News - Kelly Milner Halls and the Wonders of Weird

Regal Elementary in Spokane -- February 7 & 8, 2012

I had two great days with Regal Elementary in February of 2012 -- one day of WEIRD and one day of writing workshops. The 6th graders made me this poster, but they were all sensational! Thanks, Regal!

ALIENS at Tinman, Too -- January 28, 2012

I introduced ALIEN INVESTITATION at the Tinman, Too Bookstore in the historic Garland district (of Spokane) across the street from Ferguson's and the Milk Bottle. Thank you so much to all the people who stopped by to talk about visitors from other galaxies. We gave away an Alien cup and saucer to one lucky winner, but all of the people who came left with their own pocket alien. FUN.

ALA Midwinter 2012 in Dallas

I was unable to attend the American Library Association's Midwinter Conference in Dallas, Texas. But my friend Lucy Kubo did attend, and took these two pictures of my early 2012 book releases. GIRL MEETS BOY is from Chronicle Books and ALIEN INVESTIGATION is from Millbrook/Lerner. HATCHLINGS will come in April from Running Press.

Thanks, Lucy! Thanks Chronicle Books. Thanks Millbrook/Lerner and super PR pro Lindsay Matvick (seated above)!

Saturday, January 14, 2012 -- Keller, Texas

On Saturday, January 15, I joined Ellen Hopkins, Lori Aurelia Williams, Jeff Hirsh, Tim Tingle, Greg Rogers, Beth Fehlbaum and other stellar authors for YAK Fest -- Young Adult Keller Book Festival, in Keller, Texas (near Dallas/Fort Worth).

We had a full day of exciting activities, thanks to the hard work of Lucy Kubo and her energetic team!

On Sunday, January 15, I signed SAVING THE BAGHDAD ZOO at the Dallas World Aquarium at noon, also thanks to Lucy Kubo.

Thank you, Lucy!

Fun -- January 7, 2012

Thanks to all the people who turned out to join me and my friend Chris Crutcher on Saturday, January 7 at the Tinman, Too Bookstore in the historic Garland District of Spokane. We discussed my new anthology GIRL MEETS BOY, a collection of stories including Crutcher's story as an opener. It was a terrific event!

GIRL MEETS BOY is a YA book intended for mature readers 14 and up. It deals with very mature subject matter.

This young friend of mine shared his photo, and agreed to let me share it, too. That smile is why I write!

ALIEN INVESTIGATION is coming!

Starred review in Kirkus? YES!

GIRL MEETS BOY -- my YA anthology for mature readers 14 and up -- landed a starred review in Kirkus:

"This conceptually unique collection of short-story pairings by a constellation of teen-literature stars explores a variety of relationship types as the respective male and female involved in each one experience them.

"In the first, a witty teen seeking to stop cheating on his girlfriends is drawn into a messy sexual relationship with a troubled (but hot) girl who is an abuse survivor. In another, a likable, tough girl muscles in on a bully who is harassing the object of her crush. In the third, a gay 17-year-old agrees to an in-person meeting with an online-chat buddy in a tale both sad and sweet. Two separate stories examine the strain felt by couples of different ethnic backgrounds as they struggle with prejudice and familial expectations. Finally, a boy re-encounters someone with whom he’s long been enamored, only to discover she’s undergone a transformation. Common themes—that are less about gender-based perceptions than they are about teens struggling to be seen and loved for who they truly are—knit these stories together. Each of the authors excels at creating vibrant, sympathetic, honest characters with voices that will appeal to older teens, male and female alike.

"A superb offering—and therefore a shame that its cover design of a boy and girl in a clinch makes it look like a run-of-the mill romance, which may limit its appeal. (Short stories. 14 & up)"

Thank you, Chicago Tribune!

Many thanks to the editors of the Chicago Tribune's Holiday Books insert for including IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH as a good choice. I am so honored to be included.

WOW! Great holiday press for IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH.

On Saturday, the Wall Street Journal ran a review of IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH and I was delighted. Today, it was in the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune as a featured holiday gift book. I couldn't be more excited! Thank you, whoever made the decision to include my new book! I hope people really enjoy it!

Thank you, Authorlink!

And thank you, Susan VanHecke for writing this great interview for Authorlink. Great questions that really helped me reach for good answers. Read it HERE!

Awards & reviews are great, but THIS is why I write. Thanks for loving TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS. 11/2011

Wild Dogs and their domestic brothers

Lynne W. was nice enough to send me this letter about my book, WILD DOGS. She also shared the two photos to the right. Thank you, Lynne, for making this snowy Sunday a little warmer! Lynne said:

Dear Ms. Halls,

Thank you so much for creating the book "Wild Dogs Past & Present." I checked the book out of the Multnomah County Library for my own enjoyment. I knew instantly that I needed my own copy as I have never seen so many color pictures of all the different wild canids and so much information about all of them in one place.

What I most like about the book is how you refer to "wild dogs." That's how I think of them as well, especially coyotes and wolves. It breaks my heart to read discussions about how even 16 wolves seem to be too many for the ranchers in Oregon.

When I look into the eyes of the wolves in your photos, I see Tobi looking back at me, and when I look into her eyes I see a wisdom outside human culture. But, as to the chihuahua, I do not see wolves. I have this major lurking suspicion that the chihuahua genome was "contaminated" with another canid during its creation in Mexico -- something uniquely "New World" and Pre-Columbian.

Is there any chance you've come across legitimate information specifically about New World domesticated dogs that includes a study of their genomes? Attached are pix of my Dobby (the chihuahua) and my Tobi and me...because, based on your book's dedication, I know you love dogs as much as I do.

Sincerely,
Lynne W.

Genetics say Tobi and Dobby are equal, in terms of their connections to ancient wolves. But selective breeding -- the human hand -- has made Dobby feel a lot less wolf-like than Tobi. Just in case you wondered about Lynne's question, too.

