Jinmenju
I need a separate category for “demons I could not fit into either Deadly Wish or Deadly Flowers.” Like the jinmenju–peaches with faces. They hang upon the boughs of trees and giggle at you as you walk past.
That’s it. That’s all they do. If they laugh too hard they fall off the branches. I guess you might eat them then (they are said to be sweet), although I don’t know who would want to.
Not exactly terrifying, but there’s just something about them. I wish I’d had my characters in an orchard at twilight so that peaches could laugh at them.
Read MoreThe Speech
Deadly Flowers won a snazzy award from the Wisconsin Library Association, which I am so very happy about…but maybe we can all sit around in a circle and read the book instead of me having to get up and talk about it?
It is so weird that I can happily work away at a novel for years, but ask me to write a speech about how or why I wrote said novel and my insights into the writing process and what it makes me think about the human condition, and all I want to do is crawl under my desk whimpering. Why is that?
Read MoreDeadly Flowers Wins Wisconsin Award!
Giddy dancing and excitement around here, because Deadly Flowers has won the 2017 Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award, given by the Wisconsin Library Association for “distinguished achievement in children’s literature!”
So delighted. I’ll get to go to a library conference in the scenic Wisconsin Dells and speak to numerous sagacious and exceptional librarians. Can’t wait!
Read MoreWhat Reviewers Are Saying
Deadly Flowers
…about Deadly Flowers:
“As [Kata] learns to rely on her new traveling companions and others who reach out to help them along the way, she begins to question some of her long held beliefs. Rather than trusting no one, she learns to decipher who is trustworthy, and instead of blind obedience to a master, she starts to wonder if freedom from any master is possible. This journey through feudal Japan and its hero folklore is reminiscent of some of Lloyd Alexander’s works. Ninja fans and others will fall in love with this daring, determined, and silent warrior.”
–Children’s Literature
“This is a great fantasy/historical/adventure mashup of a book. And I love that it is a female protagonist that has to think, act, and save the day. Seriously, this is one great adventure story. Just watch out for all those pesky (and sometimes evil) demons.”
—Provo City Library, Provo, Utah
Sarah L. Thomson
A children’s book author publishing award-winning nonfiction, poetry, picture books and novels including…
“Readers will treasure the blossoming friendship between opposites in this whimsically illustrated tale. Short chapters and plenty of action make for an accessible and appealing reading experience. . . . Touching and inspiring.”
—Kirkus Reviews