TRUE COLOURS REVIEW

From the latest "Resource Links" magazine, a highly respected chldren's review organ, which gave the novel an "E" for excellent!

"What makes this book so appealing is not the reasonably strong plot but the very fresh new voice of the author. With strong witty characterizations, this is an utterly believable teen adventure that is often truly laugh out loud funny as Zoe deals with all the usual teenage conniptions and the bizarre predicaments she finds herself in. Complementing the whole story line in the best irritating sibling in fiction to be encountered in a long while. Zoe's younger brother Dylan (Dillie-Billie) creates some of the best hi-jinks ever to annoy his sister and the reader gets to enjoy every diabolical moment.

While True Colours is essentially a book which will to appeal to teen girls, with its snappy dialogue, teen boys could be dragged along for the ride and enjoy themselves. With its positive but realistic portrayal of today’s teenagers, smart talk and a very believable story line, True Colours is crying out for a screenplay. Think "Easy A"!"

NO MORE DRAGONS a "BEST BET"!

Each year the Ontario Library Association Best Bets committee chooses the top 10 Canadian books for children and teens in the categories of picture books, junior fiction, junior non fiction and teen fiction. The titles are featured in the OLA store at the conference. Congratulations to Rie Charles, author of No More Dragons, for making the grade!

TRUE COLOURS LAUNCH!

Lucy Lemay Cellucci’s debut novel True Colours celebrated its official launch on Friday, November 26th, 2010. The Ottawa, Ontario author entertained an audience of 150 with amusing stories about her process of writing and journey to publication. Cellucci, who has been a Dance Educator in the nation’s capital for over a decade, also had her students present to perform dances that had been specifically choreographed for the launch. One, a “cheerleader-style” routine, complete with a ridiculously over-sized alligator mascot, represented a character’s fascination with being accepted into the cheerleading squad, and another, a contemporary choreographic work, was set to the song “True Colours” (Glee Cast recording) to highlight the novel’s message to teens about the value of self-empowerment and standing up for one’s beliefs, no matter how unpopular.
Also on the roster was a brief presentation from the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS). A portion of book sales for the evening was donated to the OHS, as the social issue of animal rights is one of the novel’s predominant themes. The night was a tremendous success, resulting in a complete sellout of books!

PATTY GALLINGER

An update about Patty Gallinger, a fine illustrator who has done a lot of work for Napoleon:

As a professional children's book illustrator for over 19 years, Patty brings a keen eye for detail and expression to her renderings, whether its for a picture book or a biography or pet theme Christmas cards. Her career began as a fine artist, award winning wildlife artist and book designer. She has taught children's editorial workshops at Dundas Valley School of Art and drawing classes for adults in her own home town.

Patty lives with her husband, two children and Jack Russell Terrier, in Burlington, Ontario. Her work includes:

Book Illustration Published Works (Children's Anthologies)
Many Windows, Napoleon Publishing 2008
Muslim Child, Napoleon Publishing and Albert Whitman & Co.

Book Illustration Published Works (32 page picture books)
Yesterday’s Santa and the Chanukah Miracle, Napoleon Publishing 2002
My Mannequins, Napoleon Publishing 2000

Book Illustration Published Works (Children's Biographies)
Believing In Books, Napoleon Publishing 2002

Book Illustration Published Works (Covers for Children's novels)
Finding My Own Way
Hiding In Hawk’s Creek
The Path Through The Trees
Running Scared
Finding My Own Way
A Circle in Time
Dream Dad

Awards
Chryslers Search for Canadian Wildlife Artists
First Place and Overall Best in Birds Division

Outstanding Achievement Award
Sheridan College
Available For:
Library and school presentations in the Halton area
pattygallinger@sympatico.ca
Memberships:
CANSCAIP
Sheridan College alumni
ACCESS Copyright

Exhibitions
2009, 2010 Burlington, Ontario
Art In The Mews: A Diverse group of 7 artists celebrating their passion for paint, pottery and fabric
(20% of show proceeds donated to the Burlington Art Centre)

Rie Charles in Penticton

Rie Charles, author of the fall 2010 title "No More Dragons", pictured at Hooked on Books in Penticton, BC, during a promotional appearance.

Rie Charles Appearance

On Saturday, November 20, 2010 at the Penticton Lake Resort, the second annual Authors & Artists Christmas Faire brought together artistic and literary talent from the Okanagan Valley and beyond. It was a time for artists and authors to connect and support each other and a place for the public to meet their creative neighbours and purchase locally produced items.

Our own Rie Charles was at the event promoting "No More Dragons"

Nifty New Review for the Latest Gargoyle Book

The highly respected Resource Links mag loves The Gargoyle Overhead!

"Philippa Dowding has followed The Gargoyle in my Yard (2009), with a gripping tale of suspense, perfectly moulded for the 8-12 year old reader. The story incorporates magic delightfully into a well-constructed, realist presentation of modern Toronto...

...Dowding's protagonists are genuine and interesting… and readers will fall in love with both of them. I would love to see an illustrated edition, as the body language of Dowding's gargoyles is so much a part of their characterization.

… The ending of the novel, while not precluding further tales, leaves the two gargoyles free agents in their lives: a happy ending, but certainly not what the reader will expect. Overall, I would highly recommend this story to young independent readers with an interest in magic and magical creatures.”

RATING: E (Excellent)