Aloha, Friends,
I’m super excited, no, make that stoked, to share the news about my upcoming picture book featuring a skateboarding scaredy cat! Thank you Tamar Brazis, Courtney Code, Daniel Wiseman and Emily Wood Mitchell!
Here’s today’s announcement from Publisher’s Weekly:
With aloha,
Anne
Aloha, friends,
It’s been a while since I’ve said hi. I’ve been writing away and hope, hope, hope to share happy publishing news soon.
The temperatures are climbing here in Austin and it’s a bright, sunshiny day. I’m keeping a lookout for my first bluebonnet sighting. And I’m thinking that I’ll see one this next week.
In the meantime, I’m all about reading (mostly research-related books and articles) and revising and Spring Break!
Mahalo,
Anne
Aloha, friends,
My DREAM school visit happened last week at Kamehameha Schools Hawai`i campus. It was truly a privilege and honor of a lifetime to speak at home about my book set in the islands. Mahalo nunui to Carmen Oliver, Kapua Helm, and all of the staff and students at the school for making it such an extraordinarily special day. I was overwhelmed (in a good way) by all of the aloha. Before I began my presentations to 2nd-8th graders I was greeted with song and lei. So, yes, I was weepy. But I found a way to compose myself so I could speak. I wish I could have stayed all week. We are ohana (family) now. And I can’t wait to return.
Always,
Anne
Aloha, friends,
I took my first ukulele lesson last night. And LOVED it! Here is a picture of my new uke. I named her Hana.
Happy reading and summering to all.
Always,
Anne
Aloha, friends,
I received the BIGGEST thank you card ever, along with a host of individual notes from a recent school visit!
Here’s a picture of it along with one of the letters:
The letter reads: “Thank you for sharing your life’s journey with us I loved it. My favorite part was about the school. I never knew there was a school where you don’t have to wear shoes. I’d love that school to be mine. But I’m sticking with Kocurek. I love the story. Sincerely,___”
For context: I mentioned that back in the day, students in Hawaii were not required to wear shoes to school until seventh grade.
School visits are the BEST! As is hearing from readers!
Always,
Anne
Aloha, friends,
I had a fabulous visit today with the 3rd and 4th graders at Kocurek Elementary School! Mahalo nui loa, thank you very much, librarian, Connie Hicks, students, teachers, and ProjectWISE! You made my day!
Always,
Anne
Aloha, friends,
I’m excited about presenting to educators at the upcoming TALE Conference this weekend! And hear the other authors and speakers.
I hope to see some of you there!
Always,
Anne
Aloha, friends,
Happy New Year to all!
I started off the year reading three fabulous books. I highly recommend these middle grade titles:
Book Uncle and Me by Uma Krishnaswami
Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk
Gertie’s Leap of Greatness by Kate Beasley
Happy reading,
Anne
Aloha, Friends,
If you are looking for family-friendly event, please join me and three other author buddies, Emma Virján, Liz Garton Scanlon and Susie Kralovansky for two hours of reading/storytime fun at the Austin Steam Train Association Railyard, in conjunction with Leander ISD and Cedar Park Library. Tour the historic train cars, meet a pet therapy dog, participate in coloring activities and more.
Click HERE for all the details.
Always,
Anne
Aloha, Friends,
I’m overjoyed! ANYWHERE BUT PARADISE is a 2016 WILLA Literary Award finalist in the Children’s/Young Adult Fiction & Nonfiction category! Mahalo nui loa, thank you very much Women Writing the West for this lovely honor!
Always,
Anne