Dominique Raccah and Sourcebooks were featured in an article this morning in Crain’s Chicago Business.

Sourcebooks' Raccah charges into digital age with Sourcebooks

http://www.sourcebooks.com/next-publishing/1724-when-publishers-fall-in-lovethe-story-of-my-name-is-not-isabella.html

Edward Fiske, author of the Fiske Guide to Colleges, was a featured guest on ABC Chicago’s midday news show. http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources/lifestyle_community&id=8142337

The interview segment highlighted Fiske Interactive, and featured tips on how students and parents should navigate summer college visits.

Sourcebooks is thrilled to announce Peter Facinelli and producing partner, Robert DeFranco have optioned the rights to Jennifer Fosberry’s New York Times bestselling titles My Name Is Not Isabella and My Name Is Not Alexander through Facinelli Films. The production company has optioned the two books for film and television development opportunities.
 
The My Name Is Not Isabella and My Name Is Not Alexander children’s storybooks explore some of the amazing people in history who have changed the world. Through a heartwarming story, the tales of these historical figures unfold and are told in a captivating way that inspire children to learn and let their own personalities shine.
 
“I had never imagined this amount of success when I first thought of Isabella and am very excited to reach an even wider audience through Facinelli Films,” says Fosberry. “I can’t wait to see where Isabella and Alexander will go next!”
 
“My three children really enjoy these books,” said Facinelli. “Jennifer’s books are simply told, colorful and teach children a bit of history in a way that encourages them to dream of possibilities. Rob and I are so excited to bring these amazing stories to life on the big and small screen.”
 
Facinelli Films is currently in post-production on their first feature Loosies. As an actor, Facinelli has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents and can next be seen on the big screen as ‘Dr. Carlisle Cullen’ in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn. He also currently stars as ‘Dr. Fitch Cooper’ opposite Edie Falco in Showtime’s critically acclaimed comedy series Nurse Jackie.
 
Both Sourcebooks Jabberwocky titles appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List on April 10, 2011. My Name Is Not Alexander made its debut at #10 and My Name Is Not Isabella returned to the list at the #9 spot, after previously landing at the #10 spot for sales for the week ending December 26, 2010.
 
Facinelli is repped by UTA and James/Levy Management. The deal was negotiated by Facinelli Films producer Robert DeFranco.
 
About Facinelli Films
Created in 2010 by Peter Facinelli and his producing partner, Rob DeFranco, Facinelli Films develops character driven films for a commercial audience. Facinelli Films is in development on several projects and in post-production on its first feature, Loosies, written by and starring Facinelli. Among his 30-plus feature film credits are The Twilight Saga, Finding Amanda, The Big Kahuna, Riding in Cars with Boys, The Scorpion King, Supernova, Foxfire, and Can't Hardly Wait. On television, Facinelli can currently be seen on Nurse Jackie and has appeared on Damages, Six Feet Under, and Fastlane. Born and raised in New York, Facinelli attended NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.
 
About Sourcebooks
Sourcebooks is a forward-thinking, independent publishing house with a passion for books and a dedication to the belief that books change lives. We are committed to innovative publishing, where every book is personal and every author’s voice has a place. We are a group of passionate, energetic, and enthusiastic book lovers, and we are committed to helping readers experience each book. Sourcebooks has more than 70 employees, publishes more than 300 new titles each year, and celebrates its success with 18 New York Times Bestsellers. Sourcebooks is proud to be the largest woman-owned book publisher in the country. Visit http://www.sourcebooks.com/ for more information, and check out the Sourcebooks blog.

We are pleased to announce that our very own Leah Hultenschmidt has been awarded the 2011 RWA NYC Golden Apple Award for Editor of the Year!

This is the second year in a row that RWA NYC has recognized a Sourcebooks editor as an Editor of the Year (Deb  Werksman won last year).

