August 30th I’ll be speaking at the yearly conference of the Children’s and Young People’s Division of the Indiana Library Federation. I  am looking forward to meeting folks as well as catching up with many wonderful children’s librarians I’ve crossed paths with during my Indiana travels. Psst… I’ve got some great book news to share, too.  Hint: many of you have had a “taste” of this work in progress.

Just back from speaking at the wonderful Picture Perfect Science workshop in Ohio.

Recently got a peek at my new book, Feb 2011 release: IF YOU’RE HOPPY, illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic, published by Greenwillow. It’s humorous fiction, a read aloud for the very youngest and fun for preschool/K story hour.  Jackie and Greenwillow did an amazing job producing this book; it just feels yummy in some essential way. I’m thrilled.

Meet me at the International Reading Association (IRA) National Conference in Chicago!

Monday April 26th, 2-3 p.m. Signing at Henry Holt booth

Tuesday April 27th, 9-10 a.m. Signing at Charlesbridge booth

Thank you to Isabel Baker at the Book Vine, who hosted me at DVAEYC, the Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children, where I spoke last week. (Philadelphia was awesome!) Isabel specializes in children’s books perfect for the youngest students and the educators who work with them. Her business is in Illinois but she ships far and wide.

Here are three recordings I made in Panama. Just click on the call and a sound player will come on screen. You can also hear toucans grinding their bills and parrots flying past in these recordings. Sharp ears might hear hummingbirds clicking and other tropical forest birds calling.

Howler call

Howler call2

Howler call3

Trout Are Made of Trees has been nominated for the 2011 Grand Canyon Reader Award so lots of AZ schoolchildren will be reading it next school year. Hooray!