Where to begin? Winter is just beginning to wind down here, although not as quickly as everyone would probably like. It's still terribly cold but I've noticed the birds are chirping a little differently, so I am assuming they know something I don't.I am trying desperately to adjust to this new schedule, while also keeping some quiet time so I can make some art. My
correspondence has been lacking, but I'm trying to do the best I
can.
Philip and I have just returned from Madison, Wisconsin where he accepted a Charlotte Zolotow Honor for the writing of A Sick Day for Amos McGee. The winner of the award was Rukhsana Kahn for the writing of The Big Red Lollipop, who we had the pleasure of meeting and sharing a couple of meals with. Philip made a little speech, which was far better than the Caldecott acceptance speech I have been trying to write out. I was envious, but with love and pride as well.
We were hosted by the Cooperative Children's Book Center. I'm not sure I've met a nicer, more dedicated group of people. They were incredibly generous towards Philip and I, and I hope we made a decent impression. It was obviously an interesting weekend to visit Madison and talk with teachers and librarians. To be honest, it was difficult to see such devoted people having to defend their jobs and positions.
A photo from our sunny, warm trip to Madison.
The kind people at the CCBC showed us the original manuscript for The Westing Game. It was a breathless moment. They were so generous with their time and it was great to just talk about books for a couple of hours.
Well, I am off to draw a little. I'd encourage anyone who loves books to order a copy of the CCBC Choices publication. It's a great resource, and I think if I were a teacher or homeschooler, this would be an outstanding purchase.
Phil and I will be at Nicola's Books tomorrow night (Tuesday), March 8th, at 6pm for a signing. If you're in the area, please come by!
I've been doing quite a bit of research for my Caldecott speech (knowing full well I won't use it and I'll write something more personal). Luckily, I have a dear friend Oliver, who made a TED speech this past year that I can reference. He's the youngest Design Editor in the history of National Geographic Magazine (and, if I may say, he bakes a darn good cookie whenever we visit). If you have a moment, watch it. He's quite charming, but also makes an interesting argument.
