Poetry Friday: Meeting Kermit the Frog

Face to face I know

it's not easy being green, 

but look at our smiles!

Lorie Ann Grover, 2011

Poetry Friday: Jack Frost

Jack Frost

Encrusted in snow,

I still smile and catch your grin

on this frosty morn.

Poetry Friday: Like a Pear

Like a Pear

Perched and leaning

toward the brilliance of the

new season's gold touch 

Charmed by Chris Van Allsburg

What a wonderful time with Chris Van Allsburg! He's such a dear. Readergirlz divas Martha, Dia, Justina, and I met at The Bookstore Bar in Seattle and talked all things Harris Burdick. Imagine 13 authors writing short stories to drawings you created 25 years prior: M.T. Anderson, Stephen King, Kate Dicamillo, and our own Cory Doctorow included.


Based on the picture book the Mysteries of Harris Burdick, The Chronicles of Harris Burdick elaborates on the beloved illustrations so mysteriously left behind by Harris long ago.


Personally, Sherman Alexis' short story startled me most. Where did it come from, Sherman? Shivery brilliance!

Chatting with Chris, we learned that the imagery has never looked better. The darks and lights are deeper and more vibrant due to the paper in this edition.

We wish Chris the best as he continues his tour. Safe travels and joy in your new studio, Chris. May the light be glorious as you work on your next book. We'll be waiting!

Oh, and be sure to check out the story writing contest at Chris' blog!


The Chronicles of Harris Burdick
by Chris Van Allsburg and 13 contributors
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Trade, 2011

Poetry Friday: In the Other's Shoes

Kicked off, we stop and

talk of where we've walked till now

before we go on.

Lorie Ann Grover, 2011