Texas Library Association Convention

I had a great time at TLA in Austin. My picture books Fandango Stew and Green Mother Goose (written with Jan Peck) sold out, but it was sort of bittersweet for me. I talked to so many Texas librarians who are afraid for their jobs. Already many have been laid off. The state gives tax breaks to the wealthy and corporations--so then there is not enough revenue. (The middle and lower classes can't bankroll everything all by themselves.) Then, the powers that be scream crisis and cut the school budget. We are on a lunatic race to the bottom. Locally, statewide, and nationally. God bless our librarians...and God help our state and country if this continues.