New Cover!

I'm so excited about the revised cover to my upcoming book, Counting On Katherine. The adult Katherine was replaced by this younger version. What do you think about it?

OLA Signing/Appearance Schedule

The Ontario Library Association Superconference is always a highlight on my calendar.

This year, I'll be busy busy busy!

Thursday, Feb 2:

Scholastic booth -   11 am - signing copies of Deck the Halls  

Orca booth - 2:30 pm - signing copies of You Can Read, Dirk Daring, Secret Agent, and Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Friday, Feb 3:

Forest of Reading Breakfast - 8 am

Canscaip Forest of Reading Launch - 10:30-11-30

DK Books - 12 pm - Poster signing for Our Great Prime Ministers

Hope to see you there!

Packaging Your Imagination is THIS WEEKEND!

Come to Toronto - yes, it's worth the trip  - to get the lowdown on everything kidlit!

I'll be speaking on Nonfiction:

Non-Fiction Truths: How to Plan, Pitch and Promote Your Nonfiction Project

Writing successful nonfiction requires plenty of research - and that's even before you begin the project! In this hard-nosed, nuts-and-bolts session, you'll get a step-by-step guide to how to take your idea from "Should I?"  to Sold. Learn how to Evaluate and Structure Your Idea, Do an Effective Market Comparison, Create a Clear, Complete  Proposal and Craft a Winning Cover Letter. Plus an up-to-the-minute look at the contemporary nonfiction market and how to target and evaluate potential customers, both in Canada and the US.

There are lots of other great speakers!!! I can't wait to sit in on all their sessions. For deets and registration info, go to Packaging Your Imagination.

See ya there!

Less than a week to go! Canscaip PYI Conference!

I'll be speaking about nonfiction how-tos!

I'm giving the inside scoop on nonfiction at  the Packaging Your Imagination Conference is next weekend.  You'll also get to meet outstanding industry professionals like Jacqueline Guest, Ashley Spires, Wallace Edwards, Suzanne Sutherland, and Christie Harkin. You really want to be there. Saturday, November 19, 2016.

Here are the deets:

PACKAGING YOUR IMAGINATION (PYI)
#PYI2016

WHAT'S AT PYI THIS YEAR?

• Choose from a dozen sessions, including three Master Classes and our popular panel of publishers and agents
• Terrific NEW location in the heart of downtown Toronto--close to subway, hotels, restaurants, theatres, museums, shopping...and more! 
• Two keynotes: Ashley Spires and David Booth
• One-to-One evaluation of your manuscript, illustration portfolio or author website/social media (additional fee)

YOUR PYI REGISTRATION INCLUDES:

• Full day of PYI sessions and keynotes for $195 (scroll down for our fantastic line-up of sessions and speakers)
• Sandwich lunch
• Coffee, juice and snacks served all day between sessions 

ONE-TO-ONE EVALUATIONS

• Add a One-to-One evaluation of your manuscript OR your author website/social media for $75 (you must also register for PYI for this option)

I'm pleased to be presenting:

Non-Fiction Truths: How to Plan, Pitch and Promote Your Nonfiction Project

Writing successful nonfiction requires plenty of research - and that's even before you begin the project! In this hard-nosed, nuts-and-bolts session, you'll get a step-by-step guide to how to take your idea from "Should I?"  to Sold. Learn how to Evaluate and Structure Your Idea, Do an Effective Market Comparison, Create a Clear, Complete  Proposal and Craft a Winning Cover Letter. Plus an up-to-the-minute look at the contemporary nonfiction market and how to target and evaluate potential customers, both in Canada and the US.

The Conference will take place at Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute in Toronto.  See you there!

The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute
is located in downtown Toronto

Just 6 more sleeps!

I'll be speaking about nonfiction how-tos!

Canscaip's magnificent Packaging Your Imagination Conference is next weekend.  You really want to be there. Saturday, November 19, 2016.

Here are the deets:

PACKAGING YOUR IMAGINATION (PYI)
#PYI2016

WHAT'S AT PYI THIS YEAR?

• Choose from a dozen sessions, including three Master Classes and our popular panel of publishers and agents
• Terrific NEW location in the heart of downtown Toronto--close to subway, hotels, restaurants, theatres, museums, shopping...and more! 
• Two keynotes: Ashley Spires and David Booth
• One-to-One evaluation of your manuscript, illustration portfolio or author website/social media (additional fee)

YOUR PYI REGISTRATION INCLUDES:

• Full day of PYI sessions and keynotes for $195 (scroll down for our fantastic line-up of sessions and speakers)
• Sandwich lunch
• Coffee, juice and snacks served all day between sessions 

ONE-TO-ONE EVALUATIONS

• Add a One-to-One evaluation of your manuscript OR your author website/social media for $75 (you must also register for PYI for this option)

I'm pleased to be presenting:

Non-Fiction Truths: How to Plan, Pitch and Promote Your Nonfiction Project

Writing successful nonfiction requires plenty of research - and that's even before you begin the project! In this hard-nosed, nuts-and-bolts session, you'll get a step-by-step guide to how to take your idea from "Should I?"  to Sold. Learn how to Evaluate and Structure Your Idea, Do an Effective Market Comparison, Create a Clear, Complete  Proposal and Craft a Winning Cover Letter. Plus an up-to-the-minute look at the contemporary nonfiction market and how to target and evaluate potential customers, both in Canada and the US.

