Story Times at Seattle Public LIbrary! In case you missed this previous post:

Beginning this Saturday, November 5, 
join us Saturday mornings at the Central Library

Children’s Center for a special series of story times.

Meet our local picture book authors & illustrators!

Start the weekend off with songs, stories, and silliness!

And the opening act is none other than,

(insert drum roll)

Our very own Dana Arnim and Dana Sullivan!

11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5
Dana Sullivan and Dana Arnim
Dana Sullivan is the writer and illustrator of two books
“Ozzie and the Art Contest” and “Kay Kay’s Alphabet Safari.”

Dana Arnim is the illustrator of “Bartholomew Quill, A Crow’s Quest to
Know Who’s Who,” written by Thor Hanson.

Now you don't have to wait until our monthly meeting on Wednesday November 9th to see our two Danas.

Here is the lineup for November and December where you'll see more of our local picture book authors for Picture Book Author Story Times in November & December:

11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
Julie Paschkis

Julie Paschkis is an artist who has illustrated over 25 books. Her most recent
illustrations can be seen in First Light, First Life: A Worldwide Creation Story,
written by Paul Fleischman and published in 2016.

11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19
Bonny Becker

Bonny Becker is the author of the best-selling Mouse and Bear books, and won
the 2010 Washington State Book Award for her middle grade novel, “The Amazing
Ms. Plum.” Her most recent title is the 2016 “The Christmas Crocodile,” illustrated
by David Small.

11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Jessixa Bagley

Jessixa Bagley is a Seattle based artist and children’s book author/illustrator, with two critically acclaimed books, “Boats for Papa” and “Before I Leave.” Her upcoming picture books include Laundry Day (2017) and Vincent Comes Home (2018).







11 a.m. Saturday December 10

Tony Yuly

Toni Yuly works as a full time artist, designer and writer. Her picture books for young children include “Early Bird,” “Night Owl,” and her most recent “Cat Nap.”  Her newest book, “Jellybean Tree,” comes out in 2017.












11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 Children’s Book Fair with Local Authors and Illustrators. Meet, mingle and make crafts with our local children’s book authors and illustrators! This event is free and open to all families.
Books will be available for sale and signing for a perfect winter gift.

Central Library | 1000 Fourth Ave. | www.spl.org

Bonny Becker picture book workshop May 14

How to Write a Successful Picture Book

Whidbey Island Writers Association (WIWA) is offering an all day picture book workshop led by best-selling author Bonny Becker.

In the workshop, you’ll learn:

- what makes a good picture book idea

- specific steps to creating a good story, including a beginning that grabs editors, a middle that makes sense and holds the reader, and a memorable ending

- how to work with illustrators in mind

- how to submit your work

Then create your own picture book. Come with a picture book already in mind or develop an original idea in class. We’ll work on our stories in class and then you’ll create your own “dummy”—a mockup of your story that will show you how to work with illustrations and the specific page and length requirements of picture books (Supplies provided.)

Bonny Becker is the author of the best-selling Mouse and Bear picture books, including “A Visitor for Bear,” winner of the E.B. White Read Aloud Award and Amazon’s Picture Book of the Year, “The Christmas Crocodile,” illustrated by Caldecott winner David Small and others—in all 14 books for children. As a teacher and freelance editor, she has worked with hundreds of picture books.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

5611 Bayview Road

Langley, WA 98260

Cost: $200; discount $185 for WIWA members

Website: www.nila.edu

360-331-0307; info@nila.edu

Inland NW events featuring WWA folks

Hi Western Washington,

We have a couple of SCBWI events coming up that we thought your members might be interested in. 

March 12th @ 9am:

 

 Suzanne Selfors is conducting a Webinar designed for PAL members titled, LEVELING UP: Strategies for Lifting Your Career to the Next Level.  Registration for this event is open for published and pre-published members.  The cost is $20, and the recorded webinar will be available to registrants for 1 week. Here's a link with the details.

April 23 (registration opens March 14th):

 

Another Western Washington resident, Bonny Becker, is coming to Spokane on April 23rd to teach a full day picture book intensive titled, THE SECRET TO WRITING GREAT PICTURE BOOKS.  Registration for this event opens Monday, March 14th.  We have some info on our website here.  If members would like to drop us an email, we'll send them a registration reminder with more details in March. inlandnw-ara@scbwi.org

 

​Thanks,

​

Rachel Hamby

Asst RA Inland NW Region

@rachelhamby

The kids are all right!

As in, they chose right! 

After posting that Dana Sullivan, Bonny Becker, and Dori Butler all received mention in the International Literacy Association's Children's Choices Reading List for 2015, well, they're ALSO in this year's Children's Choice Reading List!

BAM! 2 for 2!

Wonderful news, and wonderful books, all. Congratulations!


To see the full list, click here.

The children have chosen

This just in....

The International Literacy Association's Children's Choices Reading List for 2015 is out.

And how!

In the complete list of all the chosen books for all ages, there are a few familiar names––such as Dana Sullivan, Bonnie Becker, and Dori Butler.

Very cool list, very cool to see familiar names on it, and very cool timing––right before the Summer Reading rumpus begins!


