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Celebrating YOUR writing success with BELLS & WHISTLES!
E-Mail me YOUR WAHOO
Well mates, Wahoos are for celebrating contract signings, book publication dates, or your book winning an award etc.
Cripes, we need something fun and encouraging to make up for that closet bulging with rejections, the burnt dinners, the husband leaving, and the kids forgotten (sorry) due to a pressing deadline.
And don't forget that cretin of an editor - you all know her! "Just one more teensy rewrite, and. . ."
E-MAIL ME and I will add the details of your latest writing success.
So, let's get to it . . .
Fran Shaff's midgrade book, "Partner's Promise," publisher: Wings ePress
(trade paperback & e-book), is now available. WAHOO to Fran!Kay Pluta's picture book, "There's A Yak In My Bed," publisher: Blooming tree press. Her book will be available in March/April of 2007. Kay already has 4 copies in her hot little hands! WAHOO indeed!
Nathaniel Lachenmeyer's pop-up-book, "The Night of the Living Pop-Up Monsters," will be published by Candlewick. WAHOO to you, mate!Ann Herrick's has discovered that her book, "The Perfect Guy," is a "Romantic Comedy," listed in More Rip-Roaring Reads for Reluctant Teen Readers. This category features 40 spellbinding books for middle school and high school students. What makes this doubly WAHOO worthy, is the fact that her book has been in print for many years. Now that's what I call success!!
Yvonne Ventresca's book, "A Biography of Avril Lavigne," is a part of publisher's Lucent Book's, "People in the News" series. Look for it on bookshelves near you. WAHOO Yvonne!
Rosanne Parry, a longtime SCBWI Oregon member, has signed a contract with Random House for her book, "Stories from the Homefront." The planned release date is 2008. A well deserved WAHOO for Rosanne.Alma Fullerton's book, "Walking On Glass," publisher Harper Collins, is now in stores everywhere. WAHOO, Alma - it was worth the wait.
Kim Norman's picture book, "Jack of All Tails," publisher Dutton Children's Books, is finally to be released on June, 2007. A WAHOO worth waiting for.
Elizabeth & Victoria Kahn's children's book, "Pinkalicious" is now a musical, "Pinkalicious the Musical!" showing in New York City.
READ THE SKINNY:
Book and Lyrics by Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann - Music and Lyrics by John Gregor - and Directed by Suzu McConnell-Wood.
Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 1pm
Additional Shows: Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 15th at 1pm,
Wednesday February 21 at 1pm and Friday February 23 at 1pm
Vital Children's Theater
2162 Broadway, 4th Floor at 76th Street
New York City
http://www.vitaltheatre.org/
(212) 579-0528 - - - Tickets available at TheaterMania.com or 212 352-3101
**Workshops after the show: If this isn't the WAHOO to end all WAHOOS!!
Dori Chaconas, that master of musical rhyme, has her Cork and Fuzz: Short and Tall in the ALA Notable Books list! Very impressive company - and she deserves to be there!! Check it out HERE. And to top it off, it was also selected for the 2007 Texas 2 X 2 Reading list!
Kelly Milner Halls book "Tales if the Crypitds," and Linda Joy Singleton's book, "Witch Ball," both made it on to the 2007 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers. WAHOO to each of these ladies.Cynthia Lord's mid-grade book, "Rules," publisher Scholastic, won a 2007 Newbery Honor Medal, PLUS the Schneider Family Book Award, and is also an ALA Notable Children's Book. A super WAHOO goes to Cynthia.
Susan Taylor Brown's midgrade novel, "Hugging the Rock" (written in verse), publisher Tricycle Press, also made the ALA notables books. Huge WAHOO for Susan.
Kim Baccellia's YA Book, "Earrings of Ixtumea," published by Virtual Tales, now has a terrific video trailer on view at her site on YouTube - WOW! Check this out. This is a WAHOO for sure!
Susan Taylor Brown's MG book in rhyme, "Hugging the Rock" made the ALA Nortables list - publisher Tricycle Press. YEA!!