The Conference will take place at Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute in Toronto.  See you there!

The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute
is located in downtown Toronto

Just 7 more sleeps!

I'll be speaking about nonfiction how-tos!

Canscaip's magnificent Packaging Your Imagination Conference is next weekend.  You really want to be there. Saturday, November 19, 2016.

Here are the deets:

PACKAGING YOUR IMAGINATION (PYI)
#PYI2016

WHAT'S AT PYI THIS YEAR?

• Choose from a dozen sessions, including three Master Classes and our popular panel of publishers and agents
• Terrific NEW location in the heart of downtown Toronto--close to subway, hotels, restaurants, theatres, museums, shopping...and more! 
• Two keynotes: Ashley Spires and David Booth
• One-to-One evaluation of your manuscript, illustration portfolio or author website/social media (additional fee)

YOUR PYI REGISTRATION INCLUDES:

• Full day of PYI sessions and keynotes for $195 (scroll down for our fantastic line-up of sessions and speakers)
• Sandwich lunch
• Coffee, juice and snacks served all day between sessions 

ONE-TO-ONE EVALUATIONS

• Add a One-to-One evaluation of your manuscript OR your author website/social media for $75 (you must also register for PYI for this option)

I'm pleased to be presenting:

Non-Fiction Truths: How to Plan, Pitch and Promote Your Nonfiction Project

Writing successful nonfiction requires plenty of research - and that's even before you begin the project! In this hard-nosed, nuts-and-bolts session, you'll get a step-by-step guide to how to take your idea from "Should I?"  to Sold. Learn how to Evaluate and Structure Your Idea, Do an Effective Market Comparison, Create a Clear, Complete  Proposal and Craft a Winning Cover Letter. Plus an up-to-the-minute look at the contemporary nonfiction market and how to target and evaluate potential customers, both in Canada and the US.

The Conference will take place at Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute in Toronto.  See you there!

The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute
is located in downtown Toronto

Spots still available for Canscaip's Magnificent Packaging Your Imagination Conference!

There are spots still available for Canscaip's magnificent Packaging Your Imagination Conference! You really want to be there. Saturday, November 19, 2016.

Here are the deets:

PACKAGING YOUR IMAGINATION (PYI)
#PYI2016

WHAT'S AT PYI THIS YEAR?

• Choose from a dozen sessions, including three Master Classes and our popular panel of publishers and agents
• Terrific NEW location in the heart of downtown Toronto--close to subway, hotels, restaurants, theatres, museums, shopping...and more! 
• Two keynotes: Ashley Spires and David Booth
• One-to-One evaluation of your manuscript, illustration portfolio or author website/social media (additional fee)

YOUR PYI REGISTRATION INCLUDES:

• Full day of PYI sessions and keynotes for $195 (scroll down for our fantastic line-up of sessions and speakers)
• Sandwich lunch
• Coffee, juice and snacks served all day between sessions 

ONE-TO-ONE EVALUATIONS

• Add a One-to-One evaluation of your manuscript OR your author website/social media for $75 (you must also register for PYI for this option)

I'm pleased to be presenting:

Non-Fiction Truths: How to Plan, Pitch and Promote Your Nonfiction Project

Writing successful nonfiction requires plenty of research - and that's even before you begin the project! In this hard-nosed, nuts-and-bolts session, you'll get a step-by-step guide to how to take your idea from "Should I?"  to Sold. Learn how to Evaluate and Structure Your Idea, Do an Effective Market Comparison, Create a Clear, Complete  Proposal and Craft a Winning Cover Letter. Plus an up-to-the-minute look at the contemporary nonfiction market and how to target and evaluate potential customers, both in Canada and the US.

The Conference will take place at Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute in Toronto.  See you there!

The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute
is located in downtown Toronto

Silly, but not inane - that's me!

I am loving this review for Let Sleeping Dogs Lie from Kirkus!

"The author perfectly captures a middle school crush that is getting just deep enough to matter but not so much so that it's troublesome to either participant. The narrative is also peppered with the same spy jargon that made the first Dirk Daring adventure such a blast. This is a very silly book, but it never crosses the line into inanity."

My entire life purpose has now been fulfilled. 

Kirkus also says, 

"With a smart balance of humor and heart, this is a winning sequel."

If doesn't get better than that, does it? 

What's New for Fall...Part 3

This Canadianized Christmas carol became an instant holiday classic when it first came out in 2011. Now the whole family can join in the fun with this hot off the press, specially adapted board book version — the perfect first Christmas book for every preschooler on your list!

