Books for the Presidents' Birthdays
To celebrate the presidents’ birthdays in February, let’s look at some recent American history books engaging enough to hold a kid’s attention.
The Real 12 Days of Christmas
My book "Who is Stealing the 12 Days of Christmas?" is based on a real Christmas display the neighbors on South Sparks Street in State College, Pa., put up each year.
Did Anyone Ever Steal Your Christmas?
I have two questions. First, has anyone ever stolen your Christmas like in "Who is Stealing the 12 Days of Christmas?" Second, have you thought about other holidays that people could steal, like St. Patrick's Day and Flag Day? Thanks for answering!
Jane Kinney, Age 8, Haddonfield, N.J.
Ask a Real Live Author
Dear Real Live Author,
So how do you build up tension in your mysteries? (I loved the Halloween cat one!)
Hannah Meyer Winkler, Age 13, Dover Sherborn Middle School, Massachusetts
Kim Kardashian and Me
Kim Kardashian and I have something in common.
Great School Visits
Funny things happen when you visit schools.
"Who Stole Halloween?" Gory and Twisted?
One of my most popular books, thanks in part to the astute librarians of Texas who chose it for the Bluebonnet master list, is "Who Stole Halloween?"
But a mom writing on Amazon calls it "too twisted and gory" for her young child. Shoot -- maybe she's right?
Picturebooks for Fall
Read about a gorgeous celebration of fall foliage by Lois Ehlert, a uniquely green picturebook by Lane Smith, and (I'm a little late) the 2010 Caldecott winner, which is just perfect!
Recipe for pizza crust
My pizza recipe has been requested! Actually, I don't use a recipe for the pizza itself. I just throw on whatever's around, generally including cheese. But the crust recipe is as follows. Note: You need a food processor, a pizza stone, and parchment paper.
Giving away a copy of "The Case of the Diamond Dog Collar"
Goodreads Book Giveaway
The Case of the Diamond Dog Collar
by Martha Freeman
Giveaway ends October 14, 2011.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Max and the Coyote
Mrs. Little's class at Newport Elementary School writes with the following question: How did Max get away from the coyote?
My baggy shorts
One thing about having a kid who plays a sport seriously, you get to be friends with the parents of all the other kids who play on the same team because you travel to games (or meets or matches) together. Either that or you go crazy because you are spending a ton of time with people who aren't your friends. Trust me, friendship works better.
It Started Like a Horror Movie....
Dusk is falling, fog descending, bats flitting overhead. Did I mention the mosquitoes? I’m all alone. And when I try to text a friend, my cell phone dies.
Good Advice from Annette
Ladies of a certain age: Get out there and dunk your heads!
What People are Reading on the Beach in Stone Harbor
The results of my market survey on the beach are in!