tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39866910197402390632024-03-13T05:28:26.951-07:00Deborah Hodge's BlogWest Coast Writer: Musings from a Children's Author on Writing and Life from the Beautiful West Coast of CanadaDeborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.comBlogger348125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-1245908479315988102017-04-10T21:51:00.001-07:002017-04-10T21:51:23.216-07:00New Website!Well, it's a big change! I have a new website and it launched today.<br />
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I've been wanting to have a website that I could update myself and now I do, thanks to the good folks at Kits Media in Vancouver.<br />
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I am sad to bid farewell to my original website that had been built and maintained by the wonderful Carol at Third Planet Design in Toronto. It has been ten great years working with her — and of enjoying the lovely website she created for me.<br />
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But times and technology change, and I felt the need to challenge myself and learn how to operate and maintain a website I can update on my own.<br />
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On the new website (at the same address: www.deborahhodge.com), I will be posting my blog entries under the News section. Please visit me there, as this blog will now be retired. This is the last post here.<br />
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Thank you so much for reading along. See you at the new place!<br />
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Cheers!Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-58034673250010022282017-02-25T08:55:00.000-08:002017-02-25T09:04:09.712-08:00Forest of Reading<a href="http://www.karenreczuch.com/Artist.asp?ArtistID=34531&Akey=N7FHPS2F">Karen Reczuch</a> and I are thrilled that <i>West Coast Wild</i> is nominated on the Silver Birch Express list in the children's choice awards (Forest of Reading) being held in Ontario this spring. I have been receiving lots of Twitter posts from schools in the region and it is so much fun to see them!<br />
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Here are just a few:<br />
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You can find out more about the Forest of Reading <a href="http://www.accessola.org/web/OLA/Forest_of_Reading/OLA/Forest_of_Reading/Forest_of_Reading.aspx?hkey=e913abbb-1687-438d-bc68-64eda110aeb1">here</a> and the Silver Birch Express nominations <a href="http://www.accessola.org/web/OLA/Forest_of_Reading/Awards_Nominees/Silver_Birch_Express_Nominees.aspx">here</a>. Thank you to the Ontario Library Association for this wonderful initiative! It's great that kids and teachers have the opportunity to read and vote on so many books.<br />
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In May, Karen and I will travel to Toronto to take part in the festivities. We can hardly wait!<br />
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<br />Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-79969722612334724282017-01-22T09:08:00.001-08:002017-01-22T09:09:24.270-08:00Thank you, Roundtable!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Tuesday night, the Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada presented Karen Reczuch (illustrator) and I with the Information Book Award — honouring the year's "most outstanding" nonfiction book for children in Canada. It was given to us for <i><a href="http://houseofanansi.com/products/west-coast-wild">West Coast Wild: A Nature Alphabet</a>.</i><br />
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We couldn't be more thrilled or grateful! Thank you to the <a href="http://vclr.ca/">Roundtable</a> for this award and for establishing it all those years ago, highlighting the importance and value of nonfiction books for children. Thank you also to Kay Weisman, Chair of the award and to the jury who worked hard and read many books.<br />
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There was an amazing <a href="http://vclr.ca/2016-information-book-award-shortlist/">shortlist</a> this year — books that ranged in style, topic, diversity, art, design and age-group. Any one of the books was deserving of this special award! Karen and I were honoured to see our book in such exceptional company.<br />
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We are also thankful to our publisher, <a href="http://groundwoodbooks.com/">Groundwood</a> Books, who took a chance on what I thought was a regional manuscript, with limited appeal, and who allowed Karen and I to work together — something that is unusual in publishing these days. (Authors and illustrators are generally expected to communicate via their editor and art director, and not speak directly to one another.)<br />
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The presentation of our award at a celebration evening was lovely! Many of our friends in the children's writing and illustrating community were there.<br />
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Thank you to everyone involved. We are so appreciative!<br />
<br />Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-37333308923524883702017-01-03T07:50:00.001-08:002017-01-03T07:50:10.264-08:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here on the west coast, we are leaping into the New Year with snow and ice. It is unusual for us to have such a cold winter (we are accustomed to balmier temperatures) and we are muddling our way through it.<br />
