Monday, May 25, 2009

Fun Cora News


Whoo-hoo! There's a lot to report. First, I received my Cora books a couple weeks ago, and they turned out beautiful!

Second, I set up a book signing at Barnes & Noble for July 25 here in Evansville, IN. I hope you can come! I'll be bringing a big pot of pancit to give out samples. It's delicious and the recipe is in the book.

Third, REVIEWS!

Terry Hong of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program Blog, BookDragon, posted a wonderful review of Cora Cooks Pancit. Hong wrote, "Gilmore, who grew up in a Filipino Italian kitchen, tells a heartwarming tale that illustrator Valiant captures with the perfect combination of whimsy and action. You can actually feel Cora’s longing as she watches her siblings in the kitchen, her wonder as she listens to Mama’s stories about Lolo, her worry that her pancit might disappoint, and her beaming pride when the whole family enjoys the meal she so lovingly helped to create. This is one treasure of a family book. Delicious, too!"

Jama Rattigan reviewed Cora Cooks Pancit on her Alphabet Soup blog and said, "Kristi Valiant's illustrations are the warm stuff of golds, browns, and rich jewel tones. Cora's expressions are convincingly hopeful, joyous, pensive, and tentative, as she anxiously tries her hand at new tasks. Kids will especially love the added storyline of the family dog, who follows Cora around with a toy in his mouth, wanting her to play. The true joys of cooking -- from the initial anticipation, through every step of preparation, and finally, the sharing and tasting, is palpable with every page turn. By the time you come to the final double page spread of the whole family at the table, you'll wish you were right there, feasting on the adobo chicken, lumpia, and Cora's first pancit."

Also, Stephanie Ruble interviewed me on her blog, sruble's world.

11 comments:

Christi Atherton said...

Great reviews! I love the comments about wanting to be there at the table, which was a great sprea, and the family dog, which you drew purposely in every frame! Great job! I'm so proud of you!

Christi Atherton said...

Oops! I meant spread, not "sprea!"

Kelly H-Y said...

Wow .... congratulations!!! What an accomplishment, and what a wonderful feeling! The book looks fantastic! I can't wait to read it!

Ginger*:) said...

HI Kristi.... Great reviews.... If I still lived in Evansville I would be there to cheer you and get my signed copy of Cora. All the best with the book, it is beautiful.

Loni Edwards said...

Congratulations Kristi! What wonderful reviews!

Mary Uhles said...

looks great Kristi, can't wait to see the real thing! congrats on the good reviews. btw tell about your chapter work too, i read that you had done some on rublesworld.

sruble said...

How fun to get a new box of books :) They look wonderful - I can't wait to see it up close in the bookstore. Thanks again for the interview!

Stephanie

ELLA ELVIANA said...

congrats kristi, agree with all the reviews. ^^

Vanessa Brantley Newton said...

YIPPPPPPY YAYYYYYYYYY HORRRRRAAAYYYYYYY!!!!!!! THIS IS SUCH FABULOUS NEWS!!!! This is wonderful Kristi! The book looks just beautiful. I can't wait to pick up my copy ASAP!!! I believe you said that you would be doing a book signing at B and N??? I wish I could be there to shake your hand. I remember coming to your blog and seeing the post of your progress with the book and all and to see it all put together and on the shelves of the book stores is just so sweet and overwhelming no doubt. This is wonderful!!! I agree with the reviews as well. I'm doing the happy dance for you my Dear!! I hope you get an award. Take care now and I will be going to get my copy!

Michelle Henninger said...

Kristi, congratulations on all the great reviews! Cora is darling, and you deserve all the good press! Funny thing, although I live in NH, my husband's extended family lives in Indiana, and we're heading to Evansville on the 25th! I think I may just have to stop by and introduce myself and get your autograph! :)

Vicki said...

The book looks beautiful, congrats!!!