Lisa Yee's Blog, page 23
February 13, 2011
Ready, Set, Los Angeles -- The American Girl Tour Begins
We kicked off our American Girl -- 2011 Girl of the Year Book(s) Tour (a.k.a. AG2GOTYBT) on Thursday at The Grove in Los Angeles. The weather was in the 70s!!!
The Grove is next to CBS, and the last time we were here, we were visiting Craig Ferguson and Neil Patrick Harris . . .
And the last time we were at CBS, it was the "other" CBS studio and we were talking about Kanani on the news . . .
Before we started our book signing for ALOHA, KANANI and GOOD JOB, KANANI, Peepy and I roamed around the store . . .
Soon it was time to settle down and to sign books. It was so cool because everyone who bought a book got a free poster . . .
It was fun seeing old friends and meeting new ones Sarah . . .
We had a great time, however Peepy was so exhausted from greeting all her fans, that . . . well . . .
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
This month, look for me at the American Girl stores in these cities . . .
(CLICK HERE and scroll down for information about other American Girl events I'll be at.)
LOOK FOR WARP SPEED in MARCH!!!
Want to win your own copies of these books?
Then CLICK HEREto get to RiceDaddies!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
The Grove is next to CBS, and the last time we were here, we were visiting Craig Ferguson and Neil Patrick Harris . . .
And the last time we were at CBS, it was the "other" CBS studio and we were talking about Kanani on the news . . .
Before we started our book signing for ALOHA, KANANI and GOOD JOB, KANANI, Peepy and I roamed around the store . . .
Soon it was time to settle down and to sign books. It was so cool because everyone who bought a book got a free poster . . .
It was fun seeing old friends and meeting new ones Sarah . . .
We had a great time, however Peepy was so exhausted from greeting all her fans, that . . . well . . .
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
This month, look for me at the American Girl stores in these cities . . .
(CLICK HERE and scroll down for information about other American Girl events I'll be at.)
LOOK FOR WARP SPEED in MARCH!!!
Want to win your own copies of these books?
Then CLICK HEREto get to RiceDaddies!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
February 10, 2011
A Big Bowl of Children's Lit
Yes! It was Super Bowl Sunday and I was cheering for my team!!!!!
Which team was that, you ask? It was . . . CHILDREN'S LITERATURE, of course.
I spent Super Bowl Sunday watching a film about books, which, to me, is so much more fun that watching overpaid grown men chase a ball.
I was so glad to get an invitation to see Library of the Early Mind, a documentary that's "a grown up look at children's literature." UCLA event was underwritten by the Frances Clark Sayer's Lecture Fund.
The film was wonderful and lots of our friends were in it including my editor, Arthur Levine . . .
Afterward, the always chic Virginia Walter lead a Q and A with the director, Edward J. Delaney . . .
Since it is The Year of Peepy, there was a reception for her following the discussion . . .
Here's a peek at the documentary . . .
Not to brag, but Peepy and I have met some pretty talented artists . . .
But only one of them has written a COMIC BOOK . . . OPERA . . . IN FRENCH!!!!
Yes, that's the amazing Cecil Castellucci!
Les Aventures de Madame Merveille utilizes the talents of four comic book artists. What we saw at the Egyptian Theater was a film of the production. Neither Peepy or I speak French very well, (although eons ago I did work for Disneyland Paris as their video production supervisor). And even though Peepy did take over Paris . . .
We were glad that Cecil explained the opera to us before the film began . . .
Here's a clip of Cecil's Comic Book Opera . . .
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
This month, look for me at the American Girl stores in these cities . . .
(CLICK HERE and scroll down for more information.)
LOOK FOR WARP SPEED in MARCH!!!
Want to win your own copies of these books?
Then CLICK HEREto get to RiceDaddies!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
Which team was that, you ask? It was . . . CHILDREN'S LITERATURE, of course.
I spent Super Bowl Sunday watching a film about books, which, to me, is so much more fun that watching overpaid grown men chase a ball.
I was so glad to get an invitation to see Library of the Early Mind, a documentary that's "a grown up look at children's literature." UCLA event was underwritten by the Frances Clark Sayer's Lecture Fund.
The film was wonderful and lots of our friends were in it including my editor, Arthur Levine . . .
Afterward, the always chic Virginia Walter lead a Q and A with the director, Edward J. Delaney . . .
Since it is The Year of Peepy, there was a reception for her following the discussion . . .
Here's a peek at the documentary . . .
