Celebrate the Illustrators of SCBWI WWA

Come see their Super Duper Summer Show at the Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle, Level 2 South Galleria from July 1 - September 30, 2016. The exhibit features the work of 73 illustrators from the Western Washington and Inland Northwest chapters. Check out the artwork on the STQRY mobile app ( a free download) or see it on the STQRY website.

Summer Time Reading - Books by Local Authors

Summer time summer time sum sum summer time...

Yuuup! Summer is officially here and as we know there is no better way to fully immerse yourself into the season than with good books by local authors.

Here are a few to get you started:

Cat Nap by Tony Yuli

When Cat agrees to play hide-and-seek with Kitten, he underestimates his relentless opponent. Delightful pre-nap read-aloud fare. (Picture book. 1-3) (Kirkus Reviews)


Quackers by Liz Wong

A cat who thinks he’s a duck learns about himself. Both relevant and adorable. (Picture book. 3-6) (Kirkus Reviews)


Sam and Jump by Jennifer K. Mann

Kids with their own favorite toys will identify with this gentle, tender tale of Sam and Jump’s special bond. (Picture book. 3-7) (Kirkus Reviews)


Shark Week: Everything You Need to Know by Martha Brockenbrough

For readers transfixed by sharks, this photograph-filled guide, a tie-in to Discovery’s annual Shark Week, will hit the spot. (Publishers Weekly)


Sweet Home Alaska by Carole Estby Dagg

"This exciting pioneering story, based on actual events, introduces readers to a fascinating chapter in American history, when FDR set up a New Deal colony in Alaska to give loans and land to families struggling during the Great Depression." (Penguin Random House)


Lotus and Thorn by Sara Wilson Etienne

An ambitious, action-filled adventure that chronicles one girl’s rebellion and the world-shaking revelations that follow. (Science fiction. 14 & up) (Kirkus Reviews)

 

To learn more on these books you can read the full article from the Seattle Times:

http://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/books/summer-reading-by-seattle-authors-chockablock-with-cute-mostly-critters/?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=mobile-app&utm_campaign=ios

Happy Reading!

Calling All Illustrators

Second Annual Illustrator Day: October 8

University Bookstore, Seattle

If you did not have the opportunity to participate last year, this is your chance.

Mel Barnes at University Bookstore is looking for local illustrators to talk about their craft and draw live either on a paper easel or on their computer with their work projected onto a screen. Each illustrator will have 45 minutes to draw, talk, and answer audience questions. The last 15 minutes will be devoted to signing copies of their books.

This is for illustrators who DID NOT participate last year to ensure a lineup of new faces.

Illustrator Day is October 8, 2016. If you are interested in participating, please email Mel Barnes by July 31st at kidsbooks@ubookstore.com She is looking to fill one hour spots from 11 am - 6 pm.

Happy Drawing!

It's A Book! It's A Party! It's A Book Launch Party!

Come meet local author and illustrator, Bill Clanton, as he launches his newest book,

Also known for, VOTE FOR ME!, Something Extraordinary, and Mo's Mustache. If you're a fan of Mo Willems and Bob Shea then you will love Ben Clanton's books.

The evening will include a special reading and signing and there will be oodles of treats, prizes, and mail related fun to be had! And, of course, books!

When: Wednesday June 22nd at 6pm

Where: University Bookstore - U. District location

Here is Ben's super official invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/614621775371021/

Tonight is the Night - Kid LIt Drink Night - Drinks Optional

We're in the midst of summer and here in the Northwest, we don't want to waste even one day enjoying summertime. There's no better way to do that than with your fellow writers and illustrators for delicious food, beverages, and laughs. Bring your writing and drawing implements of choice, too.

This month we are meeting at Jersey's Great Food and Spirits. If you haven't already - take a look at their menu. There's something for everyone and the desserts! They have key lime pie - THE dessert of choice on a hot summer day.

http://www.jerseysgreatfood.com/menu

 

 

Happy Writing, Illustrating, and Merrimenting!

June Bookstore Events

Mockingbird Books in Green Lake has three upcoming events that will appeal to picture book writers, illustrators, and YA authors.  If you do attend any or all of these events, please comment on the blog to share your positive experience. Also, this is a great opportunity to support an Indie bookseller.



 

June 11: 11-11:30 a.m. Author Stephanie Campisi joins us for a special story time! Stephanie's new book, The Ugly Dumpling, tells the story of the "ugliest dumpling in a dim sum restaurant. Uneaten and ignored, the ugly dumpling is down in the dumps. But when an encouraging cockroach sees the dumpling's inner beauty, this unlikely duo embarks on an eye-opening adventure, leading the ugly dumpling to discover its true identity and realize that being different is beautiful after all." Come a little early to see the drama story kids perform a skit inspired by The Ugly Dumpling!

June 18: 3-5 p.m. Talented Authors, Unreliable Narrators. Acclaimed YA author, Eileen Cook (With Malice) and women's fiction author, Ashley Ream (The 100 Year Miracle) discuss their knack for creating unreliable narrators, plot twists, and knock-out tension.

June 25: 11-11:30 a.m. Join us for a special story time with Kim Owen, author of Art Parts: A Child's Introduction to the Elements of Art and Orchids.

 Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
info@mockingbirdbooksgl.com | Phone: 206-518-5886206-518-5886 | Fax: 206-526-5228 | www.mockingbirdbooksgl.com

Kid Lit Drink Night - Drinks optional

We're in the midst of summer and here in the Northwest, we don't want to waste even one day enjoying summertime. There's no better way to do that than with your fellow writers and illustrators for delicious food, beverages, and laughs. Bring your writing and drawing implements of choice, too.

This month we are meeting at Jersey's Great Food and Spirits. If you haven't already - take a look at their menu. There's something for everyone and the desserts! They have key lime pie - THE dessert of choice on a hot summer day.

http://www.jerseysgreatfood.com/menu

 

 

Happy Writing, Illustrating, and Merrimenting!

Passing of the Torch

 

 

It's Official!

 

This week Emily and I met for lunch in downtown Bellevue so that she could officially and with great splendor, pass the torch of Chinook Update Editor to me.

 

Oh, but wait! If you look very closely you will notice, as I did, that the "torch" is not aflame. "Should I be worried?" I asked.

Emily laughed and said, "Absolutely not!" With perhaps just a tad too much gusto.

Again I asked, "should I be worried?"

 

But alas, by the time we had finished our respective lunches, Emily had exhausted her notes on bright yellow post-its, and I had scribbled exhaustively in my brand new, three subject, college-ruled notebook, I was feeling, well, ready to take the torch, lit or not.

 

Emily, thank you for your patience in teaching me all the nuances of the job and your genuine willingness to always be available while I get up and running as the new Chinook Update Editor. Also, thanks to everyone on AdCom for welcoming me into this new role with excitement and confidence. I'm thrilled to be a member of a wonderful community of writers and illustrators for children.

 

Cheers,

 

Kathleen