Book news!

This has been (and still is) one of the more purgatorial summers on record here in the heart of Texas.  But the writing and the business of writing go on...

Last week, I received cover art for CHRONAL ENGINE (I'll post when it's made public) and this week, got first pass pages (above), including thirteen amazing interior illustrations by Blake Henry!  I couldn't be more thrilled.  He absolutely nailed the characters and the paleo-critters, as well.  (No, I can't show you these.  You'll just have to wait and see.  Yes, I'm a tease.  The pub date is March 20, 2012. :-)).

In other news, Cyn likewise received first pass pages for her novel DIABOLICAL, which has a pub date of January 24, 2012. 

Also, TANTALIZE: KIEREN'S STORY comes out next week!  Go here for an interview with Cyn and illustrator Ming Doyle!

In other news, the Austin Teen Book Festival announced its lineup.  Cyn will be moderating Fantasy Panel 1, with Heather Brewer (VLADIMIR TOD), Jackson Pearce (SWEETLY), Tera Lynn Childs (SWEET VENOM), Sophie Jordan (VANISH) and Andrea Cremer (WOLFSBANE).  It's October 1, 2011, at the Palmer Events Center. 

Next, congratulations to Cyn and the other finalists for the Writers League of Texas Children's Book Award!  In addition to HOLLER LOUDLY, finalists are SHARK VS. TRAIN, by Chris Barton, A MILLION SHADES OF GRAY, by Cynthia Kadohata, POP! THE INVENTION OF BUBBLE GUM, by Meghan McCarthy, BETTI ON THE HIGH WIRE, by Lisa Railsback, and CROSSING THE TRACKS, by Barbara Stuber.

Finally, BLESSED is a finalist for the ALA Teens' Top Ten List for 2011!  If you're a teen, go and vote for it here!  The winners will be announced during Teen Read Week (October 16-22).

Something to holler about!

HOLLER LOUDLY has been named a selection for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library! 

Congrats and YEE-HAA!

More Hollering!

School Library Journal cheers "Readers as well as listeners will have fun with this animated story, and the Southwestern twang will just come naturally."

Check out this post for more great reviews!

Cyn has a interview with Shannon Morgan on the Holler Loudly Teacher Guides! Also, check out an interview with illustrator Barry Gott!

Hollering loudly! [updated]

The news and reviews for HOLLER LOUDLY are pouring in:

"Readers as well as listeners will have fun with this animated story, and the Southwestern twang will just come naturally." School Library Journal

"A rambunctious, can't-lose read-aloud no one will want to hush." Kirkus Reviews

"With prose as raucous as its protagonist, Smith's (Santa Knows) tall tale introduces a boy who at birth 'cried so loud.... that the pecans fell from the pecan trees and the prickly pear cacti sprouted more needles.' This effervescent collaboration. . .has sass aplenty." Publishers' Weekly

"Lively prose is complemented by an exuberant design and palette. Hot pinks and wild purples, along with the exaggeratedly large open mouths of the characters, give this romp just the right treatment...A fabulous read-aloud that everyone will 'HUSH!' to hear." Horn Book Magazine.

"This original tall tale is a readaloud dream, full of big, brazen shouts and playful homey dialect. There’s hilarity in the chaos Holler’s volume causes, and the ending, wherein Holler learns the value of quiet and the townsfolk learn the value of loudness, is satisfyingly even-handed and logical." BCCB

Gift Guide: Books for All Ages by Nancy Churnin from The Dallas Morning News. "Gott's drawings of 10-gallon hats lend a Texas twang to Austin author Smith's tale of a boy who lives up to his name, much to the exasperation of his parents. Happily, he finds a good use for that loud voice and learns the value of quiet time."

Go check out author Jama Rattigan's SOUP OF THE DAY post for HOLLER LOUDLY: Wahoo! Yahoo! Two hoots and a holler!

Also, go see the interview of Cynthia at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast!