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Children's book author chats about writing and books
Number of Readers that added this blog to their MyJacketFlap: 3
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By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 11/13/2011
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By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 10/25/2011
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JacketFlap tags: WINNERS WINNERS, Battle of the Red Hot Weenie Peppers, David Lubar, Add a tag
CONGRATULATIONS to LUCKY WINNER #TWO: Janet (Writing in the Blackberry Patch) Please e-mail me with your address, and your Halloween treat will be in the mail asap!
You can purchase a copy of Sleeping Freshman Never Lie by David Lubar from your favorite bookseller! (Available in paperback!) Don't forget to visit David's web-site: http://www.davidlubar.com
By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 10/18/2011
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By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 9/28/2011
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JacketFlap tags: WINNERS WINNERS, Add a tag
By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 9/14/2011
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JacketFlap tags: Joe and Sparky Books, Add a tag
Dear Readers,
I'm pleased to share a very special writer and treasured friend with you this month. I've never met Jamie Michalak face to face, but she was my wonderful first editor at Candlewick Press and worked with me on Hill Hawk Hattie and Hattie on Her Way. In fact, I dedicated Hattie on Her Way to Jamie! Not long after we finished the edits for Hattie on Her Way, Jamie started a new life as a mother and an author.
I'll share more about Jamie at the end of the post along with details about her generous giveaway--two personalized copies of her early readers. But I don't want to take anymore time away from this gifted editor and writer, Jamie Michalak, or the pearls of writing and editing wisdom she has for us!
www.jamiemichalak.com
Can you tell us about where the idea for your first early reader, Joe and Sparky, came from?
By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 8/9/2011
Blog: Clara Gillow Clark (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: EDDIE'S WAR by Carol Saller, Add a tag
The novel in verse is a well-worked concept, but this effort infuses new life into a genre that's become almost trite. Eddie, just 5 years old as the story begins in 1934, lives contentedly in the glorious shadow of his older brother, Thomas. A few brief vignettes capture the flavor of the pre-war years, as Eddie befriends Jozef, an immigrant his Grama calls a gypsy, who carefully scans newspapers at the library, looking for the only word he can read: the name of his home in Poland, where his wife and son still live. Eddie comes to idolize his brother’s friend, Gabe, always the most reasonable of the older boys. Eventually, Thomas and Gabe enlist as the United States enters the war, and Eddie and his parents face the trial of never knowing if Thomas will live to come home. Prejudice against Jozef forces Eddie to make a hard choice to save the beleaguered man. In spare language and remarkably short sketches, carefully selected details effectively portray well-rounded, interesting characters, from Eddie’s abusive grandfather to his evolving love interest, Sarah.
Sometimes it's all about LUCK & TIMING or being in the right town at the right time. Joyce and I met up for a cup of vanilla latte at a little cafe in my town, Honesdale, PA! So the WINNER of the fabulous EDDIE'S WAR by Carol Saller is none other than the award winning author of BLUE, Joyce Moyer Hostetter:
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Children's book author chats about writing and books
Statistics for Clara Gillow Clark
Number of Readers that added this blog to their MyJacketFlap: 3
By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 11/13/2011
Blog: Clara Gillow Clark (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 10/25/2011
Blog: Clara Gillow Clark (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: WINNERS WINNERS, Battle of the Red Hot Weenie Peppers, David Lubar, Add a tag
Dear Readers,
Thank you so much for joining the Halloween party with David Lubar. Wasn't he a perfect guest for getting into the spirit of things? I thought so, too. Be sure to read down past the winners, for another treat and a slightly different side of David. Well, sort of . . .
CONGRATULATIONS to LUCKY WINNER #ONE: Mjolner (the guy in the beret) Please e-mail me (claragillowclark (@) gmail (dot) com) within one week with your mailing address and your autographed copy of The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies will be on it's way to you asap!
CONGRATULATIONS to LUCKY WINNER #TWO: Janet (Writing in the Blackberry Patch) Please e-mail me with your address, and your Halloween treat will be in the mail asap!