Not to brag, but Peepy and I have met some pretty talented artists . . .
But only one of them has written a COMIC BOOK . . . OPERA . . . IN FRENCH!!!!
Yes, that's the amazing Cecil Castellucci!
Les Aventures de Madame Merveille utilizes the talents of four comic book artists. What we saw at the Egyptian Theater was a film of the production. Neither Peepy or I speak French very well, (although eons ago I did work for Disneyland Paris as their video production supervisor). And even though Peepy did take over Paris . . .
We were glad that Cecil explained the opera to us before the film began . . .
Here's a clip of Cecil's Comic Book Opera . . .
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
This month, look for me at the American Girl stores in these cities . . .
(CLICK HERE and scroll down for more information.)
LOOK FOR WARP SPEED in MARCH!!!
Want to win your own copies of these books?
Then CLICK HEREto get to RiceDaddies!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
February 6, 2011
The Year of Peepy
Gung hay fat choy!
In case you don't know what that means, I'll translate it for you. It's Chinese for, "Happy New Year and don't forget to go to Lisa's upcoming American Girl book signings in Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis and Dallas!!!" (Well, it means the first half of that sentence at least.)
Peepy is so pleased that this entire year is devoted to her. After all, it is the Chinese New Year -- Year of the Rabbit . . .
So many people admire her style . . .
Peepy has been immortalized wherever she goes . . .
Plus, she has some serious fans . . .
Is it any wonder that it's the Year of the Rabbit?
In fact, even the Girl Scouts celebrated with Peepy . . .
Since I was there with her, I talked to this South Pasadena troop about my various careers, and what it's like being an author.
Later, Peepy was given presents and made an honorary Girl Scout. She even earned her Diva badge!
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
This month, look for me at the American Girl stores in these cities . . .
(CLICK HERE and scroll down for information about other American Girl events I'll be at.)
LOOK FOR WARP SPEED in MARCH!!!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
In case you don't know what that means, I'll translate it for you. It's Chinese for, "Happy New Year and don't forget to go to Lisa's upcoming American Girl book signings in Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis and Dallas!!!" (Well, it means the first half of that sentence at least.)
Peepy is so pleased that this entire year is devoted to her. After all, it is the Chinese New Year -- Year of the Rabbit . . .
So many people admire her style . . .
Peepy has been immortalized wherever she goes . . .
Plus, she has some serious fans . . .
Is it any wonder that it's the Year of the Rabbit?
In fact, even the Girl Scouts celebrated with Peepy . . .
Since I was there with her, I talked to this South Pasadena troop about my various careers, and what it's like being an author.
Later, Peepy was given presents and made an honorary Girl Scout. She even earned her Diva badge!
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
This month, look for me at the American Girl stores in these cities . . .
(CLICK HERE and scroll down for information about other American Girl events I'll be at.)
LOOK FOR WARP SPEED in MARCH!!!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
February 2, 2011
"Dear Mrs. Lee . . . "
Oh man. I love mail, don't you? (That last statement doesn't include junk mail or bills.)
When I first became an author seven years ago, I started to get fan mail. I remember my daughter saying, "You get fan mail? YOU?"
Over the years I've saved some of my favorites. Some are funny. Some are heartwarming. Some are heartbreaking.
I hear from boys and girls, teens and parents. Sometimes an entire class writes to me . . .
Other times, it's individual letters, where the writer opens their heart . . .
I hear from fans who have become friends . . .
(Hi Anji, Violet and Ferris!)
And when readers send me photos of their goats and pigs, it makes me happy . . .
Author and illustrators often send each other greetings, like these from Jarrett Krosoczka and Mo Willems . . .
Some letters I will treasure always, like the ones from Mary Calhoun, who was one of my favorite authors when I was growing up. We met because of an article I wrote, and an email she sent . . .
Other letters are confounding, like these that are EXACTLY the same from three students from the same school who clearly wrote to me as part of an assignment . . .
However, most often, I get emails. Here are some fun ones I thought you'd get a kick out of. I know I did!
(For the record, Peepy is real and not food.)
I posted a couple of my fan letters on my facebook wall and got such great responses that my author friend, Sarah Darer Littman and I have decided to create a website called "Dear Author." It will feature letters and tweets that some of your favorite authors have received!
We're still in the working stages, but I'll be sure to let you know when the site goes live!!!
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
In February, look for me at the American Girl stores in these cities . . .
(CLICK HEREand scroll down for information about other American Girl events I will be at this month.)
