Two award nominations for 'Thing-Thing'

'Thing-Thing' has just been nominated for two national awards, both administered by the Canadian Children's Book Centre. One is the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award ($20,000) and the other is the big one, the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award ($25,000). It's an understatement to say that I'm thrilled by the nominations--for me and for Nicholas Debon, the illustrator. A lot of people work very hard over the year to make these awards happen and I'm grateful to them. The winners are announced at a fancy-shmancy evening in November so I better dust off my good clothes.

the new look of "Valentine's Fall"

Here is the new cover design for "Valentine's Fall." The illustrations are by Nick Crane. It sure is different from the first design, and from any other cover I've had. But I think it captures some of the spirit of the book. And it's refreshing to try something different.

A new cover for "Valentine's Fall"

A while ago I posted the cover of my upcoming novel, "Valentine's Fall." A short time ago the publishers discovered that another book with an uncannily similar cover had recently been published--a non-fiction book about a tragic event. A quick decision was made to come up with a new cover.

And so the new one is currently being designed. Marc at Cormorant Books has been kind enough to bring me into the process and it's something of a four-way discussion between us, the designer, and the illustrator brought on board. (But Marc has to act as go-between, mediator, and the-buck-stops-here ultimate decision maker.) It's an exciting and slightly scary process, and the new cover will look radically different. But I like the idea of taking a risk and coming up with something fresh and appealing.

But then you'll have to be the judge.

Stay tuned.

A second review of "Jacob Two-Two" and some postings

CM Magazine, a resource for librarians, has just published its advance review of "Jacob Two-Two on the High Seas." The reviewer, Andrea Galbraith, writes: "Much of the originality of the story comes from the theme of treasure being in the eye of the beholder....a highly readable book...it would work well as a read aloud or for solo reading. Highly recommended."

There have also been a few postings on the Globe & Mail and the Quill & Quire websites questioning the decision of adding to the series in the first place. The general opinion of these posters is that Richler's name is being exploited and his work being taken advantage of or tampered with. Other responses disagree.
I'm not at all surprised that some people don't like the idea. When first approached, I had some of these same thoughts. I asked myself: would I want someone to write another "Kaspar Snit" book? I didn't come up with any easy answers but I did decide that it ought to be the Richler family's decision. They, after all, are the ones who knew Mordecai best. And Mordecai passed the rights on to them. (Perhaps it should be remembered that Mordecai himself was happy to "exploit" his own books, allowing them to be adapted for film, television, and theatre. Some of these adaptations are very good but others are quite poor. And who remembers the musical based on "Duddy Kravitz" that closed before reaching broadway?) For me, the question was whether I felt I could do justice to the characters and series. And whether I wanted to do it. I answered "Yes" to both.
Of course people have every right to disagree. I'm happy to read their opinions, especially when they are well expressed. The question might be an interesting one for students to think about along with the notion of how authors "own" their characters and creations. I would like to say, however, that those who write that Richler's own work has been "tampered" with are simply wrong. No one has altered a single word he wrote or changed any of his books. My own book is clearly marked: it is a new work, written by me.
And if you read it, I hope you enjoy it.

First Review of "Jacob Two-Two on the High Seas"

Quill & Quire, the Canadian book-trade magazine, has just published an advance feature review of my upcoming children's novel, "Jacob Two-Two on the High Seas." Here is a sample:

"Fagan is a pro at writing entertaining and intelligent fiction aimed at the younger set. His Kaspar Snit series is infinitely inventive fun, displaying an affinity for offbeat scenarios and a ready wit that goes well with Jacob's universe. ...children and adults should find much to enjoy in Jacob's newest. Fagan has taken on responsibility for the series admirably, and the possibility of more Jacob adventures should make every young reader very happy."

Naturally, I'm very pleased by the review. (Actually, the primary emotion I feel on reading a positive review is relief.) But what I found most interesting in Corey Redekop's thoughtful consideration were his comments about the "darker shadings" and more frightening "Dickinsian" qualities of the first book that Richler wrote, Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang.

While I'm at it, I'd like to send best wishes to the new editor of the magazine, Stuart Woods. It's a hard job to take on, after the death of Derek Weiler, who was so admired by people in the book trade. But Quill & Quire has become an indispensible journal and I'm sure Stuart will continue to build on its strengths.

A first look at the new novel

"Well, it's been a long wait--for me anyway. My new novel will be published early in the fall by Cormorant Books. I'll just say here that it's about high school, middle age, Toronto, the suburbs, love, family, loss, and bluegrass music. Here is a look at the cover, designed by Angel Guerra. It seems only fitting that Angel did this one, since he also designed the cover of my novel "Felix Roth" and Felix, a couple of decades older, makes an appearance in the new one."

Back from Newfoundland

"I've just returned from a wonderful week in Newfoundland, sponsored by the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries and the Canada Council. The kids were great. I particularly liked the response of one boy to the moment in "Thing-Thing" where the rather spoiled boy, Archibald Crimp, throws the stuffed creature out a window. 'He's a saucy one,' said the boy. Indeed.
"Did I mention that I saw 26 moose in one day?
"Attached are a few photos, including one of me reading before a packed house at the opening of the Trails, Tales, and Tunes Festival in Norris Point. (Packed for the festival, not just for me!) My thanks to all the people who helped along the way, but most especially to the indefatigable Sandy Chilcote from the library, my companion and guide throughout the week. A more knowledgable, caring, and kind person I couldn't imagine."

An article about Cary's visit was published in Corner Brook's newspaper, the 'Western Star.' You can read it here:
http://www.thewesternstar.com/index.cfm?sid=249980&sc=29