Kudos, you all!

2012 SCBWI WWA Annual Conference: Keynote Speaker Bonny Becker

Have you registered yet for the 2012 SCBWI WWA Annual Conference? Make sure you head to the webpage for more information and to register.

We're excited to share information about the conference and amazing faculty and up first is Bonny Becker! Bonny is an fellow SCBWI WWA member, our region's very first Crystal Kite Regional Award winner and a keynote speaker at the conference.

Bonny's A BEDTIME FOR BEAR won the Crystal Kite Award and is the third in her series of best-selling Bear and Mouse picture books. A VISIT FOR BEAR won the E.B. White Read Aloud Award and was Amazon’s Picture Book of the Year. Her middle-grade novel, THE MAGICAL MS. PLUM, won the 2010 Washington State Children’s Book Award. In all, she’s published 12 books for children.

Bonny was gracious enough to answer some questions for us about her writing and winning the Crystal Kite Award.

When did you start writing?

I wrote my first “book” in the second grade. I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. But I started writing specifically for children about 24 years ago.

What is the best and worst advice you were given when you started in children's literature?

Hmmm, that’s a hard one. Maybe the best was to join SCBWI. That sounds like a “suck-up” answer, but it was a simple single doorway into so much information and support and contacts.

The worst? I don’t know if it was advice so much as an impression I got, which was that somehow there was a special, magic destiny for those who got published. It seemed like they “just happened” to get that story idea, meet that editor, have a friend of a friend. Like there was this lucky chain of events for the chosen ones and I worried about missing that moment of luck. What if the gold was behind Door Three and I forgot to open it? Now I know that the old cliché is true—the harder you work the luckier you get. And that there is no one magic way to get to the goal. If you do the work and write something good, get your work out there, stay in the flow, then a number of doors will open for you over time.

What was your inspiration for your Bear stories?

I was musing about the idea that we tend to get the same problems over and over in our lives and the idea of a mouse who wouldn’t go away popped into my head. I quickly settled on a grumpy bear as the perfect victim for my little mouse. Then the characters became so distinct and so fun, I couldn’t resist going on to create more stories of aggravation for Bear.

When did you join SCBWI? And how has being part of SCBWI influenced your writing process?

I joined SCBWI very soon after I started writing for children, so about 1989. SCBWI

SCBWI has been incredibly important in my career. When I first started out I was in awe at being in the same room as published authors. I was so jealous when they showed sample art for their books and complained about their editors and agents. I would have given my eyeteeth to complain about “my” editor! It offered so much information and support as a beginner and, now, as one of those published authors, it’s a place to connect with friends and fellow writers and for continuing support in this phase of my writing. It’s my number one recommendation to people who say they’d like to write for children.

What do you like most about writing? What do you like least?

The thing I dislike the most is getting started writing. It takes a lot of effort for me to finally, actually, sit down and just write!

What I like the most is the whole process of creating—once I’m actually writing I like wrestling with ideas, researching things, thinking of something cool I can do in a plot, writing a good line, making myself laugh. I love the sheer fun of creating something.

Can you explain what winning the Crystal Kite Award means for you as an author?

It means a lot to me because it was voted on by my peers here in the Northwest. I get such a lift out of hearing from another writer about how much they enjoyed the book. Only other writers really know what goes into something as “simple” as a picture book!

What's your writing environment look like? Where do you do your best writing?

Now that my kids are gone and we have a couple empty bedrooms, I have my own office at home. I have nice views into the side yard and back yard and lots of bookshelves and a big desk. Bottom line, though, it’s fairly messy. I’m a “piler” rather than a “filer.”

Are you part of a critique group? If yes, how has that helped you as a writer? If no, where do you get feedback for your work?

I belong to a great critique group including local writers Kirby Larson, Dave Pateneude, Kathryn Galbraith and Slyvie Hossack. I can’t imagine writing without feedback and these guys really know what they are doing.

What's next for you? What are you working on?

I have two more Mouse and Bear books in the works. I’m also working on two other picture books. One I’ve sold but I’m working on rewrites. And the other is going the rounds. Both are very different from Mouse and Bear. I’m also working on an older middle-grade fantasy. It’s really fun to work on different genres and writing styles.

As you know, those who are in children's literature tend to have lengthy discussions on the important topic of snacks (usually it's a baked good). What's your favorite snack?

Top Pot chocolate sandcastle doughnuts!

Thanks to Bonny for her wonderful answers! It'll be wonderful to hear more from her in April!!

Follow Bonny Becker!!

Fellow SCBWI member Bonny Becker whose story, A BEDTIME FOR BEAR, won the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for the NW region is starting an e-newsletter for those who want to follow Mouse & Bear News.

If you'd like to be on the mailing list e-mail Bonny at bjb(at)site7000(dot)com. Just put "Mouse and Bear News" in the subject line and she'll know what it's about.

You can also follow Bonny on her Facebook Bonny Becker Author Page.

Congratulations to Bonny Becker!!! Our Own 2011 Crystal Kite Member Choice Award Winner!

The SCBWI announced the winners of the inaugural 2011 Crystal Kite Member Choice Award Winners, and our own Bonny Becker is among the winners for her book A BEDTIME FOR BEAR!

