Lisa Yee's Blog, page 3
May 27, 2013
The Literary Elite Party with Mr. Darcy, Plus The Making of the Gala Video
So then, we just hosted the Children's Choice Book Awards Gala!!! (CLICK HERE for the behind-the-scenes scoop). After the show the fun continued into the night.
That's right! There was a dessert party!!! Who's that with Peepy? Why it's winner Nick Bruel . . .
Of course, Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy had a lovely time. He always does. Here he is with finalist Kim Baker and former National Ambassador of Young People's Literature Jon Scieszka
. . .
Newbery winner Katherine Applegate got all Harlequin Romance-y (she used to write those books!) and gave Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy a kiss. Agent Nancy Galt did the same.
Newbery medalist Lois Lowry showed him a good time . . .
As Caldecott winner Brian Selznick had his moment with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, MacMillian VP/Asso. Publisher Angus Killick waited patiently for his turn . . .
Scholastic VP Publicity, Tracy van Staaten, who coined the phrase "got Peeped," hung out with her two favorite peeple, until Charisse Meloto, Exec Direcor of Print/Digital for Scholastic, wrestled Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy away from her . . .
The evening's Impact Award winner, NPR's Michele Norris, wasn't about to leave without taking to these two . . .
Book award finalist Shelley Rotner wasn't about to leave without her Darcy moment . . .
The nightclub lighting made for disco moments as bestselling authors Meg Cabot and Michael Grant boogied with Mr. D . . .
Meanwhile, glorious bags of swag from the Children's Book Council were being readied for the Gala guests . . .
Inside were finalist books, chocolate!!!
Lots of people were talking about the video that my 15-year old son Ben directed, starring Moi. Here's how we did it. We started with a concept -- that I may not be worthy to host after luminaries Jon Sciezka and Jarrett Krosoczka. I wrote the script and then we broke it down into scenes . . .
The opening shots involved donuts . . .
And worms . . .
Ben came up with the idea of featuring the finalist books with stop motion . . .
The picture book finalists played Hide 'n' Go Seek . . .
Here's Ben setting up the shot for the Teen book finalists . . .
I came up with the idea of having Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in the video . . .
After my scenes were shot, Ben had to piece everything together . . .
Then I added the voices and sound effects, including Mr. Darcy's!
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TWO-MINUTE VIDEO that opened the Show.
At the end of the evening, my agent, Writers House's Jodi Reamer was chatting with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. Jodi and I usually get along quite well. However, that evening we had a little tiff over who Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy belonged to . . .
Who won? Why, this person . . .
In case there is any question about it . . .
===========================
Oh, look! If you'd like an autographed book, order from Vroman's, tell them who you'd like me to sign it to, and they will mail it to you!"
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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! There was a dessert party!!! Who's that with Peepy? Why it's winner Nick Bruel . . .
Of course, Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy had a lovely time. He always does. Here he is with finalist Kim Baker and former National Ambassador of Young People's Literature Jon Scieszka
. . .
Newbery winner Katherine Applegate got all Harlequin Romance-y (she used to write those books!) and gave Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy a kiss. Agent Nancy Galt did the same.
Newbery medalist Lois Lowry showed him a good time . . .
As Caldecott winner Brian Selznick had his moment with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, MacMillian VP/Asso. Publisher Angus Killick waited patiently for his turn . . .
Scholastic VP Publicity, Tracy van Staaten, who coined the phrase "got Peeped," hung out with her two favorite peeple, until Charisse Meloto, Exec Direcor of Print/Digital for Scholastic, wrestled Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy away from her . . .
The evening's Impact Award winner, NPR's Michele Norris, wasn't about to leave without taking to these two . . .
Book award finalist Shelley Rotner wasn't about to leave without her Darcy moment . . .
The nightclub lighting made for disco moments as bestselling authors Meg Cabot and Michael Grant boogied with Mr. D . . .
Meanwhile, glorious bags of swag from the Children's Book Council were being readied for the Gala guests . . .
Inside were finalist books, chocolate!!!
Lots of people were talking about the video that my 15-year old son Ben directed, starring Moi. Here's how we did it. We started with a concept -- that I may not be worthy to host after luminaries Jon Sciezka and Jarrett Krosoczka. I wrote the script and then we broke it down into scenes . . .
The opening shots involved donuts . . .
And worms . . .
Ben came up with the idea of featuring the finalist books with stop motion . . .
The picture book finalists played Hide 'n' Go Seek . . .
Here's Ben setting up the shot for the Teen book finalists . . .
I came up with the idea of having Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in the video . . .
After my scenes were shot, Ben had to piece everything together . . .
Then I added the voices and sound effects, including Mr. Darcy's!
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TWO-MINUTE VIDEO that opened the Show.
At the end of the evening, my agent, Writers House's Jodi Reamer was chatting with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. Jodi and I usually get along quite well. However, that evening we had a little tiff over who Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy belonged to . . .
Who won? Why, this person . . .
In case there is any question about it . . .
===========================
Oh, look! If you'd like an autographed book, order from Vroman's, tell them who you'd like me to sign it to, and they will mail it to you!"
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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...
May 20, 2013
Behind-the-Scenes and On-the-Stage at the Children's Choice Book Awards
Did you have a wonderful Children's Book Week? I sure did!
Last week, Peepy and I flew to NYC to host the Children's Choice Book Awards -- 1,138,675 children and teens voted for their favorite books!
We consulted our fashion stylist(s) and both decided to wear gowns. My daughter created Peepy's gown out of an old skirt and gum wrappers . . .
Mine was vintage thrift store ($15!!!) . . .
(I brought two pairs of shoes.)
I also brought Colin Firth(s) as Mr. Darcy with me . . .
Why? Well, because he was in the short video that kicked off the show. (Son, who is only 15-years old, was the director/editor of the video!!! I'll be blogging a "making of" the video in a week-ish.)
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO including this soon-to-be-classic scene of me eating worms . . .
Colin, plus a backup Colin, was packed in my suitcase. JetBlue was doing random luggage checks. I was so afraid they'd go through my suitcase and find this . . .
The original venue for the Gala was shut down 48 hours before the show!!! Luckily, there are geniuses who cannot be discombobulated running the Children's Book Council, and a new place was found just in time!
We got there early and signed Children's Book Week posters . . .
Soon it was time for rehearsals . . .
Look! It's multiple-multiple-award-winning Tomie dePaola . . .
It was fun hanging out with uber bestsellng novelist Meg Cabot and Caldecott medalist Brian Selznick, who designed the posters . . .
Harlequin Romance Author/Newbery winner Katherine Applegate's daughter selected this lovely yellow purse for Peepy! (That's Katherine's husband, YA author Michael Grant, letting Peepy borrow his phone for an important call from her sylist) . . .
Brian Selznick as Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy and I rehearsed going onto the stage after the opening video . . .