ABOVE: Little Dobby. BELOW: Lynne and Tobi.

Addison LOVES Cryptids

My friend, author Larry Dane Brimner, did a school visit at Arcata Elementary. He met a young man named Addison who loved TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS and checked it out often.

I asked if I could send Addison a copy of his own. Larry asked his librarian Jacque Cooper and she agreed. Today, Larry sent me her response. THIS is why I write what I write.

"We just received the book from Kelly yesterday so I presented it to Addie when his class came to the library today and he was speechless."

Thank you, Larry and thank you, Jacque. Most of all, thank you Addison!

SASQUATCH B&N Ad -- plus!

Looking for a weather report in Spokane (for November 16, 2011) I came across this B&N ad, featuring about ten book titles, including MINE! Thanks Vanessa (my daughter) for the screen capture to remember it by. So fun!

Thanks, too, to Sara Latta who blogged about SASQUATCH here.

And thanks to trade giant, Booklist for reviewing IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH so positively. I couldn't be more excited!

Look what came today, 11/12/11...yay!

Spokane Children's Writers meet-up

On Friday, 11-11-11, some of the Spokane area children's writers had a meet-up at the Northern Lights Bar & Grill in Spokane. Featured:

John Bladek
Brad Thiessen
Claire Rudolf Murphy
Kelly Milner Halls
Meghan Nutall Sayers
Kris Dinnison
Mary Cronk Farrell
Beth Cooley

Missing were:

Chris Crutcher (out of town)
Trent Reedy (no show)

FUN!

National Geographic, my next challenge!

Thanks to my fantastic agent, Jill Corcoran and super editor Rebecca Baines, I will be writing one of these great animal rescue readers for kids 7 to 9.

I don't want to spill the beans on just which animal rescue stories I'll be tackling, but let's just say if you like ALBINO ANIMALS, there will be at least one animal story you'll really want to get your hands on -- plus two more terrific tales to go with it.

My deadline is February of 2012, but I'm not sure when the book will be available. But the minute I know, I'll be sure you know., too And if I get additional assignments on the same series, I'll let you know about that, too!

So excited to write for National Geographic! It's a nonfiction writer's dream come true. My "wish list" isn't completely fulfilled yet. I can think of several more publishers I'd love to write for, too. But I'm awfully proud to have this chance to write for the NatGeo team.

I won't let you down, NatGeo. I won't let my readers down, either.

Many thanks to journalist Tammy Marshall for writing this:

I'm so proud of this! November is Picture Book Month!

And I'm pretty proud of being a Picture Book Month 2011 Champion. So I'm flying this badge right on top of my homepage and inviting you to celebrate it, too!

Thirty-one writers and illustrators will share their comments on the Picture Book Month website -- mine will go live on November 2, 2011 after midnight. I hope you'll stop by.

Check it out here, be sure to check back often, and spread the word. Picture books rock, so tell the world!

Saturday, October 29, 2011 was awesome!

Tinman, Too Children's Bookstore
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Saturday, October 29

Lots of you turned out to help me celebrate the "birth" of my new book, IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH, complete with yummy cake! I gave away a half-day school visit to Marggy and Lincoln Heights Elementary and I even gave a sneak peek at ALIEN INVESTIGATION. Thanks to everyone who showed up!

WORD Conference Chapters and Chocolate Reception
3:45 pm to 5:00 pm, Saturday, October 29

Ten Spokane authors lined up to talk about their work at the WORD Conference at Gonzaga University's Cataldo Hall in the Globe Room. The Spokane SAC IRA will supplied ice cream. I brought a big chocolate Sasquatch cake!

Eagle Scout Kevin Tsuchida's "Make-A-Wish" fund raiser!

I was so honored to contribute one of many items gathered by Eagle Scout Kevin Tsuchida to raise money for the "Make-A-Wish" auction on Friday, October 28, 2011. Hope it helped a little, Kevin! Your parents are so proud of you -- and I'm proud to know you, too!

SASQUATCH on the radio: Thursday, October 27, 2011

Bruce Barraclough, Jr. and Jan has been a Bigfoot investigator and paranormal radio host for some time now. But he recently had a close encounter with a Sasquatch in Georgia. Imagine my delight when he invited me, a humble observer, to be a guest on his radio show, Thursday, October 27 at 8:00 pm EST, 5:00 pm Pacific time. Click through here to experience it through the archive. And thanks to all of you who tuned in! I'll be back, if you'll have me. Here is the URL: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/nearparanormal/2011/10/28/kelly-milner-halls-childrens-author/

Thanks, Nonfiction Detectives!

For reviewing IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH on your terrific blog. I really appreciate it! Click HERE to check it out! But here's an excerpt:

October is the perfect month to read about mysterious happenings and strange occurrences. The children in my school love to explore the 000 shelf in the nonfiction section. They are usually in search of books about UFOs, the Bermuda Triangle, the Loch Ness Monster, and Bigfoot. Kelly Milner Halls, author of Tales of the Cryptids, has written a new book that is sure to satisfy inquiring minds.

Yay! I got my author copies...

...of IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt today, Monday, September 26, 2011. I can't send them to anyone until October because they aren't "official" until October. But I LOVE them. My kitty pillows (hand crafted by one of my favorite poet/writers Hope Anita Smith -- thanks again, Hope) had to move out of my chair long enough for me to take this picture.

I'll be having a contest to give a few of these away as soon as the release date (October 25) is a little closer.

I'm SO excited about the release of this book! Hope you guys LOVE it.

Saturday, September 24, 2011...

