Moonbeam Children's Book Awards

Bronze it is! We are thrilled that the judges have honored "The Mysterious Jamestown Suitcase" in this prestigious new children's book contest. We know how much our readers like the series, but it is always exciting to have judges recognize the value of the books. We were on Sanibel Island in Florida when we got the word about the award.

In addition to reading (a favorite vacation activity), I had two book signings during our trip (one at the Peace River Center for Writers in Punta Gorda, where we saw many friends), and another on Sanibel. I also had a wonderful day at Sanibel School, meeting with grades three through eight. The students were fun and had great questions. They really liked my new rubber chicken that squawks and crows (read book 4--there are rubber chickens).

We took long walks on the beach, picked up shells, and saw dolphin, and more birds than we can ever remember during our visits. The sky and beach were full of them.

Now we're back. The bear has returned to our Virginia neighborhood. Fall is here. We still need rain. I will be at Touch of Fusion in Mineral from 2-4 on Friday, Sweet Creations in Mineral from 11-2 on Saturday, and the Mineral Kids fair from 3-6 on Saturday (behind the fire house). On Tuesday, I will be at Chelsea Jo's from 6-9. And, I'll be in Arlington at the Library at 2 p.m. Nov. 17. More on later.