bemelmans

After my research at the Met, my good friends Alvina and Libby took me out to for some girly fun to belatedly celebrate Ling and Ting's Geisel Honor. So, all dress up in my blue dress (this is the second time I've worn it! Yay!), we went out to a bar for drinks so I could pretend I was like one of those fashionable, sophisticates on "Sex in the City":

But, of course, the bar was children's book themed! We went to Bemelmans Bar. Does that name sound familiar? Sort of? Does this help?


Yes, it was a bar where all the walls were original murals by Ludwig Bemelmans--the author and illustrator of Madeline! The art was soo gorgeous in person, but it was so dark in the bar that none of my photos came out that well. But it was a magical experience, sipping in wine and awing at children's book genius.

Next time, I hope we get to go during the day so I can get a better look at the walls. Of course, I'll have to think of some excuse to celebrate...any ideas?

masterpieces at the met

So I finally took my research trip to the Met to see their special display of Chinese Art. It was my last bit of procrastination research before starting "Return to Sky."

But it was very helpful. I think one of these objects might make a possible cameo appearance in my story! We'll see...



Of course, after seeing the Chinese exhibit, it was great fun just to wander around the Met itself and see all the great master paintings and sculptures. Every time, I saw something beautiful I felt inspired. I kept thinking of new ideas for new books--when I saw this famous Degas sculpture of a 14 yr ballerina:

I kept thinking, someone should write a children's novel from that 14 yr old girl's point of view! That would be fascinating--like Girl with a Pearl Earring, but for kids. Well, I looked it up and there IS a novel about that 14 yr dancer, but after reading the descriptions (I guess i should've figured that ballet had a dark side) I don't think it's for kids...

Regardless, I have to admit the most exciting sight of the day for me was actually outside the Met. Because parked in front of the museum was a CUPCAKE TRUCK!

Yes, instead of truck selling ice cream, it sold cupcakes. I was so excited. It's opened my eyes to all new possibilities in terms of my cupcake dreams. If I can't afford a bakery, maybe I could just have a truck! And this works so well because the Sasquatch is studying to become a diesel mechanic, he can fix my truck for free!

SO, here's the idea for my future:

Plan A: children's book author/illustrator
Plan B: Cupcake Bakery
Plan C: Cupcake truck.

I'd still really, really rather Plan A work out, but at least the back-up plans could be sweet...

my dumpling days

A couple of weeks ago, I ended my school visit year with a whirlwind. First, I rushed into NYC for for Book Expo America, where they were going to announce the winner of the EB White Award. We came early just so I could eat my favorite soup dumplings (now that I am writing "Dumpling Days," dumplings are on my mind quite a bit) at Joe Shanghai's:

Yum! Just as good as in China!

But it was in the middle of eating, that I realized that I forgot my lucky jade bracelet. Darn. I would have to go to the EB White event without.

Which was quite an event! My publisher, Little Brown, did me proud with big banners and signs:

What I thought was hilarious was that the publisher tried to encourage booksellers to meet the authors by printing their photos, to help recognition. However, they used my glamour shot author photo, which looks nothing like me! I imagine booksellers were confused.

After passing on the electric blue martinis, the festivities began with music and singing and ending with the announcement of the winner of the EB White Award which was...
not me.

The winner was The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z by the lovely Kate Messner(Congrats, Kate!). Oh well. I knew I was doomed when I forgot the jade bracelet.

But to drown my sorrows, afterwards for dinner we went for soup dumplings AGAIN! There is no disappointment that dumplings cannot comfort.


Then I was off to my last school visits of the year. The first one was in Ct, where there was a lovely welcome banner:

and a wonderful longtime fan, who brought me this photo of the first time we met:

which we retook: Isn't that neat? I can't tell you how much I love when readers grow up with my books. I'm going to start giving prizes away to kids that do this.

From there, we went to Upstate NY, just a couple hours away from where I grew up. I felt extremely welcome there, as well, because the first thing I saw was this craft activity the students had done with Dim Sum For Everyone!Isn't it neat? The students made their own dim sum cart and filled it with drawings of their favorite foods. And what was right on top? My favorite food!

A great way to end my school visit year and a good omen as I begin writing "Dumpling Days," don't you think?

the best thing about being an author and visiting NYC