Terie Garrison has a new book out in her The DragonSpawn Cycle fantasy series. Title is "WinterMaejic" - publisher Flux. Check it out HERE. Big WAHOO for Terie
Elizabeth Bluemle has happy news about her book, "My Father the Dog" - publisher Candlewick Press. It was picked up by the Scholastic Book Club. WAHOO indeed.
Heather Zydek's midgrade book, "Basil's Search for Miracles" - publisher Conciliar Press, will be published this April. Big WAHOO to you.
Kristin Nitz's novel, "Saving the Griffin," publisher Peachtree, is just out. Check it out HERE . . . WAHOO!
Libby Gleeson's picture book, "Half a World Away" - publisher Scholastic Australia & Arthur A. Levine Books in the US, now out in English + already available in Finnish and German translations. Huge WAHOO mate!!
Rebecca Loescher has signed contracts for 2 books: "Rain Forest Rhythm: with NorthWord Books for Young Readers/2008 - authentic facts in a poetry collection about creatures of the South American rain forest, and "Bedtime in the Arctic" (present title) with Dawn Publications/2008 - a nonfiction, rhymed picture book about arctic creatures. WAHOO indeed!!
Julie Prince's nonfiction book, "Ella Fitzgerald: The first Lady of Song," has been published by ProQuest Information and Learning. Big WAHOO for Julie!!
Catherine Ipcizade signed a contract with Sylvan Dell Publishing for her first picture book, "T'was the Day Before Zoo Day" - out in 2008. She also signed three contracts with the educational publisher, Capstone Press, to write three books for their new series on African animals-Giraffes, Lions, and Zebras.
Huge WAHOOS mate!!Mark Peter Hughes's YA novel, "Lemonade Mouth"- Delacorte Press, will be available in bookstores March 13th! AND The softcover of his previous novel, "I am the Wallpaper," has been released as a Random House Readers Circle trade paperback. WAHOO all around!!
Shari Soffe's second picture book in the Rooter & Snuffle series, "On the Go with Rooter and Snuffle" is available HERE. WAHOO Shari!!Gail Gauthier's new early reader, "A Girl, a Boy, and a Monster Cat" - publisher G. P. Putnam's Sons, is now available. WAHOO Gail!!
April 2007Susanna Reich's second book, "Penelope Bailey Takes the Stage" (Marshall Cavendish, 2006) is one of 25 books nominated for YALSA's Teens' Top Ten Picks. WAHOO Susanna!
Melisa Eyuboglu's ( 9 year old daughter of Mayra Calvani ) book, "Angel in a Bubble," has been published by Guardian Angel Publishing. It is both written and illustrated by Melisa, and is a part of the publisher's new imprint of books written and illustrated by kids. WAHOO Melisa!! Way to GO!!
Becky Hall's book, "Morris and Buddy, The Story of the First Seeing Eye Dog," has hit the stores. Publisher Albert Whitman. Woof! Woof! Plus a big WAHOO!
Amy Costales bilingual picture book, "This House Is Ours/Esta casa es la nuestra," sold to publisher Luna Rising. Big WAHOO, mate!Ann Herrick's book, "The Perfect Guy," is now on the AR List (Accelerated Reader, through Renaissance Learning), and has its own AR Quiz, No. 109785,
associated with the following Recommended Reading Lists: IRA/CBC Choice
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant YA. WAHOO indeed!!
Gretchen Olson's new book , "Call Me Hope," publisher Little Brown, is finally OUT and on the shelves. Great job, Gretchen. WAHOO!
Kim Sponaugle has illustrated a PB written by new author Colleen Buckley, titled, "Grandma Kathy Has Cancer," for children ages 5-8: Publisher is Dogear. It should be in bookstores some time late in August 2007. Sample art can be viewed on Kim's website. Great topic!
Donna Shepherd's new PB ( an e-book), with Kevin Scott Collier's terrific illustrations, is titled "Ouch! Sunburn, " publisher Guardian Angel Press. Dedicated to her red-headed son! WAHOOS to both of you!!