You can purchase a copy of Sleeping Freshman Never Lie by David Lubar from your favorite bookseller! (Available in paperback!) Don't forget to visit David's web-site: http://www.davidlubar.com
FromSchool Library Journal
Starred Review. Grade 7-10 -ScottHudson is the quintessential freshman. He's small, he's lost, and seniors yokehim for spare change. His honors homework keeps him up all night and his gymteacher is trying to kill him. He joins the paper, runs for student council, andtries out for the play, just to be near a girl he likes. This all backfires. Heturns out to be the least athletic sports reporter in school history, andfreshman lackey to the sadists on stage crew. Meanwhile, his mother ispregnant. The plot is framed by Scott's journal of advice for the unborn baby.The novel's absurd, comical mood is evident in its entries, like "ScottHudson's List of Good Thin
3 Comments on Winners of the Weenie Books for Halloween, last added: 10/25/2011
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By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 10/18/2011
Blog: Clara Gillow Clark (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Halloween Treats, Add a tag
Dear Friends,
No tricks here, just a great treat from a really funny writer and friend, David Lubar. David has treats in store for you. He has generously donated two copies of his Weenies' book, The Battle of the Red Hot Weenies. I know the middle grade crowd will gobble up these stories faster than candy corn.
Read about Author David Lubar's unique sense of humor and imagination in his personal essay, and then meet David at the end of the post and find out how to win one of the autographed copies of his books! Thanks so much for celebrating Halloween with us! David's books are great reads for anytime of the year. Read on . . .
Hats off to the Weenie Guy by David Lubar
For most of my freshman year in college, I wore a black cowboy hat. I had no legitimate reason to do this. I didn't grow up on a ranch, wrangle cattle, or engage the Clanton boys in gunfire. Since this fashion statement occurred in New Jersey during the mid-seventies, nobody questioned, or cared about, my authenticity. When people met me, they'd stare for a moment, and then, as recognition clicked into place, say, "Oh, yeah. You're the guy with the hat." There was a lot more to me than some ratty piece of felt, of course, but that was my identity back then. The guy with the hat. I have a new identity these days -- one that I suspect is far rarer and more amusing than any clothing-inspired description. I'm the Weenie guy. And that's a good thing.
My passion for short stories was spawned during childhood by the fortunate combination of a short attention span and a lack of athletic or social skills. The latter ensured I would have lots of leisure time for reading. The former nudged me away from lengthier works. I devoured short fiction as a kid. I started writing stories when I was in high school. In college, I wrote the typical angst-driven literary pieces that most freshmen feel compelled to inflict on their friends, roommates, and professors. I wanted to be James Joyce. Alas, my eyesight was too strong and my liver too weak to completely emulate my idol's path through life.
20 Comments on Creepy Tales for Halloween with Author David Lubar, last added: 10/20/2011
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By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 9/28/2011
Blog: Clara Gillow Clark (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: WINNERS WINNERS, Add a tag
Dear Readers,
Thank you, each and everyone, who stopped by to leave a comment for the lovely and talented author, Jamie Michalak. Jamie has graciously donated two books, which she will personalize and mail to the winners. How cool is that?
So, without further ado, Lucky Winner #1 is: LORRIE ZIEMBA! Congratulations, Lorrie. Please e-mail me [claragillowclark (@) gmail (dot) com] with your mailing address, and your book will be on its way to you asap.
JOE AND SPARKY GET NEW WHEELS
A Kirkus Best Children's Book of the Year
A Chicago Public Library Best Children's Book of the Year
A Junior Library Guild Selection
★ “Joe and Sparky are unlikely buddies—turtle Sparky enjoys the safety of his shell while giraffe Joe is up for any adventure. Joe, convinced that he has won a contest, decides to take the prize, a bright yellow sports car, for a spin. . . . New readers ready for the challenge of more words per page will appreciate the humor of the story and illustrations. Children familiar with the Froggy books will recognize Remkiewicz’s distinctively funny style and will laugh out loud at the inno
10 Comments on Annoucning the Lucky Winners of JOE and SPARKY early readers, last added: 9/30/2011
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By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 9/14/2011
Blog: Clara Gillow Clark (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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 |
| Jamie Michalak |
I'm pleased to share a very special writer and treasured friend with you this month. I've never met Jamie Michalak face to face, but she was my wonderful first editor at Candlewick Press and worked with me on Hill Hawk Hattie and Hattie on Her Way. In fact, I dedicated Hattie on Her Way to Jamie! Not long after we finished the edits for Hattie on Her Way, Jamie started a new life as a mother and an author.
