MORE POSTS FROM THIS AUTHOR

Book Review: Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek

Travis Jonker, November 14, 2008 | *Best New Books*, Reviews



Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale By Deborah Hopkinson Illustrated by John Hendrix Schwartz & Wade Books ISBN: 9780375837685 $16.99 Grades 1-3 In Stores *Best New Books* Let me say off the bat that I’m biased. Abe Lincoln holds a special place in my stovepipe, which I have worn for the last […]

Read Post »

Book Review: Forever Young

Travis Jonker, November 13, 2008 | Reviews



Forever Young By Bob Dylan Illustrated by Paul Rogers Atheneum Books for Young Readers ISBN: 9781416958086 $17.99 Grades: It’s Complicated (See Below) In Stores My favorite audience moment? I was at the Detroit stop of Outkast’s 2001 tour. Standing there in the crowd, dumbfoundedly enjoying the show, Andre 3000 spotted me from the stage. We […]

Read Post »

Book Review: Knucklehead

Travis Jonker, November 11, 2008 | *Best New Books*, Reviews



Knucklehead By Jon Scieszka Viking ISBN: 9780670011063 $16.99 Grades 4-7 In Stores *Best New Books* Sometimes, reading a book is like getting to the end of a bag of peanut M&Ms – you slow down, savoring things, hoping that the end won’t come. Essentially a collection of short stories about family and growing up, “Knucklehead” […]

Read Post »

Video: Barack Obama Supports Children’s Lit

Travis Jonker, November 6, 2008 | News



Do you think you can name the president-elect’s favorite kids book? Hint: It’s not “My Dad, John McCain“. Watch the (kinda poor quality – many apologies) video of Mr. Obama speaking to the American Library Association to find out the answer.

Read Post »

Free Books Distributed

Travis Jonker, November 6, 2008 | News



I’m good at the contest part, just not the “giving away” thing. A few days late in the coming, I present to you the winners of the most recent book giveaway: Kara P. is going to be hyped up beyond belief (actual reaction may differ, but I’m hopeful) when she finds a copy of “Trick […]

Read Post »

Photos: The Most Well Read Book Ever?

Travis Jonker, November 4, 2008 | Articles



In my job, I split time between four elementary school libraries that range from preschool up to sixth grade. I’m getting to know the collections at the various schools pretty well, and when I was cataloging a new copy of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” this morning, I remembered there was something interesting about the old “Grinch” […]

Read Post »

Book Review: Round Like a Ball!

Travis Jonker, November 3, 2008 | *Best New Books*, Reviews



Round Like a Ball! By Lisa Campbell Ernst Blue Apple Books ISBN: 9781934706015 $15.95 Grades PreK-2 In Stores *Recommended* Often, die-cut books fall flat for me. I open them up, flip through the pages, and quickly realize that the story is just a vehicle for the cut outs. Fun for a minute, but that’s about […]

Read Post »

Dr. Seuss Invented Crunk

Travis Jonker, November 2, 2008 | Link Du Jour



Who knew Seuss was a fan of southern hip hop? Okay, rap hadn’t been invented when he was the first to use the word “crunk” (in “Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!”), but I think he would be happy to know the word lives on. The blog mental _floss recently posted the stories […]

Read Post »

Can I Interest You in a Free Book?

Travis Jonker, November 1, 2008 | News



I claim many things on this here blog, but here is one thing I do not profess: that this monthly book giving away thing is my creation. I have cribbed from two excellent b-l-o to the g’s: one Breeni Books and one #8 Fuse Production of. Here’s how this operation works: if you like one […]

Read Post »

Audio Clip: R.L. Stine on NPR

Travis Jonker, October 31, 2008 | Articles



In the school libraries where I work, “Goosebumps” is absolutely hot. It’s one of those rare series that continues to attract young readers. Author R.L. Stine discusses his work with NPR as his new series, “Goosebumps HorrorLand”, is hitting shelves. Click the play button below to listen. (Top Image: ‘Trick Or Treat Smell My Feet‘ […]

Read Post »