Whoa! It's Meg Cabot and Jon Sciezka, who hosted the first Children's Choice Book Awards Gala AND was our first National Ambassador of Young People's Literature . . .
And there's Henry Winkler with Jon . . .
This is what backstage looked like. See that cloth on the table? The crystal awards were hidden under it!
I was cold before the show, so Henry shared his jacket with me . . .
National Ambassador of Young People's Literature, Printz Award winner, four-time Caretta Scott King Honor Awards, two-time National Book Award Finalist -- well, you get the picture -- Walter Dean Myers, had met Peepy before, but Peepy insisted on another photo with him. Plus, she wanted to give him writing tips . . .
Here's everyone on stage, including Lois Lowry, getting directions and then rehearsing . . .
We did some interviews before the show began . . .
Can you guess whose shoes are whose?
(They include Meg Cabot, Lisa Yee, Henry Winkler and Jon Sciezka's.)
What about these shoes? Could they belong to my daughter and Brian Selznick???
After rehearsals, and before the show, the audience feasted and mingled. It was a who's who of children's literature at the event. Every major publishing house was represented. Yep! Lots of authors and agents and editors and publishers and paleontologists and illustrators (one of those things isn't true - maybe) . . .
Then the show began!
Because I am so short, I stood on a box. However, I am also a klutz, so that's why I gripped the podium throughout the evening.
When the presenters were speaking, and the winners were giving their speeches, I sat on a chair on the stage and had the best view!
Tomie dePaola kicked off the first award of the ending by presenting Kindergarter to Second Grade Book of the Year to Nighttime Ninja. Here's illustrator Ed Young accepting on his and author Barbara DaCosta's behalf. . .
Henry Winkler announced Nick Bruel's Bad Kitty For President as winner for Grades Three to Four . . .
Lois Lowry presented the award for Fifth and Sixth Grade Book of the Year to Rachel Renee Russell for Dork Diaries 4 . . .
Meg Cabot was up next, and in honor of her Princess Diaries books, I had hidden a crown under the podium to wear when I introduced her . . .
Then Meg announced Fault in Our Stars as Teen Book of the Year. Author John Green could not make the event since he and his wife are expecting a baby soon. So he said I could have the award. (Or maybe not.)
Katherine Applegate presented Author of the Year to Wimpy Kid's Jeff Kinney . . .
Brian Selznick presented Illustrator of the Year to Robin Preiss Glasser . . .
Walter Dean Myers presented Michele Norris with The Impact Award for championing children's literature and for creating NPR's Backseat Book Club . . .
What a wonderful evening!
YOU CAN WATCH THE ENTIRE AWARDS SHOW HERE!!!!
And all of this could not have happened without the marvelous Robin Adelson and her team at the Children's Book Council -- and Peepy and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy . . .
But wait . . . there was more. A lavish dessert party after. But that will be on my next blog, plus exploring New York, New York!
(Above: Newbery winner Lois Lowry parties with Peepy and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy.)
===========================
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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...
Last week, Peepy and I flew to NYC to host the Children's Choice Book Awards -- 1,138,675 children and teens voted for their favorite books!
We consulted our fashion stylist(s) and both decided to wear gowns. My daughter created Peepy's gown out of an old skirt and gum wrappers . . .
Mine was vintage thrift store ($15!!!) . . .
(I brought two pairs of shoes.)
I also brought Colin Firth(s) as Mr. Darcy with me . . .
Why? Well, because he was in the short video that kicked off the show. (Son, who is only 15-years old, was the director/editor of the video!!! I'll be blogging a "making of" the video in a week-ish.)
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO including this soon-to-be-classic scene of me eating worms . . .
Colin, plus a backup Colin, was packed in my suitcase. JetBlue was doing random luggage checks. I was so afraid they'd go through my suitcase and find this . . .
The original venue for the Gala was shut down 48 hours before the show!!! Luckily, there are geniuses who cannot be discombobulated running the Children's Book Council, and a new place was found just in time!
We got there early and signed Children's Book Week posters . . .
Soon it was time for rehearsals . . .
Look! It's multiple-multiple-award-winning Tomie dePaola . . .
It was fun hanging out with uber bestsellng novelist Meg Cabot and Caldecott medalist Brian Selznick, who designed the posters . . .
Harlequin Romance Author/Newbery winner Katherine Applegate's daughter selected this lovely yellow purse for Peepy! (That's Katherine's husband, YA author Michael Grant, letting Peepy borrow his phone for an important call from her sylist) . . .
Brian Selznick as Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy and I rehearsed going onto the stage after the opening video . . .
Whoa! It's Meg Cabot and Jon Sciezka, who hosted the first Children's Choice Book Awards Gala AND was our first National Ambassador of Young People's Literature . . .
And there's Henry Winkler with Jon . . .
This is what backstage looked like. See that cloth on the table? The crystal awards were hidden under it!
I was cold before the show, so Henry shared his jacket with me . . .
National Ambassador of Young People's Literature, Printz Award winner, four-time Caretta Scott King Honor Awards, two-time National Book Award Finalist -- well, you get the picture -- Walter Dean Myers, had met Peepy before, but Peepy insisted on another photo with him. Plus, she wanted to give him writing tips . . .
Here's everyone on stage, including Lois Lowry, getting directions and then rehearsing . . .
We did some interviews before the show began . . .
Can you guess whose shoes are whose?
(They include Meg Cabot, Lisa Yee, Henry Winkler and Jon Sciezka's.)
What about these shoes? Could they belong to my daughter and Brian Selznick???
After rehearsals, and before the show, the audience feasted and mingled. It was a who's who of children's literature at the event. Every major publishing house was represented. Yep! Lots of authors and agents and editors and publishers and paleontologists and illustrators (one of those things isn't true - maybe) . . .
Then the show began!
Because I am so short, I stood on a box. However, I am also a klutz, so that's why I gripped the podium throughout the evening.
When the presenters were speaking, and the winners were giving their speeches, I sat on a chair on the stage and had the best view!
Tomie dePaola kicked off the first award of the ending by presenting Kindergarter to Second Grade Book of the Year to Nighttime Ninja. Here's illustrator Ed Young accepting on his and author Barbara DaCosta's behalf. . .
Henry Winkler announced Nick Bruel's Bad Kitty For President as winner for Grades Three to Four . . .
Lois Lowry presented the award for Fifth and Sixth Grade Book of the Year to Rachel Renee Russell for Dork Diaries 4 . . .
Meg Cabot was up next, and in honor of her Princess Diaries books, I had hidden a crown under the podium to wear when I introduced her . . .
Then Meg announced Fault in Our Stars as Teen Book of the Year. Author John Green could not make the event since he and his wife are expecting a baby soon. So he said I could have the award. (Or maybe not.)
Katherine Applegate presented Author of the Year to Wimpy Kid's Jeff Kinney . . .