I'll share more about Jamie at the end of the post along with details about her generous giveaway--two personalized copies of her early readers. But I don't want to take anymore time away from this gifted editor and writer, Jamie Michalak, or the pearls of writing and editing wisdom she has for us!
www.jamiemichalak.com
Interview with author Jamie Michalak
25 Comments on Interview with author/editor -- Jamie Michalak, last added: 9/17/2011
By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 8/9/2011
Blog: Clara Gillow Clark (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: EDDIE'S WAR by Carol Saller, Add a tag
Dear Readers,
This month there is a special reason why this LUCKY WINNER won the giveaway of EDDIE'S WAR. . .
Read below to find out why!
Kirkus Reviews (starred review):
This month there is a special reason why this LUCKY WINNER won the giveaway of EDDIE'S WAR. . .
Read below to find out why!
Kirkus Reviews (starred review):
 |
| Eddie’s War |
EDDIE'S WAR (reviewed on July 1, 2011)
In her first outing for children, Saller (The Subversive Copy Editor, 2009) provides a poignant look at boyhood before and during the long years of World War II.The novel in verse is a well-worked concept, but this effort infuses new life into a genre that's become almost trite. Eddie, just 5 years old as the story begins in 1934, lives contentedly in the glorious shadow of his older brother, Thomas. A few brief vignettes capture the flavor of the pre-war years, as Eddie befriends Jozef, an immigrant his Grama calls a gypsy, who carefully scans newspapers at the library, looking for the only word he can read: the name of his home in Poland, where his wife and son still live. Eddie comes to idolize his brother’s friend, Gabe, always the most reasonable of the older boys. Eventually, Thomas and Gabe enlist as the United States enters the war, and Eddie and his parents face the trial of never knowing if Thomas will live to come home. Prejudice against Jozef forces Eddie to make a hard choice to save the beleaguered man. In spare language and remarkably short sketches, carefully selected details effectively portray well-rounded, interesting characters, from Eddie’s abusive grandfather to his evolving love interest, Sarah.
Much more an emotionally resonant coming-of-age tale than a war story, this will be an easy sell for those seeking a quick, excellent read. (Historical fiction. 11 & up)
 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Joyce Moyer |
6 Comments on Who won EDDIE"S WAR? It might be you!, last added: 8/12/2011
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By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 8/1/2011
Blog: Clara Gillow Clark (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap) JacketFlap tags: EDDIE'S WAR, Add a tag
Bio: Carol Fisher Saller, the author of a new middle-grade novel Eddie’s War, copyedits scholarly books at the University of Chicago Press and is the editor of the Chicago Manual of Style’s online Q&A. In the past she has worked as an editor of children’s books and has published several books for children in addition to a book for adults, The Subversive Copy Editor . You can read more about Carol and Eddie's War at www.carolsaller.com. Review Clip of Eddie's War
“A poignant look at boyhood before and during the long years of World War II.... Much more an emotionally resonant coming-of-age tale than a war story, this will be an easy sell for those seeking a quick, excellent read.” —Kirkus Revie
23 Comments on BOOK BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION with Author Carol Saller, last added: 8/2/2011
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By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 7/29/2011
Blog: Clara Gillow Clark (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap) JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Look what Naamah’s done!