LOOK FOR WARP SPEED in MARCH!!!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
When I first became an author seven years ago, I started to get fan mail. I remember my daughter saying, "You get fan mail? YOU?"
Over the years I've saved some of my favorites. Some are funny. Some are heartwarming. Some are heartbreaking.
I hear from boys and girls, teens and parents. Sometimes an entire class writes to me . . .
Other times, it's individual letters, where the writer opens their heart . . .
I hear from fans who have become friends . . .
(Hi Anji, Violet and Ferris!)
And when readers send me photos of their goats and pigs, it makes me happy . . .
Author and illustrators often send each other greetings, like these from Jarrett Krosoczka and Mo Willems . . .
Some letters I will treasure always, like the ones from Mary Calhoun, who was one of my favorite authors when I was growing up. We met because of an article I wrote, and an email she sent . . .
Other letters are confounding, like these that are EXACTLY the same from three students from the same school who clearly wrote to me as part of an assignment . . .
However, most often, I get emails. Here are some fun ones I thought you'd get a kick out of. I know I did!
(For the record, Peepy is real and not food.)
I posted a couple of my fan letters on my facebook wall and got such great responses that my author friend, Sarah Darer Littman and I have decided to create a website called "Dear Author." It will feature letters and tweets that some of your favorite authors have received!
We're still in the working stages, but I'll be sure to let you know when the site goes live!!!
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
In February, look for me at the American Girl stores in these cities . . .
(CLICK HEREand scroll down for information about other American Girl events I will be at this month.)
LOOK FOR WARP SPEED in MARCH!!!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
January 30, 2011
Entering WARP SPEED + Whale of a Tale
The other day the postman brought me something tres exciting in the mail.
Can you guess which one of these I got?
1. A Sham Wow
2. Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy
3. WARP SPEED
4. My neighbor's junk mail
If you picked #3, you are correct! Although, I also got #4, and wished for #2.
(Above: Colin and his dates are ready for the Oscars.)
It's always so cool and surreal to hold your published book in your hands. I had already received the ARC (Advanced Readers Copy), so I was glad all the typos were cleared up!
Here's WARP SPEED, a novel about a Star Trek geek who gets beat up everyday at school . . .
Speaking of WARP SPEED, there's going to be a grand BOOK LAUNCH PARTY at Vroman's in Pasadena, on Sunday, March 13th and YOU are invited!!!!! (I'm awaiting a final confirmation on that date, but once I get it, I'll be sure to let you know.)
(That's Kris Vreeland, manager of the children's department. We had our BOBBY VS. GIRLS (ACCIDENTALLY) party at Vroman's, too!)
Speaking of indie bookstores, I was lucky enough to visit the wonderful children's indie bookshop Whale of a Tale in Irvine, CA, last weekend.
Here's the amazing Alex Uhl and her bookstore . . .
We loved the signs . . .
Of course, Peepy made new friends, as always . . .
I made a new friend, too! While I was there this lovely young lady bought a copy of ALOHA, KANANI and I got to sign it for her!
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
In February, look for me here . . .
And in March look WARP SPEED at a bookstore near you!!!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
Can you guess which one of these I got?
1. A Sham Wow
2. Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy
3. WARP SPEED
4. My neighbor's junk mail
If you picked #3, you are correct! Although, I also got #4, and wished for #2.
(Above: Colin and his dates are ready for the Oscars.)
It's always so cool and surreal to hold your published book in your hands. I had already received the ARC (Advanced Readers Copy), so I was glad all the typos were cleared up!
Here's WARP SPEED, a novel about a Star Trek geek who gets beat up everyday at school . . .
Speaking of WARP SPEED, there's going to be a grand BOOK LAUNCH PARTY at Vroman's in Pasadena, on Sunday, March 13th and YOU are invited!!!!! (I'm awaiting a final confirmation on that date, but once I get it, I'll be sure to let you know.)
(That's Kris Vreeland, manager of the children's department. We had our BOBBY VS. GIRLS (ACCIDENTALLY) party at Vroman's, too!)
Speaking of indie bookstores, I was lucky enough to visit the wonderful children's indie bookshop Whale of a Tale in Irvine, CA, last weekend.
Here's the amazing Alex Uhl and her bookstore . . .
We loved the signs . . .
Of course, Peepy made new friends, as always . . .
I made a new friend, too! While I was there this lovely young lady bought a copy of ALOHA, KANANI and I got to sign it for her!
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
In February, look for me here . . .
