Of course, being in the middle of the book for the second time, I can see that Winn-Dixie is so much more than just sweet, so much more than just charming.
For adult books, I just finished reading Brimstone, the new Agent Pendergast book from Preston and Childs. One of the hats I wear for my day job is copy editor of often-dense, academic theology books for a religious publisher. After working on a book with eight hundred footnotes (the record, so far), I appreciate pure entertainment, and the Pendergast books are wonderful. The character, as one of the reviewers said, has the brain of Sherlock Holmes and the aesthetic preferences of Hannibal Lector, with all sorts of personal tics, and a criminal family history thrown in besides. Enormous fun.
11.SR: Can you discuss any new projects you are currently working on?
SHO: Only in general, as I don't like to dilute a story by discussing it. I'm working on a new young-adult historical novel tentatively titled The Photographist. And I have an early chapter book making the rounds titled Bones and Boo, a funny story of two very different characters, how they meet and become friends.
As for contracted projects, I have four picture books coming out over the next few years. One Hungry Monster will at last be joined by More Hungry Monsters and a Hungry Monster ABC. The fabulous Lynn Munsinger, the original illustrator for One Hungry Monster, is going to illustrate again, and I am thrilled beyond words. I'm also being teamed up again with Robin Spowart, the wonderful illustrator on Love Me, Love You. Our new one is tentatively titled Baby Work, Baby Play. And in spring of 2005, I have a book in the Elf Help for Kids series on feeling different.
12.SR: Please finish this sentence: "I am most passionate about...."
SHO: God, family, books. Reading, writing. Birds-crows and ducks, but most of all parrots (mine will want to know why they didn't get top billing over God). The color green, especially forest and lime. More books. Being nice as a deliberate way of life. Jewelry. Indian food. Naps. Buffy. Monk. (I try to limit myself to one show at a time because I get too involved). More books. Correct grammar. The Call (an old, now-dissolved rock band). Leaves in autumn. Doing the thing I'm afraid of. Online shopping (alas). And a million other things I won't remember till later because my memory is wretched. Did I say books?
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