...two great things happened. I got to speak at the SCBWI Inland Empire regional writers conference here in Spokane, and I had a wonderful time. AND I got my ARC copies of GIRL MEETS BOY, the anthology I edited (and contributed to) for Chronicle Books. It will be released in January of 2012 and I'm so excited. Isn't the cover design beautiful? They did such a great job on it. So did all the writers who contributed: me, Chris Crutcher, Rita Williams-Garcia, James Howe, Ellen Wittlinger, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Joseph Bruchac, Sara Ryan, Randy Powell, Terry Trueman, Terry Davis, and Rebecca Fjelland Davis. Hope older YA readers and the people who serve them will love it.

Annalisa Hall (no relation) shares my "weird."

Imagine my delight when I discovered blogger/author/illustrator Annalisa Hall had written about me on her blog in September of 2011. We met when I spoke at the San Diego SCBWI Saturday workshop a few months ago. That's part of why I love my job. I meet the nicest people.

Thank you, Annalisa, for seeing something worth remember in my books!

Thank you, Deborah Heiligman and I.N.K.!

Thanks for interviewing me, Deborah, and thanks for featuring that interview on one of my FAVORITE blogs, I.N.K. -- Interesting Nonfiction for Kids. It's truly an honor.

Check out Deborah's hard work HERE.

Don't blame the dog, share the picture! : )

Today's best email (Sept. 1, 2011):

"My daughter attends Briargrove Elementary in Houston, TX. Last May, you were at the school and did a book signing. We purchased a book and you signed it for her. Unfortunately, sometime last night or early this morning, our Basset Hound Lucy, ate a corner of the book - front to back and in between - I attached a picture for your enjoyment!!! LOL!!! Is there any possible way I could purchase and have you sign another copy? I promised her I would get in touch with you as soon as possible!"

Is there any doubt what my response was? I'll get a new book out today or tomorrow. I love that they liked the book enough to replace it. That knowledge -- and Lucy the basset hound -- PRICELESS. Thanks for the terrific note, Tracie and Kendall. I won't let you down!

Boy's Life Magazine likes CRYPTIDS

Searching for an older article I once wrote, I found this article by Steve McQueen in the September 2010 issue of Boy's Life. They listed TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS as a sure fire way to get into reading.

Thanks Steve McQueen and Boy's Life. I'm really pleased!

Girl Meets Boy -- my first YA project (for kids 14 and up)

Most of my work is nonfiction for elementary and middle school readers. And I love those books. They are the heart of me. But this book is for older readers -- high school readers. And it's fiction.

It's an anthology -- a collection of short stories. In the stories, two writers team up to tell the same story; one from the boy's point of view, one from the girl's.

The writing pairs featured are:

Chris Crutcher & Kelly Milner Halls
Joseph Bruchac & Cynthia Leitich Smith
James Howe & Ellen Wittlinger
Terry Trueman & Rita Williams-Garcia
Terry Davis & Rebecca Davis
Randy Powell & Sara Ryan

Chronicle will publish it in January of 2012. Hope you like it. It's a project that makes me really proud! Amazing writers. Amazing stories!

Garland Street Festival, August 13, 2011

...was a BLAST. I had such a great time with my fellow writers Claire Rudolf Murphy, John Bladek, Meghan Nuttall Sayers and Mary Cronk Farrell. We were there in support of the Tinman Too -- a lovely children's bookstore -- at 809 W. Garland Ave. (509) 325-3001. Stop by if you ever need a book for a young reader! Did I see YOU there?

Thank you, PNLA!

I had so much fun speaking at the PNLA Conference -- in Spokane this year -- on August 3, 2011 with Claire Rudolf Murphy and Kenn Nesbitt. We did our session on reaching reluctant readers.

Kenn talked about humor, Claire talked about history and I talked about weird or intriguing nonfiction. It was a wonderful three hour session I HOPE the librarians loved as much as I did.

PW Spring Preview 2012

...features three of my new books!

Chronicle -- GIRL MEETS BOY
Lerner/Millbrook -- ALIEN INVESTIGATION
Running Press -- HATCHLINGS

So exciting!

ZOO TIME...

...at the Alameda County Library and they've featured SAVING THE BAGHAD ZOO. Thank you for thinking of the book and thanks for saying:

"This is the amazing story of the resurrection of the zoo and its animal population. The zoo was once the home to more than 600 magnificent animals. But, after the war in Iraq began in 2003, the city faced widespread destruction. When U.S. Captain William Sumner was asked to check out the state of the zoo he found that it, too, was devastated. Hundreds of animals were missing and those that still remained were in desperate need of care.

"The book tells the story of tremendous compassion , courage and love generated by a team of people who came from our armed forces, Iraq and the world over to help Captain Sumner help the animals. Meet abandoned lions who roamed the empty palace with no food or drink, the camel Lumpy who survived (along with his rescuers) the transport through sniper fire and the poor pelican that did not have access to clean water, food or shade, and was tethered to a 3 foot length of rope.

"This is a story of renewal and rebirth and of how people with many back rounds came together, putting their lives on the line, to save a very desperate group of animals. In so doing did they not only give the animal a bright future, but provided the families of Iraq a place of peace and hope."

Skype with Angela Fox

I did this Skype with Angela Fox weeks ago, but I just found the YouTube link. Thanks Angela! Sure was fun!

Thanks, Gary Anderson...

...for your great review of SAVING THE BAGHDAD ZOO. You said:

"Saving the Baghdad Zoo is an excellent book for upper elementary-age students but will be appealing to other ages too. This is the story of how zoo animals in Baghdad were rescued during the American invasion of Iraq and the efforts to provide a safe home for them as well as a recreation venue for Iraqi citizens. Because the subject matter here is set against a backdrop of war, violence, looting, and terrorism, I was concerned that this book might be too “heavy” for young children. Kelly Milner Halls find just the right balance of providing necessary information but not overwhelming children with images or descriptions that are too troubling. The war is explained in the first few pages, and then the story focuses on the rescue and rehabilitation efforts of American military personnel, American and Iraqi civilians, and animal rescue professionals.

