October 9, 2011 In art, books & stuff, children's books, design, illustration, words and language By Patricia Saxton

Book Signing at Wittenberg University

My years at Wittenberg University were among life’s best. So I’m psyched to be heading back to my Alma Mater this month for Homecoming Weekend ~ this time to sign books, instead of study them! Here are the details:

Saturday, October 22  /  10:00 – 11:00 am  /  Wittenberg Bookstore

The timing coincides perfectly with my newest release, 52 Weeks of Peace.  They’re also stocking my 2 children’s books, a toy, and a sampling of fun merchandise. (btw, you might want to check out my “where in the world is peace?” campaign, and join in!). And how cool that Dr. Kinnison is scheduled to sign his work from 11-12. I’m certainly in good company.

 

Ohio people (and Wittenbergers in general) are one of the nicest collective bunches on the planet, and one of the main reasons I chose Wittenberg way back when. So if you can, please stop by and say hello. I’d love to see you!

Patricia Saxton book-signing  /  Saturday, October 22, 2011  /  10:00 – 11:00 am  /  Wittenberg University Bookstore, 734 Woodlawn Ave, Springfield, Ohio  /  (937) 327-7457  

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July 7, 2011 In animation, art, children's books, creativity, design, illustration, imagination, presentation, skill By Patricia Saxton

"The Lost Thing": Awesome Children's Book ~ Fabulous Film

I love this! It’s just superb, and completely delightful, from the great artist/author Shaun Tan.

With good reason, The Lost Thing won Best Animated Short Film at this year’s 83rd Academy Awards. And there’s an extra bonus ~ because the behind-the-scenes telling of how the film’s sounds are created is a fascinating treat of its own. In the video below, supervising Sound Editor/Sound Designer John Kassab shares his experience working on this animated treasure.

Very cool stuff all around. Enjoy!

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April 23, 2011 In appreciation, books & stuff, children's books, words and language By Patricia Saxton

Love a Picture Book

I love it when a friend shares something good. And this is good!

Somehow I’d missed this piece from the New York Times. Missed the whole story. Apparently, back in October (2010) the Times posted an article called “Picture Books No Longer a Staple for Children”.

But kids and teachers know better, and they let the Times know it in a big, wonderful way.

Instigated by Lynne Sundstrom, a Teacher/Librarian at California’s Birch Lane Elementary School, February 2011 was designated “Love a Picture Book Month”.

The students (enrollment 600) read 4590 picture books that month, then sent a letter along with a signed, 15-foot scroll to the NY Times editor as proof that picture books not only matter, but are enjoyed and are essential for learning and development.

Bravo Ms. Sundstrom! And cheers to the Times for posting this testament to the students, families, school staff and all the fantastic picture books that make a lasting difference.

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April 6, 2011 In children's books, creativity, work and play By Patricia Saxton

All in a Day's Work

So, I’m barreling along today, putting the final touches on a website, creating mastheads, writing copy, polishing a logo, scheduling meetings … and then I see this:

And I think, how fantastic! It’s from my talented publisher Mary, at Shenanigan Books. She’s very crafty, that one ~ in all the right ways.

She’s also started a new blog with features about the company’s growing flock of authors and illustrators, news about their books, happenings in the world of publishing, and a special Kid’s Page showcasing easy-to-do craft projects, ideas for young authors and illustrators, plus science and nature activities. Head on over now and you’ll find instructions for making a fairy house as beautiful as this one!

So even though writing this up added one more unexpected thing to my to-do list, it made my day. (Because as you surely know, I have a thing for fairies.) Hope it brightens yours as well!

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April 5, 2011 In books & stuff, children's books, words and language By Patricia Saxton

Easter Goodies

It’s almost time for fancy bonnets, colored-egg hunts and chocolate bunnies … which gave me an idea!

How about a literary treat for the young ones’ Easter Baskets? Yes! Fill it up with chocolates, and pink and yellow peeps, tie it with a bow ~ then add something that can be enjoyed long after the last bit of bunny has hopped away.

Naturally, I think the books and toy shown above would be excellent choices  :  ) (and you can find the links to buy them on my books page) ~ but there’s a whole world of great books out there for kids. I’m a huge (HUGE) advocate of children reading (actually, I’m big on everyone reading) … reading to them, reading with them, and when they’re able to read on their own, appreciating their joy at discovering new worlds through words and pictures.

So think about it. Slip a special book inside a child’s Easter basket this year. Really, chocolate AND books? It’s a win-win.

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