounded like they'd been dreamed up by, well, non-Latino editors. For instance, they described a character from New York's Upper West Side who sounded Dominican but whose family owned a Mexican restaurant. Alegria says that to a certain extent, she knew she had to work with the stereotypes the publisher gave her.

"There were some details that I accepted from them and others that I totally ignored," she says. "I thought that if I was going to write a quince story, I was going to just write the craziest story I could think of, with the girl having to wear a secondhand dress that was her cousin's that was made in Tijuana. ... Her family was forcing her to do this, but she really didn't want to."

For someone raised by radical Chicano parents in the '70s, Alegria is sanguine about the compromises she made in her collaboration with the publisher. She says she tried to be as subversive as possible, inserting references to Cesar Chavez and Aztec dance, while still making sure to write with mass audiences in mind.

"I had this cholo cousin in El Centro," she says, "and he called me and said, 'Ay, Malin, I saw your book at Walmart! You're right by the washing machines.' I'm like, 'Yes! Walmart!' "

It's one of the best placements an author can get, especially if he or she is trying to reach rural communities that don't have many brick-and-mortar booksellers — or e-book buyers.

Alegria's Rock-Star Status

Today, Alegria enjoys overwhelming grassroots support. Around the country, librarians and teachers raise money so their Latino students can experience literature — and authors — with a familiar story. They fly Alegria in to speak to auditoriums and libraries packed with students. She dresses up in a ruffled quinceanera dress, white gloves and a tiara, and acts out the book's characters for her readings.

In small Texas border towns like McAllen and Pharr, Alegria gets a rock star's welcome — an uncommon experience for any author who isn't J.K. Rowling. She's greeted by handmade posters and school marquees trumpeting her visit. The readings are organized by people like Nora Galvan, a library coordinator for the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District in South Texas, which is about 98 percent Latino.

Galvan says boys and girls pile into auditoriums and libraries for a chance to see Alegria read from her book.

"She actually talks to the kids about what inspired her to be an author, and what the process of writing is, which is one of our assessments here in the state of Texas," Galvan says. "Then she talks about her experiences and how they can put that into words, and how they can become authors if they so desire."

'The Way We Speak'

A recent Northwestern University study found that the print reading habits of young people of color are virtually the same as whites. But Galvan says many of her district's students are reading below their grade level — and most are bilingual. They're hungry for stories like Alegria's — stories that reflect their language proficiencies.

"Every other word is Spanish, English, Spanish, English: 'Mama, voy a mi house,' 'I wanted to go en mi carro,' " Galvan says. "The way [Alegria] writes is the way we speak in this area."

Audio Slideshow: An Extended Interview With Malin Alegria

Some of Alegria's chapters open with a glossary that, with a wink, introduces words and phrases that are common to bilingual kids like 13-year-old fan Amanda Cevallos: "Like, chola; the definition was like, 'big hair and hoop earrings,' which is kind of true," Cevallos says. "I just never find that in a book, so it's pretty cool."

It's OK 'To Be Dark-Skinned And Still Love Yourself'

Cevallos is part Dominican and part Mexican. She has navigated diverse groups of friends in both public and private schools in the San Francisco Bay Area, so there aren't many mainstream representations of Latinos that resonate with her cross-cultural experiences — and that's not so different from how things were 10 years ago. Back then, Latino stereotypes prevailed in pop culture, with its womanizing machista fathers and its bad boy cholos.

Alegria's parents had tried to counteract those stereotypes by immersing their kids in indigenous culture, but she says that as a kid, she was ashamed to tell her parents that it was difficult for her to share their sense of pride.

"I was embarrassed of living in the Mission District ... growing up feeling too dark for the boys to like, or that my clothes were not new enough," she says. "All of these insecurities are what I use in my writing now ... to educate and also affirm for young kids that it's OK to shop at the flea market and have parents who are working-class and to be dark-skinned and still love yourself."

Such affirmations weren't available to Alegria back in the day — at least not on her bookshelf, where the alpha blonde characters of Sweet Valley High reigned supreme.

"I really believed that that is what American life is like: having blonde hair, having a twin sister, having a cute boyfriend with a red convertible," Alegria says. "And I needed to have this experience to be an American."

Now, Alegria has found a powerful vehicle to help her write the Latino-American experience. Her upcoming Scholastic series, Border Town, follows the lives of teenagers living in the fictional town of Dos Rios, Texas. It's going to be pretty similar to Sweet Valley High, she says, "but with brown kids."

Alegria didn't set out to be a writer. But she says when young fans tell her that they recognize themselves in her stories, it feels like she has arrived at her calling. This, she says, is why her grandmothers crossed the border.

Nishat Kurwa is a reporter for TurnstyleNews.com, an online news service from Youth Radio.

Read an excerpt of Estrella's Quinceanera

Monica Brown "10" celebration and tour

2011-10-12T22:18:00.000-07:00

Award-winning picture book writer Monica Brown celebrates 10 picture books published this month with a week-long tour to the Washington DC area. Monica will feature her latest fall 2011 releases MARISOL MCDONALD DOESN'T MATCH, illustrated by Sara Palacios (Children's Book Press) and WAITING FOR THE BIBLIOBURRO, illustrated by John Parra (Random House) here:

October 11, 7:00 pm
ARLINGTON CENTRAL LIBRARY
presentation and book signing

October 12, 10:30 am
POLITICS AND PROSE BOOKSTORE
reading and book signing

Monica will also be visiting several schools in the area and squeezing in a taping for COLORIN COLORADO -- stay tuned for showtimes!

Monica is an amazing success story, at a time when picture books are getting more negative than positive media coverage. What better time to share a bit about how I met Monica than at this milestone? Shortly after co-founding Full Circle Literary around six years ago, I had the honor of meeting Monica at a SCWBI conference in Palm Springs. I was the "new agent"on faculty and Monica's first picture book, MY NAME IS CELIA, was about to launch from small press Rising Moon. I have to say, we felt a kindred spirit as newbies around so much published talent. (CELIA later went on to win the Americas Award for Children's Literature and Pura Belpre Honor for Illustration---what a debut!). Monica shared some sample pages, and we talked about her vision for writing picture book biographies and fiction stories for children. Monica's writing pulled from her professional experience as an academic and personal experience as a mother---I saw something special right away. Monica could uniquely tell the story of a historic figure in a way that excited and informed young children. Brilliance like this is hard to find and shortly after I offered her representation --- Monica become one of our first Full Circle picture book clients!

Last weekend I attended a conference sponsored by the same SCBWI chapter that hosted the conference where I met Monica. Needless to say, I was thrilled to share the success story with SCBWI regional chairperson Francesca Ruckas and many new writers. Monica celebrates 10 picture books published this fall---and counting! Her forthcoming titles include: CLARA AND THE CURANDERA (Pinata Books), a picture book biography about Tito Puente illustrated by Pura Belpre award-winning artist Rafael Lopez (HarperCollins), and a picture book biography about Picasso (Santillana USA).

Congratulations to Monica on her big "10"--- here is to all the young readers she has touched through the years and the many inspirations she has yet to share!
--Stefanie

Steve Jobs, Craft Inc, and You

2011-10-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the world lost Steve Jobs, a man who has been described with every compliment in the book. An innovator. A leader. An inspiration. A visionary. This week marked the release of the new edition of Craft Inc. by Meg Mateo Ilasco . So what does one have to do with the other?

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.” -- Steve Jobs, 2005, at Stanford

And this is what Craft Inc is all about. Do what you love, and do it well. Do it with smarts. The new edition of this book is a reminder that this is possible, and that with a bit of encouragement from the pros, your dream job isn’t so far away.

If you ask any literary agent, they will tell you that their book projects are like children- each has a different but equally important place in our hearts. Granted, on certain days one kid behaves (sells?!) better than the others. And to round out the analogy, on some days authors act like kids, but we usually weed those folks out before we even sign them ;)

Craft Inc has an extremely important place in my heart. It was one of the first craft books that we did at Full Circle, and it opened my eyes to the thirst for this knowledge, and to the passion and support of the craft community. Because it really is a community. Craft Inc, first published in 2007, sets the ground rules for establishing, running, and growing a craft business. I believe it also set the standard for how to write a book about all of the above!

The publication of the new edition of Craft Inc reminds me of the days when I first began reading Meg’s writing for the book. I was floored. I mean, in what universe is it fair for someone to be so talented with the visual arts AND with writing? I knew we had stumbled on to something great. She has a way of conveying information in a way that’s detailed and thorough, but always engaging. So I was thrilled to watch her series grow over the years to cover other business topics including Creative Inc (with Joy Cho), Mom Inc (with Cat Seto, forthcoming spring 2012), and Blog Inc (with Joy Cho, forthcoming fall 2012)

To me, Craft Inc embodies the best kind of nonfiction, the kind that offers detail without getting bogged down in it – and let me assure you (years of slush piles later), it’s a rare find! The book’s success alone speaks to how well Meg executed this mission, and how she made her enthusiasm and knowledge contagious through writing.

I’m so proud to have been involved with Craft Inc from way back when, and wish Meg -- and all the savvy creatives who follow in her footsteps -- all the luck in the world as they take that chance and do what they love, and do it oh so well.

-Lilly

A warm welcome to Taylor!

2011-10-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

Happy October! We’re thrilled to announce our new agent at Full Circle, Taylor Martindale!

Taylor began agenting with the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency, and prior to that, was the submissions coordinator at Bliss Literary Agency. She is a graduate of The College of William and Mary, where she studied English and Hispanic Studies.

Taylor is looking for young adult fiction across all sub-genres. She is interested in finding unique and unforgettable voices and characters that stay with you long after a story has finished. For contemporary YA, she would like to find both the uplifting/ romantic stories and gritty, harsh stories about the darker side of teen life. She loves working with multicultural projects that teach teens about other people’s lives – both at home and abroad. In paranormal/fantasy/urban fantasy, she is looking for new and intriguing concepts with characters who truly manage to make their worlds alive and engaging. She is also interested in select children’s picture books, light YA sci-fi and women’s fiction. More than anything, Taylor is looking for character-driven stories that bring the world vividly to life (whether it’s fantasy or not), and voices that refuse to be ignored.When not working, Taylor can be found traveling, cooking, spending time with loved ones, or (surprise!) lost in a good book.

We're thrilled to welcome Taylor and share this great news with writers – especially all of the young adult writers out there! As she is actively looking for new talent, you can read our FCL submission guidelines and reach out to Taylor at our FCL submissions email address noted in the guidelines. You’ll be hearing more from her on this blog. If you'd like to meet her personally, Taylor will be on faculty at the following conferences this fall:

Oct. 7-9, Pacific Coast Children's Writers Workshop -- Santa Cruz, CA

Oct. 15, Northwest Houston Romance Writers Conference -- Houston, TX

Oct. 29, Avondale Writers Conference -- Avondale, AZ

Meet Marisol McDonald!

2011-09-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

We're head-over-heels to announce the release of Monica Brown's latest picture book today, MARISOL MCDONALD DOESN'T MATCH, illustrated by amazing debut picture book artist Sara Palacios!

What do President Barack Obama, actor Keanu Reeves, reporter Soledad O'Brien (and award-winning author Monica Brown!) have in common with the spunky heroine Marisol McDonald? Like nine million other Americans, they are mixed-race. While the multiracial population in the U.S. has grown rapidly very few children's books reflect the experience of being mixed-race. According to the 2010 US Census, the number of mixed-race children in the US increased almost 50% in the last decade, making it the fastest growing youth group in the country. The New York Times recently published a series of articles called "Race Remixed" which explores the growing number of mixed-race Americans.

MARISOL MCDONALD DOESN'T MATCH is a funny and lively story about a biracial Peruvian-Scottish soccer-playing pirate-artist who doesn't match---and doesn't want to! Check out the early reviews, including a coveted starred review from Kirkus:

"A little girl celebrates her multiracial background and pride in her individuality through a creative and non-conformist attitude. Marisol's varied, distinctive lifestyle and multiracial family affirms our increasingly blended society and clearly celebrates independent thinking. Brava!" —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED Review

"In this lively bilingual book, Marisol is brought to life in both English and Spanish through Brown’s dynamic prose, Palacios’s vibrant illustrations, and Dominguez’s outstanding translation. This fun book allows readers to meet a wonderful character. The story encourages readers to embrace their uniqueness and be exactly who they are." —School Library Journal

"The vivacious Peruvian-Scottish-American protagonist of this bilingual book has brown skin and hair 'the color of fire.' Her friends tell her that she 'doesn’t match,' because of her appearance and her wardrobe, but when Marisol tones down her style, she realizes that it doesn’t feel right. Palacio’s collage work incorporates newsprint, vibrant patterns, and Peruvian motifs, echoing the message about being true to oneself." —Publishers Weekly

"Brilliant, rambunctious, delightful..." —Smithsonian BOOK DRAGON

Be sure to download and share the fun Activity Kit and view details about Monica Brown's upcoming tour on her website.

The Code Busters Club Is Here!

2011-09-22T23:49:00.000-07:00

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Can YOU solve the code? Deciper over a dozen codes in THE CODE BUSTERS CLUB: Secret of the Skeleton Key by Agatha-award winner Penny Warner --- an interactive adventure and first book in a new middle grade mystery series from Egmont! Here is what Kirkus Reviews had to say about the book:

This first of a series delivers a splendid story of four youths on a code-breaking spree. Cody and her three buddies comprise an exclusive club revolving around studying and creating codes. It’s all in fun, but things amp up to intense when Cody and Quinn spy two lurking strangers at Mr. Skeleton’s creepy old house.

As the club members investigate the charred house and each new clue leads to the next. Adding depth to an already smart, fast-paced mystery, there’s a resonant back story. Readers are active participants in the momentum and are frequently invited to solve classic forms of code, such as ASL, Morse and semaphores. This intriguing tale has vivid characters and such a tantalizing cliffhanger that readers won’t be able to resist cracking the next Code Busters. ---Kirkus Reviews

Join the Club---be sure to visit the Code Busters Club website for special code busting supplies and secret intel! Stay tuned for more info on contest and events with Penny Warner.