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The big old trees in my neighbourhood are beautiful in their coats of white, but some have come tumbling down with a bang under the weight of the heavy snow. Watch out!<br />
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The side streets have not been cleared of ice and snow in a month, nor salted or sanded, and so driving (and walking!) remain somewhat treacherous — like navigating an ice rink in ballet slippers.<br />
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But we brave west-coasters carry on, and look forward to the beginning of a fresh and shiny New Year. We have high hopes that there will be many bright spots in the days ahead.<br />
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Wishing you a happy, healthy and productive 2017 — with many good books to read!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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<br />Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-40954129887714373052016-12-10T09:53:00.001-08:002016-12-10T09:53:53.618-08:00Warm Winter Greetings!On this snowy Vancouver day, it seems fitting to check in with Bear and his friends. What are they doing? Having a wonderful winter party in Bear's den!<br />
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Bear is serving his homemade honey-ginger cookies and huckleberry tarts. Chickadee is leading the singing and Fox is playing his harmonica. Soon all the happy forest animals are dancing round and round the den. What a fun way to welcome winter!<br />
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Bear and his friends hope you are having a lovely start to winter. Stay warm and dry! And enjoy your celebrations with family and friends.<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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And to learn more about Bear and his friends, please go<a href="http://houseofanansi.com/products/bears-winter-party"> here.</a></div>
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<br />Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-90056336966431123472016-11-07T14:40:00.000-08:002016-11-07T14:46:40.067-08:00On the West Coast...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">Thank you to the <a href="http://vclr.ca/information-book-award/">Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada</a> for choosing </span><i style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://houseofanansi.com/products/west-coast-wild">West Coast Wild </a></i><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">as the winner of the Information Book Award for 2016! I am thrilled and very grateful!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">This honour is shared with my marvellous co-creator, Karen Reczuch, whose gorgeous illustrations bring the book to life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 12px;">Karen and I were delighted to be in the company of so many wonderful books on this year’s shortlist, and we send congratulations to all! We also thank our publisher, <a href="http://groundwoodbooks.com/">Groundwood Books</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">We are so pleased to also be on the shortlist for both the <a href="http://www.accessola.org/web/OLA/Forest_of_Reading/Awards_Nominees/Silver_Birch_Express_Nominees.aspx">Silver Birch Express Award</a> and the<a href="http://www.chocolatelilyawards.com/2016/06/21/nominated-titles-for-2016-17/"> Chocolate Lily Award</a>, both children's choice awards. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 12px;">Thank you to everyone involved in these award programs!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">And now for something fun: Here's a photo of </span><i style="font-size: 12px;">West Coast Wild</i><span style="font-size: 12px;">, open to a page that shows the exact location and replica of the little cove on Mackenzie Beach that was the reference for the illustration. Thanks to <a href="http://www.crystalcove.ca/">Crystal Cove,</a> Tofino, BC for this wonderful image! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span>Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-38519260057126443892016-10-11T13:18:00.000-07:002016-10-11T13:19:17.302-07:00Beautiful Fall!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Like many writers, I love to walk!<br />
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I take a long stroll through my neighbourhood every day — to keep both body and mind in good working order. I often find that solutions to writing problems present themselves while I'm on foot in the fresh air.<br />
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And today? An extra gift! The sun was shining brightly against the backdrop of a clear blue sky and the trees overhead were spectacular in their glorious autumn colours. Here is a sample of what I saw.<br />
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It's fall on the west coast. What a wonderful time to be here!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
<br />Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-54055342755888777392016-09-22T16:05:00.000-07:002016-09-22T16:08:47.950-07:00Thank you, Eden Mills!Thank you to the wonderful town of Eden Mills, Ontario, for a marvellous weekend!<br />
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I'm just back from the Writer's Festival hosted in that glorious spot and it couldn't have been a better time. The setting is idyllic, under the sweeping trees and alongside the Eramosa River, with dozens of authors and poets reading their works to a most gracious and receptive crowd.<br />