And in March look WARP SPEED at a bookstore near you!!!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
January 27, 2011
Colin Firth, Queen Mary, Lowell and Me
Recently, Peepy and I traveled to a mysterious destination. Can you guess where? Here are some hints . . .
YES! You figured it out . . . Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy leads to Colin Firth in The King's Speech leads to Queen Mary, the queen, leads to Queen Mary, the ship, which leads us to Long Beach, CA!!!
It was glitter and glam, plus we were housed at a swanky hotel . . .
What were we doing there? Why, visiting Lowell Elementary School, that's what!
But first, we decided to explore the area. We found this totally awesome and slightly scary barber shop, and next door was a placed called OPEN . . .
What was Open? Well, Open an awesome bookstore that was open!!!
Then it was time to head to Lowell. Peepy enjoyed exploring, making new friends, and testing her skills on the rock wall . . .
A scrumptious dinner came via a taco truck. (Remember ABSOLUTELY MAYBE? She worked on a taco truck like this one!!!)
During dinner we discovered that this lovely lady and I had something in common. Can you guess what it is?
Here's a hint . . .
Yes -- Dan Santat! He illustrated Barbara Jean Hick's WALTER KITTY and my books, BOBBY THE BRAVE (SOMETIMES) and BOBBY VS. GIRLS (ACCIDENTALLY).
The event started with all the writers and artists on stage. I sat next to Barbara, who sat next to Patrick Sean Smith (he's the executive producer of the TV show GREEK) . . .
When it came time for our workshop, we headed to the library . . .
Our writing workshop was for the kids AND their parents, and oh man, they came up with brilliant, creative stuff!!! (And the parents did well, too.)
After, books were for sale from Whale of a Tale. We signed lots of them and chatted with our new friends . . .
SUCH FUN!!!!
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
LOOK FOR WARP SPEED in MARCH!!!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
YES! You figured it out . . . Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy leads to Colin Firth in The King's Speech leads to Queen Mary, the queen, leads to Queen Mary, the ship, which leads us to Long Beach, CA!!!
It was glitter and glam, plus we were housed at a swanky hotel . . .
What were we doing there? Why, visiting Lowell Elementary School, that's what!
But first, we decided to explore the area. We found this totally awesome and slightly scary barber shop, and next door was a placed called OPEN . . .
What was Open? Well, Open an awesome bookstore that was open!!!
Then it was time to head to Lowell. Peepy enjoyed exploring, making new friends, and testing her skills on the rock wall . . .
A scrumptious dinner came via a taco truck. (Remember ABSOLUTELY MAYBE? She worked on a taco truck like this one!!!)
During dinner we discovered that this lovely lady and I had something in common. Can you guess what it is?
Here's a hint . . .
Yes -- Dan Santat! He illustrated Barbara Jean Hick's WALTER KITTY and my books, BOBBY THE BRAVE (SOMETIMES) and BOBBY VS. GIRLS (ACCIDENTALLY).
The event started with all the writers and artists on stage. I sat next to Barbara, who sat next to Patrick Sean Smith (he's the executive producer of the TV show GREEK) . . .
When it came time for our workshop, we headed to the library . . .
Our writing workshop was for the kids AND their parents, and oh man, they came up with brilliant, creative stuff!!! (And the parents did well, too.)
After, books were for sale from Whale of a Tale. We signed lots of them and chatted with our new friends . . .
SUCH FUN!!!!
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
LOOK FOR WARP SPEED in MARCH!!!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
January 24, 2011
Kaua'i: Seeing the Sights & Helping the Hawaiian Monk Seal
Our behind-the-scenes look at the American Girl "Girl of the Year" books continues. We were just on television, however now (thanks to my Time Machine) we're back in Hawaii for the last days of our research.
After surfing and such in Oahu, we headed to Kaua'i where Peepy and I started our visit off in high style. Literally.
Yes! We took a helicopter tour of the island, and WOW. Magnificent! No wonder so many famous films were shot here, like Raiders of the Lost Arc, King Kong, Jurassic Park, Hook, Avatar and more.
BTW, those photos were taken with my iPhone. Imagine how beautiful they'd look with a real camera!
I spent a lot of time just driving around, soaking up the atmosphere and talking with locals . . .
Talk Story was a wonderful indie book store and I was surprised to discover that the owners were from Los Angeles, originally. We had a great time chatting, but since I was undercover, I couldn't tell them I was working on the American Girl Kanani books!
