Hello Hackmatack

I was very pleased to hear today that 'Danny Who Fell in a Hole' is a nominee for the 2014-15 Hackmatack Award. That ceremony won't happen until next year; the Hackmatack people are just gearing up for the 2013-14 shindig. I know this year's authors (that includes you, Philippa Dowding!) are going to have a great time touring the Maritimes and attending the awards celebration.

I made a movie--sort of...

I was visiting the offices of Groundwood Books today, when Carolyn McNeillie, ace digital marketing manager asked me to draw something for the Groundwood blog to mark the publication of my new picture book, "I Wish I Could Draw." I immediately thought of the flip books I used to make in corners of my notebooks in school. And here is the result. Nicely put together, Carolyn! *** http://groundwoodbooks.com/a-flipbook-by-cary-fagan/

Mr. Karp a finalist for the Premio Andersen in Italy

I was delighted to hear that the Italian translation of 'Mr. Karp's Last Glass," called 'L'incredible collezione di Mr. Karp,' is a finalist in its age category for the Premio Andersen, Italy's most prestigious children's award. From what I understand, the ceremony will take place in Genoa on May 24. Anyone want to send me?

And now, to conclude our story: "The Show to End All Shows"

"The Boy in the Box," Book one of "Master Melville's Medicine Show," was published way back in 2012. At last the sequel and conclusion, "The Show to End All Shows," is being released. *** Here's what's going on: "Sullivan is still trapped with the Melville's Medicine Show, along with Esmeralda, Clarence, and Frederick, travelling around the country. But his family has not given up hope, and Jinny and Manny are soon back on the road, picking up the trail of the mysterious caravan..." *** To be released near the end of February, the novel is available for pre-order now. And for those who haven't read the first, the paperback is being released as well. (The last couple of pages of the paper back are a little different from the hardcover, by the way. I restored the end to my original version, which I prefer to the revision that was originally published. However, if you've read the hardcover, don't worry. The difference is more a matter of tone; the events are the same.)

)

"Danny Who Fell in a Hole" nominated for Japan's Sakura Medal

How did I find out that "Danny Who Fell in a Hole" was nominated for the Sakura Medal? By receiving an email from fifth and sixth graders at the Tathva International School in Tokyo. Kids enrolled in international schools in Japan (about 15,000 kids) are eligible to vote for the winner. I'm naturally very pleased to hear about it. Read away, international school students!

Picture Book course starts Monday evening, January 27

I'll be teaching my course in writing picture books for the continuing studies department at the University of Toronto again. The time is 6:30 to 9 p.m. and the place is the OISE building at Bloor and St. George.

I always look forward to the interest, enthusiasm, and talent of the participants. Why not join us? ***For more details see: http://2learn.utoronto.ca/uoft/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&cms=true&courseId=1150416

Best dog name of the year!

Yes, it's official. 'School Library Journal''s blog, called 100scopenotes.com, has named "Danny Who Fell in the Hole" as the kid's book of 2013 with the best name for a dog. As the blog says, "How can you not like a dog named Thwack?" Thanks, SLJ!