"Saving the Baghdad Zoo is nicely edited with many large pictures; sidebars with facts about various animal species; first-person narratives; maps and facts about Iraq, Baghdad, and other geographical and historical topics; manageable chapters; and an engaging base text that acknowledges but doesn’t dwell on the more graphic aspects of rescuing animals in the middle of a war zone.

Science Mommy...

...and Chloe, one of her young scientists, loved ALBINO ANIMALS. Thank you so much, Science Mommy. I really tried to make it a book worth reading. Read the blog HERE.

Believe It! Tour Fundraising Auction...

...will include five prize packages from me. Five winners will win a copy of TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS and a copy of IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH -- two different books for each of five winners! Bid and support research into the world's mysteries -- not to mention great fun!

Read more about it HERE.

SAVING THE BAGHDAD ZOO a VOYA Honor List Book for 2010

Liberty Lake Elementary's Wax Museum, June 6, 2011

Misty S., a Liberty Lake student alerted me -- the Wax Museum was coming and I should try to show up. She played Bob Barker, and as soon as I get her mom's permission, I'll post her pictures too, because she was GREAT. For now, please meet Madeline, her lizard Fred (and her dad) along with Katie. Madeline and Katie both played ME at the Wax Museum, and they were fantastic. Two other girls also played me, and also did an amazing ob, but I don't have permission to use their photos yet. As soon as I do, I'll add them. I loved being at the big event! Thanks to all of you, especially librarian Mrs. Cyd Rees. I <3 Liberty Lake! Thanks to Misty for my candy swag, too (below). YUM.

Milo, Junior Cryptozoologist!

Milo loves TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS and I think he's pretty swell, too. So it was my pleasure to send him an official Junior Cryptid Investigator certificate. Something tells me Milo will make many discoveries in the years to come. Curiosity is the path to adventure, great and small.

Thanks for reading, Milo! You rock!

Sasquatch buttons for ALA -- June 25 & 26, 2011

On June 25 and 26, 2011 I'll be at the American Library Association conference in New Orleans, LA. I'll be signing at the HarperCollins booth on Saturday at 10:30 am.

I'll also be doing the Nonfiction Book Blast on Sunday with nine other amazing writers. After the panel, I'll be signing books at the Lerner booth at 10:00 am.

Rick Spears, one of my favorite illustrators, created this button design for me so I'd have something great to pass out -- reminders that IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH is coming soon! Be sure to stop by to get one!

Thanks Rick. You're awesome!

truTV by Kelly Milner Halls

A few months ago, I wrote the text as a straight cryptozoology feature. They found me via TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS.

In late April, they let me know it had been published -- with a twist. Celebrity look-alikes, a cryptid pairing.

I tend to be a little more gentle with people because I don't like hurting anyone's feelings, so please know I didn't DO this. But some of them a a little funny.

There are a dozen or so of the descriptions and pairings, not just this one. I wrote all the text, did not pick the pairings.

The link for you, is HERE. Enjoy...or not. : )

Happy Birthday, Declan!

I met Declan while I was in Camas doing school visits (April 2011). He was a little bummed that he didn't get a book, so his mom and I conspired to get him one. To my sheer delight, he got the book on his 9th birthday. Isn't it amazing when a little something gets a little bigger, simply by chance? Happy birthday, Delcan. You're terrific! Hope you love those WILD DOGS.

Thank you, Marilyn Carpenter at EWU!

Actually, thanks Marilyn Carpenter and Chris Valeo. They invited me to share SAVING THE BAGHDAD ZOO with their Global View Through Children's Literature students at Eastern Washington University on April 26, 2011.

I happily accepted and they presented me with not one but two EWU sweatshirts as thanks. How lucky am I?

Marilyn retires after this year, which is a huge loss for EWU's teacher education program. She is famous in the Pacific Northwest for helping college students to become effective, compassionate students. She is also famous for the children's book collection she has collected over the years. Incredible.

Thank you, Marilyn and Chris for the sweatshirts, for letting me speak and for your dedication to education. The world is better for your hard work.

Camas, thanks for the THANK YOU!

Prune Hill Elementary in Camas, WA (minutes from Portland, OR) invited me to speak at their school and to share their Sasquatch Winner party (see below). To my surprise, they sent me this and two other wonderful thank you "bigfoot" notes. I love them. So thank you for the thank you, Prune Hill! You rock.

How to have a great SASQUATCH AWARD party!

On Wednesday, April 13, I joined in the fun at Prune Hill Elementary in Camas, WA (near Portland, OR) as they held their annual Sasquatch Award celebration. Librarian Meghan Johnson and her most faithful library helpers made favorite nominee buttons and ribbons, Sasquatch cupcakes and hot dog mummies. The also added their brown paint footprints to a celebration banner, drank "wormy water" and chattered about which books were their favorites! And I was invited!

It was such a fantastic experience, I wanted to share the photos here. Our librarians work so hard to make reading fun! They deserve our appreciation and support. Thanks, Meghan & kids!

Camas, WA kids are SENSATIONAL!

So are their librarians. I spent April 11, 12 and 13 in Camas, WA -- just minutes from Portland, Oregon. THANK YOU, librarians Marge Crouch, Lesley Shoemaker, Meghan Johnson and Ellen Good, for inviting me to share your days and hours. Thank you KIDS for making me feel so welcome!

I'll be back, if you ever invite me again. How could I resist? You were amazing!

Check out the fantastic Sasquatch they made at Prune Hill Elementary! Look below for other special projects all three schools shared with me!

SAVING THE BAGHAD ZOO a Bank Street College "Best Book"

I am proud to announce, SAVING THE BAGHDAD ZOO has been named one of the Bank Street College "Best Books" for 2011. It is featured HERE with other exceptional books in the "Special Interest" catagory.

