Three Tidbits of Interest

Today's post is a bit of a smorgasbord - a few rather unrelated items but all (to my mind :)) worth mentioning.

First, for any of you who read last week's post The Wonderful World of Kid Lit, here is a very articulate, thoughtful rebuttal of the Wall Street Journal article mentioned therein which you might find interesting: Deeper Understanding: The Dark Is Rising, from Shelf Awareness, Enlightenment for the Book Trade.  Let me know what you think of Jennifer Brown's article!

Second, I had a great visit at Merritt Bookstore in Millbrook, NY to celebrate Not Yet, Rose winning the Mom's Choice Award.  Two large groups from three local preschools came to hear the story (about 100 children all together!)  They were a terrific audience.

Phyllis is trying to convince
the kids that Not Yet, Rose
is about her - because she
looks EXACTLY like Rose!

Unbeknownst to me, one of the adults in the back was videoing with her phone.  Quel horreur!!!  Although watching and listening to myself give a presentation was quite horrifying and made me want to go hide in the closet with a burlap sack over my head, I have been told I should edit the video and put it on my website so that interested teachers/schools can see a sample of a presentation.  What do you think?  Should I do it?

Finally, when I went to shut my computer down Friday night, I discovered a google alert in my inbox for Can't Sleep Without Sheep.  Following the link, I was amazed and honored to see that Can't Sleep has been nominated for the Alabama Camellia Children's Choice Award (the state children's choice for Alabama!!! click on the 2011-2012 NEW list to see.)  It's up against some much better known books, so I don't know if it has a chance of winning, but it was SO nice to be nominated!  Thank you to every child in Alabama who voted for Can't Sleep!!!  Ava and Woolliam and I appreciate it :)