Three Silly Chicks, An Imagination-Cafe, and One Busy Illustrator, Oh my!
I've been really excited about what's available online to feed hungry minds... everything from Three Silly Chicks to an all new Imagination-Cafe, to a busy, buzzing, very productive author and illustrator. WOW!
Readers have a whole cafeteria of tasty treats to munch at http://www.Imagination-Cafe.com. Open 24-7, this cafe is one you will want to savor one nibble at a time or swallow whole; it's just a whole lot of fun. And be sure to bring your doggy bag. Try the open mic, pitch your favorite book, test out the game room, or enter a contest! Whew, no matter what, this site is sure to have you rolling over, begging for a tummy rub.
Three Silly Chicks' site at http://www.threesillychicks.com is, well, silly. It's a fun, high energy look at how giggles can improve the world. Ever hear that laughter is good medicine. I think these gals believe that—an more. I can tell by their glasses. Aren't they the cutest chicks on the planet? And if you haven't checked them out, opened them or purchased them, then head directly to your bookstore, do not go passed go, do not collect $200, and get your eyes on When Giants Come to Play and Doctor Ted by Andrea Beaty; Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies, Boris and Bella, Louds Move In!, Outside, Inside, Get Busy, Beaver! and Tessa's Tip-tapping Toes by Carolyn Crimi; Angels Watching Over Me, Cha-Cha Chimps, and Icky-Peck, Architect, and Dream Hop by Julia Durango. What an impressive list, Silly Chicks!
And speaking of impressive, each week I try to search out my favorite authors and illustrators. This week's top author pick is Esme Raji Codell for her personal bookshelf, which includes Sahara Special, Diary of a Fairy Godmother, Viva La Paris, Sing a Song of Tuna Fish, and not to mention, (bell ring here) her "big book of great reading picks and how to get small noses inside. Cheers to Esme for all she does as a readiologist with a small flying squirrel in her pocket. And, PSST! If you happen to see her in cyberville at http://www.planetesme.com, ask her when her two new picture books are coming out—and beg her to reveal titles!
This week's top illustator pick is Holli Conger, whose whimsical way with colors and play is a delight for the eyes and soul! How can children not love her? Her attention to little things she calls junkadoodles, her attention to detail, and the amount of energy to brings to a page is extraordinary! Curious what a junkadoodle is? Log onto: http://www.junkadoodles.com. Remember how much fun you had squishing Playdough? Check out Holli's dough art on her portfolio page: http://www.holliconger.com/portfolio.html. And if you are just a tad curious. like I was, check out her story about how she is living the creative dream at (drum roll here, because you can guess the site name—wink):http://www.livingthecreativedream.com. What a fabulous set of URLs!
Happy playing, happy reading, happy writing —may we all stretch and grow!