When I was told that the 2011 Girl of the Year would be from Hawaii, I instantly began to research. Quickly, I decided to include the plight of the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal. There are only about 1,200 left in the world, and many of those are in Kaua'i, and that's how I decided which island Kanani's stories would be set on.
So American Girl put me in touch with this man . . .
Tim Robinson is the Kaua'i Monk Seal Watch Program (a.k.a. KMSWP) project coordinator. Prior to my trip, we met in Los Angles and instantly hit it off. Good thing, because soon I would be bombarding Tim with questions about the monk seals, and Kaua'i, and why I always get the shopping cart with the funny wheel. (Okay, maybe two of those three things.)
Tim made arrangements for me to meet Millie Johnston and Donna Lee, who are also KMSWP volunteers. Spending the day with these two was one of the highlights of my week-long research . . .
I really, really, really wanted to see a monk seal . . .
(I took this photo of a photo from my hotel room, since I was certain I wouldn't see one in person.)
A Hawaiian monk seal sighting is not the sort of thing you can schedule. However, Millie and Donna showed me around the island and the beaches where there are frequent sightings . . .
By that time, I had written the outlines for the books, and knew that Kanani would have a dog, a goat and a rooster. So I made sure to take lots of photos for the art department and illustrator Sarah Davis . . .
I also spent time with Sue Kanoho, the Executive Director, Kaua'i Visitors Bureau. She told me all about the island and shared stories and insights into the Kaua'i culture, plus she loaded me up with books and music and other things from Kaua'i. In return . . . I named a chicken after her!!! (You can read about Sue the chicken in GOOD JOB, KANANI.)
Here's Sue getting a glass chicken from the Kaua'i Monk Seal Watch Program . . .
On my last day in Hawaii, I still hadn't seen a monk seal. But that was fine, because I got to know the island and made new friends. Then, as I was driving to the Lihue Airport, I got a phone call from Millie. A young monk seal was hauled out on the beach!
I wasn't sure what to do. I mean, I didn't want to miss my flight. Still, I had come all this way, it might be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a monk seal. So, I turned the car around.
From a distance, there were two gray objects on the sand, and I couldn't tell if it was really a seal or driftwood. (In ALOHA, KANANI, she would mistake a piece of driftwood for a seal.)
It was both! I got closer, but not too close, you never want to get too close to a monk seal -- that's for your safety and theirs.
Because the KMSWP volunteers are on duty 24/7, they had already roped off the area and put up signs informing people about the monk seals, and asking them to stay back.
It was such a thrill to see the seal, that it made me cry. These animals are the most endangered U.S. marine mammal, and being able to actually see one made, and feel the emotions that I did, made it easier to write about.
In Kanani's books, she raises money to help the Hawaiian monk seal. American Girl is also raising awareness and money. As part of their Shine on Now program, for every plush monk seal purchased, they will donate $1, up to $100,00 to the National Wildlife Federation, with a portion of that going to help the Hawaiian monk seals.
When the Girl of the Year was announced it was big news on Kaua'i . . .
The first person to receive the Kanani doll and books was the mayor!
(Pictured above: Denise Jones, KMSWP Secretary -- Millie Johnston, former KMSWP President--Donna Lee, KMSWP Treasurer--Kaua'i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. --Tim Robinson and Sue Kanoho)
What a wonderful time I had researching and writing ALOHA, KANANI and GOOD JOB, KANANI!!! (My kids kept saying, "You HAVE to go to Hawaii? That's not fair!!!")
Next month I'll be traveling around the country on a book tour. Please come by if you're in the area!
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
LOOK FOR WARP SPEED in MARCH!!!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
After surfing and such in Oahu, we headed to Kaua'i where Peepy and I started our visit off in high style. Literally.
Yes! We took a helicopter tour of the island, and WOW. Magnificent! No wonder so many famous films were shot here, like Raiders of the Lost Arc, King Kong, Jurassic Park, Hook, Avatar and more.
BTW, those photos were taken with my iPhone. Imagine how beautiful they'd look with a real camera!
I spent a lot of time just driving around, soaking up the atmosphere and talking with locals . . .
Talk Story was a wonderful indie book store and I was surprised to discover that the owners were from Los Angeles, originally. We had a great time chatting, but since I was undercover, I couldn't tell them I was working on the American Girl Kanani books!
When I was told that the 2011 Girl of the Year would be from Hawaii, I instantly began to research. Quickly, I decided to include the plight of the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal. There are only about 1,200 left in the world, and many of those are in Kaua'i, and that's how I decided which island Kanani's stories would be set on.