Sewing for Boys book and blog tour

2011-09-13T23:29:00.000-07:00

As the proud mom of a boy I'm always on the lookout for books that celebrate boys--so today I'm thrilled to announce our latest craft book, Sewing for Boys. In this first-ever "boys-only" sewing book, you'll find 24 projects—ranging from sporty to dapper—to create an entire handmade wardrobe little boys will love. The projects/ patterns span all seasons and also include specialty items for playtime, art, and "on the go" accessories. The clothing (ranging from baby to age 7) is comfortable, durable, and completely unique. From a retro button-down shirt and suspender shorts to a just-like-dad robe, these 24 sewing projects will keep the boys in your life dressed with style year-round. My favorites are the fisherman hat (shown on the cover) and the treasure-pocket pants that feature the biggest pockets ever for boys to fill!

Debut authors Shelly Figueroa and Karen LePage of Patterns by Figgy’s are also mamas of boys (and our editor at Wiley just welcomed a baby boy this summer!) --- so we're all celebrating boys with Sewing for Boys! To learn more about the book, meet the authors at book events in Portland and Michigan or follow them on their blog tour. ---Stefanie

September 16th, from 6-9pm, Shelly Figueroa will be speaking and signing books at Modern Domestic in Portland, Oregon (1408 NE Alberta St.).

September 16th, 17th, and 18th, meet Karen LePage, get your book signed, and even sample goods for sale at her booth, #17, at the DIY Street Fair in Ferndale, Michigan.

Blog tour now underway---be sure to stop in to see some of the wonderful creations--like this one from SEWMAMASEW---- and for a chance to win your very own copy of the book!

September 5 Made by Rae
September 6 Sew, Mama, Sew
September 7 The Southern Institute & Film in the Fridge
September 8 Elsie Marley
September 9 Noodlehead & Oh, Fransson!
September 10 I Heart Linen
September 11 Anna Maria Horner
September 12 Craft Buds, Pink Chalk Fabric, Prudent Baby, Sew Much Ado
September 13 Very Purple Person, Quilt Story & Sew Sara
September 14 The Long Thread
September 15 Susan Beal
September 16 True Up
September 17 All Buttoned Up & Bolt Fabric Boutique
September 18 MADE & Wiley Craft

Adriana in Writer's Digest

2011-09-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

Check out WRITER'S DIGEST "Ask the Agent" feature of our very own Adriana Dominguez---where she talks about how to get her attention with your *short* query letter and the specific submissions she will be seeking this fall!

Sew, Play, and READ this summer!

2011-08-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

As we enjoy the last days of summer, we're thrilled to announce our latest release from Modern June crafter and "Oilcloth Addict" blogger, Kelly McCants!

SEWING WITH OILCLOTH celebrates true oilcloth, laminated cottons, and chalk cloth—easy-to-sew and fun-to-use specialty fabrics! Inside Kelly shares easy-to-follow instructions, special tips and tricks needed to get the most out of these fabrics, unique applications for each type, and advice on how to treat and care for the finished pieces. Among the 20 projects: a Chalkboard Table Runner (perfect for parties!), Seat Cushions, Party Banners (fun for outdoor summer celebrations!), Make Up Bags, a Farmers Market Tote, Lunch Bags (re-usable and so much cuter than anything you can buy!), Laminated Cotton Baby Bib, Mommy and Me Aprons, and more.

Modern June is known for handmade housewares for the hip home--check out Kelly McCants website and Etsy store. Click below to see her fun SEWING WITH OILCLOTH book video!

Kelly will be on a blog tour beginning Monday, August 29, come celebrate SEWING WITH OILCLOTH with her. Tune into her first stop at Wiley Craft to be eligible for a fun giveaway -- one lucky winner will get a prize pack of all the fabric you need to make a Farmers Market Tote and a copy of the book! Good luck to all!

Monday, August 29: Wiley Craft

Tuesday, August 30: Crafty Pod

Wednesday, August 31: Sew Mama, Sew

Thursday, September 1: MADE

Friday, September 2: Craft

Monday, September 5: True Up and Craft Gossip

Tuesday, September 6: Oilcloth International

Wednesday, September 7: Average Jane Craft

Thursday, September 8: Prudent Baby

Friday, September 9: Craft Sanity

Sara's Interview with YA Fantasy Guide

2011-08-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

Attention: YA fantasy writers. If you're planning to query me soon please check out my interview with "YA Fantasy Guide", just posted today. I share some common mistakes authors make in the querying process, my favorite (and less-so) fantasy and YA sub-genres, what makes me stop reading a partial, and my best piece of advice for writers. See the full interview here. - Sara

In the Studio: Dina Bursztyn

2011-08-11T22:46:00.000-07:00

The Land of Lost Things/El país de las cosas perdidas is just released by Pinata Books---we visited with Dina in her studio to hear more about her debut picture book which was named a Junior Library Guild Selection!

The first time I visited "the land of lost things" was in my childhood. In my family things frequently got lost. I have a childhood memory of looking for a missing blue pencil while drawing, not finding it, and making do with another color. Often I have wondered why that very particular memory has stayed with me, and I decided to draw it; as soon as I did, it called for another image, and then another, and before I realized it, I had a book.

The drawings in my book are created with gouache, pen and ink and collage. It was a fun challenge to render so many mittens and umbrellas. I became a hunter for paper scraps, bits of gift-wrap, origami and handmade papers, stationary and fabric.

Also, I used fragments of photos and ads from magazines, a part of a sky, a mountain, a rug, some fur.

I started writing children stories growing up in my native Argentina. I had to leave the country and came to New York. Being transplanted into a different culture wasn't easy, my English was poor and I felt words had "lost" their meaning. I began to work as a visual artist---creating ceramics, sculpture, drawing and painting. I often use my children's stories and illustrations working as a "teaching artist" in New York City public schools. I love to share stories with students, hoping to inspire them to make their own stories! "The Land of the Lost Things/ El país de las cosas perdidas" is one of those stories. What are things that you've lost and never found?

Argentine artist and arts educator Dina Bursztyn paints the way to where the lost things are in her fanciful new picture book, The Land of Lost Things / El país de las cosas perdidas! Dina is an artist whose sculptures, drawings and public art have been celebrated worldwide. Her work has been represented extensively in galleries, museums and public spaces around the globe, including in the Dominican Republic, Germany, Japan, Mexico and the United States. This is her first book. To learn more about Dina Bursztyn, and see her upcoming events visit her website!

Interview and Book Giveaway with author, Jennifer Ward!

2011-08-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

Calling all nature-lovers: Check out this great blog interview from "Imagine Childhood" with author, Jennifer Ward, about her latest book, IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE: 52 Nature Activities for City Kids. See lovely open-book photos AND partake in an easy book giveaway. Simply leave a comment at the end of the post for a chance to win your very own copy of IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE! Find it all here!

Visit jenniferwardbooks.com for more info about books by Jennifer Ward!

Here comes the Biblioburro!

2011-07-20T00:22:00.000-07:00

Tacatac Clip-clop --- the Biblioburro is coming to PBS and to a new picture book by Monica Brown!

This week PBS POV (Documentaries with a Point of View) will begin airing the documentary of a librarian — and a library — like no other. Colombian teacher-librarian Luis Soriano brings books via two hard-working donkeys, to the children of one of Columbia's poorest provinces. Airings begin July 19 and will run at various days/times in the next few weeks, check your local listings here. The documentary is also available as a full-length download from PBS, along with educator resources such as lesson plans, bookmarks and a map of mobile libraries around the world.

Inspired by the heroic efforts of Luis Soriano, award-winning picture book creators Monica Brown and John Parra introduce readers to the mobile library that journeys over mountains and through valleys to bring literacy and culture to rural Colombia, and to the children who wait for the Biblioburro. A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book support Luis Soriano's Biblioburro program. On the heels of the national PBS feature, the book will release from Random House Children's Books on August 9th.

For a sneak preview of the book, watch the book video here----and be sure to tune into PBS. PBS is sponsoring a contest for librarians to win a free copy of the book, click here for details!

Listen to Monica Brown's interview on KUHF, Houston Public Radio and visit Monica Brown's website for a free teacher's guide and more!

Early praise for WAITING FOR THE BIBLIOBURRO:
"Parra’s colorful folk-style illustrations of acrylics on board bring Ana’s real and imaginary worlds to life...The book is perfect for read-alouds, with occasional, often onomatopoeic Spanish words such as “quiquiriquí,” “tacatac” and “iii-aah” adding to the fun."---Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"The pleasure and love of reading are joyfully brought forth in this simple, happily rendered tale."--School Library Journal

Dancing to a Bookstore Near You!

2011-07-20T00:15:00.000-07:00

DANCING HOME, the new book by award-winning author Alma Flor Ada and her son and co-writer Gabriel Zubizarreta is now available. We are thrilled that the book has been published simultaneously in English and Spanish (under the title Nacer bailando), and just love this middle grade novel by the author of the modern classic MY NAME IS MARIA ISABEL!

Margie thinks of herself as an all-American girl and wants to stay that way. The image she has built for herself begins to crumble upon the arrival of her cousin Lupe, who comes from Mexico to live with Margie's family. Margie has no choice but to help Lupe navigate school in a language she cannot understand, and resents her Spanish-speaking cousin for turning her into an "outsider" too. Little by little, as the two girls are forced to share everything, Margie becomes more sympathetic about her cousin's situation and the two begin to form a bond that in the end, will help each girl learn what "home" really means to her. A fun read for children, this book is also relevant, as it deals with some of the real issues kids face today, such as immigration and the effects it has on families here, and abroad.

DANCING HOME is featured in The New York Times Sunday Book Review, "How to Be a Bicultural Schoolgirl"!

Take a look at what other critics are saying!

"An absorbing novel for readers of any background"—The New York Times

"Ada and Zubizarreta write knowingly of the difficulties of a life lived in two cultures"—Booklist

"An enjoyable offering that will capture readers’ attention and have them rooting for the cousins and their friendships and family relationships."—School LIbrary Journal

"Margie and Lupe will charm readers as each girl struggles for belonging and acceptance in this realistic novel." Kirkus

*** Check out this video mother-and-son writing team Alma Flor Ada and Gabriel Zubizarreta posted on Bing, where the authors discuss their inspiration for writing their middle grade novel DANCING HOME, just published by Simon & Schuster. Alma Flor Ada discusses what she believes are some of the most important elements that make up a "culture," while her son shares what it was like to write with his award-winning author mother for the first time!

The authors have another middle grade novel coming out with Simon and Schuster next year, so keep an eye out for that, too! —Adriana

Summer Writing Workshop in New Mexico

2011-07-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

Our friends from New Mexico shared info on this wonderful summer writing retreat---spreading the word for all of you ready for some "rest & writing" this August!

Write Your Heart Out

(Stories based on your life experiences)

A One-week Summer Writing Workshop in El Rito, New Mexico

August 8^th to August 12^th, 2011

Workshop Facilitator: Roberta Orona-Cordova

Where: El Rito, New Mexico, on the campus of Northern New Mexico College. The El Rito campus is 57 miles north of Santa Fe on a 62 acre tract. The elevation is 6,800 feet. Adjacent to the campus is the scenic and peaceful El Rito village that is surrounded by the Carson National Forest. 15 miles to the east is the village of Ojo Caliente which is famous for its hot mineral springs. 18 miles to the northwest is Abiquiu, which was settled by the Genizaro indigenous people and is one of the first Spanish land grants (1753) in northern New Mexico. There is one restaurant, a Catholic church, a vibrant public library, and a post office across the street from the college. This quiet, restful community is ideal for writing.

When: The workshop will begin Sunday evening, August 7^th and end Friday, August 12^th. Sunday evening there will be an historical introduction to the area—the original Chama Valley. The afternoon of the last day there will be a field trip to witness the tribal corn dance at the Santa Clara pueblo—a celebration of a Native American feast day. If you come from out-of-state you are encouraged to remain in the area for an extra day or two and visit scenic Santa Fe.

Attendees will spend 3 hours in workshop, and free time in the afternoons and evenings for writing.

Tuition: $250.00. Lodging: $36.00 a night. Meals: $150.00 (breakfast, lunch & dinner for 5 days). Barbeque Sunday at night. The college provides pillows and bed linen. There is a small kitchen in the dorm for people who want to cook or prepare snacks.

Writing: You may already be working on narratives based on your life—long or short, i.e., one episode in your life, or a phase in your life. In any case, this is an opportunity to devote focused time to just writing. El Rito is quaint, quiet, and isolated—a perfect setting to write your heart out—new material, or revise what you are already working on. If you are committed to this you should be able to write daily. The workshop hours will be devoted to writing exercises, giving directions and feedback, answering common questions such as, “Is it okay to use real names?” You will be encouraged to read all the work you develop in the workshop. I suggest you read at least one memoir, or two before the workshop begins. Come prepared to share the memoir you are familiar with and/or bring a memoir with you. I’ll be happy to provide you with recommendations.

Attractions: Northern New Mexico is quite beautiful, especially the Carson National Forest where there are hiking trails, mountains to climb, lakes for fishing, and picnic and camping grounds. You will be one hour from Taos, 25 minutes from the Santa Clara and San Juan Indian pueblos, 15 minutes from the Georgia O’Keefe house, and 20 minutes from the natural hot springs in Ojo Caliente. You are encouraged to bring a swimsuit. Also, there are several Native American pueblos in the area.

. Hacienda of Padre Martinez in Taos

. Art museums in Taos

. Art museums and galleries in Santa Fe

. Indian Market in Santa Fe (mid August)

For more information: please send an email to – robertao@windstream.net

A wild welcome for It's a Jungle Out There!

2011-06-24T22:24:00.000-07:00

We're thrilled to welcome the companion to Jennifer Ward's popular I LOVE DIRT! this month---and we're sure parents and kids are going to be wild about it! UrbanBaby recommended IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE! as their "Daily Pick" of the day today!