Brian Selznick presented Illustrator of the Year to Robin Preiss Glasser . . .
Walter Dean Myers presented Michele Norris with The Impact Award for championing children's literature and for creating NPR's Backseat Book Club . . .
What a wonderful evening!
YOU CAN WATCH THE ENTIRE AWARDS SHOW HERE!!!!
And all of this could not have happened without the marvelous Robin Adelson and her team at the Children's Book Council -- and Peepy and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy . . .
But wait . . . there was more. A lavish dessert party after. But that will be on my next blog, plus exploring New York, New York!
(Above: Newbery winner Lois Lowry parties with Peepy and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy.)
===========================
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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...
May 13, 2013
It's Children's Book Week!!!! Peepy in Pittsburgh!!! And More!!
Drumroll, please . . . IT'S CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK!!!
So exciting!!!! I wish it were Children's Book Week 52 weeks of the year!
Tonight (I am blogging this on Monday morning) is the big Children's Choice Book Awards Gala, which I will be hosting. Squeeeee!!!
Son and I have been working on a video which will premiere there, plus I'll blog about all the behind-the-scenes happenings, and photos of the winners on my next blog.
In the meantime, since it's a all about books and children (then again, when isn't it on this blog?), last week I visited Pittsburgh, PA. It was an interesting flight. Here's my breakfast at the airport . . .
This dog sat in front of me, under his owner's chair. (They were both on vacation, he was not a comfort dog.) Then when I got out of the airport, my ride was waiting for me . . .
Oops. That wasn't my ride. This was! (That's Sara Brooke the librarian at The Ellis School.)
Just like in the movie THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, we crossed the bridge into Pittsburgh . . .
A scrumptious dinner and the friendly book lovers from Ellis were awaiting us . . .
Our room at the Inn on Negley was uber cozy . . .
The next morning it was off to school . . .
We spoke at two assemblies and, as always, Peepy made new friends . . .
Of course, everyone at this all-girls school knew who Peepy was. In fact, she was everywhere before she even showed up!!!
It was so cool to see all the signs they made for us . . .
As always, we checked out the library . . .
We signed lots of books . . . and one Peep . . .
I taught a writing workshop to the talented sixth graders . . .
Peepy loved the little houses . . .
Here's what The Ellis School had to say about my visit . . .
We had a late flight out the next day, which was fine with us because . . . we got to eat oh-so-delicious CHOCOLATE CHIP BANANA PANCAKES at Pamela's with our friend, author Jonathan Auxier . . .
Plus, we stumbled across a great indie bookstore!!! Here's Kards Unlimited, which has BOOKS (and cards) (and other cool stuff) . . .
And finally, I loved this comment I got regarding WARP SPEED . . .
Be sure to check out my next blog and find out all the behind the scenes scoop about the Children's Choice Book Awards, featuring these KidLit star presenters and the winners!!! (I'm hosting the Gala, so I'll have the best view in the house!)
===========================
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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...
So exciting!!!! I wish it were Children's Book Week 52 weeks of the year!
Tonight (I am blogging this on Monday morning) is the big Children's Choice Book Awards Gala, which I will be hosting. Squeeeee!!!
Son and I have been working on a video which will premiere there, plus I'll blog about all the behind-the-scenes happenings, and photos of the winners on my next blog.
In the meantime, since it's a all about books and children (then again, when isn't it on this blog?), last week I visited Pittsburgh, PA. It was an interesting flight. Here's my breakfast at the airport . . .
This dog sat in front of me, under his owner's chair. (They were both on vacation, he was not a comfort dog.) Then when I got out of the airport, my ride was waiting for me . . .
Oops. That wasn't my ride. This was! (That's Sara Brooke the librarian at The Ellis School.)
Just like in the movie THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, we crossed the bridge into Pittsburgh . . .
A scrumptious dinner and the friendly book lovers from Ellis were awaiting us . . .
Our room at the Inn on Negley was uber cozy . . .
The next morning it was off to school . . .
We spoke at two assemblies and, as always, Peepy made new friends . . .
Of course, everyone at this all-girls school knew who Peepy was. In fact, she was everywhere before she even showed up!!!
It was so cool to see all the signs they made for us . . .
As always, we checked out the library . . .
We signed lots of books . . . and one Peep . . .
I taught a writing workshop to the talented sixth graders . . .
Peepy loved the little houses . . .
Here's what The Ellis School had to say about my visit . . .
We had a late flight out the next day, which was fine with us because . . . we got to eat oh-so-delicious CHOCOLATE CHIP BANANA PANCAKES at Pamela's with our friend, author Jonathan Auxier . . .
Plus, we stumbled across a great indie bookstore!!! Here's Kards Unlimited, which has BOOKS (and cards) (and other cool stuff) . . .
And finally, I loved this comment I got regarding WARP SPEED . . .
Be sure to check out my next blog and find out all the behind the scenes scoop about the Children's Choice Book Awards, featuring these KidLit star presenters and the winners!!! (I'm hosting the Gala, so I'll have the best view in the house!)
===========================
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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...
May 6, 2013
Famous Authors and Illustrators, Here (USC), There (NYC), and Everywhere . . .
Childen's Book Week is coming soon!
The Children's Choice Book Awards Gala will help kick off the week, and I am sooooooo excited to host the show in New York City. (Squeeeee!!!) Plus, I get to hobnot with the literati glitterati presenter -- in addition to Tomie DePaola, the presenters include, Lois Lowry . . .
Katherine Applegate . . .
Brian Selznick . . .
Meg Cabot . . .
Our National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, Walter Dean Myers . . .
And Henry Winkler . . .
Plus, there will be lots more surprises in store. This is the final week of voting. You have until May 9th, so if you or your students, friends, family, haven't voted yet, CLICK HERE!!!
Speaking of books (that's rhetorical, because we are always speaking of books), here's more from the LA TIMES Festival of Books! So last blog, ALL THIS happened, and more. . .
And picking up where we left off, Lemony Snicket or Daniel Handler or neither or both, were on stage with Jon Klassen who played himself (as did Peepy) . . .
They were hysterical. I cannot begin to describe in words what they did, so you will just have to see them in person for yourself . . .
On Sunday to meet up with KidLit pals, like Linda Urban, Katherine Applegate and Gary Schmidt (who was clad in plaid when we saw him last), who were on a panel that also included Kathryn Fitzmaurice
Then it was off to sign books at the USC Civic Engagement booth . . .
We were so happy to run into Aaron Hartzler and have him sign our copy of RAPTURE PRACTICE . . .
Author Linda Urban had a reunion of sorts. A few years ago we were on a middle grade book panel together at the LA TIMES book fest! This time, we had had our own secret panel where we discussed geometry and global warming and other lofty things. Or maybe we talked books and writing and writing and more books . . .