So American Girl put me in touch with this man . . .
Tim Robinson is the Kaua'i Monk Seal Watch Program (a.k.a. KMSWP) project coordinator. Prior to my trip, we met in Los Angles and instantly hit it off. Good thing, because soon I would be bombarding Tim with questions about the monk seals, and Kaua'i, and why I always get the shopping cart with the funny wheel. (Okay, maybe two of those three things.)
Tim made arrangements for me to meet Millie Johnston and Donna Lee, who are also KMSWP volunteers. Spending the day with these two was one of the highlights of my week-long research . . .
I really, really, really wanted to see a monk seal . . .
(I took this photo of a photo from my hotel room, since I was certain I wouldn't see one in person.)
A Hawaiian monk seal sighting is not the sort of thing you can schedule. However, Millie and Donna showed me around the island and the beaches where there are frequent sightings . . .
By that time, I had written the outlines for the books, and knew that Kanani would have a dog, a goat and a rooster. So I made sure to take lots of photos for the art department and illustrator Sarah Davis . . .
I also spent time with Sue Kanoho, the Executive Director, Kaua'i Visitors Bureau. She told me all about the island and shared stories and insights into the Kaua'i culture, plus she loaded me up with books and music and other things from Kaua'i. In return . . . I named a chicken after her!!! (You can read about Sue the chicken in GOOD JOB, KANANI.)
Here's Sue getting a glass chicken from the Kaua'i Monk Seal Watch Program . . .
On my last day in Hawaii, I still hadn't seen a monk seal. But that was fine, because I got to know the island and made new friends. Then, as I was driving to the Lihue Airport, I got a phone call from Millie. A young monk seal was hauled out on the beach!
I wasn't sure what to do. I mean, I didn't want to miss my flight. Still, I had come all this way, it might be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a monk seal. So, I turned the car around.
From a distance, there were two gray objects on the sand, and I couldn't tell if it was really a seal or driftwood. (In ALOHA, KANANI, she would mistake a piece of driftwood for a seal.)
It was both! I got closer, but not too close, you never want to get too close to a monk seal -- that's for your safety and theirs.
Because the KMSWP volunteers are on duty 24/7, they had already roped off the area and put up signs informing people about the monk seals, and asking them to stay back.
It was such a thrill to see the seal, that it made me cry. These animals are the most endangered U.S. marine mammal, and being able to actually see one made, and feel the emotions that I did, made it easier to write about.
In Kanani's books, she raises money to help the Hawaiian monk seal. American Girl is also raising awareness and money. As part of their Shine on Now program, for every plush monk seal purchased, they will donate $1, up to $100,00 to the National Wildlife Federation, with a portion of that going to help the Hawaiian monk seals.
When the Girl of the Year was announced it was big news on Kaua'i . . .
The first person to receive the Kanani doll and books was the mayor!
(Pictured above: Denise Jones, KMSWP Secretary -- Millie Johnston, former KMSWP President--Donna Lee, KMSWP Treasurer--Kaua'i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. --Tim Robinson and Sue Kanoho)
What a wonderful time I had researching and writing ALOHA, KANANI and GOOD JOB, KANANI!!! (My kids kept saying, "You HAVE to go to Hawaii? That's not fair!!!")
Next month I'll be traveling around the country on a book tour. Please come by if you're in the area!
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
LOOK FOR WARP SPEED in MARCH!!!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
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Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
January 20, 2011
Guess Who Was On Television!!!
We're setting aside our grueling research in Hawaii for a moment to come back to Los Angeles and our American Girl - 2011 Girl of the Year/Kanani books television debut!!!!
That's right, we were invited to appear on KCAL9 News at Noon (KCAL9 is a CBS affiliate). We got a little befuddled when we first arrived at the studio because we were handed a map. (I can't read maps). However, eventually we found the right building . . .
Peepy and I waited patiently in the lobby until we were called . . .
As we were escorted into the studio, they took one look at us and sent us to Make-up. Our make-up artist, Debbie Loggins, asked, "What color lipstick do you usually wear?" I answered, "Blistex."
Here's Debbie discovering cheekbones I didn't know I had!
Next it was Peepy's turn. Only, she's such a natural beauty that she didn't need much make-up at all . . .
We had some time before we were scheduled for our LIVE interview. So we explored the TV station . . .
Peepy hobnobbed with the athletes who just happened to be hanging around . . .
Then it was time to go into the studio!
