The blogs are buzzing!

Kelly here. I hope everyone’s had a wonderful weekend–reading, writing, and surfing (the blogs, of course). 

The blogs have been buzzing since the Cybils announcements this Valentine’s Day.  I thought I’d jump in and tell you what everyone’s saying.

Our writers and illustrators react with good humor and humility.  Brian Floca, author of Lightship (winner Non Fiction Picture book), has trouble with his singulars and plurals as far as the Cybils are concerned, but is happy nonetheless. (Don’t worry, Brian.  It/They confuse me too.)
 

Barry Lyga, author of Boy Toy (winner, Young Adult fiction), uses the monosyllable of Keanu, "whoa." That about sums it up, Barry. Congratulations!

Our Middle Grade Fiction winner, Linda Urban (A Crooked Kind of Perfect), writes, "Well.Now.Is there any better way to start a Valentine’s Day,
but with a whole panel of smart, well-read, thoughtful people showering
the love on your book? I don’t think there is
." And she has a super-cute baby on her blog too!

Shannon Hale–winner in the Young Adult Fantasy/SciFi category for Book of A Thousand Days–celebrates her win and the "club" of people who write for children and young adults. (And don’t miss Shannon’s fans who weigh in at the Shannon Hale fansite–Little Red Riding Hood.)

Speaking of clubs–check out the Verla Kay boards (a discussion board for writers and illustrators) for their take.

Cybils participants also checked in with graphics, notes, and comments on the judging process.  Here’s who’s talking:

J.L. Bell of Oz and Ends was a judge for the graphic novel category and he discusses some of their considerations here.

Janelle of Writermorphosis talks about being a judge on the busy Fantasy/SciFi committee (10 books! All long!)

Tricia of The Miss Rumphius Effect posted a super-cool graphic.  Thanks, Tricia. (Tricia was on the Non Fiction Picture Book nominating panel.)

Other members of the Children’s Literature community have their say as well.  Roger Sutton, editor of The Horn Book and blogger extraordinaire at Read Roger, is looking for gossip on the winning titles. Our lips are sealed, Roger.

KidlitKim weighs in over at mom2mom (at KansasCity.com). Thanks, Kim!

The Dover Public Library gives us a shout out as well. Thanks, Denise. You have a great library blog.

If you’ve blogged about the Cybils Awards this year, or have run across a great post, please leave us a comment so we can share the linky love.