Here's the Publisher's Weekly photo round-up of the book festival. Peepy made it in one photo, but I did not. Now that's all she talks about!
Pssst. Hey! Ever wonder about the difference between Middle Grade and Young Adult books? Well, National Book Award winner Jeanne Birdsall has sorted it all out for us in this marvelous HORN BOOK essay.
And not only can Jeannie write, but she can throw a mean right hook, too!!!!
CLICK HERE to find out about the chaos, above.
===========================
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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 Children's Choice Book Awards Gala will help kick off the week, and I am sooooooo excited to host the show in New York City. (Squeeeee!!!) Plus, I get to hobnot with the literati glitterati presenter -- in addition to Tomie DePaola, the presenters include, Lois Lowry . . .
Katherine Applegate . . .
Brian Selznick . . .
Meg Cabot . . .
Our National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, Walter Dean Myers . . .
And Henry Winkler . . .
Plus, there will be lots more surprises in store. This is the final week of voting. You have until May 9th, so if you or your students, friends, family, haven't voted yet, CLICK HERE!!!
Speaking of books (that's rhetorical, because we are always speaking of books), here's more from the LA TIMES Festival of Books! So last blog, ALL THIS happened, and more. . .
And picking up where we left off, Lemony Snicket or Daniel Handler or neither or both, were on stage with Jon Klassen who played himself (as did Peepy) . . .
They were hysterical. I cannot begin to describe in words what they did, so you will just have to see them in person for yourself . . .
On Sunday to meet up with KidLit pals, like Linda Urban, Katherine Applegate and Gary Schmidt (who was clad in plaid when we saw him last), who were on a panel that also included Kathryn Fitzmaurice
Then it was off to sign books at the USC Civic Engagement booth . . .
We were so happy to run into Aaron Hartzler and have him sign our copy of RAPTURE PRACTICE . . .
Author Linda Urban had a reunion of sorts. A few years ago we were on a middle grade book panel together at the LA TIMES book fest! This time, we had had our own secret panel where we discussed geometry and global warming and other lofty things. Or maybe we talked books and writing and writing and more books . . .
Here's the Publisher's Weekly photo round-up of the book festival. Peepy made it in one photo, but I did not. Now that's all she talks about!
Pssst. Hey! Ever wonder about the difference between Middle Grade and Young Adult books? Well, National Book Award winner Jeanne Birdsall has sorted it all out for us in this marvelous HORN BOOK essay.
And not only can Jeannie write, but she can throw a mean right hook, too!!!!
CLICK HERE to find out about the chaos, above.
===========================
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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...
April 28, 2013
The LA TIMES Festival of Books and Awesome Authors and Illustrators
The LA TIMES Festival of Books started on a great note. Why? Because of this . . .
That's right. We had reserved parking!
Like last year, and the year before, the festival was held at my alma mater, USC. From the parking structure, we could see the dorm where I was a resident advisor . . .
Plus we saw this . . .
We had to get a closer look at the blue truck, and whoa, wow! GEEK OUT! It was a Library Store on wheels!!!
We wandered around a bit, and said hi to Tommy Trojan, and tried to ignore an improperly dressed big guy . . .
We also said "hi" to Stuck's Oliver Jeffers . . .
The we said "hi" to This Is Not My Hat's Jon Klassen . . .
Then we said "hi" to Oliver Jeffers and Jon Klassen . . .
Soon it was time for our reading and book signing at the USC Civic Engagement Booth . . .
I read from BOBBY THE BRAVE (SOMETIMES) . . .
Reading is Fundamental (RIF) was there and so were other reading fans!
Some of our fav indie bookstore and booksellers were at the fest, too! Like Kris from Once Upon a Time. Maureen was busy when I snuck up behind her and asked, "Er, do you know if there are any books here?" Hahahaha, snort!!! Teehee, sometimes I crack myself up. Um. You had to be there.
Dan Krall was signing at Once Upon a Time . . .
Rachel Howard from Scholastic Publicity got to see her favorite Peep. The last time we saw Rachel, it was at another book festival, here . . .
Over at Mrs. Nelson's Toy and Book Shop, we ran into Scott Speer and Sherri Smith . . .
Peepy was quite taken with the t-shirts after Amanda showed them to her . . .
Of course it made sense that SCIBA's Andrea Vuleta was hanging around the indie bookstores!
Shhh . . . here's where the secret bathrooms are. Only us alumni know about them . . .
Who's that? Why it's Loren Long and Otis, and Peepy, of course . . .
Did someone say "snack"? It was off the Green Room where all the authors were hanging out . . .
Fellow snackers included Suzanne Selfors and Tom Angleberger, who/whom we just saw in Chicago!
Wait! It's Dan Santat! What do these four have in common?
(Yes, the all love Peepy. And they are all wearing . . . socks! And hats.)
After we were snacked up, we went to listen to the Dan Santat Suzanne Selfors Annie Barrows Tom Angleberger panel . . .
Yay! We got to meet Ivy and Bean's Annie Barrows . . .
Later it was back to the Green Room where we ran into Ransom Riggs and Tahereh Mafi. Guess what we have in common? That's right, we are all represented by Writers House agent Jodi Reamer!
How does one end a great day at a great book festival? How about with a great meal at Versailles???
Oops. Not that one. This one.
Here we are with Dan Yaccarino, Tom and The Other Dan . . .
NEXT BLOG: More LA TIMES Festival of Books and an explanation of why Lemony Snicket is flailing . . .
THIS JUST IN . . . WARP SPEED has been nominated for the Sunshine State (that would be Florida, where I lived for 17 years) Young Readers Award!!!! And speaking of WARP SPEED, this week, Beth Gaudette from the Thomaston Public Library in Connecticut told me that their Mother Daughter Book Club read the book. In it, there's a scene where kids make clothes out of garbage bags, and that's what these talented girls did!!!
===========================
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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 had reserved parking!
Like last year, and the year before, the festival was held at my alma mater, USC. From the parking structure, we could see the dorm where I was a resident advisor . . .
Plus we saw this . . .
We had to get a closer look at the blue truck, and whoa, wow! GEEK OUT! It was a Library Store on wheels!!!
We wandered around a bit, and said hi to Tommy Trojan, and tried to ignore an improperly dressed big guy . . .
We also said "hi" to Stuck's Oliver Jeffers . . .
The we said "hi" to This Is Not My Hat's Jon Klassen . . .
Then we said "hi" to Oliver Jeffers and Jon Klassen . . .
Soon it was time for our reading and book signing at the USC Civic Engagement Booth . . .
I read from BOBBY THE BRAVE (SOMETIMES) . . .
Reading is Fundamental (RIF) was there and so were other reading fans!
Some of our fav indie bookstore and booksellers were at the fest, too! Like Kris from Once Upon a Time. Maureen was busy when I snuck up behind her and asked, "Er, do you know if there are any books here?" Hahahaha, snort!!! Teehee, sometimes I crack myself up. Um. You had to be there.
