Kij Johnson Visits PSC, Thursday, April 26

Kij Johnson, multiple award-winning writer--pictured here with master of horror, Peter Straub--will visit campus on Thursday, April 26, the final day of teaching for this semester for most people.

I had hoped for two presentations, but all is chaos on this day. If an opening presents itself, I will update this information. But on Thursday at 9:30, April 26,  in Hoyt 104, Kij will talk about her writing and give a short reading.

As a quick look at Kij's webpage underscores,  she has won multiple awards for her writing, including World Fantasy, Nebula, Hugo, and others. Her page on publications will do more than impress.

In addition to writing award-winning literature, Kij teaches at the University of Kansas; her university webpage provides a list of all her most recent awards.

This past year, Kij published a sequel to the venerated Wind in the

Willows by Kenneth  Grahame, Along the Riverbank.

Students in my Children's Literature class this term read Jij's and Grahame's books.

You will also enjoy reading her article about Along the Riverbank published in The Guardian, Writing women into The Wind in the Willows revitalises the canon.

Please take advantage of this opportunity to meet and interact with  Kij Johnson, an excellent way to conclude the teaching term!

 Partial List of Kij Johnson's awards for her literary achievements:

Hugo Award.
Winner, 2012, for best novella.
Five-time finalist: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013.

Nebula Award.
Winner, 2012, for best novella.
Winner, 2011, for best short story (tie with Harlan Ellison).
Winner, 2010, for best short story.
Five-time finalist: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.

World Fantasy Award.
Winner, 2009, for best short story.
Five-time finalist: 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2013.

Theodore A. Sturgeon Memorial Award.
Winner, 1994.
Shortlisted five times: 1994, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012.

Locus Magazine Reader’s Poll.
Six-time finalist: 2008, 2009, 2010 (for two stories), 2011, and 2012.

Asimov’s Magazine Reader’s Award.
Winner, 2012, for best novella.
Winner, 2009, for best short story.

William L. Crawford Fantasy Award.
Winner, 1999.

James A. Tiptree Award.
Shortlist, 2004.
Longlist, 1993.

Mythopoeic Award.
Finalist, 2004.

Ted Harshbarger and I Enjoy Dr. Seuss' Birthday Celebration in Tarkio

Well for the first time in eighteen years of headlining the Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration at Tarkio Elementary school, Ted Harshbarger joined me as Chet Harper could not take part in this year's activities.

We enjoyed, as usual a wonderful time with the teachers, first graders, and kindergarten students.  We thank all the staff and others--especially the Cat in the Hat, a senior at Tarkio High who remembers the act from when she went to elementary school!

See photographs on Flickr.com



The youngsters do have a lot of energy! And Ted is ready already for next year's activities.

The following videos come from the two-hour celebration, more footage that usual that includes our readings in addition to Green Eggs and Ham.

 To begin the festivities, I read Cat in the Hat to an appreciative crowd jacked up further by Sam's efforts.

Next up, Ted read "Hop and Pop." The video also includes  the students' hopping.

I also read a new Seuss book to me, Feet, or Something about Feet!
Afterwards, we all went to the small gym where students took off their shoes--all the smelly feet!--and engaged in a contest to see which contestants could find their shoes first.

As always, the final act of the show is our insane version of Green Eggs and Ham.

Ted joined me for the first time and took full advantage of the opportunity to go more than a little crazy!