Chicken in Progress

Hi!

For the last month or two, I have been working on the final art for Interrupting Chicken, forthcoming next year from Candlewick. This is without a doubt the most complex book I've done so far. Things are going well, but I am still pecking away. Here's a sneak peek while I shirk work (for a moment)!

See ya in the studio,
David

Just One More Book Interview

Hi all,

Back in November I was glad to be part of a really lovely conversation with YA author Jeanne Birdsall, illustrator Jane Dyer, and author/illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka, at Jeanne's house. It was moderated and recorded by Mark Blevis of Just One More Book.

We all talked about our love of books and how we got into the business, shared some laughs (and ate some delicious pound cake). Now it's been edited, snazzy jazz has been added, and you can hear it here! [Just scroll down to April 14 (Rock Stars of Reading 7).]

Listening brought back warm memories of a cold night in Massachusetts.

See ya in the podcasts,
David

'Roo the Day!

Hey folks, my new book Pouch! (the saga of a young kangaroo who takes his first hops) is now available for pre-order on Amazon. It won't be shipped till September, tho'. But just thought I'd let ya know.

See ya in the meadow,
David

Ohio Kids Love Monster Hug!

Happy Spring,

I just found out Monster Hug! (Putnam, 2007) has been nominated for the Buckeye Book Award. School children in Ohio do the nominating, so it truly is a people's-choice type of award. Way to go Monster Hug!

I feel like my books are my children, and MH!, ya done me proud. True it's up against four very fine books in the k-2 category. But just being nominated is great—it means kids all over Ohio will be reading the book so they can vote for a winner.

Read about the award and nominees here.

Read about buckeyes here.

See you under the buckeye tree,
David

BRINGING NICE BACK!

Hello me hearties,

Just got a heads-up from Ellen Shave, one of my favorite librarians, about a really fun review of The Nice Book in the School Library Journal blog. It's written by Diane Chen, and is entitled "Bringing Nice Back." Great title. Apparently the book turns little boys nice. And builds kids' vocab. Wow.

Thanks to Diane and to Ellen!
Nice.

See ya in the nice column,
David

SHPIEL!

Hi, gang!

Just finished a new play poster for The National Yiddish Theatre, Folksbiene. They've even gone so far as to animate it for their banner. Very cool. They are the oldest and preeminent Yiddish theater in the US. The new show features 3 brand-new short plays by Oscar-and-Golden-Globe-nominated author Murray Schisgal, who wrote "Tootsie". Learn more on their web site!

See ya in the front row,
David

Better than Rocky, As good as Karate Kid

Howdy snow angels,

While we're weathering the storm here in the Northeast I thought I'd post this very funny and star-studded video. My pal Jarrett J. Krosoczka created and stars in a story of writers block, struggle, and ultimately, triumph. Enjoy!


BOOK BY BOOK: the making of a monkey man from Jarrett Krosoczka on Vimeo.

See you in the snowdrifts,
David