Morning Notes: I Have Dibs on Catch-22 Edition

Usually I like to keep the number of Morning Notes items low. You’re busy, you don’t need to put up with me for any longer than is absolutely necessary. Not today. It’s like four Morning Notes posts in one.

JAN BERENSTAIN: 1923-2012

Sad news. Jan Berenstain, the co-creator of one of the most well-read children’s book series in history, has passed away. Is there an American child who didn’t read those books? Click here to read the School Library Journal piece on Berenstain.

RE-COVERING THE 100 GREATEST

This is an awesome idea. Belgian artist Tom Haentjens is calling for any and all creative types to design a new cover for on of the Guardian’s 100 Greatest Novels of All Time. The kicker? The best submissions will be turned into posters for purchase, with all proceeds going to charities fighting illiteracy. I’m no pro (or even close), but I gotta give this thing a shot. Click here to get some background on the project. Click here to visit the contest website. Be sure to tell the graphic designer in your life.

IT’S THE CHILDREN’S CHOICE

One of the few book awards decided by children, The Children’s Choice Book Awards, has just named its 2012 finalists. Tell the youngsters – voting opens March 14. Click here to see the list.

I’M NERDY

I wrote a post for The Nerdy Book Club blog called Tracking Down the Vicar: My Pre-Internet Search for Every Roald Dahl Book. Click here to read it.

KIDLIT CELEBRATES WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Wow. Lisa at Shelf-employed has brought together an impressive group of bloggers and authors for KidLit Celebrates Women’s History Month in March. Click here to get the lowdown.

BETTER BOOK TITLES GREATEST HITS

Well, this marks the millionth or so time I’ve talked about Better Book Titles, but they recently ran a greatest hits of children’s books that is so worth checking out if you’re, you know, into mirth (and I Want My Hat Back). Click here to check it out. Slight language warning for those with gentle sensibilities.

PIZZA DELIVERY AND BOOKS

Not since I scored numerous personal pan pizzas through the Book-It! program have the worlds of books and America’s favorite food come together so well. A Spanish pizza chain had delivery men ask for book donations, which they sent to those in need. Genius! Domino’s – copy this pronto. Click here to read.

STEPHEN POLE-BERT

I enjoy (code for shed a single tear) at how all a celebrity has to do is say the word “children’s book” and it happens. Stephen Colbert uttered the word during his recent interview with Maurice Sendak. And so it shall be. Click here to read.

DIGITAL HARRY COMES TO LIBRARIES

You know how it was a big deal when The Beatles catalog became available in iTunes? Or when Star Wars came to Blu-ray? This is the children’s literary equivalent. Harry Potter will soon be going digital, and through a contract with Overdrive Media, available in many libraries. Good to see. Click here to read.

SPEAKING OF J TO THE K

She has a new book on the distant horizon. For adults! Click here to read.

NAME YOUR PRICE VENDING MACHINE SELLS BOOKS

Bang the real headline gong! übergizmo has the info. Click here to read.

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS BRACKET

One of my new favorite signs that spring is coming is when SLJs Battle of the Kids’ Books gets rolling. A knock-out tournament pitting some of the best books of the past year against each other. Click here to check out the bracket.

NPR GETS CHILDREN’S LIT FUTURISTIC

NPR looks into the crystal ball of children’s books and sees… I think you can guess. Click here to listen.

IT’S FINAL(ISTS)

‘Scuse me while I talk YA for a moment. The finalists for the L.A. Times Book Prize were recently announced. With judges for the Young Adult Literature award including Peter from Collecting Children’s Books and Cindy from Bookends, I’m excited to hear which book takes it Winners announced April 20. Click here to see the list.

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