Behind the Scenes... A New Book

Not being a "centre-stage" kind of gal, I am feeling a bit shy about this, but here goes.

Today, my lovely publisher, Groundwood Books, has posted a guest blog by moi that is a behind-the-scenes look at how my new book West Coast Wild was created. You can read about my "Thelma and Louise" style trip to the far west coast of Vancouver Island with the amazing (and fun!) illustrator, Karen Reczuch.

Here's the link: Groundwood Guest Post.

Hope you enjoy it.

(Going back into hiding now.)

Back to School!

It is September and in my part of the world, today is the first school day of the year. I'm thinking about all the children and teachers who are gathering in their classrooms, full of enthusiasm and good cheer.

My friend, Margriet Ruurs, has written a wonderful book called School Days Around the World. The charming image above of students arm-in-arm is from the book and created by illustrator, Alice Feagan.

As a writer and speaker, Margriet has travelled around the world, visiting many countries and presenting in dozens of international schools. She has friends everywhere! And she knows what school is like in a myriad of places.

To find out more about schools in other parts of the world, I recommend picking up a copy of her book and sharing it with the young children in your life.

And if you are back at school this fall, I send my very best wishes for a happy and productive year!

Thank you, Munro's Books!

Imagine my surprise (and delight!) upon checking into my Facebook page and seeing a lovely post from Munro's Books — the iconic bookstore in Victoria, BC and one of my favourite bookstores in the world.

Here's what I saw:

"We just adore this gorgeous coastal picture book from Groundwood Books. Filled with stunning art and descriptions of our flora and fauna, this alphabet book makes us feel lucky to live here."

Thank you so much, Munro's Books! I feel lucky to live here too. I hope to visit your wonderful bookstore soon.

Cheers!