The website explains the lists & selection process this way:

"One of the most comprehensive annotated book lists for children, aged infant-16. The Committee reviews over 6000 titles each year for accuracy and literary quality and considers their emotional impact on children. It chooses the best 600 books, both fiction and nonfiction, which it lists with annotations, according to age and category."

Thank you, Bank Street College, for your dedication to the celebration of powerful books for young readers!

Kelly Milner Halls: Guest Blogger!

Legendary nonfiction author David L. Harrison asked me to be a guest blogger on his site while he was on vacation. I happily agreed, and my essay was posted on April 1, 2011.

My friend, freelance writer Sue Edwards said it made her cry -- but in a good way. I hope you enjoy it, too!

http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com/2011/04/01/kelly-milner-halls-today/

Thanks, Christa Pryor! (March 2011)

When I was at Christa's school in Houston, she asked me if any of my illustrators would donate original art she could frame and put in her library. Rick Spears had given me the original watercolor paintings he created for DINOSAUR MUMMIES. So I shared one of the six with Christa, along with a paperback copy of the book.

This is how those donations look now, framed for her library. I love it. Thank you, Christa for paying tribute to Rick and DINOSAUR MUMMIES so beautifully.

South Elementary Artists ROCK!

A whole group of great students in Collegeville, PA welcomed my March 2011 visit to their school by creating artistic versions of my book covers. Albino Animals, Wild Dogs, Tales of the Cryptids, Saving the Baghdad Zoo and Dinosaur Parade covers drawn by students were all over the school.

Thank you so much for these beautiful works of art. They were amazing. I wish I could have taken them home! Just lovely.

My favorite guys!

Today, (February 22, 2011) I had lunch with my three favorite guys -- Chris Crutcher, Terry Davis and Terry Trueman. They all write brilliant YA fiction, and they have all been really good friends to me since I moved to Spokane 12 years ago. Man, has it really BEEN 12 years? Seems like yesterday I packed my girls and critters up in the Neon and moved from Colorado to the Inland Empire. It was the best move I ever made, and these guys are part of the reason I feel so at home. Thank you, guys. I love you all.

Olympia, here I come!

On February 23 and 24, 2011 I will be in Olympia, Washington for school visits at Hansen and Madison Elementary schools. Third grade teacher Mary Jane Rants send me these photos of her students and some of their projects based on my books, especially Cryptids. I LOVE it when the kids get excited. Makes it easy for me to stay excited, too. THANK YOU, Olympia students! Can't wait to meet you in person!!

Thanks, Winton Elementary in Coeur d'Alene! Feb 7 was FUN.

New Hampshire was SO fun!

From Monday, January 24 to Friday, January 28 I was in New Hampshire doing a week of school visits, thanks in large part to Nancy Keane's ability to coordinate wonderful librarians.

I visited Joel Burdette's Windham Center School and Golden Brook School, Nichole Anderson's Paul School, Linda Sherouse's North Hampton School and Nancy Keane's Rundlette Middle School.

The kids were so fantastic, I can't say enough about them. One had treasure in his pants. Another wondered about those Flossaraptors I was talking about (Velociraptors). And the people of New Hampshire are so warm and friendly, I felt completely at home. I heard about Mt. Washington and frozen soap bubbles, sampled a Lobster Roll, stayed in two beautiful historic hotels (and four other very nice places, thank you). I saw a subzero surfer AND was even given a six pack of clam chowder so good it should be illegal.

THANK YOU, Joel, Nichole, Linda and Nancy. PS...Nichole and Linda -- I'd love to come back if that works out -- without a doubt! Nancy, Maple syrup time, oh yeah!!

Award news!

SAVING THE BAGHDAD ZOO has been named a 2010 Parent's Choice Silver Award recipient. I couldn't be more delighted. Read more about it HERE.

Writer Davonna King wrote about me for her October blog feature. If you're interested, check it out HERE.

Angela L. Fox did a Skype interview with me, too and you can check it out HERE.

Hedden Hawks ROCK!

Mr. Ladd Wolfe, the librarian at Hedden Elementary in Fife near Tacoma, WA was kind enough to invite me to visit his school in December of 2010 and what fun we had.

After an all school assembly, we had writing workshops with five different groups o Hedden students. It was a fantastic experience, just wonderful.

Thanks Mr. Wolfe, for letting me share the day!

Thanks, Lucie!

My friend Lucie worked REALLY hard on this illustration tribute to WILD HORSES after I talked at her school, Explorer Elementary, in San Diego on November 15. The hours show, and I LOVE it.

Thanks so much, Lucie. You're a superstar!

Harbor Seals at the Children's Pool in San Diego! LOVE.

San Diego ROCKED! Thanks, Roxy. : )

On Saturday, November 13, 2010 I flew to San Diego, California to speak at the monthly SCBWI meeting about nonfiction writing, thanks to the great regional representatives and my friend Roxyanne Young.

On Sunday, several SCBWI folks took me to breakfast, then Roxy and I explored a local Harbor Seal hangout, the Museum of Man in Balboa Park and the Maritime Museum at the harbor After having dinner with Roxy and her family, I got a concert, thanks to Roxy's husband Kawika and daughter Danielle.

On Monday, I spent the day with kids at Explorer Elementary, where Roxy is librarian, and had a great time meeting the Explorer Science Lab bearded dragon (at the left). What a fun filled three days I had. It'll tide me over until I head to Seattle in mid-December.

Jill Corcoran of the Herman Agency SOLD MY YA BOOK!

It's true. I've only known her a month, but she's already sold a book for me.