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A few times over the weekend, I had to pinch myself to believe it was real.<br />
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The community (of about 350 people) pitch in to provide warm hospitality to the festival visitors and authors. A team of volunteers cooks and serves dinner to a great crowd of people on each of two nights, and serves up homemade pies for dessert. Not only that, but homemade champagne is poured!<br />
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What were the highlights? There are almost too many to count:<br />
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- delicious food<br />
- friendly volunteers<br />
- a gorgeous natural setting<br />
- sitting in the sunshine, listening to the authors and poets read their works<br />
- the making of new friends in the Canadian literary scene<br />
- catching up with old friends living across our vast country<br />
- the amazing young student, Samantha, who introduced me at my reading — the best introduction I've ever had! Thank you so much, Samantha!<br />
- the careful and competent organization of travel details, hotels and flights<br />
- the kindness and generosity of everyone I met<br />
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I could go on... but suffice it to say, it was a weekend I will always remember.<br />
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My sincere thanks to everyone involved in putting on the festival. I feel enormously privileged to have been invited! One day, I hope to return.<br />
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Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-61144851995117725182016-09-16T13:56:00.001-07:002016-09-16T13:56:46.205-07:00Eden Mills Writers FestivalTomorrow, I am on my way to a wonderful writer's festival held in the scenic hamlet of Eden Mills, Ontario. What a privilege to be invited!<br />
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If you'd like to find out who's speaking over the weekend, you can check this festival <a href="https://emwritersfestival.wordpress.com/">link</a>.<br />
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And here's a lovely piece of art showing the town and environs (borrowed from the Eden Mills <a href="http://edenmills.ca/">website</a>). I'm looking forward to spending the day on the banks of the Eramosa River.<br />
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I hear it's going to rain (but I don't mind — my umbrella is packed).<br />
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Back soon!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm28z6fz-E1bsuCXqSbKgKc62DGz3CVq3tisw1bOXrb250RAYEU4rkRJYwAqHjWyDxaGYcu4xWYo1MXPiTSgSbYw5jHoswfA9OKXZA04xKteqLxo9npd6AgZSv0vQeYoc_c2j4u0E_-9fq/s1600/EdenMillscolour-copy-section-2-1024x484.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm28z6fz-E1bsuCXqSbKgKc62DGz3CVq3tisw1bOXrb250RAYEU4rkRJYwAqHjWyDxaGYcu4xWYo1MXPiTSgSbYw5jHoswfA9OKXZA04xKteqLxo9npd6AgZSv0vQeYoc_c2j4u0E_-9fq/s640/EdenMillscolour-copy-section-2-1024x484.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-89286343010634053202016-09-06T09:01:00.000-07:002016-09-07T07:58:28.257-07:00Back to School WishesIn my part of the world, it is back-to-school day. I am thinking about all the children and teachers who are bravely returning to the classroom as the new school year unfolds.<br />
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I wish you all a successful and happy year, with much learning and many good books to read!<br />
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And if you are interested in finding out more about children and school, you might enjoy my friend Margriet Ruur's book, <a href="http://www.margrietruurs.com/books/school-days-around-the-world.html"><i>School Days Around the World</i></a>.<br />
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Have a fun first day! I'll be thinking about you.<br />
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<br />Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-9526774550507660922016-06-22T08:07:00.001-07:002016-07-01T15:51:44.980-07:00Summer's Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We made it! Summer is here and the schools are on hiatus until the fall. Children and teachers everywhere have earned a well-deserved holiday.</div>
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As for me, now that school visits have wound down for the year, I hope to find a little quiet writing time and finish a manuscript that's been patiently waiting. </div>
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Also in the plans, is a short family holiday by the ocean. I hope to see a lovely flock of sandpipers like these as I walk along the beach. </div>
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Thank you to Karen Reczuch for this wonderful illustration from our book, <i><a href="http://houseofanansi.com/products/west-coast-wild">West Coast Wild: A Nature Alphabet.</a> </i></div>
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Have a safe and happy summer! See you in September.</div>
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Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-83556257360091642782016-05-30T08:10:00.000-07:002016-05-30T10:17:12.141-07:00Finding Time...Lately I've been feeling the elusiveness of time. Where does it go and how does it move so quickly? It's always easy to let a busy schedule take over.<br />
