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Author: P.J. Bracegirdle (on JOMB)
Published: 2008 McElderry Books (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1416934162

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Hard-core horror meets sumptuous simile in this gripping exploration of siblinghood, self-destruction and sanitized sameness.

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A Fiendish Sneak Peek!


I wanted to let everyone know that my husband, children's author PJ Bracegirdle, has just been interviewed on Presenting Lenore. Head on over to read all about his new trilogy THE JOY OF SPOOKING, on shelves from August 5.

If you would like a chance to read the book before its release date, Lenore has three ARCs (advance reviewer copies)of the first book, Fiendish Deeds, to give away, each containing a signed bookplate. Just stop on by and leave your name in the comment section. Lenore is also offering the chance to earn up to four fiendish bonus entries by: reading the first chapter and answering Lenore's skill-testing question; blogging about the contest; commenting on next week's review of the book; and signing up as a fan on PJ's facebook page!

Best of luck!

Hello my dears, it has been a while. Things have been a bit of a whirlwind around here, not leaving much time for this little old blog.

I have lots to share when I have a bit more time but couldn't wait to show you this, the cover of my husband's first book Fiendish Deeds:

cover illustration by Nicoletta Ceccoli

Isn't it wonderful? Nicoletta Ceccoli is so talented and has captured the characters of the story perfectly. Fiendish Deeds will be published by McElderry Books Summer 2008. If you are a Facebook member, you can go to Paul's facebook author page and read the first chapter: P.J. Bracegirdle Just scroll down to posted items, and you should see the link there.

Also, if you are in Toronto, an exhibition of Nicoletta Ceccoli's work has just opened at: Magic Pony

I hope everyone is doing well. I still peek in at all of your blogs to keep up with what you are up to. Hopefully I can find some time soon to tell you of my toings and froings!

Today marks the beginning of Young People’s Poetry Week (April 16-22), the most important week of the year, of course (when it comes to poetry for children)! Just about ten years ago the Academy of American Poets initiated the observance of National Poetry Month to celebrate poetry and its place in American culture. Since then, the poetry “movement” has continued to gain momentum with the emergence of Young People’s Poetry Week in 1999 sponsored by the Children’s Book Council, a focus on poetry slams as the centerpiece for Teen Read Week in 2003 sponsored by the American Library Association, and the inauguration of the Poetry Blast in 2004 led by the Association for Library Service to Children, a concert of children’s poets held at the annual conferences of ALA and the International Reading Association. (I’ve brought that same “concert” idea to the Texas Library Association conference and was proud to lead the third annual poetry “round up” just last Friday in San Antonio featuring Jaime Adoff, Tony Crunk, Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Charise Mericle Harper, Heidi Zingerline Mordhorst, and Eileen Spinelli.)

The Children's Book Council, in collaboration with the American Academy of Poets and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, sponsors Young People's Poetry Week during the third week of April, providing a variety of wonderful resources to assist with programming and celebrations. You’ll find a list of new poetry titles, a downloadable bookmark, crossword puzzles, interviews with poets, and articles on sharing poetry written by Carole Fiore, Lester Laminack, and yours truly.

So, happy YPPW to you and yours. Here’s a poem to open the door to poetry for the young people in your life!

The Poem as a Door
by Eve Merriam

A door
is never
either/or.
A door
is always
more.

You cannot skip over,
you cannot crawl under;
walk through the wood,
it splits asunder.

If you expect it to be bolted,
it will be.

There is only one opening:
yourself as the key.

With a sigh of happiness
you pass through
to find on the other side
someone with a sigh of happiness
welcoming you.

from The Singing Green (HarperCollins, 1992)

Invite children to share their favorite poems and post them on the door for others to enjoy as they come and go all week long!

Picture credit: downtheroad.org