Dan Krall was signing at Once Upon a Time . . .
Rachel Howard from Scholastic Publicity got to see her favorite Peep. The last time we saw Rachel, it was at another book festival, here . . .
Over at Mrs. Nelson's Toy and Book Shop, we ran into Scott Speer and Sherri Smith . . .
Peepy was quite taken with the t-shirts after Amanda showed them to her . . .
Of course it made sense that SCIBA's Andrea Vuleta was hanging around the indie bookstores!
Shhh . . . here's where the secret bathrooms are. Only us alumni know about them . . .
Who's that? Why it's Loren Long and Otis, and Peepy, of course . . .
Did someone say "snack"? It was off the Green Room where all the authors were hanging out . . .
Fellow snackers included Suzanne Selfors and Tom Angleberger, who/whom we just saw in Chicago!
Wait! It's Dan Santat! What do these four have in common?
(Yes, the all love Peepy. And they are all wearing . . . socks! And hats.)
After we were snacked up, we went to listen to the Dan Santat Suzanne Selfors Annie Barrows Tom Angleberger panel . . .
Yay! We got to meet Ivy and Bean's Annie Barrows . . .
Later it was back to the Green Room where we ran into Ransom Riggs and Tahereh Mafi. Guess what we have in common? That's right, we are all represented by Writers House agent Jodi Reamer!
How does one end a great day at a great book festival? How about with a great meal at Versailles???
Oops. Not that one. This one.
Here we are with Dan Yaccarino, Tom and The Other Dan . . .
NEXT BLOG: More LA TIMES Festival of Books and an explanation of why Lemony Snicket is flailing . . .
THIS JUST IN . . . WARP SPEED has been nominated for the Sunshine State (that would be Florida, where I lived for 17 years) Young Readers Award!!!! And speaking of WARP SPEED, this week, Beth Gaudette from the Thomaston Public Library in Connecticut told me that their Mother Daughter Book Club read the book. In it, there's a scene where kids make clothes out of garbage bags, and that's what these talented girls did!!!
===========================
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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...
April 22, 2013
Hello Hollow Hills, Hello Mr. Glick, and Hello New Peepy Page
Last blog we were n Dubai with these fine gents . . .
So then, once home, jet lag set in. I hadn't fully un-jet-lagged from Singapore, when I flew to Chicago to yuk it up, then in less than a week to Dubia, as seen here and here and here. However, I was cheered by these beautiful bowls I brought back with me . . .
I also burned some incense from the middle east, but I think I did it wrong. Luckily nothing caught on fire . . .
Despite all my travels across the continent and the world, I actually do do (oooh, you said "do do") school visits in my home state! What? You don't believe me? Well here's proof . . .
That's right, I was at Hollow Hills Fundamental School in Simi Valley, CA . . .
We set up in the multi-purpose room . . .
While I was checking the mic, Peepy did some exploring . . .
The assemblies went great . . .
Later, I did a writing workshop for some of the 6th graders. Here they are. Wait, here are some 6th graders, a bear, and teacher Holly Dye with me. Can you tell which is which?
After our visit, PTA mom Sonya Zavala presented with Peepy with a gift basket!!!
In other news, at her urging (insistence) Peepy has asked me to update her web page. Now you can see some of the fabulous place she's visited, like these . . .
(CLICK HERE to see more.)
So then, as some of you might know, I'm hosting the Children's Choice Book Awards Gala this year. (Squeeeee!!!) Now, here's the really awesome part, look at who the presenters are. I know!
To vote, CLICK HERE!!! (
In other news, this past week the Real Mr. Glick, from STANFORD WONG FLUNKS BIG-TIME, was substitute teaching in North Carolina. Here he is with Son . . .
He's doing a read aloud in a 7th grade class and what book does he read aloud from? You got it!
Real Mr. Glick read some of the passages about Fictional Mr. Glick, who is based on Real Mr. Glick! Here's what he told me . . .
Is that cool, or what? How surreal for the students!
NEXT BLOG: The Los Angeles Time Festival of Books! And the answer to what Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen are doing in this photo . . .
=====================================
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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...
So then, once home, jet lag set in. I hadn't fully un-jet-lagged from Singapore, when I flew to Chicago to yuk it up, then in less than a week to Dubia, as seen here and here and here. However, I was cheered by these beautiful bowls I brought back with me . . .
I also burned some incense from the middle east, but I think I did it wrong. Luckily nothing caught on fire . . .
Despite all my travels across the continent and the world, I actually do do (oooh, you said "do do") school visits in my home state! What? You don't believe me? Well here's proof . . .
That's right, I was at Hollow Hills Fundamental School in Simi Valley, CA . . .
We set up in the multi-purpose room . . .
While I was checking the mic, Peepy did some exploring . . .
The assemblies went great . . .
Later, I did a writing workshop for some of the 6th graders. Here they are. Wait, here are some 6th graders, a bear, and teacher Holly Dye with me. Can you tell which is which?
After our visit, PTA mom Sonya Zavala presented with Peepy with a gift basket!!!
In other news, at her urging (insistence) Peepy has asked me to update her web page. Now you can see some of the fabulous place she's visited, like these . . .
(CLICK HERE to see more.)
So then, as some of you might know, I'm hosting the Children's Choice Book Awards Gala this year. (Squeeeee!!!) Now, here's the really awesome part, look at who the presenters are. I know!
To vote, CLICK HERE!!! (
In other news, this past week the Real Mr. Glick, from STANFORD WONG FLUNKS BIG-TIME, was substitute teaching in North Carolina. Here he is with Son . . .
He's doing a read aloud in a 7th grade class and what book does he read aloud from? You got it!
Real Mr. Glick read some of the passages about Fictional Mr. Glick, who is based on Real Mr. Glick! Here's what he told me . . .
Is that cool, or what? How surreal for the students!
NEXT BLOG: The Los Angeles Time Festival of Books! And the answer to what Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen are doing in this photo . . .
=====================================
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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...
Hello Hallow Hills, Hello Mr. Glick, and Hello New Peepy Page
Last blog we were n Dubai with these fine gents . . .
So then, once home, jet lag set in. I hadn't fully un-jet-lagged from Singapore, when I flew to Chicago to yuk it up, then in less than a week to Dubia, as seen here and here and here. However, I was cheered by these beautiful bowls I brought back with me . . .
I also burned some incense from the middle east, but I think I did it wrong. Luckily nothing caught on fire . . .
Despite all my travels across the continent and the world, I actually do do (oooh, you said "do do") school visits in my home state! What? You don't believe me? Well here's proof . . .
That's right, I was at Hollow Hills Fundamental School in Simi Valley, CA . . .
We set up in the multi-purpose room . . .
