July, 2008:

•  I had a terrific time at the American Library Association conference in Anaheim, CA at the end of June—meeting librarians and children’s book authors and illustrators from around the country.  There are lots of great new books out there—time to get reading!

•  Deep in the Swamp has been awarded the 2008 Southern Independent Booksellers’ Association (SIBA) Children’s Book Award.  Thanks to all of you for the vote of confidence!

•  Beginning in August, we’ll be hitting the road with a series of preliminary Bats at the Library appearances at select New England book stores.  Check the tour schedule to see when we’re coming to a bookstore near you.  The official national tour launch, featuring a new, “green” BATSmobile, will kick off at the Duxbury (MA) Free Library on September 28th.  From there, we’ll be winging our way from Seattle and Portland to Baltimore, DC, Philadelphia and Chicago.  Stay tuned for details.