Nathaniel Lachenmeyer's new picture book, "Searching for Sasquatch" is a compelling, entertaining story about the adventures of a cryptozoologist and his skeptical son. Publisher is Sasquatch Books. WAHOO mate!
Ruth McNally Barshaw's sequel to her first book ( "Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel" - May 2007), and tentatively titled, "Ellie McDoodle's Nameless Quest," tells about when Ellie moves to a new school and finds where she fits in. Publisher, Bloomsbury Children's Books USA. Out in July 2008.
Nathaniel Lachenmeyer's picture book, 'The Decoy," published by Mitten Press, is a comic story about a lighthouse keeper who thinks the duck he has carved has come to life. WAHOO Ducky!!
Kim Norman's book, "Jack of all Tails," Dutton Press, is finally on the shelves. Word has it that the launch party was a doozy - Pictures here! A well deserved WAHOO mate!!
Kim Sponaugle has illustrated a book written by Maggaie Pagratis, & published by Athse. Titled "Tickle Land." It is now a video that can be viewed HERE Wahoo indeed!
Lynn Evans has a contract from Harcourt, extending her Delaware Student Testing Program contract for another three years - plus a pay raise. WAHOO!
Jen Funk Weber's two Nancy Drew movie activity book tie-ins: "Hollywood Head Scratchers" and "Still Sleuthing," have been released by Simon Scribbles. WAHOO to you!!
Kerry Madden has signed a contract to write a biography of Harper Lee for Viking's UpClose series, due for publication in 2009. Wahoo indeed!!
Vicky Rubin's picture book, "The Three Swingin' Pigs," publishet Holt, came out in May. It features a piggie jazz trio: Satch, Mo, Ella, and of course, the Big Baaaad Wolf. The Illustrator is Rhode Montijo. Starred Kirkus review! Her other book, "Ralphie and the Swamp Baby," publisher Holt, came out May 2004. Big WAHOO!!
Annette Gulati's picture book, "Jamuna," is this year’s winner of the SCBWI, Barbara Karlin Grant for picture book writers. Big WAHOO to you, mate!!!
Susan Kneib Schank's picture book, "Tera's Dawn" - Purple Sky Publishing, will be out in October. A horse lover's story earns a big WAHOO!!
Judy Gregerson's YA book "Bad Girls Club," has just been released to great reviews. Publisher Blooming Tree Press. WAHOO Judy!
Elizabeth Dulemba (Illustrator) was the SmartWriters.com 2007 Grand Prize W.I.N.NER for her Illustration entry, "Lula's Brew." Her illustration also tied for first place in the illustration section. WAHOO indeed Elizabeth!!
Jody Jensen Shaffer'spicture book, "Freezing, Wheezing, Sneezing Weasels," took 3rd place in the 2007 W.I.N. Contest. WAHOO!
Read all about the 2007 Smart Writers W.I.N.NERS HERE
Linda Joy Singleton's 5th book in her, The Seer series, is titled "Fatal Charm," and includes a murder mystery witnessed via astral travel. Publisher Blooming Tree Press. Huge WAHOO for Linda Joy!!
Nancy Kelly Allen's latest book, "Listen to Me! I Can Read" - Morning Glory Press - has just been released. WAHOO Nancy.
Kari-Lynn Winter's book, "Jeffrey and Sloth," Publisher Orca Books, was released in April . Since then, she has signed contracts for two other books: "Runaway Alphabet," (Forthcoming in 2008 - Simply Read Books) and "Chicken on Skis" (Forthcoming in 2009-Raincoast Books). WAHOO indeed for Kari-Lynn!
Kim Sponaugle has illustrated 4 books this summer - all due for release later this year. TITLES: "Grandma Kathy Has Cancer," by Colleen Buckley -
Dogear Publishing. "Jamie's Dream," by Sue Berger - Guardian Angel Publishing. "Mike Duffy and the World's Smallest Person," by Peter Vogel -
Llumina Press. "Benny & Marshmellow - a Day of Mischief" - Ithaca Press
Turning full time professional illustrator has paid off for Kim - WAHOO indeed!The first chapter of Gloria Swan's book, "The Passion of Rosa Bonheur" has won the Kay Snow writers award for juvenile fiction. This happened at the recent Willamette Writer's Conference, in Portland, Oregon. She received a nice cheque as well. Gloria is also a fine illustrator. She did the illustration for my "Mama Grizzly Bear." WAHOO Indeed!!
