Page 199 – Pat Mora

Our New Logo!

Isn’t the logo above beautiful? I’m so grateful to talented Julie Paschkis for allowing us to use her work. Gracias, Julie. Savor her many talents at www.juliepaschkis.com I’m also grateful to my friends at The Seattle Public Library who showed me the work Julie had created for Seattle’s 2007 Summer Reading Program.

I like the way these two girls are connected as they read. That’s such a deep wish for a writer, connecting with those I may never meet and hoping my book can connect others: sisters to sisters, friends to friends, teachers to students, librarians to patrons, parents to children, etc.

Information about me and my books is available on my web site which we recently updated. This blog, though, is for creating a community of bookjoy sharers. Are you one? Do you love to read and enjoy talking about books? With whom do you do this and how?

Fall is in the air here in Santa Fe. It’s my favorite season in this high desert country. I’m finishing a manuscript and gearing up to start a new one.

What do you, my fellow book lovers, look forward to this fall?

Wishing you peace and good health.

Off To ALA in Anaheim

Finally, huge, wonderful clouds in the blue Santa Fe sky. We’re all hoping for rain. Hot summer days here remind me of even hotter days in El Paso. When I was a little girl, my sister Cissy and I liked the Summer Reading Club and afternoons when we’d stretch out and enjoy our books. That’s the quiet pleasure—the bookjoy—I want for all young people.
I look forward to seeing old friends next week in Anaheim. It’s always a particular pleasure to meet or re-connect with librarians who are ardent Día supporters. Last January, when I opened the envelope notifying me that I’d be receiving an Honorary ALA Membership this June, I was, quite frankly, amazed. I feel very humbled by this totally unexpected honor and am deeply grateful to the Texas librarians who nominated me. This recognition, like all honors, makes me want to work not only harder but more strategically with my partners to link all children to books, languages and cultures.
Today is the summer solstice, the “longest” day of the year. Since I’m solar-powered, this should be a productive day. I’m off to make a Tres Leches Cake and wish I could invite you all over for a piece.
Wishing you a summer that includes time to reflect on the question: am I creating a life I love?
(written on June 21, 2008)

Pura Belpré Awards News

ALSC and REFORMA recently announced two pieces of exciting news about the Pura Belpré Awards. First, they will now be presented every year instead of every other year, a good sign that there are more books published now that can be considered for the award than when the award was first established in 1996.
Second, to raise funds to support the award Celebración, REFORMA is holding a fabulous raffle in which you can win a piece of original art from The Storyteller’s Candle/La velita de los cuentos (Children’s Book Press, 2008), a new picture book biography of Pura Belpré by Lucía González, illustrated by Lulu Delacre. Raffle tickets are just $10.00 and will be available at the ALA conference in Anaheim.

Thanks Teachers & Librarians!

Where do the weeks go? Tomorrow I leave (again) to Chicago Public Library’s Kraft Great Kids Family Night. Families who have been reading my books (thanks to wonderful Chicago librarians) will be bussed to an evening reading. Every child who attends will receive a signed copy of one of my books thanks to the Library’s efforts. I also get to chat with Chicago Public Library’s children’s librarians. Such occasions are always a treat for me.
In the future, I’ll say more about the Día celebrations I was privileged to attend in ’08. I’m so grateful to everyone around the country who took part or supported Día events that honored children, all our children, and that promoted literacy. ¡Gracias, gracias!
A week ago I received an Honorary Doctorate at North Carolina State University. That afternoon, I spoke to the first graduating class of elementary education majors. It’s always difficult to convey to teachers and librarians what a significant role they play. Congratulations to all you teachers and librarians out there. You are so important!
(posted by Laurina for Pat)

Día at the Senate!

Early tomorrow I leave for the ALA Día event in one of the U.S. Senate
chambers. Won’t the attending school children be excited? Me too!

I remain amazed at how Día keeps growing throughout the month of April and even into May. Although April 30th has been the traditional celebration date these past twelve years, what is important is that communities hold annual spring celebrations of their daily commitment to link all children and families to books, languages and cultures. Partnerships with schools,parents, local organizations, book stores, funders and the media strengthenthe celebrations–and the community too.

I’ve learned a great deal from the Día events I participated in–Seattle,Portland, and Riverside, Ca. I’ll be sharing what I’m learning on my web site soon.

Deep thanks to all of you who enrich Día events with your talents and creativity.