Starred review: Horn Book. “A lovely lullaby, in a beautiful, masterfully integrated book.” Starred review: Kirkus. “This captivating interpretation creates a remarkable partner for Noah, who uses her special talent in a memorable way.” What others say: School Library Journal. “In an author’s note, Bartoletti explains the Arabic poetic form, the ghazal, that inspired the structure of her poetry. Young listeners who hear her bedtime verse will be aware only of its soothing rhythm carrying them to the final ‘Hush hush hush, good night.’” Publisher’s Weekly. “It’s a story of quiet confidence and comfort, during trials of truly biblical proportions, as well as a gentle bedtime book.” Dear Readers, Thank you for joining Susan and me for her pre-book celebration and for sharing your intelligent and thoughtful comments! You get **stars**, too, for being so loyal and supportive! And now the super lucky winner of Naamah and the Ark at Night: Take a bow, SIOUX! Sioux, Please e-mail me: claragillowclark(at)gmail(dot)com with your mailing address and the autographed book will be on its way to you asap! I hate to part with the book, but my copy will be on it's way August 9th when the book is finally released. Next up is a book birthday giveaway--Historical fiction, a novel in verse, set in the heartland during WWII. It's splendid, I think! Don't forget to visit Susan's web-site: www.scbartoletti.com 
7 Comments on Who won NAAMAH and the ARK at NIGHT? Could it be you?, last added: 8/1/2011
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By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 7/19/2011
Blog: Clara Gillow Clark (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap) JacketFlap tags: Naamah and the Ark at Night, Add a tag
What was the source of the inspiration for your soon-to –be-released picture book, Naamah and the Ark at Night?  A very old wooden ark that sits on a shelf in my dining room. As a little girl, when I visited my grandmother – my father’s mother – I played with the ark. I lined up the animals, two by two, and boarded them safely. I imagined the falling rain. The rising floodwaters. The ark tossing and turning on the churning sea. The screaming and crying people Noah left behind, pounding the gangway door, begging to be let on. Okay, I’m just kidding about that last sentence, but this part is true: I was a very impressionable child. To this day, I remember clearly a coloring book illustration that depicted the terrified men and women Noah didn’t allow on the ark. And I was supposed to do what? Color it with my crayons? Colorize their terror? That illustration haunted me. Can you share something about the character of Naamah, Noah’s wife? One day, I found that my imagination turned to Noah’s wife. In the King James Version of Genesis, we’re told Noah was a just man, full of grace. But what about his
30 Comments on Interview with Susan Campbell Bartoletti -- Newbery Honor Award Winning Author, last added: 7/22/2011
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By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 7/9/2011
Blog: Clara Gillow Clark (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap) JacketFlap tags: Summer of Hammers and Angels, Add a tag
Dear Readers,  First, I wanted to share a terrific review of the summer of hammers and angels from KIRKUS:  Author: Wiersbitzky, Shannon Publisher: namelos Angels in the form of members of the First Congregational Church of Christ come to Delia Burns' rescue after lightning strikes her house, leaving her mother in a coma and Delia trying to do the long list of repairs left by the inspector who has condemned her home. Set in Tucker's Ferry, W.V., this idealized picture of small-town cooperation recalls a simpler time. There are no electronic devices beyond the television in the corner of her mother's hospital room and no chain stores with computerized inventories. There is also little supervision of the children: hard-working, resourceful Delia, her flighty friend, Mae, and mean Tommy Parker, who turns out to be both helpful and handy with tools. Delia’s age is never given, but the first-person narration reflects her innocence and naïveté. Thanks to summer Bible camp she knows something about religion. She wonders about the efficacy of prayer and the existence of angels. She hasn't gone regularly to church like the Parkers, neighbors who take her in after the lightning strike, but her conversion is swift. After two weeks of porch carpentry, ivy-pulling and screen-mending, she’s ready to ask for help, which arrives in true feel-good fashion. ---Kirkus Reviews www.kirkusreviews.comThe heartwarming conclusion is an unlikely miracle, but it is entirely in keeping with the flavor of this nostalgic story, which will leave readers hungry for fried chicken and Coke from glass bottles. (Fiction. 9-13) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The LUCKY WINNER of The Summer of Hammers and Angels is: KRISTIN GRAY Congratulations, Kristin. I know you'll give this book a good home! Please e-mail me [claragillowclark(at)gmail(dot)com] with your mailing address, and the book will go out to you asap! Please take a moment to congratulate Kristin! You, dear reader, may be the lucky winner next time! And next up will be an interview with the award w