For a complete list of award winners, you can check out RWA NYC’s blog: http://rwanycblogginginthebigapple.blogspot.com/2011/05/rwanyc-celebrates-its-25th-year.html. The awards ceremony will take place on September 15th, 2011.

Congratulations to Leah!

You can follow Leah on Twitter @LeahHulten and Sourcebooks Casablanca @SourcebooksCasa.

Dream Big, Little Pig! by Kristi Yamaguchi returned to the New York Times Bestsellers List at #9 on the Children’s Hardcover Picture Book list for sales of the week ending April 30! http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2011-05-15/picture-books/list.html

Lori Calabrese, children’s book reviewer for Examiner.com (7.8 million unique visitors a month), also gave Dream Big, Little Pig! a winning review!

"The book delivers a message that never grows old and the illustrations by Tim Bowers are enough to have any little girl flipping page after page. This book is definitely a winner written by a winner." http://www.examiner.com/children-s-books-in-national/kristi-yamaguchi-introduces-us-to-poppy-the-pig-review

Joe Gumm appeared on WGN Midday News for a segment about his book, 150 Secrets to a Happy Wife.

It’s a laid-back, fun interview, and Gumm’s humor can’t help but slip through. He describes 150 Secrets to a Happy Wife as the marriage book for dummies. He really wants to highlight that people need to consider what comes first in life. At the start of the relationship, it is your lover, but this tends to change with time. It is vital that husbands remember that their wives are #1, even as their priorities grow and shift.

Some may suggest that what Gumm has to offer is common sense. He knows that it is, but the issue is that many men don’t realize this and act on it.

One especially silly moment was when Gumm discusses the cover, which features a sweet photograph of his wife and himself gazing lovingly at each other. Not exactly manly. But his wife loves it. And he is willing to pose in a Twilight-esque picture just for her happiness.

To watch the interview click here.

He also appeared on the Dr. Laura Berman radio show on Oprah Radio, Community Connection on Comcast and Saturday Morning News on ABC 7 Chicago.

Two great reviews of Casablanca Classics, My Love, My Enemy by Jan Cox Speas (97814022557700) and A Tapestry of Dreams by Roberta Gellis (9781402254987), will be featured in the May issue of the Historical Novels Review.

Historical Novels Review is the official publication of the Historical Novel Society, and will be sent out to its 4,000+ members in the US and UK this month.

MY LOVE, MY ENEMY
Jan Cox Speas, Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2011
(c1961), $9.99, pb, 288pp, 97814022557700
This fresh edition of the classic romantic historical novel set during the War of 1812 combines the wit and tenderness of Georgette Heyer with the martial detail and atmosphere of Patrick O’Brian, and deserves placement at the pinnacle of its genre.

Despite the British blockade of the Chesapeake, adventurous Page Bradley slips into Annapolis, piloted by MacDougall, the disapproving Scotsman who serves her father. When she saves suspected English spy Jocelyn Trevor from mob violence and a likely hanging, she falls into more adventure—and danger—than she ever imagined. While making her way home to her wealthy father’s plantation, her vessel is captured by the British and she becomes a prisoner and pawn. Trevor, by birth a viscount, becomes responsible for her safety and her innocence—quite a challenge in the midst of war.

As their unspoken attachment grows, they find themselves divided by their patriotism. A deeper knowledge of one another is forged on shipboard and during battle, on the island of Barbados, in Brittany, and in Trevor’s native London, where his American charge manages to escape his vigilance. With every reversal of fortune come doubts that test their hearts and loyalties, the couple and the vivid secondary characters are realistically, reasonably, and poignantly affected by momentous events, culminating with the burning of Washington.
Margaret Barr

A TAPESTRY OF DREAMS
Roberta Gellis, Sourcebooks, 2011, $9.99
pb, 496 pp, 9781402254987
Set during in the 12th century, A Tapestry of Dreams takes place in the northern marches where English landowners, caught up in the rivalry between Matilda and Stephen, engage in a bloody struggle against their Scottish neighbors. High atop a rock promontory, Jernaeve is the only English fort unassailable from without. There Lady Audris works at her loom in safety, weaving tapestries prized for beauty and uniqueness. Sometimes, however, she weaves a story of danger yet to come. To avoid accusations of witchcraft, Audris denies foreknowledge. She believes her gift
comes from God; and her people revere her ability to protect them.

