Morning Notes: Barcode Books Edition

LET THE BESTING COMMENCE

Best books of the year season is sort of like Christmas season – it seems to begin earlier every year. While I’m not a fan of Christmas music in November, you can give me all the best-of lists you got. Hear that world?! Two lists you should definitely check are the New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2010 (chosen in part by the honorable Betsy Bird of A Fuse #8 Production) and Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Books 2010.

BOOK BANNING: ACTUALLY LESS FUN THAN IT SOUNDS

When it comes to books, is any publicity good publicity? It’s commonly thought that a good ol’ book challenge can have the unintended consequence of padding the author’s pockets. Author Sarah Ockler says “not so fast”, using the recent challenge of her book Twenty Boy Summer as evidence. Click here to read.

(Thanks to Cheryl Rainfield for the link)

HARRY POTTER BLAMED FOR INDIA’S OWL CRISIS

Oddly, and sadly, this is a real headline. Click here to read.

(Thanks to Boing Boing for the link)

Little White Rabbit by Kevin Henkes. On shelves January 25, 2010.

When it comes to picture books, the Kevin Henkes seems to go one of two ways – the more detailed Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse style, or the more sweeping watercolors seen in the likes of Old Bear. His upcoming book seems to go the latter route, and I’m excited to see it.

This is unusual. A book that you read with the help of a barcode scanner. More art piece than practical, but unique nonetheless.

I’m with Collecting Children’s Books in calling V-Reader (the “first animated ereader for kids”) slightly terrifying. “Once upon a time, there were books”?!

(Thanks to Collecting Children’s Books for the link)

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