Kevin Scott Collier (illustrator) and his wife Kristen (writer) teamed up to write and illustrate "Joy the Jellyfish." - Dragonfly Publishing. This delightful 24 page picture book, in full color, makes its debut December 1, 2007. Double WAHOO for this talented twosome!!
Debbie Jacob's ( late alumnus of my OPUS crit group) new YA book, "Choices," will be available Sept. 4 - publisher Roaring Brook Press.
"Powers," her first YA book, publisher Roaring Brook Press, will be available as a paperback on Jan. 22, 2008 - paperback released through Square Fish. Both books are available at all online outlets and regular bookstores - small and large, US and Canada! NOTE: Debbie is a terrific writer, and our group misses her. A TWO-FER WAHOO from me to Debbie. You earned them mate!!
Tracey Cox book, with an 8 year gestation period, "Shaping Up the Year" - publisher Guardian Angel. Book will be published in the summer of 2008. Big WAHOO Tracey!!!
Carol J. Amato's book, "The Lost Treasure of the Golden Sun," the first title in her mystery series, The Phantom Hunters - publisher Stargazer Pub Co. Carol's book has won an honorable mention in the Hollywood Book Festival (Children's Books category). WAHOO mate!
Joan Paquette has signed a contract for her picture book, "Tracking Fairies," - publisher Tanglewood Press. It will be out in the spring of 2009. WAHOO Joan!
Dori Chaconas's picture book, "Looking for Easter" - publisher Albert Whitman Co., has finally found an illustrator. Margie Moore is lending her illustrating talent to Dori's marvelous new book. WAHOO to both of you!
Kathryn Lay finally has a contract and an illustrator for her picture book, "Josh's Magic Pumpkin" - publisher Pelican. Kathryn is thrilled with their choice of artist, Katy Bratun. WAHOO at last!!
Lizanne Flatt's nonfiction picture book, "Getting From There to Here," publisher Mapletree Press, is out this month. Illustrator is Scot Ritchie. Take a peek HERE . Big WAHOO Lizanne!
Kim Sponaugle illustrated e-book, "Jamie's Dream," for writer Sue Berger, publisher Guardian Angel Publishing. It is now available. Wahoo to you both!
Kevin Scott Collier & (writer) wife Kristen Collier's new book together is titled "Dreamchaser." Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing. Just released!
WAHOO you two!!Kelly Starling Lyons's picture book, "One Million Men and Me," illustrator Peter Ambush, publisher Just Us Books, is now available. WAHOO to both of you!
Rebecca Talley has signed a contract for her YA novel, "Heaven Scent" (working title). It will be published by Cedar Fort in the spring of 2008. WAHOO mate!
Wendie Old's latest book, "My Halloween Book of Facts and Fun," publisher Albert Whitman, is scheduled to come out the end of September 2007. It joins her earlier publication, "The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun." Go to Wendie's Blogspot page to see covers of her latest books. WAHOO indeed!
Susan Boase's A chapter book for beginning readers (ages 7-10), illustrated by Susan, and titled, "Three Little Robbers" has just hit the bookstores. It is written by Christine Graham and published by Henry Holt and Company. WAHOO to both of you!
Lyn Sirota has two educational books for second grade, publisher Pearson Education, coming out this September - "Your Own Dog" and "The Zoo Crew." On top of this, two more are coming out in a month or so. WAHOO indeed!!Nathaniel Lachenmeyer's new picture book, "The Origami Master," will be published by Albert Whitman. With Nathaniel's usual flair for natural subject matter, this engaging story tells of the rivalry between an origami master and a warbler with a penchant for origami. WAHOO indeed, mate!!