More reviews and mentions---listen to the buzz!
Ohdeedoh loves it: city kids can enjoy nature too.
Eco Child's Play recommends as one of five green products
Nature Moms talks about using the book in your city

Once again, Susie Ghahremani's gorgeous artwork fills the interior pages, and this time is also featured on the eye-catching cover! Watch for the virtual book tour, book giveaways and more coming soon at Jennifer Ward's website www.jenniferwardbooks.com

City Nature Adventures

City kids might be more used to the elements of the concrete jungle (subways, taxicabs, and crowds) but there is also much for them to explore in the natural world. From the author of I Love Dirt! and Let's Go Outside! comes a new guide for urban children and their parents, It’s a Jungle Out There! 52 Nature Adventures for City Kids. Author Jennifer Ward provides unique activities, games, and adventures specific for city environments so curious kids can engage their sense of wonder and imagination.

It's compact (throw it in your purse moms) and complete with practical information including "Plant the Seed" sidebars that help direct your child's learning. All the seasons are covered in the chapters as well as an additional tool, "Indoor Inspirations: Activities to Experience the Outdoors When the Weather Prevents Going Out and About."

52 Open-ended activities include:

* Packing and Tracking in the Park
* Pondering Ponds and Puddles
* Stars Above
* Neighborhood Nest Map
* Snow Stories

Jennifer Ward offers additional resources ad recommendations at the conclusion of her book to help exploring families that want the journey to continue. Susie Ghahremani's appealing and simple illustrations add to the gentle feel of this handy book.

Whether the weather is wonderful or wicked help your child become connected to the rhythms and opportunities that abound in nature.

Available at Amazon.com

Also by Jennifer Ward, with illustrations by Susie Ghahremani:

Introducing Sara!

2011-06-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

Happy summer! We’re thrilled to kick off the summer by “officially” introducing our newest agent at Full Circle, Sara Sciuto!

Sara has been working with Full Circle behind the scenes since last September, and is a recent graduate of University of California, San Diego. Before joining Full Circle, she gained valuable experience working on film and foreign rights with Taryn Fagerness Agency.

This is good news for Full Circle and great news for authors! Sara is actively building her list with a focus on some areas that Full Circle Literary hasn’t represented in the past. You may have noticed a recent update on our FCL Submissions Guidelines opening the doors to dystopian and science fiction submissions, for example. I’ve asked Sara to share a bit about her interests—here are a few words from Sara and you’ll be hearing more from her on our blog!

***

Hello! My name is Sara Sciuto and I’m over-the-moon about joining such an amazing agency, and wanted to share a bit about me and the kinds of projects I’d like to see. I am actively building my list with a focus on middle grade and young adult fiction—dystopian, science fiction, fantasy, unique paranormal, and contemporary stories with a strong, unique voice.

My personal wish list includes: a gritty dystopia, like SHIP BREAKER; a story with an experimental narrative structure, reminiscent of FEED; a utilitarian dystopia (I’m pretty sure I just made that term up, but if it makes sense to you I’d like to see your work! Hint: MATCHED, DIVERGENT); something creepy, or that utilizes mixed media, or both as in MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN. I’m also a sucker for anything in the Deep South (sweet contemporary to dark paranormal), gritty contemporary, dystopian thrillers, anything with international locales or period settings (think flappers or "Mad Men"), and anything with artistic themes.

A paranormal warning: I'll likely be passing if I see the words “vampire” or “werewolf”; and if you're writing about angels/immortals/demons there needs to be another element (e.g. dystopia, à la ANGEL BURN) or a really unique twist. Better yet, it’s a creature or phenomena that I’ve never seen before. For contemporary stories I steer away from teen or relationship drama (i.e. teen chick-lit)—I prefer contemporary stories with some grit or quirkiness to them.

I would also consider picture books with a quirky or humorous narrative. I'm also considering select nonfiction in the areas of craft, design, how-to, lifestyle, and pop culture. Currently, I'm NOT considering any adult fiction (all genres). I hope that gives you a sense for my tastes; though honestly, when I’m going through submissions, overall I’m looking for a unique concept and strong writing. I’m accepting submissions via email only per our FCL Submission Guidelines at: submissions (at) fullcircleliterary (dot) com

At various points in my life I’ve wanted to be a food writer, a child psychologist, a vagabond, a molecular biologist, and a professional photographer, to name a few!—so agenting is the perfect job for me in that I can explore my inanely broad and ever-changing interests in many different types of projects. My great passions in life are travel and good food (really, they go hand-in-hand)—and, of course, good books but I think that goes without saying!

If you’d like to meet me in person, I’ll be on faculty at the following conferences in the coming months and hope to see you there!

SCBWI Summer Conference in Los Angeles, Aug. 5-8

SCBWI OC Editor’s Day, Cal State Fullerton, Oct. 1

Avondale Writers Conference, Avondale, AZ, Oct. 29

If you want to read more about me check out my recent blog interview with Mother. Write. (Repeat.)

International Latino Book Awards 2011 winners announced

2011-06-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

The 2011 International Latino Book Awards were announced at the annual BookExpo America conference on May 25 at el Museo del Barrio in New York. In total 137 literary awards were presented in 53 categories. Honorees from throughout the USA, Latin America and Spain were honored---including several of our FCL authors. Congratulations Alma Flor Ada, Mara Price and René Colato Laínez!

Best Children’s Picture Book – English
First Place, Me, Frida, Amy Novesky, Abrams Books For Young Readers
Second Place, The Tooth Fairy Meets El Ratón Pérez, René Colato Laínez, Tricycle Press
Second Place, My Shoes and I, René Colato Laínez, Boyds Mills Press
Honorable Mention, La Noche Buena, Antonio Sacre, Abrams Books For Young Readers

Best Children’s Picture Book – Spanish
First Place, Manual de Piratas, Monica Carretero, Cuento de Luz
Second Place, La Gallina Cocorina, Mar Pavon, Cuento de Luz
Honorable Mention, Kiki Koki, La Leyenda Encantada del Coquí, Ed Rodriguez, Idearworks

Best Children’s Picture Book – Bilingual
First Place, From North to South/Del Norte al Sur, René Colato Laínez, Children’s Book Press First Place, Grandma’s Chocolate/El Chocolate de Abuelita, Mara Price, Arte Publico Press
Honorable Mention, Let Me Help!/¡Quiero Ayudar!, Alma Flor Ada, Children’s Book Press

Click here for a complete list of winners in all categories.

Best Books for Babies 2011!

2011-05-21T01:44:00.000-07:00

"Best Books for Babies 2011" is a wonderful list originated by Mr. Rogers---we're thrilled to see FCL titles FIESTA BABIES and I LIKE FRUIT included on this just released list! The annual list provides a nationally recognized guide for parents, teachers, and caregivers in selecting quality literature for babies (infants through 18-months). A panel of librarians, child development experts, and academics reviews outstanding books, published in the United States each year, and judges them on elements such as clear, bright illustrations, age-appropriate subjects, and interactive capabilities.

Be sure to visit the new website www.bestbooksforbabies.org for wonderful tips on reading to babies and more! (All books were published in 2010 and are listed alphabetically along with comments from the selection committee.)

	Baby Baby Baby! Marilyn Janovitz, Jabberwocky - A loving family catalogs all the fun things their smiling baby can do—from clapping and crawling to splashing in the tub and kissing good night. \|
	Dancing Feet Lindsey Craig, Illustrated by Marc Brown, Knopf Books for Young Readers - Textured collage illustrations show a variety of animals stomping, creeping and clapping their way through this rhyming action tale. \|
	Fiesta Babies Carmen Tafolla, Illustrated by Amy Cordova, Candlewick - Bold colors amplify the festive fun in this rhyming story about babies and toddlers enjoying a neighborhood celebration. \|
	Hip Hop Catherine Hnatov, Star Bright Books - High contrast black and white images alternate with simple, brightly colored pictures of familiar animals, highlighting their typical sounds and movements.
	I Like Fruit Lorena Siminovich, Templar - Unusual textures and vivid colors combine to create clear pictures of tasty treats in this sturdy board book. \|
	One Pup’s Up Marsha Wilson Chall, Illustrated by Henry Cole, Margaret K. McElderry - Feisty puppies tumble and frolic across the pages of this charming picture book that features energetic, upbeat descriptions and enjoyable word play. \|
	Pocketful of Posies Salley Mayor, Houghton Mifflin - Mavor uses intricate needlework to create whimsical, detailed illustrations for a wide variety of rhymes, making this an appealing collection for families even if they already own one (or more) Mother Goose collections. \|
	Sleepy, Oh So Sleepy Denise Fleming, Henry Holt and Co. Distinctive illustrations in warm, rich colors accompany rhythmic, repetitive words designed to lull listeners into sweet sleep. \|
	Switching on the Moon Compiled by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters Illustrated by G. Brian Karas Candlewick - Perfect for sharing at bedtime, the beautifully illustrated poems in this collection are sure to become family favorites. \|
	Tuck Me In! Dean Hacohen, Illustrated by Sherry Scharschmidt Candlewick Beach Lane Books - Young listeners can participate in this soothing bed-time ritual, turning decorated half-pages to cozily cover a cast of baby animals. \|

From the floor: SCBWI Orange County Agent’s Day

2011-05-21T01:33:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Full Circle had the pleasure of participating in SCBWI Orange County Agent’s Day in beautiful Newport Beach, CA. This event brought together agents—Rosemary Stimola/Stimola Literary Studio, Edward Necarsulmer IV/McIntosh & Otis, Natalie Fischer/Bradford Agency, Anna Webman/Curtis Brown, and our own Stefanie Von Borstel— and authors for manuscript critiques and presentations on the agent/author relationship. Here’s a few highlights from the day:

Natalie shared some tips for writers going through the revision process, emphasizing the importance of creating a dynamic voice. A tip: Highlight all your senses in a different color to ensure you have a nice balance. Are there lots of auditory elements and no smells?

Rosemary spoke to the author/agent relationship, stressing to authors that they should be as critical about choosing an agent as they are about choosing a spouse—it will (hopefully!) be a lifelong relationship. Rosemary’s pet peeve: queries from adult fiction authors who are pitching their first children’s project with ‘I’ve written for adults I can certainly write for kids’. (Diddo!)

Edward took authors through a day in the life of an agent and explained why it is that you need one. To name just a couple of reasons: 1) we know editors’ tastes—who’s looking to branch out? who already has something similar on their list that’s not working? 2) to help you distill what you’re good at and ensure you play to your strengths.

Anna presented on the changing publishing landscape and self-promotion, sharing some great insights with authors on how to market oneself; underlining the importance of establishing a direct dialogue with your readers to familiarize them with your brand (that’d be you!) and your books. Her tip for those considering a social media presence: don’t join too many sites, it’s usually best to just pick one and do it well!

Stefanie spoke about the “full circle” of book rights that can expand book sales and readership. In addition to trade and institutional sales, agents can play a role in championing book clubs/book fairs, foreign translations, film and performance, merchandise and ancillary, as well as writers with potential to crossover to the adult market. Award-winning author and SCBWI member Rene Colato Lainez joined into the conversation speaking about how he connected with Stefanie as an agent and how they’ve successfully worked together on his two latest picture books!

We love going to these events to meet new and talented writers! For all of you children’s book authors who aren’t already members of SCBWI—we highly recommend joining—it’s an excellent resource for writers at any stage of their career. Don't miss the SCBWI summer conference in Los Angeles this August--we'll see you there! --Sara

PUPPET PLAY is here!

2011-05-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

Kermit the Frog, Elmo and friends, I've loved puppets for as long as I can remember. Did you know that Jim Henson originally made Kermit the Frog from his mother’s old green coat and two ping-pong balls? Without even realizing it, Henson created a DIY puppet made from recycled materials!

When puppeteer, puppet builder, illustrator and author, Diana Schoenbrun shared her proposal on making puppets from recycled items (like a sad glove that has lost its mate or an old washcloth), I was hooked. PUPPET PLAY features 20 puppet projects anyone can make with very little cost, and lots of creative time for the entire family! As a bonus, there is a chapter on building your own puppet theater, performing a puppet show and encouraging dramatic play with children. One of the favorites around my house is her "The Five Little Pigs" puppet made from an old glove ----it makes for lots of giggles and hours of fun with my son and his friends!

We're so excited to see Diana and all of her amazing puppets make their way out in the world---PUPPET PLAY just released from Andrews McMeel. So get ready to puppet *PLAY* and follow Diana on her virtual blog tour to find out about her amazing creative talents, puppet inspirations, and more! Click below to view the fun PUPPET PLAY book video!

Follow Diana on her PUPPET PLAY virtual blog tour -- book giveaways and more!

May 2nd Luvinthemommyhood
May 3rd Oh My! Handmade
May 4th Craft Sanity
May 5th Sew Mama Sew
May 6th Little Birdie Secrets
May 7th This Mama Makes Stuff
May 8th Roots and Wings

May 9th Whip UP

May 10th Fiskateers

May 11th Zakkalife
May 12th Prudent Baby
May 13th Make + Do
May 14th Craft Test Dummies
May 15th Cute Everything
May 16th Schmancy
May 17th Progressive Pioneer
May 18th Pink and Green Mama
May 19th Arrow Cabinets
May 20th The Happy Honeybee
May 21st Craft Gossip

To learn more about Diana and her work including her recently published BEASTIES, visit her website.

Spring 2011 Awards Roundup!

2011-05-08T00:29:00.000-07:00

We're thrilled to announce spring awards for our FCL authors---congratulations to these and all the winners!

THE TOOTH FAIRY MEETS EL RATON PEREZ by Rene Colato Lainez has been selected as a 2011 IRA Teachers Choice. The book will be promoted by Random House at the IRA Convention in Orlando this week. Click here for a free teacher's guide!

Jennifer Ward's THERE WAS AN OLD MONKEY WHO SWALLOWED A FROG, illustrated by Steve Gray has been selected as a "Wyoming Reads 2011" book. Jennifer and Steve visited Casper Wyoming the last week of April and signed books for young Wyoming readers! (Watch for Jennifer Ward's THERE WAS AN ODD PRINCESS WHO SWALLOWED A PEA coming this fall!)