Enjoy all of Werner Zimmermann’s zany illustrations, count the characters from 1 to 12, and sing along. It’s Christmas as only Canadians can celebrate it — with squirrels curling, Mounties munching donuts, hockey players-a-leaping.... and A Porcupine in a Pine Tree!

It's kinda the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for a new baby, don't you think???

What's New for Fall..Part 2

Get ready to blast off into space to explore planets, stars, and beyond! This fun book will pull you in like gravity, full of fun facts, reports from explorers, maps and infographics, and more than 100 pictures.

The National Geographic Kids Everything series breathes new life into the fun reference category with a fresh and dynamic presentation of the nonfiction subjects kids are most passionate about. Packed with facts and tantalizing anecdotes from real experts and bursting with photographs, these lively books give kids a fun way to absorb everything they want to know about a subject, whether they are driven by passion or curiosity.

It was particularly fun for me to work on this book, since - a first! -  I co-wrote it with my son, Michael Szasz. 

What's New for Fall.... Part 1

In just two short days, the latest book in my quiz book series from Scholastic Canada comes out! It's funny. Here are the deets:

Have you got what it takes to survive?

Would you survive an attack by intergalactic microbes? What about sentient robots? Ghost cats? Or a Sharknado? See how you stack up against evil masterminds, giant scorpions, and the neighborhood bully! Rate your bravery, confidence, musclepower, and find out if you can master your own inner demons.

Reader tip: Don’t open the book without a firm grip on your security blanket. You’ll need every extra bit of bravery-boosting possible!

And the Shortlists are Out!

One of the highlights of the Canadian kidlit scene is the announcement of the OLA's Forest of Reading Awards shortlists. That was today. And it's sweeter than ever this year because Zoobots has made the Silver Birch Nonfiction Shortlist! Woo hoo Zoo!!!!!

It's an honour to be selected, and to be in such great company with such wonderful friends and colleagues like Frieda Wishinsky, Liz MacLeod, Tanya Lloyd Kyi, Hugh Brewster and Deborah Ellis, among others! I'm also holding up the fist bump for all the great folks - and stellar books -  nominated in all the other categories.

I am so looking forward to meeting kid-fans at the extra school visits the award will generate, and to meeting everyone at all the great Forest of Trees festivities throughout the year! I know how much fun it all is, since I've had the great good fortune to be nominated several times before. (Psst: I've even won a few times! Boredom Blasters and Secret Agent Y.O.U. won in 2006 and 2008; What's the Big Idea? won an Honour Award in 2011.)

Dashing toward Christmas. Yes. Really.

And how much fun it is to ride this particular sled!

Dashing through the Snow: A Canadian Jingle Bells, will be available on October 1st. May I humbly suggest you order your advance copies now??? ;)

The book's a long-awaited sequel to the bestselling A Porcupine in a Pine Tree, and is illustrated with the same verve and charm by  illustrator extraordinaire Werner Zimmermann.

Q and A with Dirk Daring and Me, Agent Helaine Becker

Dirk Daring, Secret Agent, will be published across North America this fall. To get a sneak peek inside the book, and into the scary workings of my own brain, check out this Interview done at a secret location, by an anonymous interviewer.

What Are Friends For? A Meditation. Ok, Not Really.

Because it's summer, a lot of us are reading light, fun books. Some of us actually enjoy light, fun books year round. And if you're a kid who happens to be a girl, and has a BFF, what could be better than reading a fun book with her?

Just in time for summer fun - or back to school (AGH I KNOW I SAID IT!!!! WHAT A DORK!!!!), Scholastic Canada has published the third book in my Quiz Book series just for us gals.

Here are some deets about it:

Are you and your BFF still meant to be? Take these quizzes and find out!

• Are you twins separated at birth?
• What sports star is she?
• Is she a princess, a peasant or a jester?
• Are you destined to remain friends?

Whether you want to make sure you've still got what it takes to be a great best friend, or have a new BFF, or need more questions for your best-ever sleepover, The Quiz Book for BFFs 2 is another fun way to celebrate your friendship and get to know each other even better!

Raves & reviews:

Praise for The Quiz Book for BFFs:

"The 31 quizzes in The Quiz Book for BFFs will have girlfriends talking and laughing... the combination of silly and serious questions would make this an entertaining book to bring along for a sleepover." —Canadian Review of Materials

You can also check out an excerpt here.

Previous books in the series are The Quiz Book for BFFs and  

The Quiz Book for Girls.

Lane Anderson Science Writing Awards Shortlist Announced!

Thrilled to learn today that The Big Green Book of the Big Blue Sea has been shortlisted for the Lane Anderson Award! A previous book of mine, The Insecto-Files, won the award two years ago. I'm so excited to be back on the list again!

You can read the press release here. Congrats to the other nominees - looking forward to meeting you all at the awards dinner!