Kim Norman's latest picture book (a rhyming, concept book about colors, based on the old song, I Knew an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly) is to be published by Dutton. Possible title: "I Know a Wee Piggy Who Wallowed in Brown." Knowing Kim it will be a hoot! WAHOO mate!
Diane Mayr's picture book, "Run, Turkey, Run!" came out on Tuesday to good reviews from SLJ, Booklist, and Kirkus. Publisher Walker Books. The illustrations by Laura Rader are fun. Perfect for a Thanksgiving read-aloud.
WAHOO indeed!!Jeanne Miller has signed a contract for a "food science" book for Lerner's "Cool Science" series. It is due at the publisher's on October 15th. WAHOO Jeanne!!
Raelene Hall's e-picture book, "The Extra Pair of Hands," illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, publisher Writer's Exchange, is now OUT! WAHOO Raelene! Available through ReadersEden Online Bookstore.
Amber Keyser's first picture book, "An Algonquin Heart Song: Paddle My Own Canoe," publisher Friends of Algonquin Park. Big WAHOO mate!!
Judy Cox's new book is "The Mystery of the Burmese Bandicoot," publisher Marshall Cavendish. Two pet rats escape from their cozy cage in Miss Dove's fifth grade classroom and have an amazing adventure while trying to save the world from their evil nemisis, The Big Cheese. This is the first in a series entitled: "The Tails of Frederick and Ishbu" - for readers 8-12. WAHOO for yet another great book!!!
Johanna Wright now has contracts signed for two books she wrote and illustrated. "Secret Circus," due out in Spring 2009, and "Rabbits On Skates," due out in Fall 2008. Both with Roaring Brook Press. The wait was worth it, mate. WAHOO indeed.
Andi Houdek's second book, "J.P.'s Halloween Parade," illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, is going to print. WAHOO Andi!!
Simon Roses's 5th novel for young readers, "The Heretic's Tomb," is now available. Big WAHOO Simon!!
Dotti Enderle's picture book, "Grandpa for Sale," publisher Flashlight Press, is now on bookstore shelves everywhere. WAHOO (again) Dotti!! STOP PRESS: This PB won won first place in the short works division of the Teddy Children's Book Awards. The award will be presented to Dotti at the Texas Book Festival. THERE'S MORE! Dotti's newest tween novel, "Hidden," publisher Pelican Publishing, came out last month. A bucket of WAHOOS mate!!
Annette Gulati, of West Linn, Oregon, is this years winner of the SCBWI $1,500 Barbara Karlin Grant Award for picture book writing. Big WAHOO!
Mary Cunningham's third book, "Curse of the Bayou," will be published by Quake (Echelon imprint), Dec, 2007. Colorful Pirates, SuRana, a shape-shifting puma, and an old Cajun guide named Mud Bug, join Cynthia and Gus in this, her third book in the Cynthia's Attic series. WAHOO!
Kim Sponaugle illustrated "Grandma Kathy Has Cancer," written by Colleen Buckley, publisher Dog Ear. Colleen was inspired to write the book when her husband was diagnosed with Prostate cancer. She wanted a way to explain what Gr.Pa was going through to their young grandson. WAHOO indeed!
Kari Winters picture book, "Jeffrey and Sloth," publisher Orca Books, has been nominated for the prestigious Canadian Blue Spruce Award. This prominent award is given to one picture book written for children, gradesK-3. Students from Ontario will read the 10 nominated picture books and then vote for the book of their choice. Fingers crossed and a big WAHOO!
Pat Trattle's picture book, "Emperor Penguins," publisher Lerner Publications, won the Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award in the category of beginning fiction. Her book was described as a petite-sized gem. Way to go, Pat! WAHOO!
Cay Gibson's book, "Christmas Mosaic," publisher Hillside Education, is due out at the end of October '07. Big WAHOO!
Jason Alter's self-published book, "John Fastramp and the Dakota 3000 Challenge," has been doing very well. He recently did a reading for visually-impaired children at the New York Institute for Special Education The Institute has translated the book into Braille and easy to read type. The children loved the reading and couldn't wait to read the Braille version. A great accomplishment. WAHOO Jason!
