Morning Notes: Cybils TV Edition

MARTIN AMIS, HATER

It seems crazy to me how dismissive some can be toward children’s books. Controversy erupted this week when adult author Martin Amis stated in an interview that ‘If [he] had a serious brain injury [he] might well write a children’s book’. While I don’t think Amis speaks for all authors writing for adults, I also don’t think his sentiment is wildly atypical. What do you say? I enjoyed Philip Nel’s recap and response to the controversy at his blog Nine Kinds of Pie. Click here to read.

MARGARET MCELDERRY 1912-2011

Influential children’s publisher Margaret McElderry has passed away. Click here to read her New York Times obituary.

AN EBOOK, MINUS THE ‘E’

Your oddity of the day – a printed book with “hyperlinks” created with colored thread. Click here to read.

(Thanks to Boing Boing for the link)

SUPPORT LM_NET

In my traveling as a school librarian, I’ve found the wealth of knowledge on LM_NET immensely useful. Now the popular school librarian listserv is facing some financial trouble. Click here to learn more.

(Thanks to Blue Skunk Blog for the link)

OWLY INK

That’s devotion.

(Thanks to PopCandy for the link)

Silverlicious by Victoria Kann. Currently #1 on the New York Times Children’s Picture Books bestseller list.

Like it or not, the –licious saga continues. The latest in the series nabs the top spot. Click here to read the entire list.

Those familiar with books probably know about back matter. It’s one of those terms that is exactly what it sounds like – the matter authors put in the back of a book to further explain, describe, and clarify.  On the blog Interesting Nonfiction for Kids (I.N.K.) Charles and Emma author Deborah Heiligman sings the praises (and shows the amazing variety) of back matter and how it can enhance a book. Click the image above to read.

Author, illustrator, podcaster, Cybils judge (what’s the female equivalent of a Jack of All Trades?) Katie Davis has a regular gig appearing on Connecticut’s WTNH to recommend children’s books. This week she spread Cybils award love, announcing Interrupting Chicken as the winner of the Fiction Picture Book category. Great to see. Next step? The Cybils webcast, a la the ALA Youth Media Awards. Let’s make it happen!

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