Audris is content with her life. She has no wish to marry but when the story of a handsome unicorn begins to develop beneath her shuttle, the lady realizes that neither her heart nor her castle will be impregnable from within.

This fine historical novel was originally published in 1985. This should not deter readers in search of a well-written, thoroughly researched, medieval romance. A Tapestry of Dreams is one to savor.
Jeanne Green

A great review of Cover Me by Catherine Mann is in this week’s issue of Publishers Weekly:
 
Cover Me
Catherine Mann. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $6.99 mass market (352p) ISBN 978-1-4022-4495-7

Mann (Renegade) delivers plenty of thrills and charged erotic situations with this first in a new series featuring pararescue men, elite U.S. Air Force heroes ready for tense "land, sea, or mountain, military missions or civilian rescue" around the globe. Tech Sgt. Wade Rocha parachutes onto Alaska's icy Mt. Redoubt to save a woman he thinks is stranded, but gorgeous Sunny Foster's survival training is as good as his own. Sunny has no interest in being "rescued"; she lives in a secret, self-sustaining community of people with very good reasons for avoiding the authorities. When someone takes potshots at Sunny and she and Wade discover bodies in the ice, they must carefully negotiate their growing desire and friendship while searching for the killer. Fans of military romantic suspense will welcome this infodump-heavy but bracing thriller with a strong-willed heroine and sensitive, hard-bodied hero. (July)

Reviewed on: 05/09/2011
Permalink: http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-4022-4495-7 (978-1-4022-4495-7)

TIME for Kids featured an interview with Kristi Yamaguchi in the May issue. One of the magazine’s kid reporters based in San Francisco interviewed Kristi about the publication of Dream Big, Little Pig! earlier this spring.

You can read the full article online at: http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,2069594,00.html

The May 15 issue of Booklist will run a great review of A Gentleman Never Tells by Amelia Grey (ISBN 9781402239755):

A Gentleman Never Tells.
Grey, Amelia (Author)
Jul 2011. 384 p. Sourcebooks/Casablanca, paperback, $7.99. (9781402239755).

Gabrielle Windergreen has lost her mind. That is the only explanation she can come up with to explain why she decided to kiss a complete stranger in London’s Hyde Park. Of course, the fact that Gabrielle just discovered that her fiancé, Alfred Staunton, is in love with her sister, Rosa, might also have something to do with her decision to embrace Viscount Brentwood. When Gabrielle’s father catches them kissing, it effectively terminates Gabrielle’s engagement to Staunton, but now Gabrielle finds herself with a new—and equally unwanted—fiancé: Brentwood. Coming up with a plan to rid herself of Brentwood won’t be easy, however, since he seems quite determined to marry her. A stubborn heroine clashes with an equally determined hero in the latest well-crafted, canine-enhanced addition to Grey’s Regency-set Rogues’ Dynasty series. — John Charles



Vlad: The Last Confession by C.C. Humphreys received the following review in the May 15 issue of Booklist:

“An unapologetic tale about a man who endured great losses and was driven by intense passion for his country and religion…The novel is aimed much more at readers interested in the historical origins of the Dracula stories than at those looking for another vampire story. As such, it succeeds admirably.”

Other praise for Vlad:

“A novel that sets out to humanize and demythologize Vlad the Impaler...though he’s still very naughty.” – Kirkus

“While Vlad’s brutal acts might have inspired the name of Bram Stoker’s fictional vampire, the historical man has nothing to do with that classic novel. His real story is engrossing.” – Library Journal

Jean L.S. Patrick of the New York Journal of Books gave The Night Night Book by Marianne Richmond a stellar review.  According to Ms. Patrick, “this small book is layered with texture.” This includes everything from the prose to the story. The memories the boy calls upon build upon themselves as the book works through his day until bedtime.