Dave McKnew has written a book about one of the many stories his dad, Thomas McKnew, told him when he was a kid. Titled, "The Legend of Seal Beach," illustrated by Kevin Scott collier, publisher Lulu - POD available. Dave is lucky enough to have Dad along to do book signings. Big WAHOO to Dad and his son.
Amber T. Kingston's picture book, "Laura and the Leprechauns," publisher Chrysalis Press, is now available from her website, or at Amazon. Artwork and photography combine to make this an intriguing story. WAHOO indeed!
Cay A. Gibson's picture book, "Christmas Mosaic: An Illustrated Book Study for Advent and Christmas (also includes a section for Hanukkah) - publisher Hillside Education. Cay's book is on sale in time for this Christmas season. WAHOO Cay!!
Andrew Martonyi's unique nonfiction picture book, "The Little Man In the Map," publisher Schoolside Press, has won a Silver Medal in the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards. Wahoo Andrew!!
Jennifer Gladen's picture book, "A Star in the Night," Guardian Angel Publishing, will be released in the summer of 2008. Big WAHOO Jennifer!!
Johanna Wright (author illustrator) has 2 picture books coming out in 2008 & 2009 from Roaring Brook Press - "Secret Circus" and "Rabbits on Skates."
Double WAHOO mate!!Mayra Calvani's picture book, "The Magic Violin," publisher Guardian Angel, is now in stores. WAHOO indeed!!
Keri Mikulski's new midgrade, "Screwball," Blitz Publishing, is available for pre-sales on her website. Softball fans, this is for you! WAHOO Keri!!
Rebecca Leonard's book, "Adirondack Nightmare - a Spooky Tale in the North Country," self published, is available through her website.
Janice Levy's 10th picture book is now out. "I Remember Abuelito, A Day of the Dead Story " (Yo Recuerdo A Abueli to, Recuerdo A Abuelito/Un cuento del Dia de los Muertos), published by Albert Whitman and Company. See Amazon. Now that's a WAHOO!!!
DECEMBER 2007Kari Winters's book, "PunctuACTION" - publisher Gumboot Books. This is a humorous story about a girl who comes to understand punctuation symbols. Will be out 2010. WAHOO Kari!
Cyn Balog's YA book, " Fairy Lust" - will be published by Delacorte in 2009.
Big WAHOO Cyn!Pat McCarthy has a contract for her new book, "Pioneers for Kids" (working title) - publisher Chicago Review Press. This book sports 21 different activities. WAHOO Pat!
Rae Bridgman's book, "Fish & Sphinx", a MG fantasy, publisher Great Plains. Will be out 2008. Third in an ongoing series. Huge WAHOO mate!
Dawn Phillips illustrated a picture book, "Mr. Sausage Found Silver," written by Patrick Bruck, from Australia. Mr. Bruck will self published the book in 2008. WAHOO to both of you.
Charline Profiri's board book, "Counting Little Geckos" - publisher
The RGU Group, is now available in bookstores. WAHOO Charline!
Cay A. Gibson's new book, "A Picture Perfect Childhood," - publisher Lulu. Will be out in January 2008. WAHOO indeed!
Elizabeth O. Dulemba has illustrated another book, "Oscar the Badger," written by NY Times best selling author Karin Slaughter - publisher MacAdam Cage. This showcase for Elizabeth's wonderful art-work will be in stores in Fall 2008. WAHOO mate!!
Lyn Sirota has another two new books that came out in September 2007.
"At The Aquarium" (non-fiction, second grade), and "A is for All." (in verse) for grade one. Both published by Pearson Education. Huge WAHOO Lyn!Icats Nitram's fantasy picture book, "Willow May Goes to the Midnight Carnival," illustrated by Pamela McCarville - Publisher All Us All the Time. Available now. WAHOO indeed!
Kim Sponaugle illustrated "Curley, Q and Me, Too!" a baby storybook written by Marcia Trimble - publisher Images Press. Pre-orders on Amazon. WAHOO Kim!!
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