One of the ways I started honing my writing skills was by entering contests, and so I am thrilled to be the guest judge of the McNally Robinson kids' writing contest, open to grade 5 & 6 students in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This year the theme is "I have always wanted to...." go into space, … Continue reading McNally Robinson Writing Contest for Kids
Category: Contests
Giveaway: The Winnowing Book Club Kit
The only thing better than reading books is talking about books! That's why I'm a big fan of lit circles, book clubs, and reading groups. I'm putting together a Winnowing themed book club kit including: One copy of The Winnowing The Winnowing stickers The Winnowing bookmarks Official The Winnowing Discussion Guide Discussion Fuel (aka candy) … Continue reading Giveaway: The Winnowing Book Club Kit
Magical Contest Alert: Win a Custom Illustration of your Pet!
How much do you love that little guy? Now imagine YOUR pet with the fantastic beasts treatment! November is the month of fantastic beasts, and the good folks at Penguin Random House Canada are running a wonderful contest to celebrate all things magical.The prize? A signed copy of If I Had a Gryphon AND a … Continue reading Magical Contest Alert: Win a Custom Illustration of your Pet!
Giveaway: If I Had a Gryphon
We are a month away from the release of my first picture book, If I Had a Gryphon (Tundra Books, February 9/16). In this primer on magical pet care, Sam deliberates the pros and cons of raising a series of fantastic beasts, including unicorns, gryphons, krakens, hippogriffs and many more! Here are what people are saying … Continue reading Giveaway: If I Had a Gryphon
The Power of Pink: Pink Shirt Day CONTEST
Are you wearing pink today? Pink Shirt Day is a great anti-bullying initiative inspired by the actions a group of grade nine students who decided to show their solidarity for a student who was being picked on because of a fashion choice. This kind of harassment is sadly not unusual, but the massive student response is. I am … Continue reading The Power of Pink: Pink Shirt Day CONTEST
An Interview with Author Rachelle Delaney!
I am a big fan of Canadian middle grade author Rachelle Delaney. Her books are breezy, delightful, and a great example of classic children's literature with a modern narrative voice. Click here to check out my review on her latest treat, The Metro Dogs of Moscow. I decided she would be the perfect subject for … Continue reading An Interview with Author Rachelle Delaney!
Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Under-sung Series
Nothing breaks my heart more than a truly outstanding series that for whatever reason does not achieve the success it deserves. As a busy reader and writer, I rarely get to sequels or subsequent books in a series. When I do, I know the series is a winner. And so I present to you ten … Continue reading Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Under-sung Series
WINNERS of Clarissa & Benji Video Contest!
After months of not-so-patiently waiting, I am thrilled to announce the winners of the video contest and share their wonderful creation, inspired by my book Words That Start With B, here! From River Oaks PS in Oakville: Jessica, Albert, Ashley, Devon and Elijah: Congratulations to everyone for such clever, imaginative, and faithful imaginings of Words That Start … Continue reading WINNERS of Clarissa & Benji Video Contest!
Waiting on Wednesday: Days That End in Y
My third book, the final in the Clarissa and Benji series, Days That End in Y is available in three weeks! I can barely contain my excitement. I've already received my author copies from Scholastic Canada, look how pretty: Doesn't the blue make you think of summer? Doesn't Clarissa look just ever-so slightly more mature and … Continue reading Waiting on Wednesday: Days That End in Y
Calling All Budding Filmmakers, Grade 4 and up!
You still have time to enter my book trailer contest! Create a fun, short video celebrating the Clarissa and Benji books and you could WIN! All video submissions must be received by January 15th, 2013. GRAND PRIZE WINNER: 1. The winning video will be revealed here on the blog as the OFFICIAL TRAILER. It will also … Continue reading Calling All Budding Filmmakers, Grade 4 and up!