4 Comments on THE LUCKY WINNER of THE SUMMER OF HAMMERS AND ANGELS, last added: 7/11/2011
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By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 7/1/2011
Blog: Clara Gillow Clark (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap) JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
 **** My first novel, The Summer of Hammers and Angels, officially launches today. Hooray! If we were all together, I’d be sure to offer you a drink and an appetizer. The book tells the story of a young girl, Delia, and a summer that starts off about as bad as any summer could. An inspector threatens to condemn her house and her Mama is struck by lightning. To make matters worse, with no other family to speak of, Delia is forced to move in with her neighbor, Tommy "as-dense-as-a-stump" Parker. With her best friend, Mae, and Tommy (but only because he seems handy), Delia resolves to tackle the long list of repairs, one by one. What she discovers is that it takes more than energy and willingness to handle some problems. When things go from bad to worse, Delia has to take another tack, one that starts with admitting she just can't do what needs to b
15 Comments on BOOK BIRTHDAY with Debut Author Shannon Wiersbitzky, last added: 7/3/2011
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By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 5/31/2011
Blog: Clara Gillow Clark (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap) JacketFlap tags: GRAND PRIZE WINNER, Add a tag
Dear Readers,   Every now and then you find a special piece of writing--special because it is written with honest emotion and heart. Those are the reasons why this piece by 7th grader Maren Huelsman was chosen for First Place--our Grand Prize Winner. (*Entries were published without correction by me or the teachers who submitted.)Maren won $25 cash awarded by me, an autographed copy of SPILLING INK by the writing team, Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter, an autographed copy of Slob by Ellen Potter, The Sundown Rule (April featured title) by Wendy Townsend, an Olivia Kidney title from Anne Mazer's series, and publication on my blog. Here now, is Maren Huelsman's winning entry: Mission Cheetah By: Maren Huelsman Teacher: Emily Kling I love cats. I’ve always dreamed about owning one; but not just any cat, the fastest and most elegant cat in the world, a cheetah. I know it’s crazy to even think a city girl like me would be able to have a cheetah. But they’re so amazing, graceful, and best of all, fast. These quiet animals stealthily stalk their prey while the only sound they make is a quaint chirp, no growl or roar. I often daydream about ways to get a cheetah. My first idea was to break in at night and steal one from the zoo. The poor creatures couldn’t possibly be happy so I’d be saving them, right? Then I thought I’d go to Africa and rescue an orphaned cub from the wild. Unfortunately, the $200 in my bank account wouldn’t even come close to covering the expenses for that plan. I needed a realistic strategy. One day my mom showed me an article in the paper about a nearby exotic animal rescue that had just acquired six new cheetah cubs. Could I find my cheetah here? These places had little security. It would take them a while to notice a missing cub. Armed with my best friend’s cat carrier and a str
8 Comments on ***CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER - SPILLING INK**, last added: 6/2/2011
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By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 5/24/2011
Blog: Clara Gillow Clark (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap) JacketFlap tags: WINNER WINNER, Add a tag
Dear Readers,
By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 5/19/2011
Blog: Clara Gillow Clark (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap) JacketFlap tags: WINNERS WINNERS, Add a tag
Dear Readers,
Dear Young Authors and Readers,
Dear Readers,
Dear Readers,
Dear Readers,
Dear Readers,
Dear Readers,
Dear Readers,
Dear Reader,
Dear Readers,
Dear Readers, |
Wendy Townsend spent her childhood summers near Michigan’s Marl Lake, home to 12-year-old Louise, the narrator of her latest novel, 
Sorry everyone who tried to leave a comment. I don't know what happened, but the glitch is gone! Hmm. . . was there a vampire weenie int eh works?
Yah! I can now comment. I am so happy to be one of the winners. Thanks so much.
Thanks for coming back, Janet! I have your book packaged and it'll be on its way soon!