FIESTA BABIES by Carmen Tafolla, illustrated by Amy Cordova and FROM NORTH TO SOUTH/DEL NORTE AL SUR by Rene Colato Lainez, illustrated by Joe Cepeda have been named Americas Award Commended Titles.

SIDE BY SIDE/LADO A LADO by Monica Brown, illustrated by Joe Cepeda, GRANDMA'S CHOCOLATE/EL CHOCOLATE DE ABUELITA by Mara Price, illustrated by Lisa Fields, and FROM NORTH TO SOUTH/DEL NORTE AL SUR by Rene Colato Lainez, illustrated by Joe Cepeda have been selected for the 2011-2012 Tejas Star Book Award list.

GRANDMA's CHOCOLATE/EL CHOCOLATE DE ABUELITA by Mara Price, illustrated by Lisa Fields has been chosen as an Honor Book for the 2011 Patterson Prize for Books for Young People.

FIESTA BABIES by Carmen Tafolla, IIllustrated by Amy Córdova, CHAVELA AND THE MAGIC BUBBLE by Monica Brown Illustrated by Magaly Morales, and ¡MUU, MOO! by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy, illustrated by Viví Escrivá have been named 2011 CCBC Choices----top picks for the best children's and young adult books published in 2010!

Alma Flor Ada has been awarded the Virginia Hamilton Literary Award. Established in 1998, this award recognizes an American author or illustrator whose books demonstrate artistic excellence and make a significant contribution to the field of multicultural literature for children and adolescents. The award will be presented at the 28th Annual Virginia Hamilton Conference in April 2012 at Kent State University.

Spread Book Joy on Children's Day /Book Day!

2011-04-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

El día de los niños / El día de los libros, Children's Day / Book Day, the literacy initiative celebrated on April 30th and founded by award-winning author Pat Mora, marks its 15th anniversary today!

The goal of "Día" is to link all children to books, languages and cultures year round. SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL published a Día 2011 feature article recommending 10 culturally relevant picture books perfect for storytime, family storytelling, book talks, and classroom discussions. Celebrations are being held at public and school libraries, bookstores and schools around the country----many of our writers and illustrators will be celebrating "Día" and their bilingual children's books with readings and events in April/May. Spread the word about "Día"and bring book joy to children everywhere!

Award-winning illustrator John Parra's Día 2011 guest blog for Reading Is Fundamental shares a sneak peek at his new book coming this summer, WAITING FOR THE BIBLIOBURRO, by our very own Monica Brown!

Meet MARA PRICE (www.maraprice.com):
April 28 - 6:00 pm
Reading/Signing in celebration of Día de los niños /Día de los libros 2011
Spring Valley Library
836 Kempton Street
Spring Valley CA 91977

April 30 May 1st
Author Signing
LA Times Festival of Books
Los Angeles, CA

May 5 – 10:30 am
Reading/Signing in celebration of Día de los niños /Día de los libros 2011
YSL, Mission Valley Branch Library
2123 Fenton Parkway
San Diego, CA 92108

May 6 – 10:30 am
Reading/Signing in celebration of Día de los niños /Día de los libros 2011
Beckwourth Branch Library
721 San Pasqual St.
San Diego, CA 92113

May 7 10:00 am- 4:00 pm
Author Signing of Grandma's Chocolate/El chocolate de abuelita and Chocolate tasting!

San Diego Botanical Garden’s famous Chocolate Festival
San Diego, CA

Meet RENE COLATO LAINEZ (www.renecolatolainez.com):

May 5 – 4:30 pm
Reading/Signing in celebration of Día de los niños /Día de los libros 2011 and Cinco de Mayo
Panorama City Branch
Los Angeles Public Library

May 6 – 4:00 pm
Reading/Signing in celebration of Día de los niños /Día de los libros 2011 and Cinco de Mayo
Sun Valley Branch
Los Angeles Public Library

Meet MONICA BROWN (www.monicabrown.net):

May 10 – day/evening
Bear Mountain Elementary School, Arvin, CA
Bakersfield City School District Migrant Program, Bakersfield, CA

May 11 – 10:00 am
Nueva Vista Language Academy
Delano, CA

May 12– 10:00 am
Jefferson Elementary School
Bakersfield, CA

May 18– via webcast
Encuentro Internacional de Escritores
Quito, Ecuador

May 18– May 21
9th Annual National Latino Writers Conference
National Hispanic Cultural Center
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Meet CARMEN TAFOLLA (www.carmentafolla.com):
April 30 - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Reading/Signing in celebration of Día de los niños /Día de los libros 2011
Clark Park/Mexicantown
Detroit, Michigan

Especially for moms and dads!

2011-04-13T00:12:00.000-07:00

Nothing gets us more excited here at Full Circle than when one of our new titles is ready to take its first steps into the world!

Since my own son recently entered the wonderful and crazy world of toddlerhood, I'm (Stefanie) especially excited to welcome The World According to Toddlers just out from Andrews McMeel. From dramatic car seat tantrums to inexplicable wardrobe choices to bedtime showdowns its all here in full laugh-out-loud glory! Authors and moms themselves, Shannon Seip and Adrienne Hedger have done it again helping parents laugh and maintain a sense of humor during those precious (and hmm...sometimes challenging) times with our little ones.

I've had the pleasure of representing and growing through mama-hood with many laughs along with this amazing duo, first with the authors' If These Boobs Could Talk and next Momnesia. Here's to our third! Take it from the proud mama of a three-year-old who *must* dance and sing the extended version of Mary Poppins "Step In Time" before getting dressed every morning, and who is the master of "ME DO IT -- ALL BY MYSELF" this is one book every mom and dad needs to make it through the 2's, 3's, 4's...and beyond?!

Click here to see the hilarious The World According to Toddlers book video for just a peek at what you're in for~

RIP THE PAGE on SouleMama!

2011-03-29T12:46:00.001-07:00

We're thrilled to see Amanda Blake Soule sharing her "Family Writing Club" on SOULEMAMA using Karen Benke's fabulous RIP THE PAGE!

Take a look at her inspiring ideas to get writing families writing together, not only sharing creativity but a wonderful way to bond with those close to you! Stay tuned for a book giveaway....to get you inspired to take up your own pen!

A creative writing coach and long-time California Poet in the Schools, author Karen Benke has several events lined up for National Poetry Month in April. For a schedule of events and more information about the book and author, please visit: www.karenbenke.com

CCBC Choices 2011 Announced

2011-03-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

The 2011 edition of CCBC Choices----top picks for the best children's and young adult books published in 2010---is now available! We are excited to see FCL clients and friends included:

Fiesta Babies by Carmen Tafolla, IIllustrated by Amy Córdova. Tricycle Press/Random House, 2010. (Category: Picture Books fr Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers)

Chavela and the Magic Bubble by Monica Brown Illustrated by Magaly Morales. Clarion/HMH, 2010. (Category: Picture Books for School-Age Children)

¡Muu, Moo! Rimas de animales by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy, selectors. English versions by Rosalma Zubizarreta. Illustrated by Viví Escrivá. Rayo / HarperCollins, 2010. (Category: Folklore, Mythology and Traditional Literature)

The Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) is a unique examination, study and research library of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. CCBC Choices 2011 recommends books for children and young adults from birth through high-school age. It includes full annotations, age recommendations, and author/title and subject indices. A complete list of titles can be found by clicking here. Congratulations to all the "Choices"!

Also, be sure to read the CCBC's insightful feature article "Thoughts on Publishing in 2010".

New Writers Conference comes to Brooklyn!

2011-03-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

Slice is launching its first annual writers conference on September 16 and 17. There are surprisingly no major writers conferences in Brooklyn, a borough with a rich literary history. And yet some of the most renowned authors, editors, and agents call Brooklyn home, making it the perfect place to come together and celebrate the craft of writing. Slice is taking their mission off the page so that emerging writers can strike up a dialogue with the commercial publishing world. A series of intensive workshops are at the heart of the conference, offering authors the chance to develop their writing skills. Panels will also reveal a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry.

Details
When September 16 and 17, 9 am to 5:30 pm each day (lunch is included).
Where Brooklyn College.
Cost $350 for both days, $200 for one day. Undergraduate and graduate students receive a $50 discount
For more information click here.

Tejas Star Book Award Announced!

2011-03-15T22:59:00.000-07:00

The Tejas Star Book Award was created to promote reading in general and for readers to discover the cognitive and economic benefits of bilingualism and multilingualism. All children of Texas (grades K-6) had the opportunity to read and select their favorite book from the Tejas Star list during February 2011. We are excited to see several of our Full Circle Literary authors and friends included in this list!

Winner for 2010-2011: No Time for Monsters/No hay tiempo para monstruos by Spelile Rivas

The Tejas Star Book Award Committee selected the following books for the 2011-2012 Tejas Star Book Award List

Alvarez, Julia, and Ruddy Núñez (Illus.). 2009. El mejor regalo del mundo: la leyenda de La Vieja Beleìn = The Best Gift of All: The Legend of La Vieja Belen. Miami, Fla: Alfaguara.

Argueta, Jorge, and Fernando Vilela (Illus.). 2010. Arroz con leche : un poema para cocina = Rice Pudding: A Cooking Poem. Toronto: Groundwood Books.

Brown, Monica, and Joe Cepeda (Illus.). 2010. Side by Side: The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez = Lado a lado : la historia de Dolores Huerta y Ceìsar Chaìvez. New York: Rayo.

Contreras, Kathleen, and Margaret Lindmark (Illus.). 2009. Braids = Trencitas. New York: Lectorum.

Colato Laiìnez, Reneì, and Joe Cepeda (Illus.). 2010. From North to South = Del Norte al Sur. San Francisco, Calif: Children's Book Press.

Garza, Xavier. 2010. Kid Cyclone Fights the Devil and Other Stories = Kid Ciclon se enfrenta a El Diablo y otras historias. Houston: PinÞata Books.

Hayes, Joe, and Mauricio Trenard Sayago (Illus.). 2008. Dance, Nana, Dance = Baila, Nana, baila : Cuban Folktales in English and Spanish. El Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos Press.

Lacaìmara, Laura, and Yuyi Morales (Illus.). 2010. Floating on Mama's Song = Flotando con la cancioìn de mamaì. New York: Katherine Tegen Books.

Lachtman, Ofelia Dumas, and Alex Pardo DeLange (Illus.). 2011. Pepita and the Bully = Pepita y la peleonera. Houston, Tex: Piñata Books.

Luna, James, and Laura Lacaìmara (Illus.). 2010. The Runaway Piggy = El cochinito fugitivo. Houston, Tex: PinÞata Books.

Martiìnez, Rueben, and Rauìl Coloìn (Illus.). 2010. Once Upon a Time: Traditional Latin American tales = Habiìa una vez: cuentos tradicionales latinoamericanos. New York, NY: Rayo.

Mora, Pat, and John Parra (Illus.). 2009. Gracias = Thanks. New York: Lee & Low Books.

Price, Mara, and Lisa Fields (Illus.). 2010. Grandma's Chocolate = El chocolate de abuelita. Houston, Tex: Piñata Books.

Saìenz, Benjamin Alire, and Geronimo García (Illus.). 2009. The Dog Who Loved Tortillas = La perrita que le encantaban las tortillas. El Paso, Tex: Cinco Puntos Press.

Zepeda, Gwendolyn, and Pablo Torrecilla (Illus.). 2011. I Kick the Ball = Pateo el balón. Houston, Tex: Piñata Books.

For more information, please click here.

Let Love In and vote today!

2011-02-27T20:35:00.000-08:00

Debra Berndt's LET LOVE IN has been nominated as one of the "Best Dating Books of 2010" by About.com. Voting is open through March 8th, so be sure to click here to vote!

What I enjoy the most about "Let Love In" is that it isn't about "techniques" to become more generally attractive to a potential mate. It's about becoming clear on who you really are, and opening the doors to allow yourself to fully BE that person so that you attract the most appropriate match for you. Debra's methods ensure attracting love that will last a lifetime.
--Bob Doyle, (featured teacher in "The Secret")

Visit Debra Berndt's website for informational videos and resources!

Star and early praise shine on PABLO!

2011-02-08T20:58:00.000-08:00

PABLO NERUDA: Poet of the People by Monica Brown, illustrated by Julie Paschkis receives a *starred* review in the February 15 issue of Kirkus Reviews---a fabulous early sign of great things to come for Monica Brown's latest stunning picture book biography!

Editor Review (reviewed on February 15, 2011)

More than a heartwarming portrait of Chile's most revered poet, this splendid tribute to Pablo Neruda animates his global appeal with a visceral immediacy capable of seducing readers of any age.

Brown's spare descriptions of the little boy who "loved wild things wildly and quiet things quietly" and grew to write poems about "velvet cloth the color of the sea," contrasts wonderfully with Paschkis' lush, earth-toned paintings that teem with the florid stream of words and images populating the inner world of the budding poetic consciousness. The word-laden illustrations, sporting names of authors in tree bark or swirling adjectives in the hollow of the moon, are a constant throughout the volume, spilling from Spanish to English, sound to sense—"arc oro orange azure azul ample apple simple timber timbre…"—and back again, with as great a depiction of creative processing as one's likely to see. At pains to depict Neruda above all as "a poet of the people," Brown encourages young readers to notice the suggestive world around them and then render it for others through language. She moves seamlessly from describing Neruda's poetic artistry to political activism, showing how an appreciation for the stones of Chile "tumbling down the mountaintops" could lead to his understanding of their value in "the hands of the stonecutters." A visual and thematic stunner. (author's note, bibliography) (Picture book. 4-11)

The book will be available online and in bookstores at the end of March, just in time for National Poetry Month. We're thrilled to share more early praise for the book:

“Brown and Paschkis paint a compelling portrait of a man who saw the world as a joyful, complex, and beautiful poem waiting to be unveiled.” —Publishers Weekly

“Brown adds to her growing list of noteworthy picture-book biographies with this lyrical introduction to poet Pablo Neruda. Paschkis’ whimsical portraits honor the poet’s heritage and work with streams of words woven into the vibrantly patterned artwork…Brown’s succinct lines read like a poem themselves, and they emphasize the infinite places writers find inspiration, from seashores to coal mines to the faces of people they love.” —Booklist

“Impassioned (story)telling combine with Paschkis’s vibrant, decorative style for a book high in child appeal.” —School Library Journal

For more info about books by Monica Brown, and to see her latest 2011 event schedule, visit www.monicabrown.net. Congratulations Monica and Julie!