The Crystal Kite Awards are given by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators to recognize great books from the 70 SCBWI regions around the world. Along with the SCBWI Golden Kite Awards, the Crystal Kite Awards are chosen by other children’s book writers and illustrators, making them the only peer-given awards in publishing for young readers.

You can find the complete list of winners on the SCBWI's Crystal Kite Member Choice Award Winners webpage. You can also find out more about Bonny, and her work, on her website, and her facebook author page (make sure you send Bonny your well wishes!!!

Friends of Yuen Lui Guild Event

The Friends of Yuen Lui Guild is celebrating National Reading Month with READ for Seattle Children's Hospital. This event includes an online book drive for patients at the hospital; author readings to patients at the hospital; and a public storytime at Elliott Bay Books. We are honored to be working with authors, Bonny Becker and Kirby Larson at the hospital readings, and we are thrilled to have Bonny Becker read from her MOUSE & BEAR books at Elliott Bay Books on March 27, at 3 p.m. Elliott Bay Books is generously donating a portion of the book sales from this event to uncompensated care at Seattle Children's Hospital. For more information about our online book drive and storytime, please visit the Friends of Yuen Lui website. RSVP for storytime and enter to win a $100 gift certificate to Elliott Bay Books (must be present to win).

First Annual Imagination Celebration

The first annual Imagination Celebration, a new free community event, will be held on Saturday, June 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. The celebration is being launched as a block party in and around the Olympia Timberland Library by the South Sound Reading Foundation (SSRF) and Capital Playhouse’s Page to Stage Theatre-Literacy Program, in cooperation with the Timberland Regional Library District (TRL).

Some of our local favorites, Kirby Larson, Bonny Becker, and Patrick Jennings, among others, will be there to help kick off the event.

The full schedule and more information can be found here.

Good news for Lois V. Harris

Her brand new book, CHARLIE RUSSELL: TALE-TELLING COWBOY ARTIST, made the Washington State Historical Society’s COLUMBIAKids Northwest Book Swap Winter List.

Zing!

(Be sure to check out Columbia Kids Northwest Book Swap. There's an interview up there now with Bonny Becker.)

California Young Reader Medal nominees

Don't worry--the medal isn't made out of young readers. But do celebrate, because Bonny Becker's A VISITOR FOR BEAR made the list!

Good news for Kathryn Thurman

She writes: "I wanted to let you know my bit of good news! My picture book, "A Garden forbPig," is projected for release next Fall, 2010, with Kane/Miller. It will have its debut this spring at the BEA. It's about a pig who plants a garden in an unusual way.

I would also like to give a HUGE thanks to Bonny Becker for her enormously helpful feedback."

Seattle Book Fest 2009

Secret Garden Bookshop, has produced a fantastic line-up of local talent in the world of children’s literature for the Kids Stage at Book Fest 2009!

The offerings include:

• 29 authors and illustrators and 4 publishers representatives

• including Sara Anderson, Kevin Emerson, Martha Brockenbrough, Matthew Porter, Kathryn O. Galbraith, Bonny Becker, and Wendy Wahman, among many others

• doing 14 hours of readings, panels, games, giveaways and prizes, dancing, music, and a Halloween Parade for little ones

• in solos, duos, and panels on topics ranging from Beyond TWILIGHT, reading suggestions for the TWILIGHT Obsessed (for those 12 and up) to Fairy Wings and Horsey Things (for readers 3-8) to Getting Your Kids’ Book Published (for adults) to Beyond Forks, authors of locally set books for young adults on paranormal themes, with

• game breaks, including a MAD LIBS party each day, with fun and prizes, flying Pike Place Market fish, and a Grammar Bee for kids from 9-99.

DATE: Saturday and Sunday, 24-25 October 2009

TIME 10 – 6 both days

LOCATION: Columbia City Event Center
3528 S. Ferdinand
Seattle, WA 98118

Check the full weekend schedule at the Book Fest website.

*Secret Garden is a general independent bookshop, selling books for adults and everyone else, since 2000.

Upcoming Book Events

Wendy Wahman will read "Don't Lick the Dog"
Third Place Books,
Saturday, September 26, 10:10 AM
Lake Forest Sat the 26th at 10:15

Bonny Becker (author of A Visitor for Bear):
Book Signing - Barnes & Noble
Saturday, September 26, 12:00 PM
300 Andover Park W Suite 200, Tukwila WA 98188

Janet Lee Carey (author of Dragon's Keep):
Book Signing - Barnes & Noble
Sunday, September 27, 6:00 PM
300 Andover Park W Suite 200, Tukwila WA 98188

Tom Brenner (author of And Then Comes Halloween):
Ballard Public Library Branch
Tuesday, September 29, 7:00 PM
5614 22nd Ave. N.W., Seattle , WA 98107

Interview with Bonny Becker

Bonny is author of the bestseller A VISITOR FOR BEAR. She also won a Golden Kite Award. She's interviewed on AuthorMagazine.org. You'll need speakers, as it's a podcast. Check it out (and note the useful articles on craft, too).