GIRL MEETS BOY is a YA anthology for readers 14 and up, featuring six story pairs by Chris Crutcher/Kelly Milner Halls, Terry Trueman/Rita Williams-Garcia, Jame Howe/Ellen Wittlinger, Terry Davis, Becky Davis, Randy Powell/Sara Ryan and Joseph Bruchac/Cynthia Leitich-Smith. They tell the story of the same events, one from a female point of view, the other from the male point of view.

Chronicle Books will publish the book in the Spring of 2012 and I couldn't be more excited. Thanks, Jill. Thanks writers. Thanks Chronicle! You all ROCK.

September 11, 2010 -- SCBWI in Boise was STELLAR!

In so many ways, it was stellar. First, my friend Chris Crutcher was also a speaker and that's always fun.

Second, there was a book signing at the local bookstore, the Rediscovered Bookshop the night before which went very well. Boise apparently loves my books, and how great is that?

Third, I got to speak at two breakout sessions -- one on author visits, one on nonfiction. I thought both went beautifully. In fact, YA novelist and co-RA Sydney Salter said my author visit presentation was the best she'd ever seen.

Could things get any better? They could indeed.

Friday night, Herman Agency agent Jill Corcoran (left) and I got in the best conversation about what makes nonfiction trustworthy. It was a pressure free conversation because I knew Jill only represented fiction, and I had given up on finding an agent.

Next morning, before the conference began, there was a contract in my email box. Jill wanted to represent me. She was willing to make an exception. I did my presentations from the upper stratosphere.

In the three weeks since, Jill has been an astonishing professional. She's worked so hard and so well, there may be more good news very soon. And she's inspired me to work much harder, too. I had already decided I wanted to up my game and take some giant steps in my work. But having her in my corner made that seem possible, rather than a far off dream.

Amazing things can happen. That's the moral of this story. As John Lennon says, life is what happens when you're making other plans. Sometimes those plans intersect with remarkable results.

Am I happy? Oh man, YES. In fact ... YAY! YAY! YAY!

Here is my Herman Agency page: http://www.hermanagencyinc.com/kelly_milnerhalls.htm

MUFON Symposium -- it was GREAT!

On July 23, 2010 I flew to Denver, Colorado to attend the MUFON -- Mutual UFO Network -- Symposium and boy did I have a great time. I learned so much and I got permission to contact some exceptional experts for follow up interviews. What a fantastic weekend! The new book is going to be SENSATIONA!

Liberty Lake's Wax Museum

In May, Maya sent me interview questions because she was doing a biographical report on me. Later, she and her mom, and Kassidy and her mom asked me if I could come to their school, Liberty Lake Elementary on June 8 at 7:00 pm to share in the fun.

Of course I said YES! YES! YES! I wouldn't miss it. And it turns out four girls decided to write about and BE me in their wax museum projects. So I had SO much fun

I also saw that Hunter wrote about someone I know and admire, Richard Jesse Watson, so I took his picture too.

THANK YOU Liberty Lake kids for making me feel so special. YOU are the really special ones. And I should know. After all, I write nonfiction...don't I?

Dinosaur Parading -- SUCCESS!

More than 150 people came to the Northside branch of the Spokane County Library on May 25 to touch fossil replicas, read dinosaur books and create their very own dinosaur masks. Both kids and parents enthusiastically listened as I shared my book DINOSAUR PARADE. Once the masks were colored, we had our own dinosaur parade around the room, before we said our good byes.

My event at Spokane Public Library was a little smaller, but just as wonderful. Thanks to the folks who shared that time with me, too.

Whitman County Library sent me to the amazing Steptoe School where I spoke to two groups of students -- K through 4 and 5 thought 8. They were spectacular, too. Sheri, the Whitman County Library was so kind to let me share that day with her, May 26. Thanks to all the librarians and the Foundation for Early Learning for making this possible.

Franklin Elementary's DINOSAUR PARADE mural ROCKS!

Horn Book Magazine

Thank you, Inlander!

...for featuring a wonderful story about SAVING THE BAGHDAD ZOO by Tammy Marshall in the April 21, 2010 Earth Day edition of the popular Spokane weekly newspaper. I couldn't be more pleased. Check it out HERE.

Dinosaur Parading -- thank you, Rick Spears!

Rick got me ready for my preschooler events for the Spokane Public Library, the Spokane County Library and the Whitman County Library here in Washington State. He created these amazing dinosaur masks for the kids to color and keep. Check out the photo above for an idea of how those events came out.

Rick Spears is THE best illustrator, ever!

Wenatchee was WONDERFUL!

From March 14 to March 19, 2010 I was lucky enough to visit four great elementary schools in Wenatchee, Washington -- two days at Sunnyslope, one day at Washington, one day at Lewis & Clark and one day at Lincoln. The librarians, the teachers and -- most of all -- the kids were simply sensational. They were warm and smart and funny, and we all had such a fantastic time. THANK YOU Kris and Kathy and Annette and Amy and Kathy -- not to mention thanks to teachers like Dave Williams here, playing with a raptor claw while I play along in the background. And again, many thanks to the wonderful kids. You guys make my life and my writing so much richer. I'll see you all again someday! I feel like we're old friends now.

Oh, and check out Lewis & Clark librarian Amy Ferrell's blog about my visit here. I'll take those kids up on being their grammy, at least in spirit. They were great.

My friend, William Sumner in the NEWS!

Today's Omaha World-Herald (March 6, 2010) featured a wonderful article about Major William Sumner's visit to his 1st grade daughter's classroom at Peter Sarpy Elementary in Bellevue, Nebraska. I hope they don't mind my stepping on their copyrights a little, but I'm so proud of my co-writer, I had to share

FROM IRAQ TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

"The first-graders in Kim Hackbart’s class at Peter Sarpy Elementary School in Bellevue had a special visitor recently.

Maj. William Sumner, father of first-grader Morgan Sumner, stopped by to present his book, “Saving the Baghdad Zoo … A True Story of Hope and Heroes,” to the students. Kelly Milner Halls is co-author of the book.

