Video: Put Stripes on the Zebra Art Project

Last spring I taped a television program for the local PBS station (KLCS) for series called Homework Hotline. The programs are linked to the LAUSD schools and teach various lessons after school. My program featured creating a piece of cut paper art using similar techniques that I use in my illustrations. The program is called "Put the Stripes on the Zebra" and promotes both A Zebra's World and the other titles in the series. The project is really meant for elementary school age children, even though the kids helping to demonstrate it on the program are in high school. This was a VERY low budget program. No rehearsals, no editing. What you get is what goes on air! All things considered, I think it turned out quite well. The program was broadcast on April 22nd, and will be rebroadcast at intervals throughout the year. It is available to teachers in LAUSD for use in their classrooms. Anyone can purchase a DVD of the program by calling KLCS (213-241-4007)
The program has also been put on YouTube. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBSoJHTfNTg&feature=relatedThere are three 9 minute segments. When you finish the first you'll see a link to the second.
Being on television was an interesting experience. Perhaps it will help sell a few books!

Quiche Recipe

What do I like to do in my spare time? Lots of things, but especially cooking. The following is the story and quiche recipe that I prepared for the All Because of Grace cookbook. Enjoy!

In my freshman year in college, I met six other girls, including Kathryn, who became my roommate in my senior year. After graduation, our group remained close (we now refer to ourselves as the Magnificent Seven!) and got together periodically. We often met at Kathryn’s house, and she always provided us with delicious meals, graciously sharing her recipes with us afterward. One day, two years ago, we received the terrible news that Kathryn’s house had burned to the ground. Everything was lost. What could we do to help? We were too scattered to bring actual food, but we decided that the next best thing was to assemble the recipes she had given us over the years as a small step toward reclaiming her kitchen library. One of my favorites, which has become a staple in my menu rotation, is Quiche Noel. The “Noel” part comes from the garnish of parsley and pimiento, which gives the quiche a holiday flair, but I cook it year round. Whenever I make it, it reminds me of Kathryn and the bonds of friendship of our Magnificent Seven that have strengthened through the years.

Kathryn's Quiche Noel

Prepare pie crust for single crust pie. (I purchase these!)

Combine 1 ½ cups (6 oz) grated Swiss cheese with 4 tsp. Flour. Sprinkle into pie shell.

Sprinkle on ½ cup diced ham.

Combine 3 eggs, 1 cup milk or cream, 1/4 tsp. Salt, 1/4 tsp. Dry mustard. Beat until smooth and pour evenly over cheese and ham.

Bake 400 degrees about 45 minutes. Cool slightly and garnish with chopped parsley or pimiento.

All Because of Grace Cookbook

On November 4th, a very special cookbook will be published. It is called All Because of Grace. It was inspired by the story of an amazing young girl, Grace Sturm. I was invited to participate in the cookbook project last summer by Jane Martellino, the librarian at the school in Connecticut where Grace was a student. Grace, an avid reader, had just begun the summer reading club when she first got sick and needed emergency brain surgery. Proceeds from the cookbook will help bring hope and comfort to children, like Grace, recovering from brain surgery. I am so happy that I got to meet Grace when I did an author visit at her school in October.
"All Because of Grace" is perfect for children, teachers, librarians, parents and extended families. People of all ages can use this book to create tasty meals and snacks. Each recipe is preceded by a story which will fill you with warmth, humor, joy and tenderness. Along with the recipes and stories by 130 other children's book authors, you can find my recipe for a holiday (or any season) quiche and the story of my friend Kathryn, my college roommate at Grinnell, who gave me the recipe. You can learn more about Grace and order your copy of the cookbook by going to the Yes! Grace Rocks, Inc.website.