Red in the rain

A dreary rainy day, but then this handsome cardinal arrived to perch perfectly in the red twig variegated dogwood. Soon a little junco joined him, while his mate foraged for seeds kicked out of the feeder by the red squirrels.

Spring!

I usually post photos from Frog Song Pond over on my other blog site, The Daily Frog, but I can't resist sharing the arrival of the first ducks to cruise around the melting ice this morning. I know Mallards are common, but they still dazzle me. Check out that iridescent green on the drake's head, and the hen's dash of bright orange on her beak. In a world of late winter browns and grays, these colors are quite exciting.

A critter book project has made it to a sweet publisher's finalist list, so I'm holding my breath that I'll be collaging and leaf printing soon.

Update, 3/19: Check the frog blog HERE to see who else appeared today!! Very exciting....

OICUR4T!

Phil Hoose, wearing one of his many hats

Kirsten Cappy, in a fabulous hat created by Caldecott Honor Award

children's book illustrator, Melissa Sweet

It's not every day that a winner of a National Book Award and a Newbery Honor brings his band along to play for a surprise birthday party. But then it's not every day that an extraordinarily creative person like Kirsten Cappy turns 40. Phil Hoose, author of the award wining book, Claudette Colvin, Twice Toward Justice, and his spectacular band, Chipped Enamel, got the party rockin' at Zero Station in Portland, Maine.

Kirsten, owner and Magical Genius of Curious City, seemed surprised and delighted to see so many friends, clients and family members who had gathered to celebrate her. Guests had been invited to bring along an "impression on paper" of Kirsten, which resulted in an amazing collection of images from children's book illustrators and others.

Enjoy the party by checking out the photos HERE. Jamie Hogan has more HERE on her blog.

Hearts to you

Happy Valentine's Day!

New Beginnings!

Happy February!

Well, here we are, a month into the new decade. Time to look over the past and plan for the future. Several new book projects have been sent out to publishers with pieces of my heart pinned to the envelopes. After two dozen books, I've been in this biz long enough to know not to hold my breath. The wait time is very long. But just in case an editor --or reader--clicks on this blog, here are some of my published titles. The list to the right has more links.

Ah. Ever the optimist!

Happy Reading.

NYC gig

I've never done this before, but my "mama gene" is kicking in. He'll probably be furious...

My son, Alex Mirkin, is playing at a place called the National Underground in New York City (lower east side) tomorrow night--Thursday, 2/28/10--from 9-10 pm. It's at 159 E. Houston between Allen and Eldridge.

So....if you're in the city, check it out. And cross your fingers that he doesn't disown me...

UPDATE: This performance was a success, and he's playing again next month:

February 18th, 8 -9 pm. Same place.

"What I hear when I listen to Alex play isn't exactly folk or of the broadly-dubbed "singer-songwriter" genre. Instead, I get a highly creative and unique alchemy of new and old sound. I hear Paris nights and London rain. I hear beauty and sadness. I hear Nick Drake, Sylvia Plath, and Colin Meloy. His free use of alternative guitar tunings and gorgeous lyrical lines stand out to me in a way that makes me believe we will be hearing greatness from this young man sooner than we know." - Jack Kerns

A Feast of Fun!

A sneaky snow storm snuck in last night and continued this morning, but many braved the weather to attend the MLK breakfast in Portland. We had about 50 in my group, and more than 100 in Annie's. The kids seemed to have a grand time! We couldn't have done it without the help of tremendously awesome volunteers. Dr. King would have been impressed with the great cooperation, friendship, and fun. For more photos, click HERE.