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Thank goodness for the sage advice of both my father (also a writer) and poet, Jane Kenyon, who remind me that a writer must always (and sometimes ruthlessly) set aside time to write.<br />
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In the words of Jane Kenyon, "Be a good steward of your gifts. Protect your time. Feed your inner life. Avoid too much noise. Read good books, have good sentences in your ears. Be yourself as often as you can. Walk. Take the phone off the hook. Work regular hours."<br />
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And for a little while now, that is what I will strive to do.<br />
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Thank you to Jane and my dad for a great reminder!<br />
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<br />Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-14170534951584546752016-05-12T07:55:00.000-07:002016-05-12T13:29:01.370-07:00Celebrating Literacy with Vancouver SchoolsIt was a wonderful event yesterday at Shaughnessy Elementary, celebrating books with a big group of enthusiastic students from Vancouver schools.<br />
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The Vancouver Elementary Principals and Vice Principals Assocation (VEPVPA) chooses a book by a local author each year to donate to all Vancouver Schools. What an amazing show of support for literacy! And then students from every school, along with their teacher-librarians and school administrators, are invited to a celebration afternoon where they receive their book and get a chance to meet the author.<br />
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<a href="http://www.karenreczuch.com/">Karen Reczuch</a> and I were fortunate to have our book, <i><a href="http://houseofanansi.com/products/west-coast-wild">West Coast Wild</a>,</i> chosen this year. It is a such an honour and we are thrilled.<br />
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In addition to receiving a book, the children each get a chocolate gift and this year, it was in the shape of an orca whale (to match the ocean theme of our book). What fun!<br />
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Thank you so much to the VEPVPA for an amazing day and for their support of books for children in the schools!<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Here are the student greeters handing out books as each child entered the library.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">After the presentation, almost every student had a photograph taken with me. I loved meeting them all!</span></div>
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Here's me holding my chocolate orca.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">And here's the book that the VEPVPA kindly selected this year as their choice for all the Vancouver schools. Thank you so much to everyone involved!</span></div>
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Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-57004071725695823942016-05-10T09:21:00.001-07:002016-05-11T07:34:15.263-07:00Book Week!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's a big week here in Canada for booklovers. It's Canadian Children's Book Week!</div>
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Authors will tour every province and territory and share their new books with children in libraries and schools across the nation. It is a grand celebration of the amazing books that are created in our country. </div>
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From BC, my friend, <a href="http://sarahellis.ca/">Sarah Ellis,</a> is touring southern Saskatchewan (including Moose Jaw, place of my birth!) and another friend, <a href="http://www.margrietruurs.com/">Margriet Ruurs</a>, is visiting children in Ontario. A third colleague, <a href="http://www.maureenfergus.com/">Maureen Fergus</a>, from Manitoba, has gone all the way to Newfoundland! (Lucky her! I've always wanted to go there.) Each of these authors will delight kids with their inspiring and entertaining books.</div>
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And me? I'm happily staying home and looking forward to speaking to students and their teachers at Shaughnessy Elementary School tomorrow. I am thrilled that my book <i><a href="http://houseofanansi.com/products/west-coast-wild">West Coast Wild </a></i>has been chosen by the Vancouver Elementary Principals and Vice Principals Association as the book they will donate to all Vancouver schools this year. It is a wonderful honour and I am very grateful! You can read the announcement <a href="https://carriefroese.wordpress.com/2016/05/09/deborah-hodge-talks-the-craft-of-writing/">here</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoetwHOyAFRh5AqkjDBJmLELYVboXQ6AYBiOivY829KK6EpDT_5d3JEJorjftT-tMtkrpfl8d_TFDudhdkqcHCvubbfvIVeDk_WPUSz3lz8PT1Aa0VgHxYa1tCodpczz8tfP2hh7wy86_S/s1600/9781554984404_1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoetwHOyAFRh5AqkjDBJmLELYVboXQ6AYBiOivY829KK6EpDT_5d3JEJorjftT-tMtkrpfl8d_TFDudhdkqcHCvubbfvIVeDk_WPUSz3lz8PT1Aa0VgHxYa1tCodpczz8tfP2hh7wy86_S/s320/9781554984404_1024x1024.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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I hope you get a chance to read a Canadian children's book this week. They are some of the best in the world. Hooray for <a href="http://www.bookweek.ca/">Book Week</a>! (If you follow the link to Book Week, you can scroll down the page to read interviews from some of the touring authors.)</div>
