Minneapolis Meetup

How to Turn Your Business Trip into a Social Media Experience inspired me to let readers know that I am taking a trip to Minneapolis in just a few weeks.

Not that I typically like to turn my personal vacations into business trips, but since I'm heading home (birthplace: St. Paul, MN) to visit friends and family (without my son), I'm looking to keep busy during the day since most of these people will be at work.

Anyone close enough to the Twin Cities who is interested in meeting up for lunch? Please let me know. I'm going to be arriving on Monday, August 18th and heading back to San Diego on the 23rd.

Young Readers (& Writers)

I spent last week in Minneapolis, representing Kane/Miller at the national conference for the Public Library Association.

Actually, I stayed in St. Paul (where I was born and raised) with my parents. My son traveled with me to experience the meaning of Spring: watching the final bits of snow and ice melt.

We flew from San Diego on the same flight as Brian Selznick, author/illustrator of award-winning The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Brian, my son and I, and a hand full of other travelers spent almost that entire day in the San Diego airport as our 8:45am flight was delayed by nearly five hours.

Brian, on top of the fact that he is a brilliant illustrator and a fabulous storyteller, is also a great individual. He was genuinely interested as my son showed him how his toy worked and explained the fundmanetals of having a car that changes into a robot. I have a great respect for anyone who takes the time to listen to a child - especially when one is waiting at the airport.

While at PLA, I purchased two signed copies of one of Jon Scieszka's new books - one for my son, the other for my nephew. They both loved the book, of course.

After explaining to my son how lucky he is to have such a wonderful library of books (some of which he has yet to grow into) and the opportunity to meet authors and illustrators, it occurred to me that it might be something he can comprehend just yet.

But, as he often does, my son surprised me. Last night at dinner, he announced out of the blue, "When I am a grown-up, I'm going to write a story and there's going to be NO pictures."

I can't wait.

K/M Kidlit Drink Nites

Now that our conference schedule is posted online for the first half of 2008, I'd like to request that those of you attending the following events Save the Date for an official Kane/Miller Kidlit Drink Nite.

Illustration from Jukebox PLA - Minneapolis, MN Wednesday, March 26th IRA - Atlanta, GA Wednesday, May 7th BEA - Los Angeles, CA Thursday, May 29th ALA - Anaheim, CA Friday, June 27th Details and venues will be announced on the official invites which will be posted to the K/M Kidlit blog.

Double Double Sports Sunday

Talk turned to sports on more than one occasion this evening, amongst more than one circle of peers. First we discussed hockey when I was introduced to a publishing representative from Minneapolis. Quickly the conversation turned to the NFL (it is Sunday) and before I know it, we're discussing sports in different parts of the world and how the rules, equipment and even names vary.

It isn't something I think much about, but once it was pointed out to me, the sports that are represented in some of our picture books serve as yet another reminder of the similarities and differences between cultures and communities around the globe.

From England

Hit the Ball Duck
by Jez Alborough

From Australia

The Team series
Written by David Bedford
Illustrated by Keith Brumpton

From Australia

Could a Tyrannosaurus Play Table Tennis?
by Andrew Plant

And speaking of differences, do you know what you would get if you ordered a coffee double double North of the border? I drink my coffee black but if you're heading to Canada, you may want to study up on the lingo before you head to the nearest coffee shop.

Chi-Town

Driving along Lake Shore Drive, seeing Navy Pier lit up at night and witnessing the construction of the new Trump Tower reminds me of what it is I love about Chicago. It is beautiful, clean and always full of energy.

People here have a Midwestern charm and although my Midwest accent has of course come out since spending the last few days with my big sis, I've enjoyed the reminder of my youth and spending time in the city during winter, as the holiday season approaches.

Last night we had dinner at the Green Zebra on Chicago Avenue. It is a swank little place with a vegetarian menu. The food was amazing, the wine was fantastic and sharing a dinner out with my sister was priceless.

This evening, my sister and I are meeting Anne Levy from Book Buds for dinner. We're going to head over to McCormick and Schmick's Fresh Seafood Restaurant on Wacker Drive.

Anne is also the co-founder of the Cybils (Children's & YA Bloggers' Literary Awards). This year is the second year of this annual independent book award which we're pleased to have three books nominated for (so far):

From South Korea

My Cat Copies Me
by Yoon-duck Kwon


From Japan
The Story of Cherry the Pig
by Utako Yamada

From Australia
Samsara Dog
by Helen Manos
Illustrated by Julie Vivas

What's so great about this award is that it's reader-nominated. Readers, whether they're parents, educators, book reviewers, librarians or professionals (in any industry), can nominate titles for this award. You'll find the growing list of nominated titles on the Cybils blog under each category:

• Fantasy and Science Fiction
  
• Fiction Picture Books
  
• Graphic Novels
  
• Middle Grade Fiction
  
• Nonfiction: Middle Grade and Young Adult
  
• Nonfiction Picture Books
  
• Poetry
  
• Young Adult Fiction

Nominate your favorite titles today, but make sure you read the rules first!