The illustrations are especially textured. Marianne uses a variety of materials that catch the reader’s eyes and bring the visuals to life. This contributes to the child’s reading experience. For instance, the boy’s hair is made of yarn, which communicates the softness even though you cannot feel it. Ms. Patrick notes how the constant use of buttons means “the art becomes a game of ‘I Spy,” enabling parent and child to interact with the book in yet another way. 

The review concludes with the ultimate compliment: “The book is reminiscent of Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight Moon, both in the lilt of the rhythm and the hush that it casts. Yet it’s not a copycat.  Rather, The Night Night Book uniquely dovetails the joyful memories of one day with the anticipation of the next.”

To read the rest of the review click here.

Do you struggle with getting your kids to eat vegetables? There’s just something about greens that tends to send picky eaters fleeing for the hills. They veto your logical nutritional value stance and demand for the safety foods, like chicken fingers or cereal. Even Cookie Monster with his new healthy diet cannot sway them entirely to pick up something that originally grew in the dirt and put it in their mouths.

What if there was a simple way to get kids to eat their vegetables and enjoy it? Maybe even take pride in those once forsaken plants?

Charlotte Latvala of Parenting Early Years and Parenting School Years interviewed Rebecca P. Cohen for an article on the benefits of gardening and how parents can help kids of various age groups get started. Her book, Fifteen Minutes Outside: 365 Ways to Get out of the House and Connect with Your Kids, offers countless tips about getting in touch with nature with your kids by helping them to garden.

An astonished Charlotte noted how her six-year-old willing ate the carrots and radishes she helped to grow. In fact, her daughter was absolutely delighted when her vegetables were served during dinner. How many of you have had ever had a child put on a smile when faced with a portion of carrots?

To read more about the advice Rebecca had to offer (including ideas such as throwing a garden party and more) click here or here.

Dream Big, Little Pig! by Kristi Yamaguchi is currently ranked at #12 on Publishers Weekly Children’s Bestsellers Picture Book list published on April 18. http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/bestsellers/childrens-picture.html

Dream Big, Little Pig! remains on the New York Times bestsellers list for the 5th consecutive week at #8 on the Children's Hardcover Picture Book list for sales the week ending April 16. http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2011-05-01/picture-books/list.html

Booklist also reviewed Dream Big, Little Pig! in its May 1 issue.

"Poppy is a spunky heroine who can inspire little ones, and the ending carries dreaming into adulthood. Bowers’ art captures the story’s many amusing moments as well as Poppy’s literal ups and downs. Yamaguchi’s motto? “Always dream.”

Vlad: The Last Confession by C.C. Humphreys was reviewed in the April 15 issue of Library Journal and the May 1 issue of Kirkus.

Library Journal-"While Vlad’s brutal acts might have inspired the name of Bram Stoker’s fictional vampire, the historical man has nothing to do with that classic novel. His real story is engrossing…"

Kirkus-"A novel that sets out to humanize and demythologize Vlad the Impaler...though he’s still very naughty."

The Soldier by Grace Burrowes (June, ISBN 9781402245671) is featured on ther COVER of RT Book Reviews' June issue! The Solider was also given a 4 ½ star rating, and is a Top Pick of the Month! The cover and full review are pasted below.

Grace’s feature interview, titled “A Dream Come True,” is a three page article, and shows Grace’s journey into publishing. You can see the full interview here (below the cover page): http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/21843A/21843A_8063

But that’s not all—the hero of The Soldier, Devlin St. Just, was awarded a K.I.S.S. of the month—as a notable historical romance hero from this month’s releases (what RT likes to call their “Knights in Shining Silver”). You can see that feature here: http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/21843AA/21843AA_213.

