France 2011

I had a great opportunity to speak to over 400 children in 3 cities (Gien, Vannes, Montauban: France) about book creation and illustration. It was really a great time, and the kids gave back as much as I gave them. Great learning experience; it was my first time to speak French when presenting formally and in front of a crowd. I hope to have the opportunity to do more of this in the future.

O'Doodle's in Chestnut Hill

O'Doodle's in Chestnut Hill picked up Pemba Sherpa(and Ollie and Tugg). Thanks guys!
8335Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill., PA 19118

Los Angeles visit

It was great to be a part of the LA County Unified School District for a day. I spoke to (and with) over 140 students and was welcomed with open arms.

Pemba Sherpa included on the Amelia Bloomer Project 2011

Glad to be a part of it!

From the website;
..."an annual booklist of the best feminist books for young readers, ages birth through 18. We are part of the Feminist Task Force of the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association!"

"Since 2002, when the Amelia Bloomer Project published its first bibliography of feminist books for young readers, American culture has undergone radical change. During this decade, many in U.S. society turned their backs on the ideals of equality and tried to return to the restrictive attitudes of the 1950s, reveling in a backlash that attempts to roll back Social Security and Medicare as well as passing laws that limit women’s rights to our own bodies.

Although the inauguration of President Barack Obama, just one year ago, raised hopes that the anti-women excesses of the previous administration would be overcome, conservative rhetoric co-opting feminist arguments remains deeply engrained in U.S. society. Purity balls “empower” pre-teen and teenage girls to promise their virginity to their fathers as these children pledge to abstain from sex until they are married. So-called crisis pregnancy centers deliberately set up shop near high schools with the intention to counsel young women against having abortions. A U.S. Army Major General commanding U.S. forces in Northern Iraq added pregnancy to the list of prohibitions, with punishments that include courts martial. At the same time, the U.S. military has made few provisions to protect women soldiers from rape and sexual assault by other U.S. soldiers."

YouTube trailer

See a 40 second trailer for the book click here.

School Visit

These photos are from my visit to St. Genevieve's School in Flourtown PA. I spoke to the 4th-6th grades and k-1st grades, read the book and opened up to questions from the students afterwards.

Barnes and Noble Signing

Barnes and Noble signing in Plymouth Meeting PA. Thank you to the store for organization and the opportunity!