Hackbart invited Sumner to visit so the students could meet an author and also hear some positive stories about Iraq.

Sumner answered the students’ questions about his book and his experiences in Iraq — and the students had many questions.

Sumner served with the Army’s 354th Civil Affairs Brigade. Since completing his tour of duty in Iraq, Sumner has been assigned to the U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base near Bellevue.

He continues to support efforts at the Baghdad Zoo and has worked with the U.S. Committee of the Blue Shield, a charitable nonprofit organization that protects cultural property in conflict areas.

Sumner gave the students a copy of “Saving the Baghdad Zoo” for their classroom.

Read Across America, 2010

On March 2, I spent half a day at Northwood Middle School in Mead, Washington and the other half of the day at Balboa Elementary school. At both locations, we were all celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss and the value of reading -- magazines, newspapers and books, fiction or nonfiction.

My good friend Terry Trueman covered the second half of the day at NMS, and I missed saying hello to him.

HELLO TERRY TRUEMAN...NEXT TIME LUNCH!

But I had great fun just the same. I love both of these schools (and their librarians, Cindy and Lee), so I'll always be available to do READ ACROSS AMERICA events for them. This Friday? One more READ ACROSS AMERICA event at Chester Elementary. Then I'll put away my stripes for another year.

Thanks everyone, for letting me join in the fun!

SAVING THE BAGHDAD ZOO in Sugarland, Texas!

One of my favorite librarians, Melanie Rivette Mallory from Lantern Lane Elementary in Texas saw my new book, SAVING THE BAGHDAD ZOO at the Sugarland, Texas Barnes and Noble store. Her son Jacob posed with it for this photo, and I think it's so cute. He's a gem, this little guy. So is Melanie's singing little girl. I'll see her and a few other Texas librarians when I'm down there again in May.

February Fury in Pennsylvania

There was already almost a foot of snow on the ground when I visited Schwenksville, Elementary in Pennsylvania on February 8 -- but I had a great time. Librarian Joan Curtis was SO nice, as were the kids and teachers at her school. It was wonderful! On February 9, when I visited Perkiomen Valley Middle School West -- and their fantastic librarian Barbara Quintangeli -- and all the fabulous kids, it was just as sunny and bright as it was at Schwenksville (photo left). But they rushed me over to Perkiomen Valley Middle School East that same day to talk with 800 6th, 7th and 8th graders at one auditorium assembly with librarian Gina Kratz at the healm, and SHE was great too.

They all swore snow would grind the community to a halt by February 10, and I didn't believe them. But the next day -- and the day after -- I was snowed in at my hotel. I had to miss visiting South Elementary altogether, which was such a bummer. And I WILL be back. But I didn't get home to Spokane until after midnight on Friday, February 12 (well, technically, Saturday, February 13). The February Fury was quite an adventure.

OH! And they have a nuclear power plant not ten miles from all of these great schools...the Limerick Power Plant. How cool is that? I'd never seen one in real life until Joan picked me up from the airport and dropped me off at my hotel. This (below) is the view from the street in front of my hotel! So very NEAT!

Rick Spears BIGFOOT art on display -- part II

“Giants in the Mountains: The Search for Sasquatch” does not attempt to prove or disprove the existence of sasquatch, but instead looks at how and why the story is so ingrained in the cultural fabric of the Northwest.

The story of sasquatch certainly goes far beyond the 1987 movie “Harry and the Hendersons” or recent beef jerky TV commercials. It has been told for centuries among Northwest Indian tribes. That mix of ancient mythology and modern commercialism is the focal point of a sasquatch exhibit that opened Saturday at the Washington State History Museum."

So begins a January 2010 article in the News Tribune, and the exhibit is amazing, even if I haven't seen it yet (I'll see it June 5). I know it's amazing because they featured Rick Spears' artwork from TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS, and this directional sign he created especially for the museum. Isn't Rick GREAT? The answer is YES!

Rick Spears TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS art on display!

When the Washington State History Museum decided to feature a new exhibit called, “Giants in the Mountains: The Search for Sasquatch” they asked if they could use an illustration by Rick Spears from TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS. He and the publisher enthusiastically agreed. Doesn't it look sensational?

January 25 -- South Pines Elementary in Spokane, WA.

South Pines Elementary was a GREAT school to visit -- one of dozens I've been lucky enough to see this school year. Thanks so much to librarian Peggy Anderson, to all the kids at South Pines and to that AMAZING "Smart Board." Can you thank a piece of advanced technology with human language? Maybe not, but BOY is that a fun toy to play with. We have a GREAT day at South Pines, and I'm grateful.

PS One of the teachers confessed (in private) that she had seen Bigfoot. See? Reliable people have witnessed this strange animal too -- the Great North American Ape!

Creation Museum and the evolution gal!

While I was in Northern Kentucky, one of the librarians was kind enough to take me to see the Creation Museum, just minutes from her school. I'm an evolution girl, so I didn't agree with many of the things the museum teaches -- such as what is pictured to the left, cave kids lived alongside dinosaurs. I believe in geologic time, so I can support that premise at all. But it was a BEAUTIFUL museum and I'm so glad I had the chance to see it. Thanks so much, Lynda Jones at Ockerman Elementary for the ride and the wonderful pictures. I really appreciate it -- and you.

Northern Kentucky was FANTASTIC!

In November of 2009, I spent two weeks in Northern Kentucky at ten wonderful elementary schools, including Florence pictured to the left. I had such a wonderful time with all the kids and educators. I even got to speak at the Boone County Public Library, which was also a great delight. I can't express how wonderful the people in this lovely town were -- to me and in general. Thank you all so much, or such an exceptional experience. I am beyond grateful.

