Pens for Paws, Poison, and the Robin Hobb Blurb

OPERATION AWESOME's Multi-Pack of Awesome is up for bidding at charity auction Pens for Paws today (until tomorrow)! So if you'd like to win a 20-page critique from Yours Truly, along with a handful of critiques from other OA members and signed books/swag, too, get over and bid now! (Other items for bidding include agent critiques!)

Here's a screen shot of the Operation Awesome prize:

So much goodness, it didn't all fit in one screen cap! Go check out the rest: http://pensforpaws.blogspot.com/2013/03/awesome-multi-prize-package-from.html

POISON:

"Bridget Zinn's first YA novel, Poison ...released by Hyperion on March 12, 2013. Unfortunately, Bridget died from cancer in May 2011 at the age of 33. Being published was Bridget's dream. Now, nearly four years to the day from her diagnosis, her novel is at last reaching readers. On her behalf, her friends and family want to celebrate her accomplishment and help get her book into the hands of readers."

Tragic story. But here's something that isn't tragic:

Bridget Zinn's book is beautiful!

And these reviews are beautiful, too:

Kirkus Reviews

"Don't let the title or cover fool you! No grimdark teen fantasy or angst-y heroines here; just a frothy confection of a fairy tale featuring poisoners, princesses, perfumers and pigs, none of whom are exactly what they appear (except maybe the pigs)…. Good silly fun—a refreshing antidote to a genre overflowing with grit and gloom."
—Kirkus Reviews

Publishers Weekly

"The late Zinn's debut novel unfolds as a romping, fairy-tale quest with more than one twist up its sleeve. The story is vivid, headlong, and occasionally tongue in cheek, and the narrative's dark moments never get too scary because everything else is so much fun." Ages 12–18. Agent: Michael Stearns, Upstart Crow Literary.—Publishers Weekly

I don't know about you, but it sounds right up my alley. I can't wait to read it, and while I do I'll think of the author Bridget Zinn who didn't get to see these glowing reviews, or probably even the beautiful cover art. And I'll feel a little sad. But what better way to honor her than to share in her dream and enjoy the book she wanted to share with the world?

WONDER LIGHT: UNICORNS OF THE MIST has been blurbed! By International Bestselling Author Robin Hobb!

Check it out at author R.R. Russell's blog

And here's the short blurb on the new cover:

Exhilarating! -Robin Hobb
Add it on goodreads
Pre-order it on amazon

World Book Day: Donate a Book

Yesterday was World Book Day, according to my favorite curriculum provider, Sonlight. They posted an article citing research which suggests a home library during the teen years may influence children to finish college later on.

Beneath the article, many commenters praised the idea by telling their own stories of having a home library, or a library card and a fabulous local librarian. Books, they said, were their portals into another realm, their windows to the world beyond their front doors.

A few suggested charities who provide all children with books, to begin a home library of their own. That's where I found these guys:

Firstbook.org

A small donation can give four new books to readers who may not otherwise have books of their own. When I remember some of the first books I owned, The Girl With the Silver Eyes by Willo Davis Roberts and See You Later by Christopher Pike, I get all warm and gushy inside. 

What were the first books you owned?

Package from Korea! (my CRITTERPALOOZA booty)

My goodies from Ellen Oh, via the Critterpalooza contest

I love contests, because contests have prizes, and it is ALWAYS fun to get something for free. :)

Ellen Oh sent me some Korean goodies and a book of my choice. (I chose MISTWOOD by Leah Cypess! Can't wait!) My son was so excited when the box came, he hardly had the patience for me to take a picture before he dove into the candy.

My almost-4yo giddy with dancing sugarplums

So since I have this great loot to remind me about Critter's cause, I'd be remiss if I didn't pass the reminder on to you, my awesome and always generous blog readers. 

Critter is being auctioned off in the next two days to the highest bidder and ONE HUNDRED PERCENT of the proceeds will go to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. That means owner Christy Evers and artist/creator Ian Sands aren't getting anything out of this, except the joy of giving. 

If you'd like to take part in the auction and possibly place the highest bid on CRITTER, whose been signed by the likes of Beth Revis of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, then do not pass GO, just skip straight over to...

THE AUCTION

Merry Christmas, everybody! I'm getting giddy myself with the visions of dancing sugarplums and family visits drawing nearer. I hope the season brings you as much joy wherever you are, and however you celebrate.

*******good vibes coming your way********

P.S. Monster big HOLIDAY 2010 SWAG BAG GIVEAWAY from The Best Damn Creative Writing Blog.