RT Book Reviews is the top publication for romance reviews, authors and readers, and has a circulation of 70,000. The June issue will be mailed to subscribers in the next couple of weeks, and will be available in stores in May.

The Soldier has already received a STARRED review from Publishers Weekly, and a great Booklist review. MUCH more to come for this author and book!

THE SOLDIER
by Grace Burrowes
Genre: Regency Period, England, Historical Romance
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: Regency England

4 1/2 Stars RT Rating, TOP PICK OF THE MONTH!

Burrowes returns with a powerful story that touches readers’ hearts. Her powerful and complex characters will enthrall you. There is a quiet, yet intense power to Burrowes’ simple prose and such depth of feelings that it will be difficult to forget this marvelous story.

Devlin St. Just returns home war weary and haunted by demons. All he wants is to be left alone. But his responsibilities for his estate allow him little peace. Then an urchin and her guardian enter his life.
The orphaned Winnie draws Devlin out of despair. He takes her in hand and much to Emmaline Farnum’s shock, she obeys him. When Devlin suggests Winnie stay with him, Emma is torn, but when he suggests she move her baking business into his kitchen and also be governess to Winnie, she accepts. As Devlin and Emma become closer and their mutual desire erupts into a deep passion, the dark secrets of both their pasts threaten their newfound happiness. (SOURCEBOOKS, Jun., 448 pp., $6.99)
Reviewed By: Kathe Robin 

Also by Grace Burrowes:

The Heir

"A dazzling debut brimming with passion, romance, and wit."
—Sophia Nash, RITA ward-winning author of Secrets of a Scandalous Bride

An earl who can’t be bribed...

Gayle Windham, earl of Westhaven, is the first legitimate son and heir to the duke of Moreland. To escape his father’s inexorable pressure to marry, he decides to spend the summer at his townhouse in London, where he finds himself intrigued by the secretive ways of his beautiful housekeeper...

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Apple | Kobo | Sony
Google | BooksOnBoard | Borders

Tim Sandlin’s new novel, Lydia, was featured in the New York Times Sunday Book Review on April 17. 

“It’s ultimately uplifting, adroitly chronicling the ways we seek to transcend our fears… [Lydia’s epiphany is] immensely satisfying to witness. Better still, the transformation isn’t rendered with a heavy hand. For a novel that shouts its drollery from the rooftops, the insights ‘Lydia’ offers are brilliantly understated.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/books/review/book-review-lydia-by-tim-sandlin.html?_r=1&ref=bookreviews

Dream Big, Little Pig! by Kristi Yamaguchi remains on the New York Times Best Sellers List for the 4^th consecutive week!

http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2011-04-24/picture-books/list.html

Poppy the Pig was at #5 on the Children’s Hardcover Picture Books list, reflecting sales for the week ending April 9.

Bindi Irwin, author of the new Bindi Wildlife Adventure chapter book series, and her mother Terri were guests on The Rachael Ray Show on Thursday. Bindi talked about the books, then joined Jarod “The Animal Guy” in introducing Rachael to a baby woma python, baby emu and a baby albino wallaby.

A good bedtime story is priceless. Such a picture book needs to help soothe a child while being entertaining. It can ease a child to sleep after a particularly long day or guarantee that you have a special moment right before bed. Such stories make lasting impressions. We all remember our favorite goodnight tale, the one you curled up under the covers and raptly listened to while gazing at mesmerizing illustrations.

Marianne Richmond’s The Night Night Book is already proving to be the ideal picture book just before bed, as supported by Publishers Weekly’s starred review. Praising Marianne’s prose, the review highlights how calming the story and illustrations are: “The repetition and gentle tone of the verse and Richmond's naïf, comforting collages make this an excellent way to wind down the day.” This is a great story for parents to read aloud to little ones who have been tucked in and need to be sent along to dreamland.

For the full review click here.