Louisville, Kentucky

Later in October, I was lucky enough to visit three amazing elementary schools in Louisville, KY. They each had unique characteristics -- individual hearts, so to speak. But all the kids were amazing, as were all the librarians and principals. THANK YOU for having me. I hope someday I'll get to head back. It was just a joy to be there. For dinner one night, two librarians took me to Lynn's Paradise Cafe, as featured on the Food Network and the Travel Channel, and it was SO much fun. THANK YOU for that experience, too.

http://www.lynnsparadisecafe.com/

WLMA was such fun!

In October, I got to speak at the WLMA conference in Yakima, Washington -- TWICE I spoke at the preconference and met so many wonderful people that I'll be doing a week of school visits in Yakima and a week of school visits in nearby Wenatchee this spring (2010). But I also got to do a censorship panel with my friend (and boss) Chris Crutcher. THAT was just outstanding. He's always great, but I was pretty good too, I think. I'd love to do he presentation with him at other conferences. We walk through the anatomy of a book challenge, start to finish, with great visuals via PowerPoint. It was one of the best conferences I've ever been lucky enough to attend.

ALA 2009 in Chicago

July 12, 2009 found me in Chicago, IL to add my voice to a special nonfiction/reluctant reader panel at the American Library Association's national conference and it was SO much fun. I had two remarkable roomates at the Hard Rock Hotel -- Christine Taylor-Butler and Gwen Hooks -- and more than a dozen fellow nonfiction authors on the panel. Better than 300 people attended the event and it was fantastic.

Friday, Dec. 5 at Auntie's in Spokane

On Friday night, December 5, at 7:00 pm, I'll join five other writers to introduce our latest books and to share our favorite suggestions of other people's books as holiday gifts. I hope you'll stop by because it should be really fun. Terry Trueman, Verla Kay, Beth Cooley, Claire Rudolf Murphy and Mary Cronk Ferrell will be there with me, so don't miss the fun!

New Book Coming in 2011!

Holy cow! I got the greatest email from my new editor at Houghton Mifflin in November. She said they had decided to accept my book proposal and publish IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH in the fall of 2011. I couldn't be more thrilled. It will be a book about the science of searching for Sasquatch -- Bigfoot -- from documenting and casting alleged Sasquatch tracks to doing DNA tests on hair and blood samples to actively searching for the mysterious creature where eyewitnesses claim they've been seen. Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum, Loren Coleman, Richard Noll and many other Bigfoot hunters have agreed to let me tag along and interview them as they delve into the serious science of discovery, and I'll share it all with you! It should be an adventure!

Oh, and the albino Sasquatch to the left is from Tales of the Cryptids -- beautifully illustrated by my favorite illustrator, Rick Spears. Check him out HERE. It's his new website, and it's terrific.

Manson Elementary, near Chelan, WA

In October, I got to do an all-school assembly and three writing workshops with the brilliant students at Manson Elementary. They were such warm, loving kids, it was an amazing experience. Many of the kids were ESL students, but even the youngest were fluent in both languages, which makes me think someone on the national education front should take some tips from Manson. Because they do a great job with these bright, wonderful kids. Made me sorry I didn't speak Spanish too. They were all great writers, and the staffers were amazing too. Thanks Tracy and Heidi for the fun day and photo. Thanks kids, for being so GREAT.

Opportunity Revisited

In September, I had the great joy of revisiting Opportunity Elementary in Spokane, a school where I was "writer-in-residence" for Get Lit the year before -- until Vanessa got sick and I had to resign to take care of her foot tumor recovery and her mystery liver ailment. I missed the kids so much, it was a special treat to spend the day with them, in their library, giving my standard presentations and a special on for the kids I'd worked with the year before, including this wonderful young man pictured here. THANK YOU, Opportunity, for being so understanding and for letting me stop by.

Washington State Award Nomination

HOORAY! Our book, TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS has been nominated for the Sasquatch Reading Award for 2009. How cool would THAT be? If a book about Bigfoot and other cryptids won the Sasquatch Reading Award? Plus I LIVE in Washington State, where the award originates. I'd be so proud.

CRYPTIDS was also named a Lone Star Reading List title by the Texas Library Association, in my OTHER home and birth state of Texas, Maine and Pennsylvania also put CRYPTIDS on their lists. THANK YOU so much, you guys. Means everything to me. .

More about THE SECRET SATURDAYS...

Want to know more about THE SECRET SATURDAYS? Don't miss creator Jay Stephen's TERRIFIC blog, Monsterama. In fact, keep your eye on Monsterama for all kinds of great news about the funny or bizarre.

On a side note, I emailed Jay because I'd heard TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS was one of the research guides used to write the first season episodes and because I can't wait to see it. Here's what Jay said in response:

Wow!

What a nice surprise! Your book is absolutely wonderful, Kelly. Just the sort of thing where I say to myself, "I wish I'd done that!". A copy of the book sat prominently on producer Fred Schaeffer's desk throughout the series production.

Tell you what. I'll send you a piece of authentic Secret Saturdays artwork if you'll send me a personally signed copy of Tales of the Cryptids. OK? Just let me know the address you'd like it mailed to.

Quick anecdote: when I was in grade 4 I wrote my 'Public Speaking' report on the possible existence of Bigfoot and won first prize at my school! I guess I sounded pretty convincing!

xo

Jay

What a great guy, huh? Smart, creative, talented AND really nice. Can't WAIT to see the show.

Cartoon Network's SECRET SATURDAYS

Rick Spears, my partner in so many of these great book projects, got a neat phone call a couple of weeks ago. Producers at the Cartoon Network (Atlanta based, like Rick) wanted him to talk about cryptids in a promotional video for their new cartoon series, THE SECRET SATURDAYS. Yesterday (August 22) we found out it'll be playing at Regal Theaters as a trailer for STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. So if you want to see Rick on the silver screen, head to the movies. VERY cool.