Occasional News and Other Stuff from Jeanne Birdsall

The Magic Half

nospam@example.com (Jeanne Birdsall) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:58:41 -0700

The Magic Half is a brand new book by Annie Barrows. I've read it twice now, and here are the reasons I love it. It's a snuggle-on-the-couch-and-read-all-the-way-through kind of book, which means, for me, that it has a great story and it's well-written. Its title is a tribute to Half Magic by Edward Eager, one of my favorite books of all time. Annie writes as well about emotions as she does about the logic of time travel (very few people can do both!) And, not least, it introduced me to Annie, who is now a friend. Give it a try.

Oh No, Mrs. Tifton!

nospam@example.com (Jeanne Birdsall) — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 17:53:46 -0700

My friend Jessica C. has designed a cool board game called "Oh No, Mrs. Tifton!", which happens to be something I say to myself all the time! The goal of the game is 'to rescue Jeffrey and the rabbit Yaz without getting caught by Mrs. Tifton.' An excellent goal. Thank you, Jessica!

An Amazing Diorama!

nospam@example.com (Jeanne Birdsall) — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:40:58 -0700

This diorama was built by Freya, my talented friend. It shows Batty about to dash across the road after she's run away. Here's a close-up. Look at the beautiful wings Freya gave Batty!

The Next Penderwick Book

nospam@example.com (Jeanne Birdsall) — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 15:35:39 -0700

My editor and I are hard at work on the next book about the Penderwicks, due out in 2008. Just as in the first book, I'm borrowing bits and pieces from my own childhood. Here's one hint. A major character in the book is Tommy Geiger, who lives across the street from the Penderwicks, and loves football above all. To help me with Tommy, a friend of mine who went to elementary school with me (a million years ago!) lent me his picture from way back then. Here's the picture:

Churchie's Gingerbread

nospam@example.com (Jeanne Birdsall) — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 13:03:50 -0700

The most delicious gingerbread showed up in my mailbox today. It came from Carly in California, who not only baked it, but generously sent along the recipe, too. Unfortunately, I can't cook, but I have friends who can, and they've promised to make me more gingerbread after I've finished Carly's. Hurray for people who cook! And thanks, Carly!

My New Webpage!

nospam@example.com (Jeanne Birdsall) — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 19:25:39 -0700

My new webpage is going on-line any day now. If you're reading this, it's already there! The designer and administrator is my brilliant stepdaughter, Amy. Here's a picture of Amy and her husband, Tim. They're writers, too.