The past few weeks have been a whirlwind for me, as you can tell from the lack of posts. We had a death in the family just prior to a wedding in the family (which was this weekend), and some stupid and sudden health stuff for me I had to deal with (can you believe you can fracture your hand while gardening? Take it from me, you can!)
My husband and I went to the first Children’s Choice Awards show last week and it was SO much fun. Lemmee see…should I talk about the great food served in teeny tiny adorable lime green Chinese food containers, or all the glitterati literati? I think I’ll go with the latter. (I know, shocking I’m skipping the food – but not to worry, I will talk about the fab-u desserts.)
The host with the most was children’s book author Jon Scieszka (the first National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature). He was a great choice and was very funny. They had some kids bringing in the envelopes as the winners were announced, and they hammed it up just enough to get a laugh.
And the winners were…
Kindergarten to Second Grade Book of the Year—Frankie Stein by Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Kevan Atteberry, published by Marshall Cavendish
Third Grade to Fourth Grade Book of the Year—Big Cats by Elaine Landau, published by Enslow Publishers
Fifth to Sixth Grade Book of the Year—Encyclopedia Horrifica by Joshua Gee, published by Scholastic Paperbacks
Illustrator of the Year—Ian Falconer for Olivia Helps with Christmas, written by Ian Falconer and published by Simon & Schuster
Author of the Year—J.K. Rowling for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, published by Scholastic
I met Ian Falconer for the first time and tried very hard not to geek out on him which is difficult since I think Olivia is a perfect picture book. I also spoke with Brian Selznick, who presented Al Roker of the Today Show with the 2008 Impact Award for his middle grade book club. Brian’s fabulous book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret was Al’s first pick, and since Brian won the Caldecott for it this year, he went on the Today Show for that too, so he and Al are practically biffles now.
Now for the desserts. KILLER desserts. They had:
- Cotton candy
- Mini metal tins with creme brulee
- Cheesecake “lollipops”
- Shot glass sized servings of milkshakes
- I forget what else
Since my hand is in a brace, it’s hard to type, but I will try to post as often as I can. Next week I’m off to California for a school visit in SF, a store visit just outside LA (at Adventures For Kids in Ventura-come see me!) and a pit-stop at BEA. Can’t wait!
lookbooks
May 20, 2008 - 4:22 pm ·Oh my gosh, Katie! I’m so sorry for your loss You and your family will be in my thoughts.
A fractured hand must be awful- I can’t imagine not being able to write. And I believe you about fracturing it gardening- I broke my toe babysitting!