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7 Questions Answered!

Travis Jonker, June 2, 2008 | Articles



Time to answer some questions. Literate Lives blog has tagged me for the 7 Questions meme. Here’s the lowdown: 1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. 2. Each player answers the questions about themselves. 3. At the end of the post, the player then tags people and posts their names, then […]

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Book Giveaway Winner!

Travis Jonker, June 2, 2008 | News



Congrats to Karin A., a fine Minnesotan, who will soon be the proud enjoyer of “Chasing Tail Lights”. Thanks to all who entered but did not have lady luck on their side.

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100 Scope Notes Book Giveaway, May ’08

Travis Jonker, May 30, 2008 | News



In the market for a new book? Like any of the titles below? Send me an email at scopenotes@gmail.com before midnight on Saturday and your name will be written on a vintage fedora and tossed into a large ring. I will then blindfold myself and pick up a hat at random. If your name is […]

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What’s Sellin’? New York Times

Travis Jonker, May 27, 2008 | News



Time again to look at the literary popularity contest also known as the New York Times bestseller list. Click here to view the complete lists. PICTURE BOOKS This Week Weeks On List 1 READ ALL ABOUT IT!, by Laura Bush and Jenna Bush. Illustrated by Denise Brunkus. (HarperCollins, $17.99.) A boy is surprised to discover […]

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Unfortunate Covers (#1)

Travis Jonker, May 25, 2008 | Unfortunate Covers



In my job as a school librarian, I occasionally run into books with unfortunate covers. By “unfortunate” I mean this: an otherwise solid book is saddled with cover art that does nothing for its kid appeal. You just know that no matter how hard you try to recommend it to a student, they’re gonna take […]

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Audio Clip: Mo Willems Talks ‘Elephant and Piggie’

Travis Jonker, May 23, 2008 | News



Animator, author, illustrator, “Barack Obama of Children’s Lit”, and generally creative guy Mo Willems was recently interviewed on NPR discussing his easy-reader series “Elephant and Piggie”. Two new titles were just released: “I Love My New Toy!“, and “I Will Surprise My Friend!“. But is it an “easy reader” or “hard writer” series? Click the […]

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Scaredy Squirrel on Your Television

Travis Jonker, May 23, 2008 | News



Looks like Scaredy Squirrel will soon be making the gentle glide to the small screen. From Publishers Weekly: Kids Can Press has inked a deal with Nelvana Studios and Nelvana Entertainment to develop the character of Scaredy Squirrel, star of three picture books by Mélanie Watt, into a TV series. After mulling over the idea, […]

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Book Review: Rabbit & Squirrel – A Tale of War & Peas

Travis Jonker, May 21, 2008 | *Best New Books*, Reviews



Rabbit & Squirrel: A Tale of War & Peas By Kara LaReau Illustrated by Scott Magoon Harcourt Children’s Books ISBN: 9780152063078 $16.00 Grades K-2 In Stores *Recommended* Judging someone before you know them is not a spry notion in children’s books. However, in “Rabbit & Squirrel” this well tread path is updated with fresh and […]

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What’s the Difference Between Me and You?

Travis Jonker, May 20, 2008 | Reviews



Why did “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” break the bank while “Golden Compass” underperformed in the U.S.? That’s the question Time magazine aims to answer as “Prince Caspian” hits theaters. Click the image below to read all about it.

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Book Review: Giant Meatball

Travis Jonker, May 19, 2008 | Reviews



Giant Meatball By Robert Weinstock Harcourt Children’s Books ISBN: 9780152055950 $16.00 Grades K-2 In Stores Note to authors: if you’re looking for a way to make your upcoming children’s book appeal to kids who dig the absurd, make your main character a food. It worked for “Arnie the Doughnut“. Honestly – is there a more […]

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