booktalk tuesday

Zen Shorts, by Jon J. Muth

IndieBound Description:

Jon J Muth, author of the best-selling book, THE THREE QUESTIONS, has crafted another profound and winning picture book.

"Michael," said Karl. "There's a really big bear in the backyard." This is how three children meet Stillwater, a giant panda who moves into the neighborhood and tells amazing tales. To Addy he tells a story about the value of material goods. To Michael he pushes the boundaries of good and bad. And to Karl he demonstrates what it means to hold on to frustration. With graceful art and simple stories that are filled with love and enlightenment, Jon Muth -- and Stillwater the bear -- present three ancient Zen tales that are sure to strike a chord in everyone they touch.

My Thoughts: This is not a middle-grade novel, it's technically a picturebook--but I think it is so appropriate for a middle grade audience. The Zen stories in this book (which also inspire my own writing) are perfect for the older child to think, ponder and discuss.

on my desk monday

I've been fortunate to be visiting a local school in Wellesley, Ma for many years now. I usually visit the Kindergartners in the Fall and the 4th graders in the Spring and it's been lovely.

Recently, I just saw the 4th graders (I'll post some of their storyboards, later) and it was especially nice. Because this time, clued in by my visit the the Kindergarten, they knew all about Rain Dragon and made me a special gift:

Yes, an advice book on being a good mom!

The advice in this book is poignant and hilarious at the same time. Here are some of my favorites:

Make sure you don't lose the baby when you go shopping in the mall.

Don't be like my parents. Don't drop the baby on it's head.

Always keep an eye on the baby because I know from my own experience. When I was 2 years old my mom left me alone in her bed with some markers and I colored all over the walls (that were white).

All the crying will go away...maybe. So buy some earplugs and a pacifier.

Ha ha! Aren't those great! I'll treasure this book forever!

Thanks so much, fourth graders!

fortune cookie friday

"All things at first appear difficult. "
-Chinese Proverb

oranges mean gold

Here, in New England, it is a bit gray and cold:

But somewhere in Arizona, where I visited once upon a time, there is a warm green and gold paradise,

my librarian friend Mary is picking oranges for the Chinese New Year:

I know this, because in the mail I received a box of gold from her:

YUM! Thank you, Mary!

Fresh, delicious oranges for the Chinese New Year! I think this year will be especially sweet!

in the news

A couple weeks ago, I did a lovely school visit in Bristol, RI and there was a lovely article about it in the East Bay RI newspaper. My favorite part is the photo gallery where the photographer captured the students intent on drawing the rabbit. Of course, now I have to start teaching students how to draw the dragon...

Because it is the Year of the Dragon! The Washington Post listed Dumpling Days as one of the books in their article Children's Books for Chinese New Year.  Read it while eating your lucky, get-rich dumplings!

Happy New Year and Thanks for Coming!

Phew! I made it!

It's the Chinese New Year, which means I had my Dumpling Days Book Launch! If you haven't noticed, the postings on this blog have been a bit spare lately (I have many things I want to post about, I'll have to do a bit of catch up in the next few weeks). That is because every spare moment has been used to make over 100 Pocket Pacys:

the two large pocket pacys are the special "winning" ones;  the people who got them won an original piece of art at the book launch

These are the special edition Pocket Pacys I did just for the launch. They are all wearing pink dresses because in Dumpling Days, the three sisters are forced to wear matching pink dresses when they travel to Taiwan (to make it easier for their mother to keep her eye on them). This is based on a real-life experience:

We put one of each of these  Pocket Pacys in the booklaunch goodie bags, along with a red envelope that had a special URL to download exclusive deleted chapters and a dumpling recipe card. Because the Pocket Pacys were a bit time-consuming + having even less time then usual (work, visits + Rain Dragon!), I wasn't able to bake special cupcakes this time around. In fact, the baking had to be given up altogether and replaced with Japanese gummy candies.

And after assembling 100 bags (much thanks to my sister, niece & Sasquatch) I was a little worried to wake  up on book launch day to snow. The most snow we've had all winter! Would people come?

Yes, they did!

I talked a bit incoherently--I did not prepare my talk as well as I would've liked (those Pocket Pacys took a long time!) and I admit I am more self-conscious than usual with my baby bump:

But it was lovely to meet so many of you! I think most people liked the Pocket Pacys so making them was definitely worth it! I hope to see many Pocket Pacy travel photos in the future!

Thanks so much for coming! Happy Year of the Dragon to all!

fortune cookie friday

"If you get up one more time than you fall you will make it through. "
-Chinese Proverb

Don't Forget!!

The Dumpling Days Book Launch is this Saturday, at 1 pm EST (not PT).

You do NOT need a ticket to come. Please tell your friends and family! The more the merrier!

I've been mad at work preparing for it and I have a sneaking suspicion that this will be the last book launch that I do. My publisher has been talking about sending me on tour for "Starry River of the Sky" (which will come out in October) and with Rain Dragon coming, I think my time for planning big parties with elaborate goodie bags might be over.  So, I'm trying to make this one a good one (I've made over 100 pocket pacys!) and I hope everyone comes!

booktalk tuesday

Ruby Lu, Brave and True by Lenore Look

IndieBound Description:

Most days the best thing about being Ruby is everything. Like when she's the star of her own backyard magic show. Or when she gives a talk at the school safety assembly on the benefits of reflective tape. Or when she rides the No. 3 bus all the way to Chinatown to visit GungGung and PohPoh.

And then there are the days when it's very hard to be Ruby. Like when her mom suggests Chinese school on Saturdays. Or when her little brother, Oscar, spills all of Ruby's best magician secrets. Or when her parents don't think she's old enough to drive!

Join Ruby Lu on her first adventure and discover your own best things about her!

My Thoughts: I love the Ruby Lu books! I admit I am a tad jealous of Lenore Look and her ability to write these books, as well as the Alvin Ho books. When I met her a long time ago, I was hoping some of her brilliance would rub off...

on my desk monday

I'm making an army of Pocket Pacys to put in the goodie bags of  this weekend's Dumpling Days Book Launch! Come and get one (you do NOT need a ticket)!!