Two Photographs

I was sorting through some work photos and came upon these two. The first photo is from an author visit in Montreal. No, I'm not yodelling. I'm teaching the kids a pirate song from the book "Jacob Two-Two on the High Seas." The first verse goes like this:
"We don't like washing behind our ears, or doing our multiplication.
When our noses drip we wipe on our sleeves, and we spit for relaxation."
Pretty catchy, no? (By the way, that instrument I'm playing is a 1937 Martin mandolin.)

The second photo is from the launch of "Valentine's Fall" at the Gladstone Hotel. That's my buddy Gary Clement trying to make me look as if I know what I'm talking about. Gary was the artist on our picture book "Ten Old Men and a Mouse" and we're going to be doing another one together.

Teaching time

Well, it's teaching time again. On Monday, January 24 my evening class in writing picture books begins at the University of Toronto. I always get a great group of enthusiastic people who love picture books and want to find their own stories. If you're interested, you can see the course here:

http://2learn.utoronto.ca/uoft/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=1150416

Or call 416 978-2400.

Hope to see you in class!

A boy and his banjo

Here is a look at the cover of my next book for kids, a novel called "Banjo of Destiny."

Jeremiah falls in love with the sound of old-time banjo music and wants to learn to play. But when his wealthy (or, as Jeremiah's best friend Luella says, "stinking rich") parents won't let him buy one, he decides to build a banjo himself. Or (to quote Luella again), to listen to his "inner nerd."

It's funny, it's dramatic, it's touching, it's romantic. Okay, maybe not romantic.

Closer to publication date I'll try and get around to publishing a picture of the banjo that Jeremiah (with some help from the author) builds.

The book will be published in March but is already up on Amazon and the other online book sites.

Happy New Year, everybody.

My brothers, mes freres

Looking for something in French to read to that bright toddler of yours? Have I got a book for you. A French-language edition of "Book of Big Brothers" will be published this fall by Scholastic. It's available for pre-order on Amazon and other sites.

Does this mean I have to give my brothers free copies again?

Recent reviews

One of the results of an award nomination is that it shakes loose some reviews.

NOW, the Toronto weekly, reviewed "Valentine's Fall" a week or so ago. Here's Susan G. Cole:
"Though the themes are serious, Fagan displays a deft comic touch as Huddie tries to figure himself out. And the characters are classic. ...Props to Fagan for not writing an easy, tidy ending."

And the new picture book, "Book of Big Brothers," is getting some reviews too.

School Library Journal:
"Will make readers giggle with delight. [A]fresh approach to fraternal relationships."

CM Magazine:
"Told with warmth and wit, this is a terrific story about the ups and downs of sibling relationships. Highly recommended."

Picture Book Classes Start Soon

This semester I'm teaching two classes in the University of Toronto's Continuing Studies department.

"Writing for Children: Picture Books" begins on Wed. Oct. 6 12:30-2:00 p.m. In the course I talk about the fundamental structure of picture books and other essential elements. Each week there is an assignment, all of which go towards producing drafts of two manuscripts. There's always a lot of good energy and enthusiasm in the class and we all enjoy it.

"Writing for Children: Picture Books II" begins on Monday Oct. 4 6:30-9:00 p.m. While it has no prerequisite, the course is intended for people who have taken previous writing courses. (If you really want to take it anyway, you can email me.) There are no set talks or assignments. Instead, the class is devoted to detailed workshopping of manuscripts brought in by participants. As well, we are having two guests. One is a picture-book illustrator who will talk about what makes a good manuscript from the illustrator's point of view. The other is an editor at a major children's publishing house who will give us the inside scoop on how manuscripts are accepted and what editors look for.

Here is the website for the school:
http://learn.utoronto.ca/site3.aspx

Or phone 416 978-2400.

'Valentine's Fall' a Toronto Book Award Finalist

The award nominations for the Toronto Book Award were held at the Toronto Reference Library, with Mayor David Miller making the announcements. (I've met David Miller twice--once when he was trying to get elected and now, on his way out.)

Naturally, I am delighted. Being a born Torontonian, this award nomination means a lot to me. I'm just now starting to read the other nominated books. That's what awards really do--help readers to discover good books.

All of the nominees are reading at this year's Word on the Street in Toronto next weekend, and also at the Yorkville Library on October 5. The winner is announced at a ceremony on Oct. 14 (6 p.m.) at the Toronto Reference Library. Everyone is invited, so come on down and see what a bunch of nervous authors looks like.