It’s literally cold enough in the midwest today for winter coats … my feet are perpetually cold. I am chilled to the bone. I am fantasizing about Phoenix weather and sand between my toes. I am drinking coffee all day instead of just first thing in the morning. And today I’m being continuously interrupted by my comedic five-year-old and his impersonation of the president from the Monsters v. Aliens movie. He keeps coming up to me and pretending he’s sipping from my coffee cup, and says “Oh, that’s a good cup ‘o joe,” and rubs his tummy. (If you’re a friend on Facebook, you saw the video!) And how can you not stop what you are doing and laugh at this?

So, finally, despite numerous interruptions, here is this week’s Thursday Must-List!

Vampires v. Werewolves
With all the Twilight hype on the upcoming release of New Moon, fans are picking sides. Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob? Well, I happen to adore both and I am ….Team Sam. Who? Sam, my new favorite wolf. Check out my article on Vampires v. Werewolves to read more about Sam – a wolf who comes to us from the magically fantastical mind of Maggie Stiefvater in her new comtemporary fantasy novel Shiver.

And here is the New Moon trailer I reference in the article, the one that Gave. Me. Goose. Bumps.

The Looking Glass Wars
I recently had the chance to interview movie producer of There’s Something About Mary and author behind The Looking Glass Wars trilogy – a fantastical and utterly creative genius this man, Frank Beddor, and so very warm and friendly. The third book in the trilogy – Arch Enemy – is out today. I will post my story when it comes out, but meantime, you can learn more about The Looking Glass Wars and Frank Beddor.

Everyone in my house is devouring these books and the world Beddor created in the series – which all started when he came across an incomplete deck of cards in a British museum that reminded him of Alice in Wonderland. Beddor’s Alyss and Wonderlandia will BLOW you away. And for young adults who are reluctant readers – both boys and girls – Beddor and his trilogy (and accompanying graphic novels, virtual games and fantastical world) is your answer.

Bent Objects
Since this list seems to be continuing along the line of …out there (vampires, werewolves, the bizarre and fantastical world created from Alice and Wonderland), I wanted to share this …er, interesting book I was emailed about this week from an Indianapolis area author, Terry Border, whose passion for Bent Objects has now been made into a book. Somehow, I think I need to meet the person behind this.

Here’s the book trailer…

Uhm…. Happy Thursday, y’all!