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Video Clip: Gaiman on Colbert

Travis Jonker, March 17, 2009 | Reviews



Neil Gaiman appeared on The Colbert Report last night and the expected ridiculousness ensued. Case in point? This faux accusatory statement from Colbert: “You’re originally from England, and this is a John Newbery Medal. You took away a Newbery award away from an American writer!” See how Mr. Gaiman responds by clicking on the video […]

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On TV: Neil Gaiman on Colbert Report

Travis Jonker, March 16, 2009 | Reviews



*UPDATE* The video clip is now online. Click here to watch. This just in from the 100 Scope Notes Department of Late News: The recently Newbery Medal-bestowed Neil Gaiman will make an appearance on The Colbert Report tonight (3/16/09) at 11:30p.m. ET. Wondering what Mr. Gaiman thought of the experience? Thanks to Twitter, we know: […]

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Link Du Jour: Blogs That Clog My Reader (In a Good Way)

Travis Jonker, March 15, 2009 | Link Du Jour



I’m talking about my RSS reader (click here if you’re unfamiliar with the term). First off, let me just say that the expression “that really clogs my reader” deserves to be used on a regular basis. Lost your keys? That really clogs my reader. Someone ate the last handful of dried cherries? Now THAT really […]

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Are You Going to ALA Annual?

Travis Jonker, March 13, 2009 | News



On July 9-15, the ALA Annual Conference will plop itself down in my second home of Chicago, and I couldn’t be happier. Well, if I had some actual reason to make that whole “second home” comment, I would be happier – but let’s get to more important things. Are you going? This will be my […]

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Unfortunate Covers (#8)

Travis Jonker, March 12, 2009 | Unfortunate Covers



It’s been a little bit since our last Unfortunate Cover, so take a look at past picks if you need your memory jogged: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7. Our latest entry into the series is so unappealing, it almost doesn’t deserve comment. Almost! One of the schools where I work is putting on […]

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Book Review: The Coloring Book

Travis Jonker, March 11, 2009 | *Best New Books*, Reviews



The Coloring Book By Hervé Tullet Tate (Abrams) ISBN: 9781854378491 $18.95 Grades K and Under In Stores *Best New Books* Warning: This is a coloring book. An awesome coloring book, true – but definitely a coloring book. Just wanted to make that clear for those working in school and public libraries. Is the world ready […]

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Nonfiction Monday: Are You Afraid Yet?

Travis Jonker, March 9, 2009 | *Best New Books*, Reviews



Are You Afraid Yet? The Science of Scary Stuff By Stephen James O’Meara Illustrated by Jeremy Kaposy Kids Can Press ISBN: 9781554532940 $17.95 Grades 4-7 In Stores *Recommended* If you work anywhere near a library (or have children of your own), I don’t have to emphasize the fact that there are tons of kids who […]

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Sunday Link Du Jour: Enter Roald Dahl’s Writing Hut

Travis Jonker, March 8, 2009 | Link Du Jour



Herpes Trout. Best unused name in children’s lit history? Turns out that was the original name for Mike Teavee in early drafts of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Amazing what you can learn when you enter Roald Dahl’s writing hut, the dank, ramshackle space Dahl occupied while writing some of the world’s most enduring works […]

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Author Visit: Laurie Keller

Travis Jonker, March 6, 2009 | Authors



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 […]

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Attention Lovers of Picture Books

Travis Jonker, March 4, 2009 | News



Are you opinionated about your picture books? Do you find yourself thinking “I know the best picture book that has been slept on for far too long and I’m dying to do something about it”? Now is your chance, friends. The outstanding children’s lit blog A Fuse #8 Production is undertaking a project for the […]

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