We weren't nervous at all because David Gonzales and Sandra Mitchell were so nice.
They asked about one (or more) of the fascinating topics below:
1) Peepy's formula for fixing the economy.
2) How to help the Hawaiian Monk Seal.
3) Which was better -- the the original KARATE KID movie or the sequel?
4) What went into writing ALOHA, KANANI and GOOD JOB, KANANI.
To see the interview, CLICK HERE or watch it below . . .
Or read about and watch it HERE
We had so much fun and everyone was wonderful!!!!
NEXT BLOG: Researching the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal on the island of Kaua'i.
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
LOOK FOR WARP SPEED in MARCH!!!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
That's right, we were invited to appear on KCAL9 News at Noon (KCAL9 is a CBS affiliate). We got a little befuddled when we first arrived at the studio because we were handed a map. (I can't read maps). However, eventually we found the right building . . .
Peepy and I waited patiently in the lobby until we were called . . .
As we were escorted into the studio, they took one look at us and sent us to Make-up. Our make-up artist, Debbie Loggins, asked, "What color lipstick do you usually wear?" I answered, "Blistex."
Here's Debbie discovering cheekbones I didn't know I had!
Next it was Peepy's turn. Only, she's such a natural beauty that she didn't need much make-up at all . . .
We had some time before we were scheduled for our LIVE interview. So we explored the TV station . . .
Peepy hobnobbed with the athletes who just happened to be hanging around . . .
Then it was time to go into the studio!
We weren't nervous at all because David Gonzales and Sandra Mitchell were so nice.
They asked about one (or more) of the fascinating topics below:
1) Peepy's formula for fixing the economy.
2) How to help the Hawaiian Monk Seal.
3) Which was better -- the the original KARATE KID movie or the sequel?
4) What went into writing ALOHA, KANANI and GOOD JOB, KANANI.
To see the interview, CLICK HERE or watch it below . . .
Or read about and watch it HERE
We had so much fun and everyone was wonderful!!!!
NEXT BLOG: Researching the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal on the island of Kaua'i.
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
LOOK FOR WARP SPEED in MARCH!!!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
Guess Who's On Television!!!
We're leaving setting aside our grueling research in Hawaii for a moment to come back to Los Angeles and our American Girl - 2011 Girl of the Year/Kanani books television debut!!!!
That's right, we were invited to appear on KCAL9 News at Noon (KCAL9 is a CBS affiliate). We got a little befuddled when we first arrived at the studio because we were handed a map. (I can't read maps). However, we found the right building!
Peepy and I waited patiently in the lobby until we were called . . .
As we were escorted into the studio, they took one look at us and sent us to Make-up. Our make-up artist, Debbie Loggins, asked, "What color lipstick do you usually wear?" I answered, "Blistex."
Here's Debbie discovering cheekbones I didn't know I had!
Next it was Peepy's turn. Only, she's such a natural beauty that she didn't need much make-up at all . . .
We had some time before we were scheduled for our LIVE interview. So we explored the TV station . . .
Peepy hobnobbed with the athletes who just happened to be hanging around . . .
Then it was time to go into the studio!
We weren't nervous at all because David Gonzales and Sandra Mitchell were so nice.
They asked about one (or more) of the fascinating topics below:
1) Peepy's formula for fixing the economy.
2) How to help the Hawaiian Monk Seal.
2) Which was better -- the the original KARATE KID movie or the sequel?
3) What went into writing ALOHA, KANANI and GOOD JOB, KANANI.
To see the interview, CLICK HERE
Or read about and watch it HERE
We had so much fun and everyone was wonderful!!!!
NEXT BLOG: Researching the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal on the island of Kaua'i.
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
LOOK FOR WARP SPEED in MARCH!!!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
That's right, we were invited to appear on KCAL9 News at Noon (KCAL9 is a CBS affiliate). We got a little befuddled when we first arrived at the studio because we were handed a map. (I can't read maps). However, we found the right building!
Peepy and I waited patiently in the lobby until we were called . . .
As we were escorted into the studio, they took one look at us and sent us to Make-up. Our make-up artist, Debbie Loggins, asked, "What color lipstick do you usually wear?" I answered, "Blistex."
Here's Debbie discovering cheekbones I didn't know I had!
Next it was Peepy's turn. Only, she's such a natural beauty that she didn't need much make-up at all . . .
We had some time before we were scheduled for our LIVE interview. So we explored the TV station . . .
Peepy hobnobbed with the athletes who just happened to be hanging around . . .