While I was checking the mic, Peepy did some exploring . . .
The assemblies went great . . .
Later, I did a writing workshop for some of the 6th graders. Here they are. Wait, here are some 6th graders, a bear, and teacher Holly Dye with me. Can you tell which is which?
After our visit, PTA mom Sonya Zavala presented with Peepy with a gift basket!!!
In other news, at her urging (insistence) Peepy has asked me to update her web page. Now you can see some of the fabulous place she's visited, like these . . .
(CLICK HERE to see more.)
So then, as some of you might know, I'm hosting the Children's Choice Book Awards Gala this year. (Squeeeee!!!) Now, here's the really awesome part, look at who the presenters are. I know!
To vote, CLICK HERE!!! (
In other news, this past week the Real Mr. Glick, from STANFORD WONG FLUNKS BIG-TIME, was substitute teaching in North Carolina. Here he is with Son . . .
He's doing a read aloud in a 7th grade class and what book does he read aloud from? You got it!
Real Mr. Glick read some of the passages about Fictional Mr. Glick, who is based on Real Mr. Glick! Here's what he told me . . .
Is that cool, or what? How surreal for the students!
NEXT BLOG: The Los Angeles Time Festival of Books! And the answer to what Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen are doing in this photo . . .
=====================================
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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...
So then, once home, jet lag set in. I hadn't fully un-jet-lagged from Singapore, when I flew to Chicago to yuk it up, then in less than a week to Dubia, as seen here and here and here. However, I was cheered by these beautiful bowls I brought back with me . . .
I also burned some incense from the middle east, but I think I did it wrong. Luckily nothing caught on fire . . .
Despite all my travels across the continent and the world, I actually do do (oooh, you said "do do") school visits in my home state! What? You don't believe me? Well here's proof . . .
That's right, I was at Hollow Hills Fundamental School in Simi Valley, CA . . .
We set up in the multi-purpose room . . .
While I was checking the mic, Peepy did some exploring . . .
The assemblies went great . . .
Later, I did a writing workshop for some of the 6th graders. Here they are. Wait, here are some 6th graders, a bear, and teacher Holly Dye with me. Can you tell which is which?
After our visit, PTA mom Sonya Zavala presented with Peepy with a gift basket!!!
In other news, at her urging (insistence) Peepy has asked me to update her web page. Now you can see some of the fabulous place she's visited, like these . . .
(CLICK HERE to see more.)
So then, as some of you might know, I'm hosting the Children's Choice Book Awards Gala this year. (Squeeeee!!!) Now, here's the really awesome part, look at who the presenters are. I know!
To vote, CLICK HERE!!! (
In other news, this past week the Real Mr. Glick, from STANFORD WONG FLUNKS BIG-TIME, was substitute teaching in North Carolina. Here he is with Son . . .
He's doing a read aloud in a 7th grade class and what book does he read aloud from? You got it!
Real Mr. Glick read some of the passages about Fictional Mr. Glick, who is based on Real Mr. Glick! Here's what he told me . . .
Is that cool, or what? How surreal for the students!
NEXT BLOG: The Los Angeles Time Festival of Books! And the answer to what Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen are doing in this photo . . .
=====================================
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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...
April 14, 2013
Desert Safari Camel Time! Souk Shopping, and Good-Bye, Dubai . . .
So then, Peepy and I were HERE and HERE in Dubai, and now we are here in this final blog of the I WENT TO DUBAI AND HAD A GREAT TIME series . . .
(Above: The bus stops are air conditioned.)
So then, one of my favorite things to do was exploring the backstreets where the locals hung out . . .
I slipped into a tiny restaurant that held about six tables. All were full, so the owner motioned for me to sit with this nice young man. He spoke English (slightly). I had what he had for lunch (they just brought it to me without me asking) . . .
After, I took the abra (small boat) across the creek to Deira. It costs about 28 cents for a ride. The boats were one of my favorite things and I didn't fall into the water once!
The colors and sights and smells and sounds of people haggling were awesome. We visited the Silk Souk and the Spice Souk again . . .
This is the Gold Souk . . .
Everything closes from 1 - 4 pm . . .
Then we headed back for an entirely different shopping experience . . .
Above is the map for the largest mall in the middle east. We had been there briefly, once before. But we returned because Peepy and I heard there was a great bookstore there, and we are all about great bookstores. But first, we wandered around . . .
These women were watching people ice skate . . .
Look! We found the bookstore . . .
Hey, there's Absolutely Maybe . . .
The next day, my new friends from the American School of Dubai took me to the Blue Souk in Sharjah . . .
We all got some wonderful bargains!
Too soon, it was time for lunch and then the ride back to my hotel . . .
I had changed lodgings and was now at the Arabian Courtyard. Here's my room and the view . . .
With all the desert in Dubai, of course I had to go on a safari, right?
It was truly a wonderful experience. I rode in a 4-wheeler that was part of a 50 car caravan. It was a wild ride . . .
How wild was it? CLICK HERE to see my totally professional, hand-held steady cam video of me and Peepy in the front seat.
We learned about falcon, which are a huge part of the middle eastern culture . . .
The dunes were gorgeous and so was the sunset . . .
Yay! Camels!!!
Then there was a BBQ . . .
These are the lovely ladies from Australia that I sat with . . .
I opted for the flower pattern henna . . .
And here I am belly dancing. Or maybe it wasn't me?
All too soon, it was time to leave the desert.
On my last day in Dubai, I walked across the street from my hotel to visit the old fort that is now a museum. But first I had lunch. I couldn't read the menu, so I just pointed to a couple of words on page . . .
Because I bought a second suitcase, I needed to fill it up with one last shopping expedition . . .
Good-bye, Dubai! I had an incredible time!!!
===========================
Going here? Then come see me at the USC Civic Engagement Booth (in Argue Plaza near the Alumni House) on Saturday, 1 - 2 pm, as I read and sign FREE books. Plus, I'll be signing FREE books at a Meet and Greet, on Sunday, 12:45 - 1:45 pm!!!
Love books? Love kids books? Know a kid who loves books? It's time for the Children's Choice Book Awards!!! To vote, CLICK HERE!!! (BTW, look who's hosting the Gala.)
Pssst, to see the host(ess) of the this year's Gala, and the all-star presenters, or to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE!
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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...
(Above: The bus stops are air conditioned.)
So then, one of my favorite things to do was exploring the backstreets where the locals hung out . . .
I slipped into a tiny restaurant that held about six tables. All were full, so the owner motioned for me to sit with this nice young man. He spoke English (slightly). I had what he had for lunch (they just brought it to me without me asking) . . .
After, I took the abra (small boat) across the creek to Deira. It costs about 28 cents for a ride. The boats were one of my favorite things and I didn't fall into the water once!
The colors and sights and smells and sounds of people haggling were awesome. We visited the Silk Souk and the Spice Souk again . . .
