Grace Lin's Blog, page 111

on my desk monday

Freshly picked oranges! Yum!

During my school visits in Arizona, my host supplied me with delicious oranges picked straight from her own tree. I think having your own orange tree sounds a bit like Paradise, don't you?

Sunday Chinese School

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!
Today's word is:
lucky
xìngyùn

bemelmans

After my research at the Met, my good friends Alvina and Libby took me out to for some girly fun to belatedly celebrate Ling and Ting's Geisel Honor. So, all dress up in my blue dress (this is the second time I've worn it! Yay!), we went out to a bar for drinks so I could pretend I was like one of those fashionable, sophisticates on "Sex in the City":


But, of course, the bar was children's book themed! We went to Bemelmans Bar. Does that name sound familiar? Sort of? Does this help?


Yes, it was a bar where all the walls were original murals by Ludwig Bemelmans--the author and illustrator of Madeline! The art was soo gorgeous in person, but it was so dark in the bar that none of my photos came out that well. But it was a magical experience, sipping in wine and awing at children's book genius.
Next time, I hope we get to go during the day so I can get a better look at the walls. Of course, I'll have to think of some excuse to celebrate...any ideas?

fortune cookie friday

"Learning is treasure no thief can touch. "
-Chinese Proverb

masterpieces at the met

So I finally took my research trip to the Met to see their special display of Chinese Art. It was my last bit of procrastination research before starting "Return to Sky."

But it was very helpful. I think one of these objects might make a possible cameo appearance in my story! We'll see...



Of course, after seeing the Chinese exhibit, it was great fun just to wander around the Met itself and see all the great master paintings and sculptures. Every time, I saw something beautiful I felt inspired. I kept thinking of new ideas for new books--when I saw this famous Degas sculpture of a 14 yr ballerina:

I kept thinking, someone should write a children's novel from that 14 yr old girl's point of view! That would be fascinating--like Girl with a Pearl Earring, but for kids. Well, I looked it up and there IS a novel about that 14 yr dancer, but after reading the descriptions (I guess i should've figured that ballet had a dark side) I don't think it's for kids...

Regardless, I have to admit the most exciting sight of the day for me was actually outside the Met. Because parked in front of the museum was a CUPCAKE TRUCK!

Yes, instead of truck selling ice cream, it sold cupcakes. I was so excited. It's opened my eyes to all new possibilities in terms of my cupcake dreams. If I can't afford a bakery, maybe I could just have a truck! And this works so well because the Sasquatch is studying to become a diesel mechanic, he can fix my truck for free!

SO, here's the idea for my future:

Plan A: children's book author/illustrator
Plan B: Cupcake Bakery
Plan C: Cupcake truck.

I'd still really, really rather Plan A work out, but at least the back-up plans could be sweet...

book talk tuesday

THE SECRET OF PLATFORM 13 by Eva Ibbotson

Product Description:

Under Platform 13 at Kings Cross Station is hidden a quite remarkable secret. Every nine years a doorway opens to an amazing, fantastical island. Nine years ago, the island's baby prince was stolen on the streets of London. Now a rescue party, led by a wizard and an ogre, must find him and bring him back. But the kind prince has become a spoilt rich boy, who doesn't believe in magic and doesn't want to go home. Can they rescue him before time runs out - and the doorway disappears for ever?

My Thoughts:
I only recently discovered Eva Ibbotson but I completely adore her work! I'm delighted by everything I've read of hers so far. This is fun adventure that completely satisfies (even if it doesn't surprise). Look forward to more Eva Ibbotson book recommendations soon![image error]

on my desk monday

The Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence sent me the gift of an "honorary" crane and a copy of their annual report which features my artwork. This same image is also a poster which they give as a gift to donors who give $100 or more (go to their website for info). I hope it brings peace to all the homes that receive it.[image error]

Sunday Chinese School

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!Today's words are:

sheep: yáng
rooster: jī
dog: gǒu
pig: zhū

[image error]

fortune cookie friday

"Laws control the lesser man; ethics control the greater one."
-Chinese Proverb[image error]

book talk tuesday

Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman

IndieBound Description: In this inventive, short, yet perfectly formed novel inspired by traditional Norse mythology, Neil Gaiman takes readers on a wild and magical trip to the land of giants and gods and back.

In a village in ancient Norway lives a boy named Odd, and he's had some very bad luck: His father perished in a Viking expedition; a tree fell on and shattered his leg; the endless freezing winter is making villagers dangerously grumpy.

Out in the forest Odd encounters a bear, a fox, and an eagle—three creatures with a strange story to tell.

Now Odd is forced on a stranger journey than he had imagined—a journey to save Asgard, city of the gods, from the Frost Giants who have invaded it.

It's going to take a very special kind of twelve-year-old boy to outwit the Frost Giants, restore peace to the city of gods, and end the long winter.

Someone cheerful and infuriating and clever . . .

Someone just like Odd .

My Thoughts: While this didn't win big awards like Neil Gaiman's other books, this one ranks as one of my favorites of his work. There is just something so wonderful and unpretentious about this one (not that his other work is pretentious!) that it simply charms me. This is the one I had him sign for me when I met him at the Literary Lights event!