Notes from the SDSU Writers Conference

2011-02-06T22:26:00.000-08:00

We had the pleasure of participating in the 27th Annual SDSU Writers’ Conference last weekend in San Diego. This much anticipated conference brings together editors, agents, and writers for networking, one-on-one consultations, and presentations from top publishing professionals across the country.

For those of you that haven’t attended a Writers’ Conference yet this year---we were reminded how valuable the workshops are for writers at any stage of their projects. Most of all, we always feel inspired after a weekend of celebrating books and new writers! Who wouldn't? A writers conference might be just the inspiration you need to start a new novel or finish that looming revision!☺. Our trusted intern, Sara, sat in on several workshops at the conference and shares notes from one of her favorites:

Annette Pollert, an associate editor for Simon Pulse, a young adult imprint at Simon & Schuster, shared great insights into her editorial process along with lots of helpful tips for writers who are beginning (or have been putting off!) the somewhat daunting process of revising, in her lecuture “Revising Your Middle Grade or Teen Novel”. Here’s what Annette had to say:

On polishing dialogue:
- Read it aloud—does each character have their own voice, phrases, and tone?
- Is it serving a purpose? Dialogue should serve to enhance your manuscript, not tell us something we already know.
- Dialect (when used sparingly!) can be a great addition.

Backstory:
- Develop backstory—What do they wear? What are their hopes and fears? The more you know about your characters the more exciting their story is for the reader.
- Don’t be too nice to your characters! Torture them a little bit—but only when it has a purpose.
- Keeping it straight: Do you have lots of characters?—create a family tree. Make a map or floor plan to ensure settings and actions are viable. These are details that copywriters are going to check, so make sure it all makes sense!
- Have a strong backstory? Good…now cut it down! Readers want to experience the “now”.

Bringing it all together:
- Always keep the story moving forward—backstory should only be used to underscore the present.
- Reveal information only as needed. “Why are you telling me this?” “Why now?” These are questions an editor will be asking herself.

Common missteps:
- Cohesiveness: Have a character that disappears in the second half? Is the ending not in keeping with the tone in the beginning of the story?
- Don’t overuse gestures—they’re most effective when used sparingly, so readers really take note. Ditto on phrases and clichés, use them pointedly! Swearing can be appropriate in YA but don’t overuse it—make it count!
- Don’t wear out pace-building words—e.g. “suddenly”, “at that moment”, etc.
- Realizations are big moments! Is your character having one out of nowhere? Does it make sense at that particular time/place?

Don’t rely on summary, backstory, and adverbs—go back and revise! Most importantly, as Annette said, “trust your characters, trust your dialogue, trust yourself”.

Click here to learn more about the San Diego State Writers Conference.

Full Circle Literary will be on faculty at the following Writers Conferences---we hope to see you!

SCBWI Agent’s Day Los Angeles/Orange County (May 14, 2011)
National Latino Writers Conference, Albuquerque New Mexico (May 19-21, 2011)
SCBWI Annual Summer Conference, Los Angeles (August 5-8, 2011)
Willamette Writers Conference, Portland (August 5-7, 2011)
Writers League of Texas Conference, Austin (June 2012)

NAACP Image Award nomination for Monica Brown!

2011-01-21T18:35:00.000-08:00

SIDE BY SIDE/LADO A LADO by Monica Brown, illustrated by Joe Cepeda has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Children's Literature category!

The NAACP Image Awards is the nation's premier multi-cultural awards show celebrating the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts (television, recording, literature, motion picture and writing & directing), as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice through their creative endeavors.

Winners will be announced at the 42nd NAACP Image Awards Show on March 4^th on FOX.

For the full list of nominees, please click here.

Bravo for FIESTA BABIES!

2011-01-15T14:59:00.000-08:00

We're thrilled to share FIESTA BABIES by Carmen Tafolla; illustrated by Amy Córdova, published by Tricycle Press/Random House, is named a Pura Belpré Honor for illustration. From piñatas to flower coronas, little ones are introduced to the many colorful aspects of an important and lively Latino cultural tradition. These Fiesta Babies dance, march on parade, and sing along to mariachi songs in this spirited celebration of fiestas. This is Amy Córdova’s second Pura Belpré Honor Book; WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A REBOZO? also written by Carmen Tafolla, was awarded Belpré Honor in 2008.

The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996 by the American Library Association, is presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.

Carmen Tafolla has been in the spotlight in recent months! WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A PALETA?, illustrated by Magaly Morales, also published by Tricycle Press/Random House has been awarded the prestigious Charlotte Zolotow Award for Best Picture Book in 2010, the 2010 Américas Book Award for Children's Literature, and the 2010 Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award.

Congratulations Carmen! For more information about Carmen Tafolla, please visit her website: www.carmentafolla.com

For a listing of all the 2011 American Library Association winners, sorted by publisher, click here.

From the headlines: Amazon Gives BookScan to Authors!

2010-12-12T23:19:00.000-08:00

"Just in time for Christmas, Amazon may be turning authors into an army of booksellers!" --LA TIMES

We're extremely excited to see this announcement from Amazon which gives authors who use Amazon's "Author Central", the site's free author portal, the ability to see book sales information using BookScan. Since authors (and their agents) receive Publisher royalty statements each six-month period, authors can now see their book sales in a much more timely system to more effectively target and track their promotion/publicity plans.

Knowledge is power and this move to empower authors is some of the best news of the year! Click here to read more, and let us know how you'll use in the new year to help sell more books!

"Mock" Pura Belpre Awards 2010 announced

2010-12-07T01:13:00.001-08:00

The Pura Belpré Award is presented by REFORMA and the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC). This annual award recognizes excellence in the areas of literary merit and outstanding illustration in books for children and young adults by authors and illustrators who identify themselves as Latino.

The Heartland Chapter of REFORMA recently gathered their list of books they felt would make the list---and they pride themselves on always including the actual winners. Here are their "Mock "Pura Belpré Award Results.

We are so excited to see several of our Full Circle Literary authors and friends included in this list! The actual winners will be announced by the American Library Association at their annual Midwinter Conference, January 7-11, 2011, in San Diego. Good luck to all!:

Narrative

Let Me Help – Ada, Alma Flor
¡Muu! Moo! Rimas de Animales – Ada, Alma Flor
How Tía Lola Learned to Teach – Alvarez, Julia
¡Ole! Flamenco – Ancona, George
The Party for Papá Luis – Bertrand, Diane Gonzales
Tortilla Sun – Cervantes, Jennifer
From North to South – Colato Laínez, René
My Shoes and I – Colato Laínez, René
The Firefly Letters – Engle, Margarita
90 Miles to Havana – Flores-Galbis, Enrique
The Red Umbrella – Gonzalez, Christina Diaz
Floating on Mama’s Song – Lacámara, Laura
The Runaway Piggy – Luna, James
Under the Mesquite – McCall, Guadalupe Garcia
Grandma’s Chocolate – Price, Mara
No Time for Monsters – Rivas, Spelile
The Dreamer – Ryan, Pam Muñoz
Grandma’s Gift – Velazquez, Eric

Illustration

Let Me Help – Ada, Alma Flor, illus by Domínguez, Angela
¡Muu! Moo! Rimas de Animales – Ada, Alma Flor, illus by Escrivá, Viví
¡Ole! Flamenco – Ancona, George, illus by the author
The Party for Papá Luis – Bertrand, Diane Gonzales, illus by Galindo, Alejandro
From North to South – Colato Laínez, René, illus by Cepeda, Joe
My Shoes and I – Colato Laínez, René, illus by Vanden Broeck, Fabricio
Floating on Mama’s Song – Lacámara, Laura, illus by Morales, Yuyi
The Runaway Piggy – Luna, James, illus by Lacámara, Laura
Me, Frida – Noyesky, Amy, illus by Diaz, David
No Time for Monsters – Rivas, Spelile, illus by Cervantes, Valeria
Mr. Mendoza’s Paintbrush – Urrea, Luis Alberto, illus by Cardinale, Christopher
Grandma’s Gift – Velazquez, Eric, illus by the author

Meet authors Mara Price, René Colato Laínez, and Laura Lacámara at a free family literary event on Saturday, December 11 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, at Balboa Park's World Beat Center in San Diego, presented by Traveling Stories. Click here for all the details---we hope to see you there!

René Colato Laínez will be signing FROM NORTH TO SOUTH at the American Library Association Midwinter Meeting in San Diego (booth # 1740) on Saturday, Jan 8 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.

TIPS FOR PROMOTING CHILDREN’S STORIES by Mara Price

2010-11-11T15:29:00.001-08:00

Mara Price’s debut children’s book, Grandma's Chocolate / El Chocolate De Abuelita, is a charming celebration of the origin of chocolate, which comes from the cacao tree first cultivated by Mexico's indigenous tribes. The bilingual story depicts a loving relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter, and shares the history and customs of the native peoples of Mexico.

The book debuts on November 30 from Piñata Books, but Mara is already hard at work spreading the word. As a first-time author, she knows that promoting takes time and money, and that it is a necessary and important part of an author or illustrator’s life. The first year of a book’s life is crucial, since it is its time in the spotlight; Mara has been preparing for her book launch for over a year. Here, she shares here experiences and a few tips for authors and illustrators:

Recently, a friend called to let me know she had read my book. She said, “I grew up on a cacao plantation. Your book brought memories of my childhood. I recalled my grandma, and the smell of cacao being ground in the morning.” That made me very happy. I want lots of people to enjoy my book in their own ways.

A few months ago, I called a local bookstore to ask if they worked with local authors. The kind lady that answered the phone asked for the name of my book. During our conversation, she looked it up on the Internet and scheduled me for a book signing. Wow! I was really surprised. My first book signing! She wanted to know if I knew more authors, and ended up signing up two of my colleagues for books signings as well. This positive experience encouraged me to seek more contacts by phone, or e-mail.

Here are some more basic tips for book promotion:

Writing groups and associations

Over the years I have met wonderful writers and illustrators. I am a member of SCBWI, CABE, and other groups. Beyond the value of networking, these groups have brought me wonderful friendships. Join professional groups. Attend workshops that will give you the tools for promotion that you are missing.

Business cards

A business card is a must. Keep it simple.

Make one with good paper and a professional-looking design.

You should have a logo or a brand that is consistent.

Include your name, website address, phone number (if desired), and e-mail

(Do not include your home address.)

Website

There are many ways to do a website. I made mine on Weebly. Having my own website helps since I can tailor it and add to it as things develop. A website is a valuable tool for an author and illustrator since you can adapt it to your needs.

Try to have it up six months before your book is out. When you get reviews, be sure to put them up on your website. Include all of your promotional/publicity efforts there as well.

Postcards and Bookmarks:

I have used my postcards and bookmarks at two different kinds of fairs and they are invaluable. At fairs people are scanning, not really taking the time to see what you have. Hand them a postcard with a brief pitch. It is a hook for them to get back. And they often do. Make sure you postcards and bookmarks look professional.

Color Flyer and Brochure

These provide more information. You can design and print one-page flyers inexpensively yourself. A brochure should be professionally made with graphics, photos and text, and include inserts of your reviews. They are great for school presentations.

Video Trailer/Media

I recently took part in radio program, and it was a great experience.

Book Blog Tour

The more people you reach, the better. It’s difficult to assess whether this way of promoting yields results, but many authors and illustrators are doing blog tours. I hope people will visit my blog tour and leave comments.

Mara's blog Tour

Monday, November 15

Corazonadas

Grandma’s Chocolate/El chocolate de Abuelita Trailer

by Yuyi Morales

http://yuyimorales.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, November 16

On Beyond Words and Pictures

Chocolate recipe and the importance of chocolate in Meso-America

by Megan Frances

http://www.onbeyondwordsandpictures.com/

Wednesday, November 17

La Bloga

The story behind the story

by Rene Colato Lainez

http://labloga.blogspot.com/

Thursday, November 18

Out of the Paintbox

Mara Price interview

by Diane Browning

http://www.dianebrowningillustrations.com/

Friday, November 19

Latin Baby Book Club

Book giveaway

By Monica Olivera Hazelton

http://www.latinbabybookclub.com/

You can meet Mara in person at:

November 20

Author Reading

12:00 p.m.

Panamerican Bank

The Chidren’s Reading Hour

3626 East 1st Street,

Los Angeles, CA 90063-2396

November 20

Author Presentation

3:00 p.m.

Xokolatl Cafe

4987 Huntington Drive North

Los Angeles, CA 90032

www.xokolatlcafe.com/

December 11

Author Presentation

11:30 a.m.

Traveling Stories

San Diego World Beat Cultural Center

2100 Park Blvd

San Diego, CA

http://www.worldbeatcenter.org

December 11

Author Presentation

2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

SCBWI Holiday Book Sale

Room 106 at the Hahn School of Nursing

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA

December 11

Author Signing

6:00 p.m.

Readers Inc.

8219 La Mesa Blvd.,

La Mesa, CA 91942

www.readersinconline.com

Here are a few words of early praise for Grandma's Chocolate / El Chocolate De Abuelita:

A review by Kirkus :

Sabrina’s much-loved grandmother’s latest visit from Mexico is filled with gifts and interesting tidbits about chocolate, Mayan culture and history. Musical instruments, a traditional blouse (huipil) and pretty ribbons to weave in her hair allow Sabrina to play, dress and feel like a Mayan princess. Sabrina is mostly intrigued by the chocolate bars, which come from the all-important cacao tree, the seeds of which were used by the Mayans in their religious observances, bartering practices and, of course, the making of hot and cold chocolate treats. A gentle, well-translated bilingual text infused with a wise and loving family elder’s teaching is accompanied by earthy, gouache paintings of a round-figured abuelita with her beautiful, Mayan-featured granddaughter. Loose, tan-colored drawings of ancient Mayan scenes are frequently juxtaposed against the full-color modern settings to emphasize Sabrina’s cultural heritage; when she and her abuelita go to the market, for instance, they are depicted straddling two worlds, a monochromatic ancient Mexico on the left, and a modern supermarket on the right. A sweet and loving way to introduce history through family connections.