Then it was time to go into the studio!
We weren't nervous at all because David Gonzales and Sandra Mitchell were so nice.
They asked about one (or more) of the fascinating topics below:
1) Peepy's formula for fixing the economy.
2) How to help the Hawaiian Monk Seal.
2) Which was better -- the the original KARATE KID movie or the sequel?
3) What went into writing ALOHA, KANANI and GOOD JOB, KANANI.
To see the interview, CLICK HERE
Or read about and watch it HERE
We had so much fun and everyone was wonderful!!!!
NEXT BLOG: Researching the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal on the island of Kaua'i.
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
LOOK FOR WARP SPEED in MARCH!!!
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
January 17, 2011
Shave-Ice-a-Thon + Look Who's Doing the Hula!
Wait! Weren't we just with Neil Gaiman in San Diego . . .
Yes, we were. But now we're back in Hawaii . . .
Thanks to our Time Machine, here's more insider scoop on American Girl's "2011 Girl of the Year" and how the KANANI books were written and the grueling research that I went through.
Kanani's family owns Akina's Shave Ice and Sweet Treats on the gorgeous island of Kaua'i.
In an ongoing effort to get everything exactly right for the American Girl books, I felt it beneficial, necessary even, to research shave ice. What did that encompass?
I order to write about shave ice, I needed to become an authority. Therefore, I felt compelled to eat shave ice in Oahu and Kaua'i -- up to six times a day!
In case I wasn't up to my duties, I had backup. Here's my American Girl editor, Jennifer Hirsch, taking one for the team . . .
And here are some of my shave ice experiences (I also had to stop at every bakery and candy store -- for research) . . .
Now, I don't want you to think that my week in Hawaii was all shave ice and sweets. No, there was more work to be done. In ALOHA, KANANI, Kanani takes her cousin Rachel, who's from New York, to a luau. So, of course, I had to go to one. For research.
In the stories, elderly Tutu Lani is an expert at making leis. I was not. But I tried!
Also, in one of the books, Kanani joins the hula dancers on stage at the luau . . .
So, when the dancers came out during the luau I was attending, my editor said, "Lisa, you need to go up there and learn to hula."
I laughed. Jennifer was so funny! Dancing in public? Me? Hahahahaha . . . what?
Jennifer said again, "Go up there, you have to do this since you're writing about it."
Can you find me? I'm on the stage.
If you can't see me in the photo, you can see me here . . .
Next Blog: Guess who was on the news????
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to win a free copy of WARP SPEED, Lisa's new book that will debut in March? If so CLICK HERE.
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
Yes, we were. But now we're back in Hawaii . . .
Thanks to our Time Machine, here's more insider scoop on American Girl's "2011 Girl of the Year" and how the KANANI books were written and the grueling research that I went through.
Kanani's family owns Akina's Shave Ice and Sweet Treats on the gorgeous island of Kaua'i.
In an ongoing effort to get everything exactly right for the American Girl books, I felt it beneficial, necessary even, to research shave ice. What did that encompass?
I order to write about shave ice, I needed to become an authority. Therefore, I felt compelled to eat shave ice in Oahu and Kaua'i -- up to six times a day!
In case I wasn't up to my duties, I had backup. Here's my American Girl editor, Jennifer Hirsch, taking one for the team . . .
And here are some of my shave ice experiences (I also had to stop at every bakery and candy store -- for research) . . .
Now, I don't want you to think that my week in Hawaii was all shave ice and sweets. No, there was more work to be done. In ALOHA, KANANI, Kanani takes her cousin Rachel, who's from New York, to a luau. So, of course, I had to go to one. For research.
In the stories, elderly Tutu Lani is an expert at making leis. I was not. But I tried!
Also, in one of the books, Kanani joins the hula dancers on stage at the luau . . .
So, when the dancers came out during the luau I was attending, my editor said, "Lisa, you need to go up there and learn to hula."
I laughed. Jennifer was so funny! Dancing in public? Me? Hahahahaha . . . what?
Jennifer said again, "Go up there, you have to do this since you're writing about it."
Can you find me? I'm on the stage.
If you can't see me in the photo, you can see me here . . .
Next Blog: Guess who was on the news????
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to win a free copy of WARP SPEED, Lisa's new book that will debut in March? If so CLICK HERE.
Want some fun? CLICK HERE to visit the Lisa Yee and Son YouTube Channel.
Lisa Yee
Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!
Email:
Or you can click this for a RSS feed...
