My Holiday Vacation read - A great MG book - Models Don't Eat Chocolate Cookies

I got a lot of books and a KINDLE!! (more about that in another post) for Christmas. I want to tell you about MODELS DON'T EAT CHOCOLATE COOKIES because it was a really good, fast, lol-funny book that is great for tweens (9-13, and even older).
The 411:
When Celeste’s meddling aunt enters her in the Miss Husky Peach Pageant for “larger sized girls,” the eighth-grader quails at the thought of the teasing that’s sure to follow, though the idea of modeling has its appeal. Reasoning that if she loses enough weight, she’ll be ineligible for the contest, Celeste finds the motivation to skip snacks and even to exercise. Along the way, she begins to express her individuality through the unlikely vehicle of a beauty contest. Successes, flops, humiliations, and recoveries are all part of the pageant process, and even girls who don’t see themselves as potential models will enjoy Celeste’s account of her experiences. The wry first-person narrative also provides convincing views of middle-school friendships, family dynamics, and incremental personal growth. The ending may be a bit too rosy for absolute realism, but readers rooting for Celeste won’t complain. A light, well-paced first novel.
The recommendation: Your tween girl will love it. Congratulations to Erin Dionne on her wonderful debut novel. Her second book can be pre-ordered from her THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET can be pre-ordered from erindionne.com.

The Christmas Post

It took Christmas in the air, twenty inches of snow, cabin fever, a blinking tree, and our favorite old Christmas book for us to huddle up for story time. We used to do this a LOT more when the kids were younger. But, now with our busy lives filled with work, school, sports, playdates, TV, computer and Wii, we don't much anymore, which doesn't make any sense because we all love it.

But recently the conditions were just right to snuggle and read from The Tall Book of Christmas (pictured). This well-worn book is a compilation of familiar favorites and lesser-known stories dating back to 1904. Reading together from this old book (origin long forgotten, maybe my dad's) has become a wonderful holiday tradition. Reading is like that, isn't it? Timeless.

The story we read was one you might not know: "The Story of the First Christmas Tree." In it a woodcutter has lost his way in the night. The good fairies of the forest light tree after tree in the snowy woods to guide him home. I just love that...the lights in the forest leading him home. Similarly this little old book has the ability to draw us "home"...around a twinkly tree sharing a story and a peaceful heart.

My holiday wish for my friends and family is just that: Hearts filled with peace that maybe, just maybe, with the help of an occasional good story, stays with you long after the snow melts.

Christmas Trivia: "The Story of First Christmas Tree" references Santa's eight reindeer. It's copywrited 1948, which led me and my three fellow researchers to question exactly when Rudolph became mainstream. Here's the answer: The character, story and song were invented as part of a retail store (Montgomery Ward) ad in 1939. While the original story is not in the public doman, rights were sold for a television special in 1964. It wasn't until that time that Rudolph then became part of Christmas folklore. (Thank you, Wikipedia. I just adore you.)

Announcement: I am NOT sending Christmas cards (again) this year

Does this mean I'm a Grinch? Not at all. I like Christmas. Not as much as Halloween, but I like it.

You can call me a Grinch and I wouldn't mind. He's cute, and furry and green, and, let's face it, his theme song rocks!
I wonder if Dr. Seuss knew when he sat down to pen When The Grinch Stole Christmas that it would be a classic? I mean don't all writers, somewhere in our private psyche, imagine that our current project will live on long after our deaths? Don't we imagine that Literature students at an ivy-clad University in New England will study our work and our lives and gawk at the genius??
Okay, reality pill, maybe we imagine favorable reviews, four stars on Amazon.com, a few on-line interviews, and cool tweets.

Back to the topic of this post - the Christmas Cards... Historically I've sent a vast distribution of photo cards. Last year I was pressed with work and chores that I said, "I'll take a year off." A weight fell off my shoulders. So when the decision "to send or not to send" came up this year, it was a no-brainer.

But, please don't stop sending me your cards. I love getting pictures of the kids.

In closing, some Grinch trivia: The town of Whoville and the mountain of which the Grinch lives were based on the Town of Easthampton, Massachusetts and the overlooking mountain named Mount Tom. Easthampton and Mount Tom are just north of Springfield, MA where Dr. Seuss grew up. (Thank you, Wikipedia. I'm not ashamed to admit that I've got a thing for you ;)

Formerly knows as KELLY QUINN'S SECRET COOKING CLUB

It's official. KELLY QUINN'S SECRET COOKING CLUB has a new title: JUST ADD MAGIC. It's exciting, snappy, short, commercial, and according to my market research (sample of 3), the audience LOVES it!
The change to JUST ADD MAGIC took a little getting used to, but with the support of a fantabulous agent and a wondertastic editor, I'm adjusting.
Remember the name: JUST ADD MAGIC.
ps- I've been really good and I'm hoping Santa puts some cover art in my stocking.