A review by Publishers Weekly:

There’s no shortage of princess books on the shelves, but few, if any, like this. In Price’s bilingual story, Sabrina’s visiting grandmother tells her stories about her Mexican heritage, braids ribbons into her hair, and gives her gifts, such a huipil, a traditional blouse. “When you put on this huipil, you will look like a Mayan Princess,” she tells Sabrina. After some lessons about the history of cacao, they make hot chocolate (just like Mayan princesses used to drink, to Sabrina’s delight).

Fields’ strongest paintings are those of the rosy–cheeked family, which make evident the influence of their cultural roots and the strength of their intergenerational bonds.

A review by Jose B. Gonzalez from latinostories.com:

There is a reason why Arte Publico is one of the leading publishers of quality children's literature in the country. And this book is proof that this tradition will not be going away anytime soon. It's impossible to read Grandma's Chocolate/El Chocolate de Abuelita by Mara Price without getting a craving for some authentic chocolate made by Grandma.

This book is told from the chocolate brown-eyed girl, Sabrina, who welcomes her grandmother home upon her visit from Mexico. As children are wont to do, Sabrina asks her grandmother what she has brought for her. And as grandmothers are wont to do, Sabrina's grandmother goes through her suitcase and shares the various gifts she has brought from Mexico. Among this assortment are: drums, a whistle shaped like a dove, colorful hair ribbons, a huipil, and Mexican chocolate.

The huipil, "a traditional blouse worn by Mayan and Aztec women," sets off a series of questions from Sabrina about these cultures and their traditions. Sabrina gets a lesson from her grandmother on Mayan princesses, cacao seeds and most notably, chocolate. This section of the book is what gives it its identity. Combined with the colorful illustrations by Lisa Fields, the story is sure to appeal to children. Aztec and Mayan images are juxtaposed against images of Sabrina and her grandmother in various settings--at school, at the outdoor market, and at the dinner table. The reader gets fascinating lessons on the process of making chocolate, and the author describes it in a manner that would make any reader crave for more.

Sometimes, it's fairly easy to predict a book's future, and in this case, I can't help but think that Grandma's Chocolate/El Chocolate de Abuelita will win awards. The bilingual book is unique, the character interactions are touching, and most importantly, the plot will captivate any child who has ever taken a joyous bite of chocolate. Mara Price has written a delightfully delicious tale that will educate and entertain.

For more information about Mara Price, please visit her website.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!

2010-10-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

Bienvenidos / Welcome -- we're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with news and updates on some of our Latino/a writers at Full Circle Literary!

Simon & Schuster's Diversity Council celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month on October 13th, and welcomed author Alma Flor Ada to Roc Center.

Those in attendance enjoyed some flavorful Hispanic dishes, including chicken and beef empanadas, yellow and white rice, red and black beans, baked chicken, pepper steak, Cuban sandwiches and flan. While enjoying the delicious food, Ada discussed her books, with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, and what Hispanic culture means to her. Later, Ada signed copies of her books Under the Royal Palms, Three Golden Oranges and Tales Our Abuelitas Told for all in attendance. Alma Flor Ada's latest middle grade book (co-written with her son Gabriel Zubizarreta), Dancing Home, will be available in spring 2012. Click here to view a video clip from Ada's presentation.

Scholastic Book Fairs has included Diana López's debut middle grade novel Confetti Girl as a "Featured Book" for grades 6-8. To check out the Scholastic book trailer, click here. You can also visit Diana's "Wacky Socks Gallery" where she gathers photos of all the wacky socks from her book and school events across the county. Such fun!

To celebrate the release of René Colato Laínez's new picture book, From North to South/ Del Norte al Sur, a Virtual Book Tour is underway! Make sure to leave your comments every day to have the chance to win free copies of the book. The lucky winners will be announced at the end of the virtual book tour at http://www.childrensbookpress.org/blog

Monday, Sept. 27 -
http://www.tinanicholscouryblog.com (Tales from the Rushmore Kid) Tina Nichols Coury

Tuesday, Sept. 28 –
http://www.onbeyondwordsandpictures.com (On Beyond Words & Pictures) Megan Frances

Wednesday, Sept. 29 –
http://writeon.margiesrose.com (Write On) Jeannine Montgomery

Thursday, Sept. 30 –http://sandrasbookclub.blogspot.com (Sandra’s Book Club) Sandra Lopez

Friday, Oct. 1 -
http://www.examiner.com/latino-books-in-national/mayra-calvani (Examiner) Mayra Calvini

Monday, Oct. 4-
http://www.mamalatinatips.com (Mamá Latina Tips) Sylvia Martínez

Tuesday, Oct. 5 -
http://www.dianebrowningillustrations.com (Out of the Paintbox) Diane Browning

Wednesday, Oct. 6 –
http://www.christinarodriguez.com/blog (Christina Rodriguez) Christina Rodriguez

Thursday, Oct. 7 –
http://loricalabrese.blogspot.com (Lori Calabrese) Lori Calabrese

Friday, Oct. 8 –
http://adrianadominguez.blogspot.com (Voces) Adriana Dominguez

Monday, Oct. 11-
http://www.childrensbookpress.org/blog (Many Voices, One World) Children’s Book Press

Meet René Colato Laínez, Mara Price, and more than 100 other Latino/a authors at the Latino Book & Family Festival at the Cal State Los Angeles campus on October 9 -10. Click here for a complete schedule and info. We look forward to seeing you there!

Story Behind the Story: SIDE BY SIDE/LADO A LADO by Monica Brown

2010-09-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Award-winning author Monica Brown's latest picture book, Side by Side/ Lado a lado is the first children's book to tell the amazing story of Dolores Huerta and her important role working side by side with Cesar Chavez. Together Dolores and Cesar motivated workers to fight for their rights and, in the process, changed history.

This past Labor Day, Monica talked about her new book, Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez on National Public Radio, click here to listen.

Monica shares the story behind writing her story:

Writing this book was inspiring and intimidating because both individuals are my personal heroes. Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez did what some of us only dream about doing. They worked to change the world and make it better. They were dedicated to advocacy and human rights for our nation’s farm workers and believed, as I write in my book, “that it was time for the workers to share in the harvest.”

Few people know the important role that Dolores Huerta played as co-founder of the United Farm Workers movement. I wanted to tell her story, and I wanted my daughters to know that women can be incredible leaders in the fight for change.

As I was writing the book, it was an honor to talk with Dolores Huerta and her daughter, Lori de Leon, and I was thrilled that Dolores agreed to share a quote after reading the manuscript which is included in the book. At age 80, Dolores Huerta is still fighting for justice through her Foundation. She is an inspiration to all! You can find out more at www.doloreshuerta.org.

Monica Brown will be participating in the Texas Book Festival on October 16-17. She will also read and sign books at a Dolores Huerta Foundation event in Bakersfield, California, on November 4. Download a free SIDE BY SIDE discussion guide, and look for more information on future events and books by Monica Brown at: www.monicabrown.net.

SheKnows Picks Top Books for Teens!

2010-09-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

Sarah Burninghams's BOYOLOGY and HOW TO RAISE YOUR PARENTS (both published by Chronicle Books) were selected for the "Top 15 Books for Teens" on the huge online parenting network SheKnows.com.

For a complete list of recommended titles, click here.

Creative Inc. Video and Book News!

2010-08-25T02:08:00.000-07:00

Design*Sponge posted great early praise to kick off the launch of CREATIVE INC and this adorable stop-motion animation video featuring authors Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho! You can read the complete feature and see video here:
http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/08/creative-inc-stop-motion-video.html

We're so thrilled about the launch of this book which follows Meg's hipster classic, Craft Inc. Creative, Inc. is an essential resource for ALL creatives--from illustrators to photographers to designers, animators, stylists, and more--who want to succeed at doing what they love!

Follow the Creative, Inc. blog tour which begins this week! Favorite craft and design bloggers will share exclusive interviews and behind the scene looks at the book and video, host giveaways, and much more.

Here's the schedule:
8/23 Poppy Talk
8/24 Oh Happy Day
8/25 SFGirl By Bay
8/26 Mint Design
8/27 Wit + Delight
8/28 Cathy of California
8/29 Book By Its Cover
8/30 Not Martha
8/31 Frolic
9/01 Upper Case
9/02 Craft
9/03 Decor8
9/04 Kris Atomic
9/05 Grain Edit

You can also meet Meg and Joy in person as they kick off their book tour in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, beginning on September 9. Come out to meet Meg, Joy and fellow creatives!

Cyclops and witches and zombies-oh my!

2010-08-18T22:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the wondrous world of Beasties, where mythic and imaginary creatures come alive using simple materials, such as scrap fabric and thread. From Werewolves to Yetis to unidentifiable yet adorable beasts, these projects allow crafters to push the limits of their imaginations to sew a menagerie of whimsical beings.

We are tickled to see the debut book by one of our favorite whimsical crafters, Diana Schoenbrun. A Rhode Island School of Design graduate, Diana's talents include bringing imaginative beasties to life, making adorable puppets out of recycled household goods (stay tuned for her next book!), crafting workshops, as well as design and illustration.

Just released this month Beasties is truly buzzing, fairies and all!, around crafting and media circles. WOMEN'S DAY featured a sneak peek of a beastie here: http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Crafts/Sewing/Craft-Project-Funny-Fairy-Doll.html

Look for Diana this summer and leading up to a beastie Halloween---meet Diana and some of her beastie friends at these bookstore events and upcoming Etsy workshop! For updated event listing and more book info, visit www.dianaschoenbrun.com

Monday October 18th
Etsy Craft Lab

Time: 4:00-8:00pm
Place: 325 Gold Street, 3rd floor in Dumbo, Brooklyn, NY

Zombie demonstration and craft project from Beasties.
Materials will be supplied by Etsy. More info to come soon.

Saturday August 21
Book signing for "Beasties: How to Make 22 Mischievous Monsters That Go Bump in the Night."

Time: 4:30 pm
Place: RJ Julia Independent Bookseller
768 Boston Post Road Madison, CT 06443

Reading, demonstration, book signing, and raffle

Thursday August 5th
Book Launch Party for "Beasties: How to Make 22 Mischievous Monsters That Go Bump in the Night."

Time: 7 pm
Place: Powerhouse Arena, Brooklyn, NY
Reading, demonstration, and book signing *Special musical appearance by The Debutante Hour

Early praise....From North to South

2010-08-16T21:02:00.000-07:00

"From North to South shines a light on the painful experience of family separation from both sides of the border—the questions, the anxiety of waiting, and the hope of a child and his parents. ¡Si se puede!" ----Dolores Huerta, activist, organizer and co-founder of The United Farm Workers of America

Read this review from La Opinión, the largest Spanish-language daily newspaper in the U.S.:

http://www.impre.com/laopinion/opinion/columnistas/2010/8/18/del-norte-al-sur-205369-1.html#commentsBlock

Immigration is one of the most hotly contested and divisive issues in the news today, yet the experience of children whose parents are deported is often overlooked. Author René Colato Laínez knows about this issue all too well. His new book just released from Children’s Book Press, From North to South / Del Norte al Sur, gives voice to all children who face unexpected futures due to the immigration status of their parents.René shares his new book with children and viewers on Univision's El Club de los Libritos.

René has written many children’s books about the immigrant experience. Born in El Salvador, he fled his civil war–ravaged country as an adolescent and entered the United States an undocumented immigrant. He is an award-winning author who holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College. Now a US citizen, René is an elementary school teacher in Los Angeles.

In the book’s introduction, René writes:

“I am an elementary school teacher. My students’ and my own immigrant experience have been the inspiration for many of my books. One day, one of my students was crying because her father had been deported to Tijuana, Mexico. I discovered that many of the other children had cousins, uncles, or neighbors who had been deported, too. Most of my students had been born in the United States, and it is hard for them to see their loved ones forced to leave this country. For these children, family separation is a traumatic experience.”

The author will be donating a portion of his royalties to El Centro Madre Asunta, a refuge in Tijuana for immigrant women and children.

For more information, visit: www.renecolatolainez.com

COMIC-CON 2010 -- A view from the floor

2010-08-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Comic-Con hit San Diego last month and our enthusiastic intern Marianne hit the floor and shared these highlights! A few words from Marianne:

Each year San Diego is the place where geeks reign supreme- where individuals dressed as Storm Troopers, Spider-Man, and Disney princesses are the norm .But the San Diego Comic-Con is no longer simply a comic book or science fiction convention. It is truly become a pop culture phenomenon. Hollywood stars arrive to promote their latest films or television shows, publishers showcase their latest fantasy books or graphic novels, and even smaller artists showcase their paintings, comics, and more.

With the attendance reaching over 100,000 attendees and thousands of exhibitors, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer size of such an event. And yet, with patience and a clear head, one can discover some wonderful treasures and gain some insight to what is or will be the next big thing. I was lucky enough to attend this year’s con, and while a great deal of my time was spent devoted to television panels, I also spent some time listening to and speaking with authors, artists, as well as checking out what popular publishers deemed appropriate to bring to Comic-Con.

I had the pleasure of attending a panel for author Jeff Smith, who has a decent sized and devoted following. I saw an enthusiastic and excited young boy who had even brought his book in hopes of obtaining an autograph. Smith’s books are for both young and old and are both done in the comic style, and more adult graphic novel vein. He showcased work from his Bone series, as well as Rasl. (You can see his works here: http://www.boneville.com.

Unfamiliar with his work, I was charmed by a reading he treated the audience to. At another panel, its members discussed video games which are being turned into comics to read. I was unfamiliar with many of the games they spoke of, but it was clear that not only were many audience members privy to these games and their worlds, but also that they are dedicated to them. Much similar to way J.R.R. Tolkien created Middle Earth, many of these video game creators have developed exhaustive worlds for their characters to inhabit, and for, now, writers to expand upon.

