THE GOODS

The Nieman Journalism Lab interviewed me about The Goods, a syndicated kids' section I'm editing. The Goods will appear weekly in newspapers across the country, and will feature original content from some of the best children's writers and illustrators around. If you want to make sure you're getting The Goods, write your local paper and ask them to carry it.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

Right now I am trying to think of a title for the next Brixton Brothers book. Here are some possibilities:

Mockingflock
The Mockingjays
Bird Wearing a Mock Turtleneck
Jay Wearing a Mock Turtleneck
Mimus dorsalis

Vote on your favorite! Actually I don't know how to set up one of those voting things and this joke doesn't seem good enough to justify learning. So maybe just read The Ghostwriter Secret!

TWO STARRED REVIEWS FOR GUYS READ: FUNNY BUSINESS

Publishers Weekly calls Guys Read: Funny Business "stellar" and Booklist says it's a "must-have." But why take their word for it when you can check out these guys, who made this video immediately after finishing the book?

THE GHOSTWRITER TOUR

Mac is heading out on the road to read and sign The Ghostwriter Secret. Catch him in Portland, Seattle, or the Bay Area.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9: WORDSTOCK, PORTLAND, OR.

2:00 PM
Reading at the Target Children's Stage
Oregon Convention Center

5:00 PM
Panel: "Writing for Children," with Renee Watson and Mark Williams, moderated by Dana Plautz
Target Children's Stage
Oregon Convention Center
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13: SEATTLE, WA

7:00 PM
Reading at Barnes & Noble
2675 NE University Village Street

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14: SEATTLE, WA

Reading at the Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co./826 Seattle
8414 Greenwood Ave North

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19: PETALUMA, CA
4:00PM
Reading at Copperfield's
140 Kentucky St

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10: CORTE MADERA, CA
10:00AM
Book Passage in-store event
51 Tamal Vista Blvd

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
7:00PM
Reading at Kepler's
1010 El Camino Real

THE GHOSTWRITER SECRET

In the latest Brixton Brothers adventure (out now!) Steve Brixton sets out to rescue his favorite writer from a gang of kidnappers. There's a review from Wired's GeekDad here. Ace!

GUYS READ: FUNNY BUSINESS

Today marks the release of Guys Read: Funny Business, book one of the Guys Read Collection, and it's full of good stories by Eoin Colfer, Christopher Paul Curtis, Kate DiCamillo, Paul Feig, Jack Gantos, Jeff Kinney, David Lubar, Jon Scieszka, and David Yoo. And also Mac Barnett: his story is called "Best of Friends" and is accompanied by this fantastic illustration by Adam Rex:

Grab a copy. We think you'll like it!

EYEWITNESS REPORTS

In celebration of the book Oh No! or How My Science Project Destroyed the World, Dan Santat has organized an online auction of thirty-seven pieces of original art by some of the best illustrators around. Artists created their own interpretations of the book's events: it's a great chance to pick up a fantastic picture of a rampaging robot, giant toad, and other mayhem. The proceeds benefit 826LA, a nonprofit center that gives kids free tutoring and help with their writing. Please, go bid! (image by Chris Appelhans)