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January 28, 2008
New Hot Woman of Children's Literature
Okay, not woman but women. And I had the uber good fortune of meeting them both on my recent paperback tour: Shannon Hale and Libba Bray. Not only are they way too cute, they are way too cool. I mean, it's not fair at all that they can both produce amazing books, but they are sweet and gentle human beings besides. Shannon has cornered the market on new twists on old tales (Goose Girl, Princess Academy and just wait for Rapunzel, co-written with her husband and illustrated by yet another Hale -- Nathan!). And Libba is this century's Mary Higgins Clark (Great and Terrible Beauty, Rebel Angels, and The Sweet Far Thing).
These women connect in spades with their readers. Oh, the party that was planned for them by Kepler's Books in Menlo Park, California! I couldn't be there (other commitments), but I heard there were fans and treats and even a harpist.
But it's not the fol-de-rol that gets these gals a nomination. They both write with great heart about young women who are finding their own way in crazy worlds. And they both live life with great heart. I especially admire Shannon for touring with small babe in tow, on her birthday. Let's see some guy do that!
So let's raise a glass of sparkling cider to celebrate two amazing authors who write stories that take young readers one step closer to their true selves.
Brava, brava to Shannon and LIbba!
Posted by kirby at January 28, 2008 07:14 PM