For a long time, I’ve wanted to write a book of children’s poems. Now, I admit I’m no Shel Silverstein, but I did focus on poetry in graduate school, have since published poems in several literary journals and magazines, and have written numerous children’s books.
I’ve also wanted to pair my poetry with some sort of visual art, whether photography, paintings, or drawings (again, I’m no Shel Silverstein). However, a friend, and painter, Amanda Doering, has recently agreed that if I write the poems, she will paint the art. So . . .
Here’s the first, in what will be a series of animal poems, using various common poetic forms, such as haiku.
Crow
I approach a crow
in the middle of the road —
the night flaps its wings.
February 5th, 2010 | Category: Poetry | Leave a comment
My football graphic novel, Kickoff Blitz, is now available.
Summary: Tou Yang, a Hmong youth and special teams standout for the Wildcats, is nervous going up against the Bandits. He used to play for them and was bullied by their star defensive back, Darren Broody. Now, Tou is lining up against Darren on the gridiron. He’ll need the help of his best friend, Carlos Ramirez, if he’s not going to let his old nemesis get the best of him.
Tou and Carlos are also be feature in a soccer graphic novel that will be released later this year.
February 1st, 2010 | Category: Fiction, Graphic Novels, New Releases, Sports Illustrated | Leave a comment
“I have to admit this book cracked me up. Eek & Ack travel to earth in their spaceship - that really looks like a washing machine - to discover why it is so hard to conquer. Their disguises are hilarious - one wearing a tutu and the other in a hooded robe of sorts. They end up traveling to earth on Halloween and meet up with a wolfboy. Let’s just say, they’re not staying long on this Earth.
This graphic novel is comical and fantastical, elements that I both enjoy. These books will be great for kids who like something a bit more funny. And this is another great book for librarians and teachers.”
—Bookworming in the 21st Century
January 27th, 2010 | Category: Eek and Ack, Fiction, Graphic Novels, Reviews | Leave a comment
“A great retelling of the famous myth in graphic novel format. . . . Definitely a fun story for kids to read about and a great way to learn about mythology.
—Bookworming in the 21st Century
And great timing on this review. I just learned that Stone Arch Books will be creating an interactive version of Perseus and Medusa. Can’t wait to see it.
January 23rd, 2010 | Category: Fiction, Graphic Novels, Miscellaneous, Reviews | Leave a comment
“The small town of Tarry has a new schoolteacher named Ichabod Crane. As he adjusts to his post, he hears rumors that a terrifying headless horseman is on the loose in the nearby valley. Crane, being a superstitious fellow, must face his fears as he crosses creepy Sleepy Hollow in search of beautiful Katrina, his pupil and the daughter of wealthy farmer Balt Van Tassel. However, Crane is not Katrina’s only suitor. The brawny Brom will stop at nothing to spend time with the striking young woman. Smith’s full-color illustrations and Hoena’s narration rejuvenate the famously spooky legend of the 1800s.”
—School Library Journal
January 18th, 2010 | Category: Fiction, Graphic Novels, Retellings, Reviews | Leave a comment
A Spanish-translated version of my Jack and the Beanstalk graphic novel retelling, or Jack y Los Frijoles Magicos is being released later this month.
Not only that, but I’ve heard rumblings that other titles of mine may be converted to interactive books.
Stay tuned . . .
January 15th, 2010 | Category: Fiction, Graphic Novels, New Releases, Retellings | Leave a comment
I’m starting the year out with two pieces of good news.
- DC Comics liked my Lobo story, so other than a few minor tweaks, it’s ready to be sent to the illustrator.
- Stone Arch Books has expanded the selection of DC Superheroes that they are using for their chapter books to include Flash and the Green Lantern Corps. While I don’t know much about Green Lantern, other than what I saw watching Justice League cartoons growing up, I’m a little more familiar with Flash, and have been asked to write one of his stories. I like to start out with selecting a villain, then let the story evolve around him/her. So far, I’m thinking of using either Ragdoll or Shade. Or I could stick with the villainesses and go with use Peek-a-Boo.
January 1st, 2010 | Category: DC Comics, Fiction | Leave a comment
December 15th, 2009 | Category: Miscellaneous | Leave a comment
I finished up my latest DC Super Heroes book, Bounty Hunter (working title), a few weeks back, and it has been approved by the editor at Stone Arch Books. Now is the nerve racking step in the process: the DC editors must also approve the story. It was just sent to them.
So far, except for some reworking on Poison Ivy’s Deadly Garden (I needed to change the way in which she controlled the killer vines), my stories have sailed through the approval process, with only minor tweaks. I’m hoping that’ll be true of my most recent book; the Stone Arch editor enjoyed it and had no major comments. Still, I’m always a bit anxious waiting for feedback from the DC folks.
December 1st, 2009 | Category: DC Comics, Fiction | Leave a comment
“This retelling of the famous Greek myth is quite complete in its details, including parts of the story not always included in children’s versions, such as the Gorgons, which frequently get dropped. But I was most impressed with the inclusion of the side story of Perseus’s return journey home, including his saving of Andromeda before he returns to court with the head of Medusa. A very true retelling, keeping it suitable for children. There is a bit of violence; Medusa does get her head chopped off after all, and with that a few drops of blood are shown here and there over a few pages. … A must read for mythology fans!”
—Back to Books
November 15th, 2009 | Category: Fiction, Graphic Novels, Reviews | Leave a comment
