UP!–Princeton Children’s Book Festival 2016!

gregs-poster

Poster Art by Greg Pizzoli

It may have been a drizzly morning, but it didn’t dampen the mood and prep for what would be yet another abundantly successful 2016 Princeton Children’s Book Festival. This being my fourth year attending, with each festival I’ve become a more seasoned veteran, leading to my being that much more organized.

Last year was the first year I’d figured out, before hand, which books I was going to buy because there’s a “pocketbook problem” when you “buy on the fly.” If I hadn’t narrowed it down, I would’ve given into purchasing ALL the books I wanted! Having had that color-coded (tents), numbered (tables) strategy in place, I executed the same thing this year, only this time my charts were even more refined to help the day go as smoothly as possible. And, yes, I know how persnickety I am with such things  😉 . Also, I have to include my standard apology for the “less than clear” photos. There are only a few! 🙂 Continue reading

UP!–Writers’ Conference Nerves–and NO-NOs!

SCBWI-GirlwithKiteThis past weekend was our always anticipated, ever energetic, inevitably incomparable, annual NJ SCBWI Conference 😀 It is an event I look forward to and can’t bear to miss. During my many years of involvement with our New Jersey Chapter, I’ve been blessed to have gained many friends in the KidLit community, one of them being pal and KidLit guru, Tara Lazar. If you’re a KidLit-er and are not familiar with Tara and her blog—Writing for Kids (While Raising Them)—you should be! One of the many things she is noted for, besides her writing talent, is having founded PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) 😎 .

 

Now post-conference, many of us are inspired to write about it in one way or another. Since I barely snapped any photos (though Robin Newman did!), I figured I’d pass on blogging about it this year, but then Continue reading

UP!–November 2015 Forecast? It’s Raining PICTURE BOOKS!

Picture Book Month-Celebration Logo

 

It’s no secret that I ADORE the printed Picture Book format! Thanks to Dianne de Las Casas, we set aside November to celebrate it 😀

 

 

As it will be from this year forward, I’m throwing up this timely reminder with up-to-date links for you other picture book lovers so you don’t miss out on all the GREAT stuff going Continue reading

UP!–The Afterglow of Our 2015 NJSCBWI Conference :D

SCBWI-GirlinChairwithDog

I’ve said it many times before and I’ll say it again: KidLit events are WONderful! For me, spending time around kindred spirits, regardless of what we’re doing, is very energizing, uplifting, inspirational and just plain FUN!

I’m a big believer in research and being super-organized for an event of this magnitude and importance (certainly for me), and this year I had the added task of creating a new dummy book. I had less time to do it than I would’ve liked, including the development of 9 characters, but I’m happy to report I did finish and was able to Continue reading

UP!–Celebrating the Format of PRINT PICTURE BOOKS!

Picture Book Month-Celebration LogoIn case you weren’t aware—IT’S PICTURE BOOK MONTH! I’ve been heavily involved in the Kidlit World of Picture Books for decades now, but hadn’t known of this more-than-worthwhile celebration ’til last year when I got more immersed in Twitter and social media. And OH, what a celebration it is! Continue reading