Created February 16, 2024 by Tanja Bauerle
As an Arizona Member, do you have any exciting publishing news that you would like to share? Please email your good news to arizona-ara@scbwi.org, by the 1st of the month to be considered for inclusion in that month's bulletin. Success stories that are included in the bulletin will be shared in our news feed by the end of the month.
The Wonderful Tale of Donkey Skin has been named among the best in family-friendly media, products, and services by the Mom’s Choice Awards® The Wonderful Tale of Donkey Skin is a middle-grade picture book written by SCBWI-AZ member Fawzia Mai Tung, and illustrated by Kadhima Tung and Qadri Tung.
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Debra Pehrson Haun is thrilled to announce that TWITCH, her debut author/illustrator picture book received the “OUR VERDICT: GET IT” award from Kirkus Reviews. TWITCH is a richly textured, colorful journey that celebrates friendship, courage, perseverance and the ever-changing magic of the seasons.
Look for more information regarding upcoming events on her website at: https://www.debrapehrsonhaun.com/
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It's Your Time to Shine comes out on March 5th and Finding Grateful comes out on April 16th, 2024. Inspire readers to go off into the world as the bold and brave person they are with this empowering board book that tells them now is their time!
To learn more about Dianne and her books visit her website at: https://diannewrites.com
The Legacy of the Golden Bird will be released in February 2024. The exact date is to be determined. Lainey is a new author and this is her first published book.
To learn more about Lainey or her book, visit her website at: https://www.laineymiles.com
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Author Diane Phelps Budden attended an Arizona House hearing with other Lowell Observatory staff of HB 2477 that would name Pluto the Arizona State planet. The bill was introduced by House Rep Justin Wilmeth, LD2. He wanted to shine a light on Arizona’s great heritage. Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, is an Arizona treasure. Pluto was the only planet to be discovered by an American.
Diane testified that school children learn about space and planets in the 4th grade and they would be thrilled to know Pluto is the state planet. Other Lowell staff presenting were Kevin Schindler, historian, and Amanda Bosh, COO.
It was very exciting when the Committee on Government passed the bill clearing a path for it to be transferred to the Senate for a vote. Diane’s new picture book, Needle in a Haystack: How Clyde W. Tombaugh Found an Awesome New World, presents the Pluto story for kids 8-12 years old. It turns out it’s a pretty exciting year to write a book about Pluto.
Diane will keep us apprised of the fate of HB2477, but it’s looking good!
Stop by and say hello at the I HEART PLUTO FESTIVAL in Flagstaff
It's almost here—the I Heart Pluto festival in Flagstaff, Arizona, from Feb 16-18. Pluto was discovered at Lowell Observatory by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930. The observatory celebrates every year with a weekend of activities, starting with the Friday night Pluto Crawl to various pubs and restaurants that feature a special beer or meal (think Pluto Roll at Karma Sushi) in honor of Pluto. Saturday night is the Night of Discovery featuring an interview with Diana Gaboldon, the Outlander series author.
On Sunday there are a series of talks and activities about Pluto. In the afternoon Diane and her noted book illustrator Tanja Bauerle will be at Lowell signing their latest book Needle in a Haystack: How Clyde W. Tombaugh Found an Awesome New World in the gift shop.
Come if you can, and say hello, it’s a great festival.
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Karen Chow's book, MIRACLE, released last year by Christy Ottaviano Books, was selected as a CCBC at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Children's Choice Selection.
To find out more about her beautiful book, visit Karen's website at: https://kchowrites.com