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Debbie’s Blog

Welcome to my new blog, which now includes content from many of the blogs I’ve created over the years. You can now also access content via category from this one page instead of having to search for my individual blogs, which were scattered over various platforms and websites.


A Purple Squirrel??

Thanks to France Andrews Zeve for directing me to this bizarre story of purple squirrels. Though I still can’t help but think this photo was Photoshopped. Too strange!




Squirrel/Chipmunk Softie: Deceptively Cute

Cuuute glove squirrel/chipmunk! Thanks to Alice Ching-Chew for the image. My only fear: This depiction of squirrels gives people the mistaken impression that squirrels are cute and loveable while downplaying their Evil Horde World Domination aspect. I did some hunting around, and it looks as if the image is from Happy . . .



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 . . .



A (Disturbing) Squirrel’s Guide To Fashion

Thanks to Christie Harkin for alerting me to this disturbing slide show on the Time Life website. Apparently a woman in the 40’s actually adopted a squirrel and dressed it up in various costumes. Eek!



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 . . .