One type of book, whether it be a comic style novel suitable for children, or the more mature graphic novel- seemed to be the common thread as I checked out publishers on the convention floor. Anime style graphic novels were everywhere- one that stood out artistically for me was the Amulet series, published by graphix, which is an imprint of Scholastic. IDW publishing capitalized on both the media/pop culture and fantasy demographic showcasing their graphic novels based on popular fantasy television shows including “Angel,” “Ghost Whisperer,” and “True Blood.” TV shows seem to be a popular inspiration for novels as well. The USA network show “Psych,” which made its second appearance at the convention has spawned several tie-in books.

And quite interestingly, the panel for the crime drama “Castle” not only promoted its upcoming book, but the actors also read quite a titillating excerpt to entertain the audience. What makes this book different is that” Castle” is about a mystery writer named Richard Castle, whose latest book in the show is entitled Naked Heat. This fictional book is now in real life stores for people to read, written by “Richard Castle.” The real name of the author is unknown, but it’s quite a clever tie-in the blurs the line between fiction and reality. As for traditional publishers, the Disney Book group brought a slew of new editions such as The Lightning Thief, and multitude of other publishers from Penguin to Harcourt showcase mainly YA fantasy novels.

Lastly, I had the pleasure to catch up with fellow SDSU graduate Ryan Claytor, creator of Elephant Eater comics (http://www.elephanteater.com), who was showcasing his “And the One Day Series”, including the latest installment #8. These autobiographical comics are simply drawn and insightfully written, and are limited editions of 100. Each book features amusing conversations with English professor Harry Polkinghorn from SDSU and Claytor himself.

Books such as this are another commonplace to San Diego’s Comic-Con. The floor is filled with talented artists and writers, some well seasoned, and some still relatively new in the publishing business, some signed with notable houses, and some self-published. But all have something unique and interesting to bring to the table. And there’s no doubt in my mind that many of these artists were very well received by the enthusiastic, sometimes eccentric, but always devoted attendees, to one of the year’s most popular events.

If you would like to read about Comic-Con visit: http://www.comic-con.org/

Rip the Page! A conference success story

2010-07-28T22:28:00.000-07:00

Participating at two Writers Conferences this month, I'm often asked to share conference success stories and wanted to share the success behind the just-released RIP THE PAGE! Adventures in Creative Writing.
While there are many how-to writing books recommended at conferences, I’ve always longed to be able to recommend a book that would offer equal parts --- direction and fun!

Karen Benke presented her idea for just such a writing book during a critique meeting at the 2008 Writers League of Texas Annual Conference in Austin, and both her big idea and her fabulous background as a poet and writing coach immediately intrigued me. When she submitted her proposal a few months after the Conference, her writing was golden. While it felt that there were nuggets of gold in the Proposal, the project needed some polishing so that it could shine as a trade book. Having spent many years in editorial and marketing departments, I knew the fabulous writing was a great start but that we needed to build a strong case to publishers for this book!

Karen and I worked on Proposal strategies including linking her book to popular non-writing books that had a similar fun factor (ala Keri Smith), and tapping Karen’s fabulous connections in the writing world for some early endorsements (which continued to grow and grow as you can see from the impressive contributors list and great early praise!).

"RIP THE PAGE! is fun, sassy and zany. It's a great resource for writers of all ages -- and for teachers of creative writing--who want to put the zing bck in their writing." -- Julia Alvarez, author of RETURN TO SENDER

This week Shambhala will release RIP THE PAGE! Adventures in Creative Writing. It’s hard to believe that just two summers ago, Karen shared her book idea at a little table in Austin. From that meeting I now have just the book I’ve always wanted to share at those little tables in Austin, in Los Angeles, in Portland, and in all the other places where writers might need a bit of inspiration----and, most of all, a lot of fun!

Look for Stefanie Von Borstel on agent faculty at the SCBWI (Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators) Annual Conference in Los Angeles on July 30- August 2, and the Willamette Writers Conference in Portland on August 5 – 8, 2010.

RIP THE PAGE! Reading and Workshops will be held at:
Saturday, August 14, 3pm:Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA. Saturday, August 21, 2-4pm: Lyon Books, 121 W. 5th Street, Chico, CA.

For more information, visit www.karenbenke.com

Good Morning America cooks with Bean Appetit!

2010-07-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

Good Morning America features Shannon Seip and BEAN APPETIT with healthy kid-friendly, recipes to please the pickiest eaters!

Watch the video:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/video/bean-appetit-11155089

For sample recipes and more information about the book, please visit: http://www.beansproutscafe.com/index.html

Parents Magazine Q&A

2010-07-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

THE BILINGUAL EDGE is featured in the August issue of Parents Magazine (pg 187) ---a HUGE circulation more than 2.2 million readers!

Click link here: http://www.parents-digital.com/parents/201008/?pg=190&pm=2&u1=friend#pg190

A German-language edition of the book is now available through PARTHAS VERLAG.

Recent Features/Tips for Writers.

2010-06-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Writers:

I was recently interviewed by a literary blog called Musings, and featured in Casey McCormick's Literary Rambles. I think that both blogs did a fantastic job of gathering information about my interests, so I am sharing those features with you here, in the hopes that they will help you to put together your queries, and decide whether your project is right for me:

Musings: Q&A with Literary Agent Adriana Dominguez

Agent Spotlight: Adriana Dominguez

I will also be featured in the October issue of Writer's Digest, and in Writer's Guide 2011, so keep an eye out for those as well. I look forward to hearing from you! —Adriana

Goooooooool! Pelé, King of Soccer/ El rey del fútbol

2010-06-19T17:33:00.000-07:00

World Cup fans---share this fabulous book with the little ones in your life about the greatest soccer star of all-time!

Check out this great posting of recommendations for great soccer books on COLORIN COLORADO and LATIN BABY BOOK CLUB--including Monica Brown's Pelé: King of Soccer/El rey del fútbol.

http://www.colorincolorado.org/read/forkids/soccer
http://www.latinbabybookclub.com/2010/06/goooooool.html

To download a free book activity guide, visit Monica Brown's website at: www.monicabrown.net

Carmen Tafolla & Magaly Morales Win Américas Book Award!

2010-06-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

The Américas Book Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature is given in recognition of U.S. works of fiction, poetry, folklore, or selected non-fiction (from picture books to works for young adults) published in the previous year in English or Spanish that authentically and engagingly portray Latin America, the Caribbean, or Latinos in the United States. By combining both and linking the Americas, the award reaches beyond geographic borders, as well as multicultural-international boundaries, focusing instead upon cultural heritages within the hemisphere. The award is sponsored by the national Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP).

The award winners and commended titles are selected for their (1) distinctive literary quality; (2) cultural contextualization; (3) exceptional integration of text, illustration and design; and (4) potential for classroom use. The winning book will be honored at a ceremony on October 17, 2009. at the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Congratulations to Carmen and Magaly on another well-deserved award!

2010 Américas Award Winners

Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez. Knopf, 2009. 318 pgs. ISBN 978-0-375-85838-3.

What Can You Do with a Paleta? / ¿Qué puedes hacer con una paleta? by Carmen Tafolla, Illustrated by Magaly Morales. Tricycle Press, 2009. 36 pgs. ISBN 978-1-58246-289-9.

Américas Award Commended Titles (Full Circle Literary Titles listed only):

Confetti Girl by Diana López. Little, Brown, 2009. 198 pgs. ISBN 978-0-316-02955-1.

Pelé King of Soccer / Pelé el rey del fútbol by Monica Brown. Illustrated by Rudy Gutiérrez. Rayo, 2009. 36 pgs. ISBN 978-0-06-122779-0.

René has Two Last Names / René tiene dos apellidos by René Colato Lainez. Illustrated by Fabiola Graullera Ramírez. Arte Público, 2009. 32 pgs. ISBN 978-1-55885-530-4.

For a complete list of winners, please visit the Américas Book Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature website at: http://www4.uwm.edu/clacs/aa/index.cfm

International Latino Book Awards Announced

2010-06-13T23:45:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Graciela Limon, Reyna Grande, Carmen Tafolla, and Rene Colato Lainez---our Full Circle Literary authors were given recognition for their writing in the annual awards announced at BookExpo America Convention.

Click here to view the complete list of winners!

http://adrianadominguez.blogspot.com/2010/05/12th-annual-international-latino-book.html

Monica Brown Chats with Glee Gum about her latest Book!

2010-05-16T00:47:00.000-07:00

Chavela and the Magic Bubble, published this spring by Clarion Books, is about a little girl whose love of chewing gum leads her on a magical adventure. Incorporating Latin American culture, rainforest conservation, and the history of chewing gum, this fun story is written by Monica Brown.

Read Glee Gum's fabulous interview with Monica on the Glee Gum blog and stay tuned for their monthly newsletter for your chance to win a copy of the book! And remember -- chew with Glee, naturally!

http://www.gleegum.com/blog/awesome-author-discusses-new-book-about-gum/

Tafolla Wins Tomás Rivera Children’s Book Award

2010-04-10T01:12:00.000-07:00

How many uses are there for a traditional Mexican popsicle treat on a hot summer day?

Turns out there are quite a few, and for that the book What Can You Do with a Paleta?, written by Carmen Tafolla and illustrated by Magaly Morales, has been named the Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award recipient for works published in 2008-2009. The award, established at Texas State University in 1995, is designed to encourage authors, illustrators and publishers to produce books that authentically reflect the lives of Mexican American children and young adults in the United States.

Join the Texas State University Education Department and the San Antonio Public Library to honor Carmen Tafolla on Friday, April 16, 10:00 am at the Central Library Auditorium. Carmen Tafolla will also sign books at the Texas Library Association Conference, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Thursday, April 15, 1:00 pm at the Tricyle Press booth.

I am excited to be heading to my hometown next week for the TLA Conference and Dr. Tafolla's celebration ---- will be sure to share more from San Antonio!

--Stefanie

Story Behind the Story: The Tooth Fairy Meets El Ratón Pérez by René Colato Laínez

2010-03-23T23:11:00.000-07:00

When I lost my first tooth in El Salvador, a fantastic ratón (mouse) took it. He was the same ratón that took my mamá’s, papá’s and abuelito’s teeth. Every child knew him. He was El Ratón Pérez and in exchange for a healthy tooth, I always received a surprise. Sometimes, I received money and other times toys and even tickets to the circus! I always eagerly awaited the next visit from El Ratón Pérez.

As a boy, I moved to the US and wrote an essay about El Ratón Pérez. My teacher called me to her desk and asked me what I was trying to write. I told her all about El Ratón Pérez and she said, “Oh, you are writing about the Tooth Fairy.” She crossed all the Ratones Pérez and asked me to change then to Tooth Fairies. I could not envision El Ratón Pérez with wings and carrying a magic wand. Where was my beloved El Ratón Pérez?

Many years later, I became a teacher at Fernangeles Elementary School in Los Angeles. One afternoon, I heard the teacher next door running and screaming through the hallway, “Aaah, one of my students has a mouse in his bedroom! I need to go to the office and call social services.”

The teacher was ready to faint from the impression. I asked her what was happening and she told me that one of her students lost his first tooth and that a mouse came to his room last night and took it. But this was not the worst part. All the other students said they knew the mouse, too.

“The boy said he wants the mouse to visit his house every night!” the teacher said.

“I knew that mouse and as a child, I also waited for his visits.” I told the other teacher. “ He is El Ratón Pérez, the Hispanic tooth collector. Last night this famous and adventurous mouse visited your student because he lost his first tooth.” The teacher started to laugh and did not go to the office. Instead, she went to celebrate with her student.

After this incident, I wondered what would happen if the Tooth Fairy met El Ratón Pérez for the first time? What would they say to each other? Would they get along? Read and find out. My new book, The Tooth Fairy Meets El Ratón Pérez, will be released by Tricycle Press/Random House this week!

For more info and schedule of author events, visit: www.renecolatolainez.com

Early praise for the book:

“A marvelous story merging cultures seamlessly and with great humor.
Adults will enjoy this read-aloud just as much as kids.” --- Sandra Cisneros, award-winning author of The House on Mango Street

“When Mexican-American Miguelito loses a tooth, a twinkly Tooth Fairy and her Latin American counterpart, El Ratón Pérez (an intrepid, Spanish-speaking rat) both show up. Laínez's creative story approaches the topic of cultural identity with humor and grace, while newcomer Lintern's colored pencil illustrations give it a sense of nocturnal whimsy."--- Publishers Weekly

“Young readers may not consciously recognize this tale as a metaphor for growing up in two cultures, but the story does model how to successfully negotiate a bicultural life by celebrating both aspects of Miguelito's Mexican-American heritage. An excellent selection for libraries serving bicultural families."— School Library Journal

“Colato Lainez keeps the storytelling lively with bilingual exclamations seamlessly embedded in the dialogue between the two tooth-seekers…readers are treated to a clever introduction to two charming folk customs.”---Kirkus Reviews

Announcing Dear-Editor.com a writer's advice website

2010-03-22T16:23:00.000-07:00

We're excited about the launch of Dear-Editor.com, a writers’ advice website where writers—-published or not—-can ask questions about the craft of writing or publishing in general and get direct answers and actionable suggestions.

Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, for children or adults, this advice site gives personal guidance on the issues that challenge you most. Hosted by editor Deborah Halverson who has been working with authors for fifteen years, and is the awarding-winning author of two teen novels published by Delacorte/ Random House. With two novels and a decade as an editor with Harcourt Children’s Books under her belt, Deborah now works as a freelance editor, author, writing instructor, and founder of this new writers’ advice website.

Dear-Editor.com invites readers to look through archives, respond with comments or tips, or email questions directly to the Editor. This is sure to be a useful and interactive resource for writers--plus it is free, so it doesn't get much better than that!

More great news---the new website is giving away a FREE Substantive Edit of a YA or MG manuscript. Deadline: April 14, 2010. Enter and rules: www.Dear-Editor.com.

New from Jennifer Ward!

2010-03-22T00:39:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Ward and illustrator Steve Gray are back with another delightful take on a favorite song this time starring a hungry monkey!

