http://emliterary.com/ Erin Murphy Literary Agency is a leading U.S. children's book agency headquartered in Flagstaff, Arizona. We focus on connections—between writer and editor, story and reader—as well as on helping our clients build their careers and grow as artists. Tue, 21 May 2013 08:09:00 -0700 Wed, 22 May 2013 04:19:53 -0700 en-us http://emliterary.com/news.php?select=1 http://emliterary.com/news.php?select=1 Tue, 21 May 2013 08:09:00 -0700 Deals Just about three months ago, we were here celebrating a debut, two-book picture book deal for Maria Gianferrari, launching the spectacularly untalented Penelope and her dog, Jelly (forthcoming Fall 2014 from Houghton!). But while Maria's first sale was for fiction, it's only one of her many talents—and another thing at which Maria is spectacularly talented is crafting non-fiction. Which brings us to COYOTE MOON, a lyrical picture book that follows a suburban coyote's hunting trek across one dark moonlit night. This is gorgeous writing, folks, and a powerful story! And I'm thrilled to say that I was not the only one to think so: this week, COYOTE MOON was acquired by Emily Feinberg at Roaring Brook Press, to be published in 2015. Warm congratulations, Maria! —Joan http://emliterary.com/news.php?select=2 http://emliterary.com/news.php?select=2 Sun, 19 May 2013 11:49:00 -0700 Deals Yes, she's a busy and multi-talented lady, that Laurie Thompson! Her first book was acquired last summer by Schwartz & Wade, a picture book biography of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, which is being illustrated by Sean Qualls. Then just a few months ago saw a second deal for a teen handbook of social entrepreneurship, which is due out from Beyond Words/Simon Pulse in Fall 2014, and which Laurie is busily writing and researching as we speak. But that's not at all! This week I am thrilled to announce a brand new deal, for Laurie Thompson's adorable picture book MY DOG IS THE BEST: a little boy's effusive praise of his best friend and all the amazing feats that dog can do (while sleeping on the couch). It's sweet and warm and guaranteed to make you smile. Even better, an illustrator has already been attached to the project, the talented Paul Schmid! MY DOG IS THE BEST was acquired by Janine O'Malley at FSG, and it's going to make a giant picture book splash for sure. Huge congratulations, Laurie! —Joan http://emliterary.com/news.php?select=3 http://emliterary.com/news.php?select=3 Fri, 17 May 2013 07:46:00 -0700 Awards & Recognition It's certainly been a busy few months for Jennifer A. Nielsen, between travel and book events to launch THE RUNAWAY KING, finishing writing book #3 in The Ascendance Trilogy (coming spring 2014!), and enjoying multiple weeks as a New York Times Bestselling Author. But if all that weren't enough, there is now yet another honor added to the mix. This last weekend was the Whitney Awards gala, where THE FALSE PRINCE received the award in the inaugural "Best Middle Grade Novel" category. But wait—there's more! Another prize was awarded for "Best Youth Novel Overall," and the honor went to... THE FALSE PRINCE, as well. Warm congratulations, Jen! —Joan http://emliterary.com/news.php?select=4 http://emliterary.com/news.php?select=4 Wed, 15 May 2013 11:35:00 -0700 Reviews Miller's debut, in which a little girl affectionately adopts a butternut squash, is a winner. After her parents buy that squash for dinner at the farmers' market, Sophie commandeers it, giving it a face with markers. It proves just the right size to hold, bounce on her knee and love. "I call her Bernice," Sophie says. "I'll call for a pizza," says her mother. Throughout the fall, Sophie coddles her veggie, attending library storytimes, visiting other squash at the farmers market and practicing somersaults near the garden. Her parents do their gentle best to suggest alternatives for the moldering squash, from a trip to the toy store to a donation to the food pantry. Sophie will have none of it. "Bernice will last forever." When even Sophie notices changes in Bernice, she asks a farmer what keeps a squash healthy. Her unique interpretation of his advice ("Fresh air. Good, clean dirt. A little love") yields, next spring and summer, delightful twin surprises. Wilsdorf's amusing ink-and-watercolor illustrations alternate between full-bleed spreads and spots. From her bouncy braids to her red shoes, Sophie's vibrant, determined nature shines forth charmingly. This season-spanning turn with high-spirited Sophie offers endearing lessons about nurture and regeneration. (Picture book. 3-8) Congratulations, Pat! —Joan