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Allen & Unwin opens Friday Pitch to kidlit/YA writers

Publisher Allen & Unwin recently opened up their Friday Pitch to children’s/YA writers. Before making your pitch, make sure you read through all the guidelines carefully. They’re not accepting pitches for picture book texts, for example, or poetry or short stories.



Interview: Hazel Mitchell & HIDDEN NEW JERSEY (Post a comment to be entered in the prize draw!)

Today, I’m delighted to interview my Pixel Shavings friend, children’s book illustrator and writer Hazel Mitchell, about her newest project. Published by Charlesbridge/Mackinac Island Press, HIDDEN NEW JERSEYis a new book written by Linda Barth and illustrated by Hazel. The book is packed with historical, cultural and fun facts about New Jersey shared in rhyming narrative . . .



One Of My Favourite New SCBWI Friends: Mike Curato

Still catching up from my week-long trip in NYC. I’ve decided I’m more likely to actually post about the event if I write up some shorter pieces rather than attempt one mega-long report. So here’s my first! I love making new friends at these events, which is one reason I . . .





Google+ Hangout with my SCBWI Illustration Mentee Pals

Just had a great Google+ Hangout with my fellow SCBWI Illustration Mentee pals (Class of 2010): Kimberly Gee, Eliza Wheeler and John Deininger. Andrea Offermann tried to join us, but unfortunately had browser issues. 🙁 It was great to be able to catch up with what we’re each doing in our children’s book illustration and writing projects, plus . . .



Video: For Joy Of Books

Sean and Lisa Ohlenkamp of TYPE Books (one of my favourite bookstores in Toronto) spent “many sleepless nights moving, stacking, and animating books at TYPE” to put together this amazing video.



GUEST POST: Hazel Mitchell on the creation of her picture book ebook with UTales

GUEST POST: Hazel Mitchell on the creation of her picture book ebook with UTales Hazel Mitchell is the illustrator of several books for children, including ‘How to Talk to an Autistic Kid’ (Books for a Better Life Finalist 2012),‘Hidden New Jersey’ from Charlesbridge/Mackinac Island Press 2012, and the ‘All Star Cheerleader’ . . .



THE F&Gs FOR “I’M BORED” JUST ARRIVED!!!!

MY F&Gs for I’M BORED JUST ARRIVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Apologies for all the exclamation marks BUT I CAN’T HELP IT!!!!! Good thing the delivery guy had walked away by the time I ripped open the package, else he would have heard me screaming (or seen me jumping up and down). Laurent added embossing and . . .