This is the Gold Souk . . .
Everything closes from 1 - 4 pm . . .
Then we headed back for an entirely different shopping experience . . .
Above is the map for the largest mall in the middle east. We had been there briefly, once before. But we returned because Peepy and I heard there was a great bookstore there, and we are all about great bookstores. But first, we wandered around . . .
These women were watching people ice skate . . .
Look! We found the bookstore . . .
Hey, there's Absolutely Maybe . . .
The next day, my new friends from the American School of Dubai took me to the Blue Souk in Sharjah . . .
We all got some wonderful bargains!
Too soon, it was time for lunch and then the ride back to my hotel . . .
I had changed lodgings and was now at the Arabian Courtyard. Here's my room and the view . . .
With all the desert in Dubai, of course I had to go on a safari, right?
It was truly a wonderful experience. I rode in a 4-wheeler that was part of a 50 car caravan. It was a wild ride . . .
How wild was it? CLICK HERE to see my totally professional, hand-held steady cam video of me and Peepy in the front seat.
We learned about falcon, which are a huge part of the middle eastern culture . . .
The dunes were gorgeous and so was the sunset . . .
Yay! Camels!!!
Then there was a BBQ . . .
These are the lovely ladies from Australia that I sat with . . .
I opted for the flower pattern henna . . .
And here I am belly dancing. Or maybe it wasn't me?
All too soon, it was time to leave the desert.
On my last day in Dubai, I walked across the street from my hotel to visit the old fort that is now a museum. But first I had lunch. I couldn't read the menu, so I just pointed to a couple of words on page . . .
Because I bought a second suitcase, I needed to fill it up with one last shopping expedition . . .
Good-bye, Dubai! I had an incredible time!!!
===========================
Going here? Then come see me at the USC Civic Engagement Booth (in Argue Plaza near the Alumni House) on Saturday, 1 - 2 pm, as I read and sign FREE books. Plus, I'll be signing FREE books at a Meet and Greet, on Sunday, 12:45 - 1:45 pm!!!
Love books? Love kids books? Know a kid who loves books? It's time for the Children's Choice Book Awards!!! To vote, CLICK HERE!!! (BTW, look who's hosting the Gala.)
Pssst, to see the host(ess) of the this year's Gala, and the all-star presenters, or to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE!
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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...
April 9, 2013
Snow Skiing in Dubai, Writing Workshops and Chocolate Hotels
When last we blogged, we were doing a school visit in Dubai, and sightseeing. Well, WE ARE STILL THERE!!!! (Blog-wise.)
I heard about the malls in Dubai, but they seemed like urban legends. A ski resort INSIDE? Pshaw! (Isn't "pshaw" a weird word? Does anyone really ever say that?")
Well, I had to go check out this ski resort in the desert. When I first hit the mall, I greeted by a familiar friend, Krispy Kreme! Next I had some grilled lamb at the fast food court, and then did more exploring of the Mall of the Emerites . . .
I was totally discombobulated to see Borders. I thought they had closed everywhere, but apparently not in Dubai . . .
And then we saw it. Behold the snow!!!
Back at ASD (American School of Dubai) I basked in the glory of their libraries!!!
I was so impressed by the students. Can you tell we had fun during our writing workshops?
In addition to elementary school, and a middle grade workshop, I taught a special workshop with these talented teens . . .
After school, the fun continued at dinner near the base of the tallest building in the world.
I had about an hour before, so I went to (a different) Dubai mall which was next door . . .
As dawn fell, I headed to the restaurant . . .
From the restaurant terrace, we had front row seats for the water show they did in honor of Peepy . . .
Our ASD workshops continued through the week with these amazing students . . .
In addition to writing about characters and learning about revision, some wrote to Peepy . . .
Look, we were official! Plus, it's the elementary school library staff with Harry Bliss and Moi . . .
Later, back at the tres chic Atlantis Resort, we dined outside, then headed inside to watch the artists craft the hotel OUT OF CHOCOLATE. Did I mention CHOCOLATE?
Inspired by the chocolate, we decided it was time for more souk shopping and sightseeing . . .
We had never seen an ATM machine for GOLD before . . .
See that hotel in the middle? It's the most expensive one in the world!
After doing even more shopping, we headed to a restaurant to meet up with our ASD teachers, librarians and administrators for a festive farewell gathering for the authors . . .
It was Natasha's birthday, too!!!
Here we are with librarians Carly and Natasha, and author/photographer Nic Bishop . . .
What a marvelous time we had at ASD . . .
NEXT BLOG: Lisa ventures into the desert and meets a camel.
===========================
Going here? Then come see me at the USC Civic Engagement Booth (in Argue Plaza near the Alumni House) on Saturday, 1 - 2 pm, as I read and sign FREE books. Plus, I'll be signing FREE books at a Meet and Greet, on Sunday, 12:45 - 1:45 pm!!!
Love books? Love kids books? Know a kid who loves books? It's time for the Children's Choice Book Awards!!! To vote, CLICK HERE!!!
Pssst, to see the host(ess) of the this year's Gala, and the all-star presenters, or to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE!
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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...
I heard about the malls in Dubai, but they seemed like urban legends. A ski resort INSIDE? Pshaw! (Isn't "pshaw" a weird word? Does anyone really ever say that?")
Well, I had to go check out this ski resort in the desert. When I first hit the mall, I greeted by a familiar friend, Krispy Kreme! Next I had some grilled lamb at the fast food court, and then did more exploring of the Mall of the Emerites . . .
I was totally discombobulated to see Borders. I thought they had closed everywhere, but apparently not in Dubai . . .
And then we saw it. Behold the snow!!!
Back at ASD (American School of Dubai) I basked in the glory of their libraries!!!
I was so impressed by the students. Can you tell we had fun during our writing workshops?
In addition to elementary school, and a middle grade workshop, I taught a special workshop with these talented teens . . .
After school, the fun continued at dinner near the base of the tallest building in the world.
I had about an hour before, so I went to (a different) Dubai mall which was next door . . .
As dawn fell, I headed to the restaurant . . .
From the restaurant terrace, we had front row seats for the water show they did in honor of Peepy . . .
Our ASD workshops continued through the week with these amazing students . . .
In addition to writing about characters and learning about revision, some wrote to Peepy . . .
Look, we were official! Plus, it's the elementary school library staff with Harry Bliss and Moi . . .
Later, back at the tres chic Atlantis Resort, we dined outside, then headed inside to watch the artists craft the hotel OUT OF CHOCOLATE. Did I mention CHOCOLATE?
Inspired by the chocolate, we decided it was time for more souk shopping and sightseeing . . .
We had never seen an ATM machine for GOLD before . . .
See that hotel in the middle? It's the most expensive one in the world!
After doing even more shopping, we headed to a restaurant to meet up with our ASD teachers, librarians and administrators for a festive farewell gathering for the authors . . .
