There was an interesting article in today's New York Times Business section entitled " Well-Orchestrated Accidents ," as told to Patricia R. Olson.  It caught my eye because of the word "accident." That word, being in the business section, seemed a touch out of sy...

My how times have changed. Back in the dark ages, otherwise known as the years I went to elementary school, holidays honoring historical figures and times were days we studied and learned about and had some respect for. October belonged to Columbus. November was all about the Pilgrims and the Native...

  Sometime around 1965, I was hanging out at my Grandmother's house in Paterson, New Jersey. I think it was during the school Christmas break. It was the late afternoon, and I was channel surfing, to the limited extent one could back in 1965. Actually, since I was in the NY metroplot...

It's been quite a while since I last posted anything on this blog. I know that and it has gnawed at me. It's not that I imagine that I have a regular audience or anything. It is just that this blog is my way of reflecting and processing things that seem to speak to me. And I haven't done that here f...

There is a great essay by Margo Rabb in today's NY Times Book Review, called "I'm Y.A. and I'm O.K." Essentially, Rabb writes about the need for publishers to pigeonhole writing as either adult or Y.A (Young Adult), the need for writers to pigeonhole other writers defined by the market they primaril...

Let me first admit to this: I was one of the old fart parents who was so saddened to see the provocative photo of Miley Cyrus in Vanity Fair recently. To me, the picture was clearly sensuous in a way that it should not have been for a 15 year old. It's especially bothersome since I think that she is...

I've been busy working. Right now, besides my continuing kid work, my work is mostly about drawing. I've created the first round of sketches for the next Bones book by David A. Adler. And I am creating the art for a dummy book that goes with a brand new story, soon-to-be shopped around by my agent. ...

This evening I was enjoying my weekly indulgence: the Sunday New York Times Book Review, the Sunday Magazine, Arts and Leisure, and the Sunday Styles section. I would be lying if I said I read the Sunday Times cover to cover every week. Sometimes I will read a little something in almost every sectio...

Ruth McNally Barshaw over at Ellie McDoodle has nicely tagged me for on of those "Five Things" blog chain letter things. Liz Goulet DuBois and Elizabeth Dulemba also kindly tagged me with those "You Make My Day" stickers. Thanks to Ruth, Liz and Elizabeth for making me feel OK and decent! I really a...

It has been my pleasure to get to know writer and illustrator Elizabeth O. Dulemba, or "e" as she is known to many of us on several listservs and chat boards where we all obsess about children's books. Her web site and her blog are chock full of information, book talk, news, activities, coloring pag...