I know that an author or illustrator visit is not something that every school can swing. So each year I have to rub my eyes, blink a couple times, rub them again (repeat, if necessary), and make sure that what I’m seeing is real – we get the chance to host a children’s book creator. [...]
hildren’s author and illustrator Jon Klassen made waves in 2011 with I Want My Hat Back, a striking, minimalist picture book that galvanized readers, inspired numerous tributes, and climbed to the top of the New York Times bestseller list. He’s already illustrated two well-received picture books in 2012 (Extra Yarn and House Held Up by [...]
The following is a work of fiction. In a shocking revelation, the International Children’s Literature Commissioner announced today that beloved picture book creators Eric Carle, Tomie dePaola, and Barry Moser are all actually the same guy. In front of a packed house of reporters and photographers, the commissioner appeared contrite. “This is a joke that [...]
How better to understand the Caldecott than by chatting with an artist who has won the prestigious award? Today we’re lucky enough to have two. Jerry Pinkney and Erin E. Stead (the 2010 and 2011 winner, respectively) agreed to do just that. One a living legend, the other a newcomer with a bright future; both [...]
Roald Dahl. Oilman. Pilot. British diplomat. And this was all before he started writing. NPR recently sat down for a chat with Donald Sturrock, author of a new Dahl biography called Storyteller. And Sturrock certainly came up with some stories. Did I mention he was also married to Academy Award-winning actress Patricia Neal? Yeah, the [...]
CBS News talks to Beverly Cleary about her ability to connect with today’s kids. Not too shabby for someone who’s been retired for a decade.
Matthew Cordell is an author/illustrator I’m always checking for. After providing his refined cartoon visuals to books written by Rachel Vail, Amy Gordon, and James Preller, he made waves (and garnered flattering reviews) authoring and illustrating 2009′s Trouble Gum. Matthew recently sat down to discuss his work, chewing gum preferences, and undying love of the [...]
In honor of his soon-to-be-completed run as National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, the wonderful children’s lit blog A Year of Reading is hosting a celebration for Jon Scieszka. Click here to partake in the festivities. Our new Ambassador will be named tomorrow, January 5, 2010.
Author visits: a wonderful perk of working in a school library. With all due respect to my bookseller friends (shout out to McLean & Eakin!), the author visit is like a booksigning that tosses the table aside and has a party. This year, we were excited to host Laurie Keller, author/illustrator of six picture books [...]
Author/Illustrator Laurie Keller has been making standout picture books since her debut, The Scrambled States of America, hit shelves a decade ago. With a sequel in stores and new projects in the works, Laurie stopped by to take part in 5 Questions. Scope Notes: The Scrambled States of America: Talent Show hit shelves last August [...]
“Bee-Wigged” is at the top of my wonderfully crazy picture books of the year list. About a bee who wears a toupee and is mistaken for a boy, “Bee-Wigged” is a funny, well executed tale about first impressions and being yourself. Author/Illustrator Cece Bell was kind enough to stop by and take part in the [...]
Alright, I suppose it was more of a “Late Afternoon With Patricia Polacco”, but that doesn’t have the same ring. ‘Round these parts (the Mitten state) If you ask a elementary school librarian who would be on at the top of their Michigan author visit list, nine times out of ten you would hear the [...]
(Click the image above to browse through) “The Man Who Walked Between the Towers” – good book, right? Children’s lit Hall of Fame caliber. In fact, they have this award that honors the best picture book of the year, which “The Man Who Walked…” has already won. As first reported at Wizards Wireless last month, [...]
“Mouse Guard – Fall 1152″ recently arrived at my 5th & 6th grade library and the graphic novel has been a downright hit with kids. Creator/author/illustrator David Petersen has been having an exciting month, receiving a couple of Eisner Award nominations for his work. Mr. Petersen graciously took the time to be interviewed for the [...]
I’m sure I’ll get better at this. I have to admit it – I’m a pretty poor book signee. Friday I had the opportunity to meet three tops children’s book author/illustrators, and I don’t have many good stories to tell. I’m still perplexed with the etiquette at these events. I wasn’t sure if it was [...]
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