It was Natasha's birthday, too!!!
Here we are with librarians Carly and Natasha, and author/photographer Nic Bishop . . .
What a marvelous time we had at ASD . . .
NEXT BLOG: Lisa ventures into the desert and meets a camel.
===========================
Going here? Then come see me at the USC Civic Engagement Booth (in Argue Plaza near the Alumni House) on Saturday, 1 - 2 pm, as I read and sign FREE books. Plus, I'll be signing FREE books at a Meet and Greet, on Sunday, 12:45 - 1:45 pm!!!
Love books? Love kids books? Know a kid who loves books? It's time for the Children's Choice Book Awards!!! To vote, CLICK HERE!!!
Pssst, to see the host(ess) of the this year's Gala, and the all-star presenters, or to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE!
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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...
April 2, 2013
Hello Dubai!!!! (It sounds funnier when you say it out loud.)
We hadn't yet recovered from out jet lag from Singapore, when we whooshed off to Chicago. And then, less than one week later, we were in the air again . . .
That package (above) that Peepy is holding contains a toothbrush and slippers. Why? Because Emirates Air gave it to us for our 16 hour flight to Dubai!
We checked into the uber super fancy Atlantis Resort . . .
From our balcony, this was the view . . .
Our room was lovely . . .
The next morning when we woke up and looked out, it was like, "Wow, there's water there!??!!!"
There was water everywhere in the desert. Even inside the hotel . . .
We saw this giant chocolate duck. Or maybe it was another kind of bird?
Here's the exterior of our hotel . . .
Outside, Peepy was careful to protect her delicate complexion by using sunscreen . . .
Inside was gorgeous . . .
Oh, look! Who's that? Why it's Harry Bliss, Angelina Jolie, ASA librarians Natasha Pollock and Carly Brown, and Nic Bishop discussing string theory, quantum mechanics, and our upcoming school visits . . .
Natasha and Carly are from the American School of Dubia. Harry is from Vermont and Nic is from New Zeland. (Nic won the "who flew furthest" contest with 21 hours in the air.)
Look! Wouldn't you know it. Peepy instantly made new friends . . .
(Yes, we know the above photo is dark, but we did it on purpose.)
The next day we headed to the American School of Dubai . . .
These students did a wonderful job introducing me during the assembly . . .
Here we are with the school mascot . . .
I spoke to some of the parents . . .
Then it was time fora swig ofcamel milk before heading to the theater to speak to the students . . .
Peepy and I spoke at two assemblies, as seen in these three photos . . .
And we also autographed our books . . .
After, we headed down to the old Creek area of Dubai to do some exploring . . .
Coffee anyone?
.
It was fun seeing the neighborhood . . .
We stopped for snacks. Harry had coffee. Peepy had lemon sorbet. Renee, a teacher from ASD, was our wonderful tour guide, had mint lemonade . . .
Then it was time to see more sights . . .
At dusk we split up and Renee and I continued our journey. It was soooooo wonderful to be with her since she knew all the side alleys and best shops . . .
We took an abra (a small boat) across the creek to Deira . . .
Oh wow, I fell in love with the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk . . .
Is this beautiful or what? (And the gold is pretty, too!)
We ended the day with a wonderful grilled dinner creekside . . .
The next morning, we had a great breakfast. Look at the fresh honey!
The library was our home base . . .
(Mo Willems had spoken at the school last year, hence Elephant. Also, Jack Gantos spoke the year before Mo.)
We taught three writing workshops on Day Two . . .
The students were so enthusiastic! We will have more on our school visit in our next blog. Plus, snow skiing in Dubai?
===========================
Love books? Love kids books? Know a kid who loves books? It's time for the Children's Choice Book Awards!!! To vote, CLICK HERE!!!
Pssst, to see the host(ess) of the this year's Gala, and the all-star presenters, or to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE!
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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 package (above) that Peepy is holding contains a toothbrush and slippers. Why? Because Emirates Air gave it to us for our 16 hour flight to Dubai!
We checked into the uber super fancy Atlantis Resort . . .
From our balcony, this was the view . . .
Our room was lovely . . .
The next morning when we woke up and looked out, it was like, "Wow, there's water there!??!!!"
There was water everywhere in the desert. Even inside the hotel . . .
We saw this giant chocolate duck. Or maybe it was another kind of bird?
Here's the exterior of our hotel . . .
Outside, Peepy was careful to protect her delicate complexion by using sunscreen . . .
Inside was gorgeous . . .
Oh, look! Who's that? Why it's Harry Bliss, Angelina Jolie, ASA librarians Natasha Pollock and Carly Brown, and Nic Bishop discussing string theory, quantum mechanics, and our upcoming school visits . . .
Natasha and Carly are from the American School of Dubia. Harry is from Vermont and Nic is from New Zeland. (Nic won the "who flew furthest" contest with 21 hours in the air.)
Look! Wouldn't you know it. Peepy instantly made new friends . . .
(Yes, we know the above photo is dark, but we did it on purpose.)
The next day we headed to the American School of Dubai . . .
These students did a wonderful job introducing me during the assembly . . .
Here we are with the school mascot . . .
I spoke to some of the parents . . .
Then it was time fora swig ofcamel milk before heading to the theater to speak to the students . . .
Peepy and I spoke at two assemblies, as seen in these three photos . . .
And we also autographed our books . . .
After, we headed down to the old Creek area of Dubai to do some exploring . . .
Coffee anyone?
.It was fun seeing the neighborhood . . .
We stopped for snacks. Harry had coffee. Peepy had lemon sorbet. Renee, a teacher from ASD, was our wonderful tour guide, had mint lemonade . . .
Then it was time to see more sights . . .
At dusk we split up and Renee and I continued our journey. It was soooooo wonderful to be with her since she knew all the side alleys and best shops . . .
We took an abra (a small boat) across the creek to Deira . . .
Oh wow, I fell in love with the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk . . .
Is this beautiful or what? (And the gold is pretty, too!)
We ended the day with a wonderful grilled dinner creekside . . .
The next morning, we had a great breakfast. Look at the fresh honey!
The library was our home base . . .
(Mo Willems had spoken at the school last year, hence Elephant. Also, Jack Gantos spoke the year before Mo.)
We taught three writing workshops on Day Two . . .
The students were so enthusiastic! We will have more on our school visit in our next blog. Plus, snow skiing in Dubai?
===========================
Love books? Love kids books? Know a kid who loves books? It's time for the Children's Choice Book Awards!!! To vote, CLICK HERE!!!
Pssst, to see the host(ess) of the this year's Gala, and the all-star presenters, or to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE!
Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.
Want to check out Lisa's NEW AND IMPROVED website? Simply CLICK HERE.
Interested in having Lisa speak at your school, library or conference? CLICK HERE for more information.
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...
