Thursday, April 28, 2011

FOR THE LOVE OF STRANGERS Goes to College

Students in Corning Community College’s Children’s Literature course got some unexpected help with their class book project when author Jackie Horsfall popped in. Jackie brought along a show-and-tell bag full of her 18 published books and foreign editions, magazine stories, examples of galley proofs, and talked about the inspiration behind her debut novel For the Love of Strangers.

The class had recently discussed YA magical realism,  read several Printz and Newbery award-winning books, and bombarded her with questions: How long does it take to write a novel? How do you find an illustrator? What’s your favorite genre?  Do you have an agent? What do writers earn? 

She also gave the class pointers on creating their class project—an illustrated picture book—and their individual book projects. At the end of the class period, Jackie was invited back for the party at the end of the semester, with the unveiling of their own books.

And if you haven't had a chance to read Jackie's wonderful tale of a teen adopted from a Russian orphanage as a child, you'll want to pick up a copy of your own. As Patricia Hermes (award-winning author of You Shouldn’t Have to Say Goodbye, Mama, Let’s Dance, and Dear America/My America series) says:
“For the Love of Strangers instantly drew me into this poignant tale of a Russian adoptee, then continued to intrigue as it masterfully interwove threads of past and present into a haunting, lyrical novel that echoes in the heart and mind long after the pages are closed.”

Interior and cover art by award-winning artist, Mary B. Kelly.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Canadian Book Week

To celebrate Canadian book week, we're featuring our Canadian authors and illustrators.

TAKE 2--

Next up is our award-winning, Canadian graphic artist, Val Cox...

Val is responsible for the cool and edgy designs in two of our paranormal books, Freaksville and Under My Skin. Watch for more of Val's work in upcoming books.

Here are a few of Val's designs:



Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Canadian Book Week

To celebrate Canadian book week, we're featuring our Canadian authors and illustrators this week. First up is Canadian author Judith Graves. Judith is the author of the Skinned Series. Her first book, Under My Skin, was a recommended read by the Canadian library journal, CM.

A singer, songwriter, author, library tech... Judith is multi-talented.

 To see Judith in action, here are a few videos you can check out. And be sure to visit her website.
 





And here's a bit more about her books...




Praise for Under My Skin

"Under My Skin is a roller-coaster romp through a supernatural world filled with scary beasties, otherworldly magic, and characters you'll root for. Eryn is a tough but likable protagonist whose paranormal problems make a compelling story full of mystery, magic, action and romance. A fun and engaging read. I'm looking forward to the sequel."
~Rosemary Clement-Moore, award-winning author of Prom Dates from Hell, Hell Week, Highway to Hell and The Splendor Falls
"...fans of paranormal YA fiction will appreciate a protagonist with attitude and anticipate the next volume in the planned trilogy, Second Skin, to be released in 2011. Recommended."
~CM Magazine, The Manitoba Library Association
Book 2 in the series, Second Skin, will come out this year.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Winner at Princess Bookie

Congratulations to the winner of an autographed copy of Stakeout by Bonnie J. Doerr in the Princess Bookie Contest Craze.

Be sure to watch for the giveaway of For the Love of Strangers by Jacqueline Horsfall coming soon in the contest.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Be a Winner...

If you haven't been keeping up with KidLit for Japan, they have many wonderful items on offer. Bid to aid Japan. Two Leap Books authors have autographed copies of their books &/or swag up for auction. Watch for Bonnie J. Doerr's two book set, which begins today. Get copies of Island Sting and Stakeout.





Also up this week is stuff from author Judith Graves...