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A big thank you to TD Canada and the Canadian Children's Book Centre for hosting this marvellous celebration of books and their creators. If you'd like to see the full list of authors and where they are touring, please go <a href="http://www.bookweek.ca/book-week/2016/on-tour">here</a>.</div>
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And another big thank you to the Vancouver Elementary Principals and Vice Principals Association for their marvellous support of literacy in the schools.</div>
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Happy Reading!</div>
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Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-66775474926195936582016-04-29T15:19:00.000-07:002016-05-06T07:45:28.718-07:00Questions, Questions...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been busy visiting schools over the last couple of months and have greatly enjoyed speaking to the students I've met.<br />
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Even though the schools varied from one another in size, tone, composition, and geographical location, there has been a striking similarity in their enthusiasm for books and stories. The students were keen readers and writers, and eager creators of their own work. And there were many amazing librarians who had done a sensational job of directing students to excellent reading material.<br />
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It has been heartening to see the high-spirited literacy in action.<br />
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I love question time with the children because I never know what they will ask.<br />
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At a recent school, one young student asked me how old I was when I started writing books. I told him. Then a second student asked how many years I had been a writer. I gave that answer too. Then someone burst out: "I know how old you are!" and announced my age.<br />
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"You don't look <i>that</i> old," another student said. I smiled and said thank you. And we quickly moved on to the next question. :-)<br />
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A virtual bouquet of flowers, and warm and sincere thanks to all the wonderful schools and teacher-librarians who invited me to visit this spring.<br />
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It's been a privilege to meet you all!<br />
<br />Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-42383379272402573342016-04-04T15:56:00.000-07:002016-04-05T07:21:38.596-07:00Congratulations to Groundwood Books!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
The children's book publishing world is a wonderful place, filled with warm, supportive people who are mutually appreciative of one another's work.<br />
<br />
One of the best groups of such people is found with my publisher, <a href="http://groundwoodbooks.com/">Groundwood Books</a>. And, today, they were recognized as the "Best Children's Publisher in North America" at the Bologna Book Fair.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.bolognachildrensbookfair.com/">Bologna Children's Book Fair </a>(held each year in Italy) is regarded as the world's biggest and most important children's book fair in the world. Receiving an honour here is highly prestigious!<br />
<br />
Congratulations to Groundwood, and to publisher, Sheila Barry, and to all the talented, hard-working people in this organization who collaborate to create such beautiful books for children!<br />
<br />
What a marvellous honour!<br />
<br />
<br />Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-40890246029460012922016-03-24T14:26:00.002-07:002016-04-02T08:55:03.281-07:00Spring Blossoms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just outside my living room window is a beautiful magnolia tree in full bloom. It is one of my favourite sights of spring. In fact, my whole neighbourhood is in blossom — shimmering pink and white trees on every street, bursting with colour and life. It is a magical time in the city!<br />
<br />
I like to take a long walk every day to energize my writing brain, and there is rarely a more inspirational sight than these gorgeous trees.<br />
<br />
Happy Spring to you all!<br />
<br />Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-14499495459379976442016-03-12T09:07:00.000-08:002016-03-12T09:09:52.574-08:00Happy Spring Break!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In my corner of the world, Spring Break has arrived, and the children and teachers have two weeks of well-deserved holidays.<br />
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At the wonderful schools I've been visiting recently, there's been evidence of much learning and hard work going on — by enthusiastic students and educators alike. Congratulations to all of you!<br />
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Have a lovely holiday! Enjoy the sunshine!<br />
<br />Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-59190103884379491702016-03-03T11:22:00.000-08:002016-03-03T11:24:45.194-08:00Thank you, Berkshire Park Elementary!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I was visiting a school last week and
enjoyed speaking with the students so much. Hello Berkshire Park Elementary!
