Betty Birney's Blog

Humphrey’s hopping and he’s keeping me busy, too! No complaints, though. Here are some past and future highlights:

1– SIGNING – For those of you who live in or around Los Angeles, I’ll be signing at the fabulous Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Saturday, April 21 at 1 PM at Mrs. Nelson’s Toy and Bookstore Booth, #538. For complete info, go to http://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/general-information/. Hope to see you there!

2 – READ TO THEM – Humphrey’s fan base is growing fast, thanks in part to the One School, One Book phenomenon.  An organization called Read To Them is promoting these events at http://readtothem.org/ and The World According to Humphrey is on their recommended list. This spring, I know of 50 schools across the U.S. using it for their events. They’ve sent accounts of  fabulous, creative ways to involve students, teachers, parents and staff in reading and celebrating the same book.  I’ve been lending support when asked and loving the enthusiasm from new Humphrey readers. There are some GREAT-GREAT-GREAT schools out there, giving their all to get families reading together, and there has been media coverage in many cities.

3 – ALMANAC – I was honored when The World According to Humphrey showed up on one of my favorite blogs early this year. It’s Anita Silvey’s Book-a-Day Almanac and anyone who loves children’s books should check it every single day for a treat! Here’s the link to Humphrey: http://childrensbookalmanac.com/2012/02/the-world-according-to-humphrey/

4 -SKYPE WITH ME –  I’ve been Skyping with schools for Humphrey and The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs and it’s been so much fun! I do have to charge something for my time, but it’s a lot cheaper and easier than flying me to your city and putting me up somewhere. Besides, I do very little travel these days as I’m trying to complete some other projects.  I like doing a Q & A session and being able to converse with students from my own little office.

5 – THE BIG SURPRISE – For the first time ever, there will be TWO new According to Humphrey books this year. On May 31, last year’s new book, School Days According to Humphrey, comes out in paperback. In July, the eighth book, Mysteries According to Humphrey, will be released! It has a fall/Halloween theme. And TA-DA – in October, Winter According to Humphrey comes out! It’s a holiday themed book as Humphrey and his friends in Room 26 prepare for the Winter Wonderland program at Longfellow School. There’s a lot going on in both books! (For UK fans, Mysteries According to Humphrey is already available, you lucky readers! And the ninth book will be called Christmas According to Humphrey there. But it’s not just about Christmas. Humphrey even gets to spin a dreidel!)

I hope you’re reading LOTS of good books this year!