Mama's Day

I generally find manufactured holidays like this one pretty darned hideous, but have done my best to persevere, and have managed to survive this one just fine, thank you. I have nothing but love for the two creatures who put me in the position of motherhood, so will cling to that thought (and the beautiful flowers and chocolate) instead of sticky Hallmark sentiments.

In celebration of the day, I'd like to give a shout out to Shelley Hrdlitschka -- one of the loveliest and most gracious mothers I know. Shelley's new book GOTCHA! recently found its way into my hands. I finished reading it this week, and a great read it was.

GOTCHA! is the story of a game played in the final year of high school -- a game that starts out as a lark, but ends up markedly changing the lives of just about everyone involved. The story grabbed me by the throat and left me riveted -- I couldn't put it down until I finished.

Shelley is the author of a number of incredible stories including KAT'S FALL, SUN SIGNS and (one of my all-time favourites) DANCING NAKED.

Do yourself a favour and grab her latest -- or any of her earlier works. You won't be disappointed.

***

Hot off the presses --the Stellar Award was just announced, and Diane Tullson's novel RED SEA was the winner. Congratulations to Diane and to all the winners of the Red Cedar Awards, also announced this weekend.


~kc

Launches, Soirees and Galas -- oh my!

Went to a lovely Orca Launch at Vancouver Kidsbooks last night. Five new books made their way out into the world in inimitable Kidsbooks style. Shelley Hrdlitschka, Diane Tullson, Annabel Lyon, Kathleen Cook Waldron, Bob Warick and Richard Van Camp had a chance to show us their new books and a good time was had by all. (Many thanks to Mr. Van Camp for his attempt to assuage the back spasm of a party-crasher with accu-pressure.)

Forgot my camera, though I may have a line on a couple of pixs. Stay tuned, will post if I get 'em. In the meantime, we can look at the beautiful cover-babe of Richard's new book. (This particular book is being distributed to every new baby born in the province this year through the Books for BC Babies Initiative -- all 43,000+ of them!)

Saturday night is the BC Book Prizes Soiree -- free to all at the Metropolitan Hotel (645 Howe St, Vancouver) from 7 to 9:00 pm.

I will do a better job of remembering to bring my camera to give you a taste of all the action.

In other news, Silas greeted my return last night having eaten my last dish scrubber and a couple of cushion-tops from the stools in the kitchen. I'm blaming my kids for their poor supervision skills. Because I can.

~kc

Gotcha!

I just got an invitation to attend the launch of author (and sister in blogging) Shelley Hrdlitschka's new novel GOTCHA!

I'm thrilled for Shelley, (pictured here) but even more thrilled for myself (and my daughter). We are both huge fans of this wonderful author.

Shelley's book is coming out at the same time as a few other Orca titles, and these other great authors will be celebrating their books as well:

Diane Tullson has a new title: LOCKDOWN (looks exciting!)

Ann Walsh worked with Kathleen Cook Waldron and photographer Bob Warick to produce FORESTRY A-Z.

Richard Van Camp has a lullaby for newborns called WELCOME SONG FOR BABY and Anabel Lyon's new book is called ALL-SEASON EDIE.

Congratulations to all on the arrival of these new titles -- and to all the readers out there who will now get to enjoy them!

~kc