Thank you for inviting me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The students had many great questions about
books and writing, and it was a real treat to talk with them. Some of the
questions that stood out were:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">When you write a manuscript and it doesn’t
get published, are you devastated? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">(Yes! — although this happens to every
writer, and we know it is part of the job. We trust our editors and publishers
to know when a manuscript is working or if it is right for them. And then we put that manuscript away in a drawer. We might go back to it later to see if we can improve it. But usually we start writing something new.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Did you always know you wanted to become a
writer?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">(No, but I always knew I loved books. When
my mother was expecting me to clean my bedroom or do other chores, she often
found me reading instead. Later in life, I discovered that kids who love to read
as much as I did, often become writers.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What about kids who love to draw?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">(They often become artists or book illustrators.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Which book of yours is your favourite?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">(This is always a hard question to answer. Every book is a favourite for some reason. But my current favourite is a book that will be published next September. It’s called <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Bears-Winter-Party-Deborah-Hodge/dp/1554988535"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bear’s Winter Party</i> </a>and is the story of
a lonely bear who wants to make friends.)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Do you make a lot of money?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">(About 5 cents on every book.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Whaaat??? You should make $50,000 on every
book!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">(That would be nice but it doesn’t happen
for most writers. Usually we have to work at other jobs to earn our living. We
write because we love to do it, not for the money we might be paid.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Can someone who is 10 years old publish a
book?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">(There aren’t many places to do that, but
you can have your stories or poems published at a website started by my friend
and author, Margriet Ruurs. It is called KidsWWwrite and you can email your
stories to: <a href="http://www.kalwriters.com/kidswwwrite">http://www.kalwriters.com/kidswwwrite</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Good luck to all the budding authors and illustrators
at Berkshire Park School, and everywhere else. There’s nothing more satisfying
than creating a piece of writing or art that you are proud of.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By the way, I loved seeing your stories in the display case just outside the library. Well done!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-35274608947635718622016-02-08T14:14:00.000-08:002016-02-08T16:36:35.691-08:00Happy Family Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here in beautiful British Columbia, we are celebrating Family Day — we know the rest of the country celebrates <i>next </i>Monday. But that's the way we are on the west coast: nonconformists!<br />
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It is a gorgeous, warm, sunny day (apologies to all of you with snow) and it feels like spring. I was out on a walk this morning and came across a marvellous field of purple crocuses. I've posted this photo not to gloat — but to marvel at the flowers blooming so early in the season.<br />
<br />
A lovely sight on Family Day!<br />
<br />Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-18255334967483721342016-02-03T10:55:00.000-08:002016-02-03T10:56:36.054-08:00Thank you, Crofton House!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just spent a lovely morning at<a href="http://www.croftonhouse.ca/"> Crofton House School</a> and wanted to say a sincere thank you to the teachers and students!<br />
<br />
It was wonderful to meet you all and to hear about the alphabet books that the Grade 6 students are creating. It was fun to talk about my own experience writing an <a href="http://houseofanansi.com/products/west-coast-wild">alphabet book</a> — and to say that they aren't as easy to write as they look. (Some of the students are also finding this out.) :-)<br />
<br />
I wish you the best of luck with your books and hope to see some of them when they are done.<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
<br />Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-10780757026572316752016-01-27T15:23:00.003-08:002016-02-03T10:42:36.381-08:00Reading Lights Program!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you happened to visit a library today, you will know it is Family Literacy Day. Hooray for families and books everywhere!<br />
<br />
