Ten writers for children. All with something to say.

9/4/12

This summer I didn't venture too far from home, except for a weekend at the American Library Association (ALA) conference in Anaheim. Here is a photo during my session signing books at Lee & Low's booth, showing off f&gs of my upcoming fall release, Dreaming Up: A Celebration of Building.
I also signed Our School Garden! for Philip Lee's new publishing venture, Readers to Eaters. I worked in-house in publishing for many years, so it is fun when old friends and colleagues come West and I can see them.

One highlight of the summer was celebrating my mother's 90th birthday. I am fortunate that she is healthy in body and mind, and lives only five blocks away.
I traveled vicariously when my daughter went to Madagascar. She has been studying mouse lemurs with a research group at Stanford. This work culminated in the rainforest with the Stanford group teaching biochemistry to Malagasy students. Here are some Malagasy boys and the endangered Greater Bamboo Lemur (only 15 left and she saw two).

I also spent the summer developing curriculum for a new Graphic Design program I am teaching part time at my daughter's high school (my old hs). Kate is a senior this year, so I am invading her territory, but she has been most gracious about my arrival. Summer ends early here; we're already in the fourth week of school!

6 comments:

Edie Hemingway said...

Christy,
What an exciting summer, even if it didn't include traveling a great distance. And what a wonderful experience for Kate! I'm waiting for the arrival of my copy of DREAMING UP.

Stephanie said...

Sounds like a good summer;) So excited for your new book. And how lucky those kids are to have you as a teacher!

Lauren said...

Sounds like a very busy summer Christy! And though you yourself did not travel far afield-- you traveled half way around the globe vicariously with your daughter! Madagascar is a country I have always wanted to visit- thank you for the pictures! And I am envious and happy for you that your mother is a healthy 90 years old and living nearby-- wonderful! And finally-- I cannot wait for your new book!

mark said...

Christy, I am very intrigued by your update from the summer. A good mix of personal and professional news, thanks for sharing. I, too, am excited to check out your new book!

David LaRochelle said...

I'm happy to hear that you are still able to spend quality time with your mother - what a blessing. It sounds like "Building Up" is already receiving wonderful praise; like the other Potatoes I'm excited to see it. It must be a strange trip in the way-back machine now that you are teaching at your old high school! Instead of Welcome Back, Kotter, it's Welcome Back, Christy!

Margo said...

Welcome to PALY Christy - we are so lucky to have you. A pleasure to research your work this weekend between grading for the first term! I am so impressed and delighted with your work.