liz garton scanlon

a sweet taste of the good-pie party by liz garton scanlon and kady macdonald denton

~ jama ~ 39 Comments

In my kitchen there’s a chalkboard that says, “I’ve never met a pie I didn’t like.” Ever since birth (i.e., 23 years ago), I’ve been on an eternal quest for pie (who, me?).

So it should come as no surprise that whenever a good pie book jumps out of the oven, I like to be first in line. 🙂

Today, with the help of three furry pastry chefs, we’re peeking under the crust and sampling some of the goodness in The Good-Pie Party,  a delectable new picture book officially hitting shelves today by Liz Garton Scanlon and Kady MacDonald Denton.

Liz and Kady have cooked up a gentle, reassuring story about making the best of a sad situation and celebrating the lasting bonds of friendship.

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soup of the day: happy birthday, bunny! by liz garton scanlon and stephanie graegin

~ jama ~ 39 Comments

bunny nine

Happy Happy Birthday Birthday!

It’s time to put on your party clothes and fancy shoes: for our first Soup of the Day for 2013, we’re celebrating a birthday book’s book birthday! Got that?

And I’m doubly, even triple-y excited because it was written by one of my favorite author/poets, Liz Garton Scanlon, and beautifully illustrated by Brooklyn-based artist Stephanie Graegin, who did such a brilliant job that it’s hard to believe it’s her very first picture book. You know how much I love featuring “first books.” 🙂 I totally agree with Kirkus, who called Stephanie “an up-and-coming artist to watch” in their *starred review*. Hooray!

But more about Happy Birthday, Bunny! (Beach Lane Books, 2013), right after we suit up for the festivities.

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friday feast: think big by liz garton scanlon and vanessa brantley newton (+ a giveaway!)

~ jama ~ 53 Comments

Hello, Poetry-Loving Friends!

Had to tell you about my BIG, BIG love for this brand new picture book by Liz Garton Scanlon and Vanessa Brantley Newton. Have you seen it yet?

THINK BIG (Bloomsbury, 2012) is a rollicking, joyous celebration of creativity and imagination that embraces art in all its glorious, soul nourishing forms. And who better to bring this message to young readers than the infinitely talented Liz and Vanessa, who, much like the children featured in the story, grew up thinking outside the box.

Fairy Princess Liz

Their early experiences with creative play enabled them to become the accomplished artists they are today. Their secret? Never losing touch with the child within — the one that’s eager, excited and unafraid to dive right in and experiment, with a mind open and fresh, dwelling in that magical place where all things are possible.

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soup of the day: noodle & lou by liz garton scanlon and arthur howard!

~ jama ~ 1 Comment

Callooh, Callay!

It’s time to tip our caps to Liz Garton Scanlon and Arthur Howard! Their brand new picture book, Noodle & Lou (Beach Lane Books, 2011), is officially out today!

What’s that? You don’t have a cap?

No probs. Help yourself:

(Please leave your caps on for the duration of this post so you can really strut your stuff. Oh, and if you wanna be extra cool and channel Noodle, wear it backwards or sideways-sassy. Lookin’ good!)

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sweets for the sweet: liz garton scanlon

~ jama ~ 1 Comment

#14 in the Poetry Potluck Series, celebrating National Poetry Month 2010.


 Namaste.

Please have some jasmine green tea with honey!

When I was searching for a photo to capture the essence of Liz Garton Scanlon, this one by Genevieve Howard caught my eye. There’s a feeling of peace, calm, and radiance. Here’s the comment Genevieve included on her flickr page:

the honey is a moment condensed from hours in a late spring field full of clovers. the tea plants grew for months on a hillside and jasmine bloomed while the sun set.

such sunshine, so much time, concentrated in this cup of tea.

may you be blessed with a sense of having plenty of time,
may you be blessed with hot drinks and sweetness.

Is it not perfect? I often picture Liz outdoors in the fresh air, hiking through fields, up and down hills, navigating river beds, soaking up the sun. She grows rich with beautiful moments, then condenses them to a few carefully chosen words, words seasoned with time, glowing with wisdom.

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