Early praise for There Was an Old Monkey Who Swallowed a Frog:

“Migrating to a rainforest setting, the creators of There Was a Coyote Who Swallowed a Flea present another wacky take on this tune. Gray's digitally rendered illustrations alternately reveal the feasting monkey and the (remarkably) cheerful captives inside his stomach. Text and art deliver equal measures of over-the-top zaniness. “ ~ Publishers Weekly

Download free standards-based Curriculum Guides for There Was an Old Monkey Who Swallowed a Frog and There Was a Coyote Who Swallowed a Flea at www.jenniferwardbooks.com

Go Beans! BEAN APPETIT is here

2010-03-08T23:43:00.002-08:00

From the owners of the nation's leading healthy kids' cafe and cooking school, Bean Sprouts, comes a new book to tempt taste buds and delight parents with happier mealtimes! BEAN APPETIT: Hip and Healthy Ways to Have Fun with Food is filled with oodles of good-for-you recipes, along with food-themed games and activities that will inspire lifelong healthy eating habits.

Young chefs can explore new foods and flavors such as Fla-Mango Soup, High Note Nibblers (a keyboard sculpture of bread, chicken, apples and yogurt!), Green Gobbler, and Mama Mato Tomatoes. One of our favorites is Sweetheart Sandwiches --- tasty sweet potatoes meet yummy cranberries in a fun-to-make sandwich kids will gobble up. Download the recipe here: http://www.beansproutscafe.com/sweet.html
We're so excited to announce the book is now available and will be featured in several parenting magazines in the coming months including Kiwi, Parents, Working Mother, Baby & Toddler, American Baby, Family Fun and more!

To learn more about BEAN APPETIT by Shannon Payette Seip and Kelly Parthen, owners of Bean Sprouts cafe, visit: www.beansproutscafe.com

Announcing Toni Buzzeo Writing Contest!

2010-03-03T01:25:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to welcome beloved librarian and children's books author Toni Buzzeo to the Full Circle family! Toni's latest picture book, NO T-REX IN THE LIBRARY, is just out this month from Simon & Schuster. To celebrate, Toni is hosting a writing contest for preK to sixth graders with prizes including autographed signed copies of the book and a Skype author visit!

To download full contest rules and a free teachers guide for NO T-REX IN THE LIBRARY go to: http://www.tonibuzzeo.com/booksnotrexinthelibrary.html

Look for more great books from Toni coming soon!

From the Author's Perspective: Connecting With An Agent

2010-02-12T14:53:00.000-08:00

Authors often wonder how they can go about meeting an agent, or what the process will be like for them. We're happy to report that our author Debra Berndt, author of LET LOVE IN, which will hit shelves right after Valentine's Day, is featured in the Guide to Literary Agents.

Wonder whether you have "Agent at first sight"? Or what it takes to really connect?

She'll tell you how she met us, and what the experience was like for her as an author seeking agency representation.

Check out her interview here!

Extra tip:
If you're looking for love, pick up a copy of her new book. I"m serious! Let Love In is about helping your subconscious get on board with the love life you dream about. And she's not just the author, she's the club president. Her story and expertise will inspire you so that this is the last Valentine's Day you spend alone!

-Lilly

Carmen Tafolla Wins 2010 Charlotte Zolotow Award!

2010-01-16T23:42:00.000-08:00

What Can You Do with a Paleta? by Carmen Tafolla, illustrated by Magaly Morales (Tricycle Press/Random House, 2009) is the thirteenth annual winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award for outstanding writing in a picture book. The award is given by the Cooperative Children's Book Center, a library of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

A delectable story of a young Mexican-American child’s delight with an ice pop on a hot summer day is at once culturally specific and universal. Author Carmen Tafolla playfully appeals to all of our senses with rich imagery and crisp language. She invites us to think of all the creative things that can be done with a paleta, from painting your tongue purple or giving yourself a blue mustache to making a new friend or learning to make tough decisions. A sprinkling of Spanish words and Magaly Morales’ sun-warmed acrylic illustrations add details of life in a vibrant barrio where the daily arrival of the paleta wagon is met with anticipation and celebration.

The Charlotte Zolotow Award honors the work of Charlotte Zolotow, a distinguished children's book editor for 38 years with Harper Junior Books, and author of more than 70 picture books, including such classic works as Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present (Harper, 1962) and William's Doll (Harper, 1972). Ms. Zolotow attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison on a writing scholarship from 1933 to 1936, where she studied with Professor Helen C. White. The award is given annually for outstanding writing in a picture book for children in the birth through seven age range published in the United States in the preceding year.

What Can You Do with a Paleta? is also available in a bilingual edition. Read the full posting here: http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/books/zolotow.asp

'Tis the Season...Awards Season!

2009-12-07T23:57:00.000-08:00

We always look forward to this time of year at Full Circle Literary----not because the Christmas lights are up and twinkling, not because of all the friends and family sales, not because of the Who-hash and roast beast. This is also the time of year when many awards and "best books of the year" lists begin to roll in throughout the publishing world!

Today we're excited to share two awards announced for Diana Lopez's middle grade novel CONFETTI GIRL, published by Little, Brown in June 2009 (paperback coming in spring 2010). This is especially exciting since it is Diana's debut novel for young readers---congratulations Diana, 'tis the season to be jolly!

CONFETTI GIRL has been named for the influential New York Public Library’s “100 Titles for Reading and Sharing", see complete listing:

http://kids.nypl.org/reading/recommended2.cfm?ListID=391

CONFETTI GIRL is included in The Latinidad List for the "Top Latino Books of 2009" in the middle grade category, see complete listing:

http://www.marcelalandres.com/E-zine.html

Book Publicity Tips from Little Bird

2009-11-16T12:27:00.000-08:00

Guest Blogger Sarah Burningham, Little Bird Publicity, Marketing & Branding

Little Bird founder Sarah Burningham was most recently Associate Director of Marketing for HarperStudio/HarperCollins. Sarah was previously the Associate Director of Publicity at William Morrow/HarperCollins Publishers and Regan, and she has worked in publicity at Workman Publishing, Miramax Books, and Gibbs Smith.

Sarah is the author of How to Raise Your Parents: A Teen Girl’s Survival Guide and Boyology: A Teen Girl’s Crash Course in All Things Boy, both published by Chronicle Books. As an author, she has been featured on the Today Show, FOX News, CBS News, ABC News Now, Teen Vogue, Newsweek, NPR, Oprah Radio, and on local TV and radio programs around the country. She is also the advice columnist behind dear sarah, an advice column with ABC Family.

From her unique perspective as both an author and book publicist, we're excited to share tips from Sarah on how to get your book reviewed on blogs. What questions do you have about book publicity and promotion? We'd love to hear from you about your experience getting the word out about your books --- perhaps we can encourage Sarah to join us again with more tips soon!

*****From Sarah:

So, you want to get your book reviewed on some blogs. Here’s a step-by-step guide with tips for reaching out to bloggers and making good connections.

As an author, you should:

Read blogs. Lots of them. Every day.
Make a list of the blogs you particularly like and the ones you think actually fit with your book. Note that these might be two different categories. Be brutally honest with yourself. Just because you like baking pies doesn’t mean that a baking blog is going to review your memoir of horse racing.
Comment on the blogs you find. Know them inside and out. (I use my google reader to help filter everything in to one place so it’s easy for me to read my favorite blogs daily.)
Then, and only then, can you approach them for a review. Email the blogger, address him/her by name, and say why your book is a fit for the blog, in one short paragraph or less. Short and sweet! Include a link to your site and more info on your book.
No matter what, do not send a form letter. And don’t mass email or bcc. Would you want to be blind copied as part of a mass mailing? Neither does a blogger.
Be nice. This goes a long way with anyone, including bloggers. Treat them like you would any journalist or reporter who is considering your book.
Ask for the blogger’s feedback. And then, listen to that feedback. Even if you think you are the next James Joyce, not everyone will feel the same way, and that’s ok. You have to have thick skin to be an author.
If a blogger doesn’t respond, wait for a week to ten days before emailing again. Don’t just re-send the same pitch. Write a new email and mention that you sent something back on (enter date here). Be sincere!
But…waiting and sending a follow-up email does not open the door for going back again and again. NO STALKING! In the same way that form letters make you annoying, stalking is another hint that you can’t be taken seriously. If a blogger is interested, he or she will get back to you after you’ve made 2 thoughtful attempts at contact. If you haven’t heard back, the blogger is probably just not that into you.
When a blogger does get back to you, get a review copy of your book in the mail, stat. Don’t make anyone wait. Hit the post office that day and let the blogger know the book is on its way.
In the meantime, keep the conversation alive by participating. Keep reading the blog. Keep commenting. You shouldn’t be reading the blog just to get a review. Consider this a real relationship. The blogger will notice and appreciate it.
When the review goes up, thank the blogger. Send the link out to your readers by posting it on your website, on Twitter, on Facebook. Share the love and get some traffic for that blog!
And finally, now that you have a good relationship with the blogger, keep it that way. Never – I repeat, Never – add a blogger (or anyone else, frankly) to your mailing list. Not even your mother.

*****

Visit Sarah at:
Little Bird Publicity: www.littlebirdpublicity.com
Sarah Burningham, Author: www.sarahburningham.com

Reyna Grande on Tour

2009-11-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

Reyna Grande's book tour in support of her latest novel, Dancing with Butterflies is now in full swing. Last Saturday, November 7th, New York City's newly renovated Museo del Barrio, in collaboration with La Casa Azul Bookstore, hosted an exciting literary event featuring Reyna and Sergio Troncoso (The Last Tortilla, University of Arizona Press, 1999). The award-winning authors came together at the museum's new Café, where they engaged in a lively dialogue about their works, and the importance of literacy, particularly within the Latino community. It was a real treat to witness such an enlightening exchange of ideas.

About the book:
Reyna Grande's Dancing with Butterflies uses the alternating voices of four very different women in a Los Angeles dance company called Alegría to weave a story of friendship and love: Yesenia, who founded Alegría, finds herself unable to dance and seeks a miracle from a plastic surgeon in Tijuana. Elena, grief stricken by the death of her child and the end of her marriage, falls dangerously in love with one of her under-age students. Elena’s sister Adriana, wears the wounds of abandonment by a dysfunctional family and becomes unable to discern love from abuse. Soledad, the sweet-tempered illegal immigrant who designs costumes for Alegría, must make the dangerous journey north after she returns to Mexico to see her dying grandmother.

Reyna's follow up to her critically-acclaimed Across A Hundred Mountains received a starred review from Publisher's Weekly®, which proclaimed that the novel [was] "well worth the wait." Kirkus Reviews® agrees, and praises the "fierce humanity" of its characters. You may visit Atria's blog to learn more about Reyna and her work, and to read a conversation with the author. For a full list of the author's appearances, visit the events page on her website. —Adriana

Learning From the Best: Inside Secrets on "How to Write a Great Novel"

2009-11-09T10:49:00.000-08:00

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal called "How to Write a Great Novel" picked the brains of a collection of all-star, world-renown writers to share their tips for getting a story to the page. The authors interviewed include Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid's Tale), Junot Diaz (The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao), Michael Ondaatje (The English Patient), and this year's Booker Prize winner, Hilary Mantel (Wolf Hall).

Although every writer has their own style, you may find some of their tactics and tips helpful, if not just plain fascinating. Particularly if you've been struggling with writer's block, you may want to give their ways of doing things a try. The article certainly couldn't have selected a more inspiring group to choose from.

And if you haven't read their books, please do! Margaret Atwood's The Penelopiad is one of my favorite books of all-time.

-Lilly

PW's Top Ten List Gets Heat!

2009-11-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

Authors out there, if you haven't already, we always recommend staying current on publishing industry news and trends via Publishers Weekly, a magazine devoted to what's happening in this book world. Every week, the issue lists the most popular books selling, as well as reviews of books being released and much more. For an author writing in today's world, it's helpful to know what your colleagues are doing (even if you're at home writing in your pjs, authors around the world, who share your bookshelf space -- or compete for it -- are your colleagues!)

Recently PW has come under fire for its Top 10 List.

Have you read some of these? Let us know what you think!

	Baby Baby Baby! Marilyn Janovitz, Jabberwocky - A loving family catalogs all the fun things their smiling baby can do—from clapping and crawling to splashing in the tub and kissing good night. \|
	Dancing Feet Lindsey Craig, Illustrated by Marc Brown, Knopf Books for Young Readers - Textured collage illustrations show a variety of animals stomping, creeping and clapping their way through this rhyming action tale. \|
	Fiesta Babies Carmen Tafolla, Illustrated by Amy Cordova, Candlewick - Bold colors amplify the festive fun in this rhyming story about babies and toddlers enjoying a neighborhood celebration. \|
	Hip Hop Catherine Hnatov, Star Bright Books - High contrast black and white images alternate with simple, brightly colored pictures of familiar animals, highlighting their typical sounds and movements.
	I Like Fruit Lorena Siminovich, Templar - Unusual textures and vivid colors combine to create clear pictures of tasty treats in this sturdy board book. \|
	One Pup’s Up Marsha Wilson Chall, Illustrated by Henry Cole, Margaret K. McElderry - Feisty puppies tumble and frolic across the pages of this charming picture book that features energetic, upbeat descriptions and enjoyable word play. \|
	Pocketful of Posies Salley Mayor, Houghton Mifflin - Mavor uses intricate needlework to create whimsical, detailed illustrations for a wide variety of rhymes, making this an appealing collection for families even if they already own one (or more) Mother Goose collections. \|
	Sleepy, Oh So Sleepy Denise Fleming, Henry Holt and Co. Distinctive illustrations in warm, rich colors accompany rhythmic, repetitive words designed to lull listeners into sweet sleep. \|
	Switching on the Moon Compiled by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters Illustrated by G. Brian Karas Candlewick - Perfect for sharing at bedtime, the beautifully illustrated poems in this collection are sure to become family favorites. \|
	Tuck Me In! Dean Hacohen, Illustrated by Sherry Scharschmidt Candlewick Beach Lane Books - Young listeners can participate in this soothing bed-time ritual, turning decorated half-pages to cozily cover a cast of baby animals. \|