I attended a kick-off event this morning to celebrate a wonderful new program, <i><a href="http://pwp.vpl.ca/readinglights/">Reading Lights</a></i>, that highlights the work of BC children's authors and illustrators. Lamp posts around the city now feature plaques displaying the works of local creators. Beautifully designed images can be found in 20 locations near parks, playgrounds, schools and libraries throughout Vancouver.<br />
<br />
Imagine my thrill to have a lamp post featuring one of my books! The plaque for <i><a href="http://www.kidscanpress.com/products/watch-me-grow">Watch Me Grow! A Down to Earth Look at Growing Food in the City</a></i> is at the northwest corner of Sunrise Park (near Rupert and 1st Ave.). It looks sensational! The talented <a href="http://www.brianharrisphotography.net/#home">Brian Harris </a>is the co-creator of this book, which features local urban gardens. He shot amazing colourful photographs of children and adults engaged in growing food right where they live.<br />
<br />
After the ceremony at the library, I zipped over to Sunrise Park to see the plaque and take a photo. It was a grey, rainy day in Vancouver so my friend and fellow author, <a href="http://www.tanyalloydkyi.com/">Tanya Lloyd Kyi</a>, took this photo on a sunnier day. Thank you, Tanya!<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Thank you to the </span><a href="http://www.vpl.ca/" style="text-align: left;">Vancouver Public Library</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and </span><a href="http://www.cwill.bc.ca/" style="text-align: left;">Cwill BC</a><span style="text-align: left;"> for such a lovely honour! </span></div>
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If you'd like to see the plaques, please check out the Reading Lights <a href="http://pwp.vpl.ca/readinglights/">website</a> to find the locations. Then take a tour!</div>
<br />Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-21555608023131935582016-01-12T10:36:00.000-08:002016-01-12T10:36:14.291-08:00The Mayor Reads!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86_ux0-yUej_s5V2IHyOmIM85FPmucSAYJZzeI6522M9qEgOBrzpEPfT7qMmy2192AkSxK0_ede_VVcnW-ha8MwRPeVkV01qudrbqQGDyW-nLNJlUxtUPCoyBtRO1RxnxgzchYkLMfCP5/s1600/9780887766329.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86_ux0-yUej_s5V2IHyOmIM85FPmucSAYJZzeI6522M9qEgOBrzpEPfT7qMmy2192AkSxK0_ede_VVcnW-ha8MwRPeVkV01qudrbqQGDyW-nLNJlUxtUPCoyBtRO1RxnxgzchYkLMfCP5/s320/9780887766329.jpeg" width="252" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Mayor of Edmonton, Don Iveson, has a
wonderful program for children called “The Mayor Reads.” Each month, he selects
a book to read to an enthusiastic audience of kids. The reading is videotaped
and posted on the city’s website. Imagine my surprise to find out that one of
my books <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/81037/emmas-story#9780887766329">Emma’s Story</a></i> had been
selected for January. What a wonderful way to start the New Year! If you’d like
to see the video, please go <a href="http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/city_organization/mayor/mayor-reads.aspx">here</a>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And let’s give a big round of applause
to the mayor and his inspiring literacy initiative!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-79277406798671525762015-12-31T09:04:00.000-08:002015-12-31T09:04:10.903-08:00Happy New Year!Sending you my best west coast wishes for a happy and healthy 2016. May your year be full of family and friends — and many good books to read!<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsdi3x_hOrXOtmOUBXcmR5NWMqzM2uC_sBk3NfvGYydqwPg1ilOZIuccclAywHDZvUFpy9_QbR5v0KXTqhFRrwjE258LINs1flmTG9AHoBc1EQsXCaN51s7359FE1r2ex8_ev-tBnsGB_/s1600/chestermanbeachsouthtofino140417.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsdi3x_hOrXOtmOUBXcmR5NWMqzM2uC_sBk3NfvGYydqwPg1ilOZIuccclAywHDZvUFpy9_QbR5v0KXTqhFRrwjE258LINs1flmTG9AHoBc1EQsXCaN51s7359FE1r2ex8_ev-tBnsGB_/s400/chestermanbeachsouthtofino140417.jpg" width="400" /></a>Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3986691019740239063.post-36298799554902694362015-12-17T11:46:00.000-08:002015-12-17T16:55:01.858-08:00Happy Holidays!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePMwXN62R0XE1bAI4_lNQu80pzNnioe6FQLq50h5_LrIwHpcKcostwZYxfdaRFLwwqmCZhpmH4H1P6BtFZSNJ6cb6ZcbGj0VgXlnnOlBgB_TozlMQaKEht8OuzMtjJfOJQLwCv6fGXow4/s1600/Unicef.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePMwXN62R0XE1bAI4_lNQu80pzNnioe6FQLq50h5_LrIwHpcKcostwZYxfdaRFLwwqmCZhpmH4H1P6BtFZSNJ6cb6ZcbGj0VgXlnnOlBgB_TozlMQaKEht8OuzMtjJfOJQLwCv6fGXow4/s400/Unicef.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I love this image of children around the world holding hands. (It is from the Unicef calendar.) What a lovely sentiment — one full of promise and hope.<br />
<br />
The holiday season is upon us and, in my part of the world, school closes tomorrow for the winter break. (I can hear the children cheering from here.)<br />
<br />
As the festivities get underway, I wish you a very happy time with family and friends, and a promising, hopeful start to the New Year!<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
<br />Deborah Hodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260010336847335997noreply@blogger.com0